Master & Commander Becomes Global Streaming Hit 22 Years Later

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The movie Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World is now popular on streaming services. Released in 2003, it features Russell Crowe playing Captain Jack Aubrey, a naval officer fighting during the Napoleonic Wars.

As of today, November 25th, the movie Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World is seventh on HBO Max’s list of the most popular movies worldwide. It’s currently behind The Conjuring: Last Rites, Wicked, Weapons, The First Purge, Red One, and The Last Duel, but ahead of movies like Heartbreak Ridge, Arthur the King, and The Woman in the Yard.

Currently a top 10 film in 14 countries, primarily in Southeastern Europe and the Balkans, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World isn’t available on HBO Max in the US. However, you can rent or buy it on Amazon Prime Video for as little as $3.79.

Directed by Peter Weir, who has been nominated for six Oscars for films like Witness, Dead Poets Society, and The Truman Show, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World stars Russell Crowe as a courageous British naval captain. During the Napoleonic Wars, he pushes his ship and crew to their limits while pursuing a formidable French warship around South America.

The movie’s story and characters are inspired by the naval adventures of Jack Aubrey, featured in the 20-book series by Patrick O’Brian, and were developed by writers Peter Weir and John Collee.

Paul Bettany joins the cast as the ship’s surgeon, reuniting with Russell Crowe after their work together in the 2001 film A Beautiful Mind. The ensemble also includes James D’Arcy, Chris Larkin, Robert Pugh, Max Benitz, Max Pirkis, Lee Ingleby, Richard McCabe, Ian Mercer, Tony Dolan, David Threlfall, Billy Boyd, Bryan Dick, Joseph Morgan, George Innes, Patrick Gallagher, John DeSantis, and Mark Lewis Jones.

Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World was highly praised by critics, earning an 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviewers particularly admired Russell Crowe’s strong performance and the film’s faithful and skillful adaptation of Patrick O’Brian’s book.

The film was a box office success, earning over $211 million despite a $150 million production cost. It also received critical acclaim, winning two Oscars for its stunning cinematography and sound editing. In total, it was nominated for ten Academy Awards, including top categories like Best Picture and Best Director, as well as awards for costume design, makeup, and visual effects.

Earlier this year, ScreenRant named Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World the best tactical military movie ever made, praising its realistic depiction of naval battles and how clever leadership can lead to victory.

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2025-11-26 00:08