Film · 2012

Argo

Name: Argo
Genre: Thriller, Drama
Released: 2012-10-12
Duration: 120 min
Rating: 7.9
Cast: Jamie McShane, John Hans Tester, Ben Affleck, Alan Arkin, Bryan Cranston

Directed by Ben Affleck · starring Jamie McShane, John Hans Tester and Ben Affleck

2 h
15
Thriller · Drama
USA
Released in the UK 6 November 2012

7.9 Users86 votes

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Synopsis

Based on true events, Argo chronicles the life-or-death covert operation to rescue six Americans, which unfolded behind the scenes of the Iran hostage crisis-the truth of which was unknown by the public for decades. On November 4, 1979, as the Iranian revolution reaches its boiling point, militants storm the U.S. embassy in Tehran, taking 52 Americans hostage. But, in the midst of the chaos, six Americans manage to slip away and find refuge in the home of the Canadian ambassador. Knowing it is only a matter of time before the six are found out and likely killed, a CIA "exfiltration" specialist named Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) comes up with a risky plan to get them safely out of the country. A plan so incredible, it could only happen in the movies.

Where to watch Argo

All the options

Available now in the UK:

Availability checked on 8 November 2026.

The essentials

Runtime: 120 min2 hours
Budget: $44.5mWarner Bros. Pictures
Box office: $135.2m3.0 times its budget
Rating: 15Suitable only for 15 years and over

How long is Argo?: 2 hours (120 minutes).
When was Argo released in the UK?: It was released in the UK on 6 November 2012.
Who directed Argo?: Ben Affleck.
Who is in Argo?: It stars Jamie McShane, John Hans Tester, Ben Affleck and Alan Arkin.
Where can I watch Argo?: In the UK it is available with a subscription on HBO Max, with a channel on Now and a channel on Prime Video and to rent on Apple TV.
How much did Argo make?: It took $135.2 million in US. It cost $44.5 million.

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Cast

Full cast (53)

Director: Ben Affleck
Writers: Chris Terrio
Music: Alexandre Desplat
Producers: Ben Affleck, George Clooney, Grant Heslov, Graham King

Photos and posters

All 20 photos

+12 photosand 2 posters

Reviews

7.9 86 votes

109 %
916 %
834 %
727 %
68 %
≤56 %

Box office

Weekend by weekend

Budget $44.5m
US $135.2m
UK £7.2m

Awards

All the awards

Academy Awards (Oscars) 2013 3 of 8 nominations Won: Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published
Golden Globes 2013 2 of 5 nominations Won: Best Motion Picture - Drama, Best Directing - Motion Picture
BAFTA Awards 2013 3 of 7 nominations Won: Best Film, David Lean Award for Achievement in Direction
Actor Awards 2013 1 of 2 nominations Won: Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture