Kon-Tiki (1950): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1950, Kon-Tiki is a documentary film directed by Thor Heyerdahl, running about 58 minutes. “The Amazing Adventure Of Six Men On A Raft Across The Pacific! True! Thrilling!” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. "Kon-Tiki" was the name of a wooden raft used by six Scandinavian scientists, led by Thor Heyerdahl, to make a 101-day journey from South America to the Polynesian Islands. The purpose of the expedition was to prove Heyerdal's theory that the Polynesian Islands were populated from the east- specifically Peru- rather than from the west (Asia) as had been the theory for hundreds of years. Heyerdahl made a study of the winds and tides in the Pacific, and by simulating conditions as closely as possible to those he theorized the Peruvians encountered, set out on the voyage.

Who’s in it. Kon-Tiki stars Thor Heyerdahl as Himself, Herman Watzinger as Himself, Erik Hesselberg as Himself and Knut Haugland as Himself, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 7.4/10, Kon-Tiki has been warmly received by audiences.

Where to watch. In US you can rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Kon-Tiki page.

If you liked it. Fans of Kon-Tiki tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.