The Man Who Saved the World Poster

The Man Who Saved the World 2014

★ 6.855 votes120 min📅 2014-08-13

"Every moment counts"

In 1983, a single man's split-second decision averted global catastrophe when Stanislav Petrov, a Soviet lieutenant colonel on night watch, faced a false alarm suggesting a US nuclear strike.

Director: Peter Anthony

Cast

Stanislav Petrov
Stanislav Petrov
Self
Kevin Costner
Kevin Costner
Self
Sergey Shnyryov
Sergey Shnyryov
Stanislav Petrov
Nataliya Vdovina
Nataliya Vdovina
Raia
Walter Cronkite
Walter Cronkite
Self
Oleg Kassin
Oleg Kassin
Major Orlov
Galina Kalinina
Self
Robert De Niro
Robert De Niro
Self
Matt Damon
Matt Damon
Self
Ashton Kutcher
Ashton Kutcher
Self

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Man Who Saved the World (2014) about?

This documentary recounts the harrowing true story of Stanislav Petrov, a Soviet officer whose skepticism and quick thinking prevented a catastrophic nuclear exchange in 1983. Through rare footage and interviews, the film explores the psychological toll of his decision and the secrecy that shrouded his heroism for years.

Who directed The Man Who Saved the World?

Peter Anthony directed this gripping historical documentary, blending archival footage with personal interviews to bring Petrov's story to life.

Who stars in The Man Who Saved the World?

The film features Stanislav Petrov himself, alongside Kevin Costner as narrator, Sergey Shnyryov, Nataliya Vdovina, and Walter Cronkite.

Is The Man Who Saved the World (2014) worth watching?

With a runtime of 120 minutes, this documentary delivers a tense, thought-provoking experience that's both a historical revelation and a gripping thriller. Its themes of human intuition versus technology resonate strongly, making it a must-watch for fans of real-life suspense.

How long is The Man Who Saved the World?

The film runs for 120 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About The Man Who Saved the World (2014) — A real-life thriller you won't forget

In 1983, a single man's split-second decision averted global catastrophe when Stanislav Petrov, a Soviet lieutenant colonel on night watch, faced a false alarm suggesting a US nuclear strike. Peter Anthony's gripping documentary, *The Man Who Saved the World* (2014), plunges viewers into the tension of that pivotal moment, blending archival footage with intimate interviews to reveal the high stakes and human drama behind the scenes. This is more than a historical recount—it's a meditation on instinct, responsibility, and the fragile balance of power during the Cold War.

With a runtime of 120 minutes, the film immerses audiences in a world where one wrong move could have triggered unimaginable devastation, all while painting a portrait of Petrov as an unlikely hero whose actions went unheralded for decades. The documentary's stark realism and understated storytelling draw you into the pressure-cooker environment of a Soviet bunker, making history feel immediate and urgent. Director Peter Anthony crafts a narrative that's both a thriller and a cautionary tale, leaving viewers to ponder what might have been—and what still could be.