Top 50 Best Underwater Movies To Watch In 2023

 

Water has the power to not only inspire and induce fear but also corrupt. It is not entirely surprising then that its sovereignty and capability can never be disputed, no matter the conflicts.

 

However, water and water bodies have been put to a decent amount of use through various means and sources.

 

One of the most remarkable ways to utilize the power of water is through a thrilling projection of oceans and seas on celluloid.

 

And, if the aim is to depict the ocean's surface and construct a plot around it, the outcome is seldom uneventful.

 

Since a lot many motion pictures strive to use isolation and a foreign atmosphere to attain the desired impact, the on-screen portrayal of large water bodies works like magic.

 

This is not only because oceans carry the complexity of being both haunting and beautiful at the same time, but also because an ocean continues to remain an ocean even when it is silent.

 

Even though one can allow their spirits to float while underwater, it is difficult to deny the fact that several entities in the water world might feel jealous of our presence in their home.

 

That is precisely why several aquatic-themed feature films have managed to gain a lot of traction for their unmissable projection of large water bodies.

 

Needless to say, that which is unknown and untouched will always have a fascination. But, often, it is the unknown that ends up doing life-altering damage to our respective bodies and souls.

 

Sometimes, it even lets us discover ourselves. This brings us to our list of 50 of the finest underwater and aquatic-themed motion pictures that the viewers can sit and enjoy today.

 

 

50. Virus (1999)

 

 

 

Director John Bruno's Virus has been backed by Universal Pictures and features Jamie Lee Curtis, Donald Sutherland, William Baldwin, Joanna Pacuła, and Marshall Bell in key roles.

 

The film follows the journey of a crew from the United States of America that stumbles upon a Russian communications vessel after their boat is demolished for good.

 

Even though the vessel comprises the latest technology, little do the members of the American group know that it is also inhibited by aliens.

 

Needless to mention, the crew is left with no option but to fight the creatures on board. Not long after, they even discover what went down with the crew of the Russian vessel.

 

 

49. DeepStar Six (1989)

 

 

 

It would not be an exaggeration to assume that Kristen Stewart's 2020 feature Underwater is heavily inspired by 1989's DeepStar Six.

 

The plot of this feature film follows the crew of an exploratory underwater nuclear base that is forced to survive after their testing disturbs a creature that seems to have taken a vow to destroy their base for good.

 

Set in a futuristic underwater research facility that has to face the wrath of a monster, DeepStar Six is an entertaining ride that will definitely give the viewers a vintage vibe to relish along with the chills of being in the company of terror.

 

 

 

48. 12 Feet Deep (2017)

 

 

 

Director Matt Eskandari's 12 Feet Deep is a thriller that tells the survival story of two sisters trapped beneath a public pool's fiberglass cover.

 

However, they run out of favor as they are left at the mercy of the night janitor. The janitor takes full use of the opportunity to tackle some of her own issues.

 

Now the sisters who are tired and losing hope, have to find a way to break the shield.

 

This American psychological horror-thriller film was released in 2017 has been written and directed for the screen by Matt Eskandari.

 

It features actors like Alexandra Park, Nora-Jane Noone, Tobin Bell, and Diane Farr in key roles.

 

 

 

47. City Beneath the Sea (1953)

 

 

City Beneath the Sea is an American adventure motion picture that has been directed by Budd Boetticher.

 

It stars Robert Ryan, Mala Powers, Anthony Quinn, and Suzan Ball in pivotal roles and is based on the book Port Royal: The Ghost City Beneath the Sea.

 

The plot of the film revolves around two rescue divers in Jamaica who are entrusted with the task of finding a sunken ship called The Lady Luck that apparently sunk with a treasure worth a million dollars in gold.

 

Even though the divers fail to find a city, they end up discovering an entire sunken city called Port Royal.

 

 

 

46. Piranha 3D (2010)

 

 

 

Director Alexandre Aja's attempt to better the original Piranha is more than visible in 2010's Piranha 3D. The film showcases how an earthquake breaks open a lake floor and releases a swarm of ancient and bloodthirsty piranhas.

 

In the middle of all the chaos, a group of strangers unites to save themselves from the sharp grasp of the ravenous creatures.

 

The motion picture stars Elisabeth Shue, Adam Scott, Jerry O'Connell, Ving Rhames, Jessica Szohr, Steven R. McQueen, Christopher Lloyd, and Richard Dreyfuss in key roles.

 

More than a decade after its official release, Piranha 3D is considered to be a fun B-movie to pass your time with.

 

 

 

45. Pressure (2015)

 

 

Filmed by Ron Scalpello, Pressure is a 2015 feature film that traces the journey of a group of divers that is recruited to mend an oil pipeline at the bottom of the sea.

 

However, things get out of hand when the vessel carrying the divers' pod, unfortunately, sinks after a dangerous storm threatens to disrupt their mission.

 

Needless to say, this leaves the divers stuck at the bottom of the sea. With their oxygen supply running out, the divers desperately try to get in touch with their team on the surface.

 

What is left for the viewers to see is if they will be saved by the oil company or if they will be left to fend for their lives at the bottom of the sea.

 

 

 

44. The Meg (2018)

 

 

 

The Meg, which has been helmed for the screen by Jon Turteltaub, stars Jason Statham in the lead role.

 

Actors like Li Bingbing, Rainn Wilson, Ruby Rose, Winston Chao, and Cliff Curtis make their presence felt in supporting roles.

 

The film follows the journey of a deep-sea diver named Jonas Taylor, who is hired to save members of an underwater research facility.

 

However, the threat is bigger than what he could have possibly imagined. It is a 75-foot prehistoric shark. Even though Jason Statham's Jonas Taylor is an expert diver, the mission that he decides to undertake is equivalent to committing suicide.

 

 

 

43. The Bay (2012)

 

 

 

This Barry Levinson directorial venture is a 2012 American mockumentary horror film that tries to tell the story of a seaside community in Maryland.

 

The community has to soon face the wrath of waterborne parasites that are created by susceptibility to toxic waste.

 

Written by Michael Wallach, The Bay stars Kether Donohue, Nansi Aluka, Christopher Denham, Frank Deal, and Kristen Connolly in key roles.

 

The project, which premiered at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival, efficiently merges found-footage and eco-terror to convey what it has to. The film hit the screens on the 2nd of November, 2012.

 

 

 

42. Meters Down (2017)

 

 

Upon its official theatrical release, this Johannes Roberts directorial venture was heavily criticized for being an unabashed ripoff of 2016's entertaining feature, titled The Shallows.

 

The film tells the story of two girls whose vacation turns into a major disaster after they end up getting trapped in a diving cage underwater.

 

However, the fact that they are trapped underwater does not as life-threatening as predatorial sharks trying to hunt them down.

 

Surrounded by sharks and taking note of their finishing oxygen tanks, the girls plan to somehow survive. A sequel to this film, titled 47 Meters Down: Uncaged, was also released theatrically in 2019.

 

 

 

41. Airport '77 (1977)

 

 

 

This Jerry Jameson directorial venture stars a number of renowned veteran actors such as Jack Lemmon, James Stewart, Joseph Cotten, Olivia de Havilland, Brenda Vaccaro, and George Kennedy in significant roles.

 

The film that deals with a subject of an air disaster soon turns into an underwater feature. After art thieves hijack a 747, the aircraft crashes into the ocean.

 

This leaves the thieves as well as the passengers hundreds of feet under the water as the battle for survival begins.

 

Despite opening to mixed reviews, Airport '77 went on to amass over $91 million at the global box office.

 

 

 

40. Lake Placid (1999)

 

 

 

It is not necessary to believe that every underwater feature has to be set in the depths of the vast oceans.

 

Say hello to Lake Placid - a 1999 motion picture that is set around the fictional territory of Black Lake.

 

The story of this mainstream title tracks how an incredulously large crocodile threatens to destroy both the lives and livelihoods of the locals and wildlife alike.

 

The film is a decent popcorn entertainer that has been injected with a decent amount of jump scares to entertain its audience; as should be the case with such projects.

 

 

 

39. Lady in Cement (1968)

 

 

 

This motion picture has been directed by Gordon Douglas and stars actors like Frank Sinatra, Raquel Welch, Dan Blocker, Richard Conte, Martin Gabel, Lainie Kazan, and Pat Henry in key roles.

 

The story traces the journey of a Miami detective named Tony Rome (played by Frank Sinatra), who, during an ocean dive, locates a woman’s body.

 

He notices that the feet of the dead body has been encased in a concrete block. Needless to say, he cannot stop himself from getting to the facts of the case.

 

This neo-noir mystery crime comedy thriller film is usually considered to be a sequel to Tony Rome.

 

 

38. The Reef (2010)

 

 

This Australian thriller feature has been helmed for the screen by director Andrew Traucki and stars Damian Walshe-Howling, Zoe Naylor, Gyton Grantley, and Adrienne Pickering in crucial roles.

 

The film tells the story of Luke and his pals who sail to Indonesia to deliver the yacht. Their journey is cut short when the yacht gets hit and capsizes forcing them into shark-infested water.

 

The group has to survive twelve miles of water before they can reach a nearby mountain.

 

Helpless and scared out of their wits, some of the group members decide to risk swimming to a nearby island in order to save themselves. Soon, things get out of control when a great white shark starts chasing them.

 

 

37. Leviathan (1989)

 

 

 

This George P. Cosmatos directorial venture traces the journey of a crew of deep-sea miners that is spearheaded by head oceanographer Steven Beck.

 

As the group reaches its desired destination to supervise an underwater mining operation, the oceanographer strives to dive deep into the ocean where the group stumbles upon a sunken ship.

 

However, during their endeavor, they end up finding a creature that soon starts to massacre crew members. With his crew's life and the ship in danger, Steven Beck has no option but to save as many as he can and get back on land as soon as possible.

 

While Leviathan can turn out to be a fair guilty pleasure watch, one cannot deny the fact that it has borrowed inspiration from classic motion pictures such as The Thing and Alien.

 

 

36. Open Water (2003)

 

 

 

This American survival horror thriller film has been written and directed for the screen by Chris Kentis. Loosely based on the true story of Tom and Eileen Lonergan, the motion picture traces the journey of two scuba divers who accidentally end up getting stranded in shark-infested waters.

 

This happens as their tour boat departs after making an inaccurate headcount; thus, leaving the two behind. What follows is a series of thrilling events that alert the viewers that true horror is actually lurking just below the surface.

 

Open Water managed to receive above-average reviews from the audience and critics alike.

 

 

35. Underwater (2020)

 

 

 

Kristen Stewart and Vincent Cassel star in this aquatic creature-themed motion picture that tells the story of Norah and her ambitious team.

 

The squad faces major issues as they find themselves trapped in a dangerous situation while doing what they do best at the bottom of the Mariana Trench.

 

Things get exciting for the viewers as they see the group stumble upon and, ultimately, battle against an unidentified species underwater.

 

However, the situation takes a turn for the worse as the team's facility is destroyed and they are stalked by monster-like creatures, making it the ultimate battle of survival.

 

 

34. Into the Blue (2005)

 

 

 

This action-thriller has been directed by John Stockwell and features a cast headlined by known screen performers like Paul Walker, Jessica Alba, Scott Caan, Ashley Scott, Josh Brolin, and James Frain.

 

The screenplay tracks the journey of Jared and Sam, who, upon searching for treasures in the vast ocean, chance upon something entirely unexpected.

 

They find bags of cocaine crammed inside a sunken plane. This discovery attracts the attention of a ruthless drug kingpin who would go to any extent to steal the bags from them.

 

Unfortunately, Into the Blue proved to be both a critical and commercial failure upon its official theatrical release in 2005.

 

 

33. Sanctum (2011)

 

 

 

Distributed by Universal Pictures, Sanctum is a 2011 thriller feature film that has been helmed for the screen by Alister Grierson.

 

Actors Richard Roxburgh, Rhys Wakefield, Alice Parkinson, Dan Wyllie, and Ioan Gruffudd can be seen playing key roles in the motion picture.

 

The story follows a fellow diver named Frank McGuire who gets cut off from his team of divers while they are out exploring an unmapped, undercover, and complicated network of caves.

 

Whether the divers' abilities benefit them in finding a way out is what forms the rest of the storyline in this adventure-thriller project.

 

 

32. Deep Blue Sea (1999)

 

 

 

Who would have thought that finding a permanent cure for Alzheimer's disease can turn out to be a task that can put the lives of a group of researchers in jeopardy?

 

That is precisely what happens with the group as they strive to find a cure for the aforementioned disease by genetically modifying shark brains.

 

However, trouble soon follows as the genetically modified and hyper-intelligent sharks start hunting down the scientists. Needless to say, McAlester and his crew are outnumbered by the sharks.

 

They are in a dilemma to not only prevent the hyper-intelligent sharks from escaping into the open sea but they also have to do their best to ensure that they do not overpower the planet itself.

 

 

31. Piranha (1978)

 

 

 

Director Joe Dante's Piranha traces the journey of Maggie McKeown, an investigator, who gets a pool drained in a vacant compound while scrutinizing the disappearance of two teenagers.

 

However, during the process of the investigation, she accidentally releases thousands of deadly fishes into a river that is often frequented by residents and visitors who come for the purpose of camping and rejoicing.

 

Piranha is one of those motion pictures in a series of low-budget B movies whose production has been inspired by the phenomenal box office success of filmmaker Steven Spielberg's 1975 classic Jaws.

 

Released in the August of 1978, Piranha went on to become a box office hit and, consequently, a cult feature film.

 

 

30. Deep Rising (1998)

 

 

 

Filmmaker Stephen Sommers attempts to tell the story of a brand new cruise ship that set sails to meet its untimely and rather unfortunate demise.

 

Needless to say, the unaware passengers do not meet a better fate and are soon killed by a monstrous sea creature.

 

In the middle of all the bloodshed, a gang of jewel thieves, that was planning to rob everyone on board blind, gets trapped with little scope to escape.

 

Even though this popcorn entertainer failed both critically and commercially upon its official theatrical release, some of the people who went to catch this project in the cinemas actually ended up enjoying it.

 

That said, Deep Rising has gone on to become a cult classic of sorts over the past two decades.

 

 

29. Cold Skin (2017)

 

 

Cold Skin is a science fiction horror feature film that has been directed for the screen by Xavier Gens.

 

The screenplay follows a meteorologist named Friend (played by David Oakes), who had to tour the secluded regions of the Antarctic circle.

 

Why? Because he has been posted as a weather observer there. He soon finds out that the previous weather observer was killed by creatures from the sea.

 

Be that as it may, Friend observes more than what he was sent to observe and soon finds himself trapped among blood-thirsty creatures on the island.

 

Cold Skin relies on its visual style and killer makeup effects to deliver what it promises. It can be a decent watch for those who wish to watch sea-themed features.

 

 

28. Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (1961)

 

 

 

Director Irwin Allen's Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea stars actors like Walter Pidgeon, Joan Fontaine, Barbara Eden, Peter Lorre, Robert Sterling, Michael Ansara, and Frankie Avalon in prominent roles.

 

It tells the story of a United States Navy Admiral Harriman, who makes a plan to protect humanity from a burning Van Allen radiation belt.

 

However, just like with all of us in life, Harriman also has naysayers who doubt his lead. His mission and his sanity are both insulted by a psychiatrist who is onboard.

 

What follows next keeps the screenplay alive and kicking. Even though his motion picture went into production more than half a century ago, it is difficult to ignore its theme of exploring the repercussions of global warming.

 

 

27. Sphere (1998)

 

 

 

Director Barry Levinson's Sphere stars distinguished screen performers like Dustin Hoffman, Sharon Stone, Samuel L. Jackson, Peter Coyote, and Liev Schreiber in prominent roles.

 

It tells the story of a team of experts that is sent on a mission to the bottom of the Pacific Ocean.

 

The mission is to investigate a spacecraft. However, little do they know that the aircraft is full of some of their worst fears.

 

Even though Sphere features some of the finest actors and top-notch talent, the outcome of the project is more or less mixed.

 

Having said that, one cannot deny the fact that a certain section of the viewers might end up liking a science fiction psychological thriller film that is based on the 1987 novel of the same name by Michael Crichton.

 

 

26. Below (2002)

 

 

 

Below has been helmed for the screen by David Twohy. This war-themed thriller attempts to tell the story of the crew of the American submarine USS Tiger Shark.

 

When the crew embarks on a cumbersome rescue mission, they start experiencing extraordinary paranormal activities during their already arduous journey.

 

This motion picture, which is set in the backdrop of war, also has a decent amount of mystery to please its viewers.

 

Not only that but it is also a tense aquatic thriller that can be considered to be a genre-bending feature.

 

The film stars Bruce Greenwood, Olivia Williams, Matthew Davis, Holt McCallany, Scott Foley, Zach Galifianakis, Jason Flemyng, and Dexter Fletcher in significant roles.

 

 

25. Virus (1980)

 

 

Virus from 1980 is one of the most distinct underwater features to make it to our list. Directed by Kinji Fukasaku, the motion picture stars an international ensemble cast and has been produced in multiple languages.

 

The screenplay of the film shows how microbiologists end up discharging a pandemic, known as the Italian Flu, upon the planet.

 

Since the virus cannot survive at temperatures below ten degrees Celsius, about 855 men and women stationed in Antarctica are deemed to be safe.

 

Virus has an underwater element in the sense that it demonstrates how both the British and Soviet submarines race against time and each other to find a haven for themselves in Antarctica.

 

 

24. Rogue (2007)

 

 

 

Set in the Australian outback, this independent horror feature film has been written, produced, and directed for the screen by Greg McLean.

 

The screenplay traces the journey of an American journalist who, while on an assignment in Australia, is forced to face a 25 ft man-eating crocodile.

 

He is not alone in this misfortune, along with him a group of tourists, as well as two locals, are also present. Together they have to hatch a plan to get past the trouble.

 

Rogue stars Radha Mitchell, Michael Vartan, and Sam Worthington in prominent roles. It is said that the project was inspired by the true story of a giant male saltwater crocodile named Sweetheart.

 

Even though Sweetheart is known to have attacked boats during the 1970s, its attack on humans has not really been verified so far.

 

The motion picture opened to fair reviews at the box office but failed to be a commercial success.

 

 

23. The Deep (1977)

 

 

 

This Peter Yates directorial venture stars Robert Shaw, Jacqueline Bisset, Nick Nolte, Louis Gossett, and Eli Wallach in crucial roles.

 

The film is based on Peter Benchley’s best-selling novel of the same name. The story of the motion picture follows the journey of a young American couple who find themselves entangled in a dangerous conflict with treasure hunters during their awaited adventure.

 

However, there is a reason behind the conflict; it arises because the couple has been able to uncover a way into a fatal wreck in the Bermuda waters.

 

The Deep is credited with being one of the first mainstream features to illustrate the real underwater world in Panavision.

 

 

22. The Shallows (2016)

 

 

 

The stunning Blake Lively stuns the viewers with her magnetic screen presence in the 2016 feature film, titled The Shallows.

 

Even though the storyline of the film is too simple, the excitement that it manages to cultivate makes The Shallows no less than a triumph.

 

The thrilling motion picture traces the journey of Nancy who makes a plan to travel to an isolated beach.

 

While she is already coping with the demise of her mother, a tragedy or two may just follow. So, as she continues to surf, Nancy is attacked by a great white shark that does not intend to let her out of its scary sight.

 

Stranded and helpless, she has a lot more to do rather than just think about her life on the land.

 

 

21. The Perfect Storm (2000)

 

 

 

Directed by Wolfgang Petersen, The Perfect Storm is an American biographical disaster drama film that stars actors like George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, Diane Lane, William Fichtner, Karen Allen, Bob Gunton, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, and John C.

 

Reilly in important roles. Based on the 1997 non-fiction book of the same name, it traces the journey of Captain Billy Tyne and his crew who joyously embark on a fishing expedition.

 

However, things soon take a turn for the worse as their ship gets caught in a disastrous storm. The Perfect Storm managed to gross about $328 million worldwide post its release.

 

 

20. Black Sea (2014)

 

 

 

Director Kevin Macdonald's the Black Sea features a cast headlined by actors like Jude Law, Konstantin Khabensky, Scoot McNairy, Ben Mendelsohn, and David Threlfall.

 

The screenplay tracks the journey of a veteran salvager Robinson, who, after having lost his source of employment, assembles a squad of English and Russian men to go on a formidable mission.

 

The mission is to search for a Nazi U-boat that is loaded with solid gold. The catch here is that the U-boat was sunk in the Black Sea.

 

While this motion picture may not exactly be an underwater classic, it does thrive on its meticulous direction and a sharp lead performance by Jude Law.

 

 

19. The Frogmen (1951)

 

 

 

This American black-and-white World War II drama feature film has been backed by Twentieth Century Fox and directed for the big screen by Lloyd Bacon.

 

It traces the journey of a newly-stationed Lt. Cmdr. John Lawrence (portrayed by Richard Widmark) and how he handles both an elite team and the proceedings aboard a submarine in the Pacific during the time of the Second World War.

 

However, his leadership and the lives of his crew members are put at risk after a Japanese torpedo threatens to hit their boat.

 

Lt. Cmdr. John Lawrence tries his absolute best to save his team and earn their respect by withstanding what seems like impending doom.

 

 

18. Adrift (2018)

 

 

 

Adrift paints a vivid potential picture of what could go wrong if one gets stranded in the middle of a sea or an ocean during a sailing trip.

 

It tells the story of Tami Oldham and Richard Sharp who are forced to face the unthinkable after they find themselves stranded in the Pacific Ocean after a Category 4 hurricane brings their trip to a total standstill.

 

Based on a true story and adapted from the 2002 book Red Sky at Mourning by Tami Oldham Ashcraft, this motion picture has been helmed for the screen by Baltasar Kormákur. It stars Shailene Woodley and Sam Claflin as a couple.

 

 

17. The Silent Enemy (1958)

 

 

Helmed by William Fairchild for the screen, The Silent Enemy stars actors Laurence Harvey, Dawn Addams, John Clements, Michael Craig, and Sid James in crucial roles.

 

The feature film is based on the real-life story of a master diver in the British Navy named Lionel “Buster” Crabb (played by Laurence Harvey).

 

The entertaining screenplay tracks how Navy frogmen attempt to deter the Italians from attaching mines to British ships during the tense period of the Second World War.

 

The Silent Enemy, which thrives on its drama, humor, and setting, is a decent mix of fact and fiction.

 

 

16. K-19: The Widowmaker (2002)

 

 

 

Director Kathryn Bigelow's K-19: The Widowmaker stars talented actors like Harrison Ford, Liam Neeson, and Peter Sarsgaard in pivotal roles.

 

This is another feature film that we are including on our list that is set against the backdrop of the Cold War.

 

After Soviet Union's freshly dispatched submarine K-19 suffers a major complication during its maiden voyage, Captain Alexei Vostrikov and Officer Mikhail Polenin strategize to avoid a potential nuclear disaster that can lead to the beginning of the Third World War.

 

The motion picture opened to mixed reviews at the ticket counters and failed to break even financially.

 

 

15. For Your Eyes Only (1981)

 

 

This John Glen directorial venture is the second James Bond flick to make it to our list. Set during the troubled era of the Cold War, the screenplay traces how Agent 007 (played by Roger Moore) is given the task to find a missing British ship that comprises a weapons-encryption device.

 

The British Navy does not want the device to fall into the hands of the Russians. Bond, with his beautiful Bond girl, is seen swimming through the sunken wreck and avoiding bombs to complete this deadly mission; all while facing the onslaught of the enemy.

 

 

14. Aquaman (2018)

 

 

 

Arthur, who is half-human and half-Atlantean, takes birth with the outstanding ability to be able to communicate with aquatic creatures.

 

Soon after, he is compelled to go on a mission to fetch the legendary Trident of Atlan and safeguard the water world from destructive threats.

 

This superhero underwater feature film has been helmed by James Wan and stars Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Willem Dafoe, Patrick Wilson, Dolph Lundgren, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Temuera Morrison, and Nicole Kidman in crucial roles.

 

Aquaman received good feedback on its action sequences and visual effects and went on to become the highest-grossing DCEU feature.

 

 

13. Thunderball (1965)

 

 

Director Terence Young's James Bond flick, titled Thunderball, stars actors like Sean Connery, Claudine Auger, Adolfo Celi, Luciana Paluzzi, and Rik Van Nutter in prominent roles.

 

The film tracks how two atomic bombs are looted from a NATO plane by A SPECTRE agent. This is precisely when superstar agent James Bond is brought into the picture.

 

Bond is entrusted to go on a mission to not only recover the warheads but also to put a full stop to the cruel plans of the dreaded criminal organization.

 

Thunderball was the third and final James Bond feature film to be helmed for the screen by Terence Young.

 

 

12. Creature From The Black Lagoon (1954)

 

 

 

While not many film buffs may have heard about or seen Creature From The Black Lagoon, it is one of the only aquatic-themed feature films whose development has been as significant as the global blockbuster named Jaws.

 

Jack Arnold's trend-setting Universal monster movie from 1954 traces a scientific expedition that is carried out along the Amazon River.

 

However, during the process of the expedition, the team chances upon an amphibious-humanoid creature known to the residents as the Black Lagoon.

 

The rest of the screenplay follows if the group will be able to capture the spices for good, or, for worse.

 

 

11. All Is Lost (2013)

 

 

 

All Is Lost attempts to tell the story of a man who is out on a solo voyage. However, after his yacht clashes with a shipping container, he is forced to endure extreme weather conditions to survive.

 

Worse still, he is running out of supplies. This J. C. Chandor directorial venture, which stars Robert Redford in the main lead, allows its atmospheric setting to do the talking.

 

What's interesting about this feature is that its screenplay comprises only 51 spoken English words. All Is Lost was nominated for an Oscar for Best Sound Editing and won the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score.

 

 

10. Greyhound (2020)

 

 

 

Greyhound, starring the classy Tom Hanks in the lead, aims to depict the horrors encountered at sea during the Second World War.

 

Directed ambitiously by Aaron Schneider, the film traces the journey of Commander Ernest Krause of the United States Navy, who is tasked with spearheading an Allied convoy of thirty-seven troops and supply ships across the North Atlantic.

 

However, things take a turn for the worse when the Allied convey starts getting stalked by a German submarine wolf pack.

 

While Greybound may not exactly be an underwater feature, it does paint a rather vivid and tense picture of the complex working of the submarines.

 

The film illustrates a heroic chapter of courage by creating a claustrophobic environment and presenting a thrilling game of cat-and-mouse to its viewers.

 

 

9. The Poseidon Adventure (1972)

 

 

 

The Poseidon Adventure is an American disaster feature film that has been helmed for the big screen by Ronald Neame.

 

Based on Paul Gallico's 1969 novel of the same name, it features an ensemble cast headlined by Oscar-winning actors such as Gene Hackman, Ernest Borgnine, Jack Albertson, Shelley Winters, and Red Buttons.

 

The story shows a luxurious passenger ship traveling from New York to Greece. However, on New Year's Eve, the unimaginable happens and the ship is turned upside down after facing a tremendous tidal wave.

 

Needless to say, almost all of the passengers perish except a lucky few. But, are they really that fortunate to survive after all?

 

 

8. Men of Honor (2000)

 

 

 

Directed by George Tillman Jr., Men of Honor sees actors Robert De Niro and Cuba Gooding Jr. playing significant characters.

 

The film has been inspired by the true story of Master Chief Petty Officer Carl Brashear, who was the first African American master diver in the United States Navy.

 

The screenplay not only tracks how a United States Navy recruit becomes the force's first black diver but also shows how he decides to overcome the subject of racism within the squad.

 

Even though this motion picture opened to mixed reviews at the box office, performances by both Robert De Niro and Cuba Gooding Jr. received great feedback from the critics.

 

 

7. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)

 

 

 

Acclaimed director Wes Anderson's critically acclaimed feature film The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou stars talented screen performers such as Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Cate Blanchett, Anjelica Huston, Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum, Michael Gambon, and Bud Cort in important roles.

 

The screenplay traces the journey of Steve Zissou and his crew who plan to go on an expedition. However, the expedition has a motive; to hunt down the shark that killed Steve's partner under mysterious circumstances while working on a documentary.

 

Even though the film failed to mint money at the box office, it has gone on to develop a cult following years after its official theatrical release.

 

 

6. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954)

 

 

 

This Richard Fleischer directorial venture stars Kirk Douglas, James Mason, Paul Lukas, and Peter Lorre in crucial roles. The motion picture has been adapted from author Jules Verne's 1870 novel, titled Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas.

 

The screenplay tracks the journey of a ship that is sent to scrutinize a series of mysterious sinkings. However, the boat soon chances upon an avant-garde submarine, named the Nautilus, that is under the direct supervision of Captain Nemo.

 

This Technicolor science fiction-adventure drama happens to be one of the first mainstream projects to be shot with the CinemaScope technology.

 

That is one of the primary reasons why 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea continues to be an experience worth relishing.

 

 

5. The Big Blue (1988)

 

 

Director Luc Besson's admired motion picture, The Big Blue, stars Rosanna Arquette, Jean-Marc Barr, Jean Reno, Paul Shenar, Sergio Castellitto, Marc Duret, and Griffin Dunne in crucial roles.

 

The film is a great exhibition of filmmaker Luc Besson's imagination, eye for visual technique, and unforgettable action. Therefore, it would not be an exaggeration to call The Big Blue one of the most spectacular underwater feature films ever made for the big screen audience.

 

The amazing photography is aided by outstanding locations of the French Antibes, the Greek islands, Peru, and Taormina in Sicily.

 

In addition to the aforementioned plus points, the motion picture has an emotional undertone and tries to deal with mystical themes.

 

 

4. The Abyss (1989)

 

 

 

When a USA nuclear submarine USS Montana, with 156 men aboard, sinks without a trace after colliding with an unidentified submerged object, all hopes of its recovery are lost.

 

Fearing a threat to its national security, the United States government sends a SEAL team to Deep Core - a privately-owned underwater drilling platform - to assist the members working there in searching for possible survivors.

 

The plot thickens when the two teams, each with a different outlook on troubleshooting, join hands to devitalize the potential threat to their nation.

 

Director James Cameron's lifelong passion for exploring the endless blue and his staggering zeal to capture what lies beneath the skin of the ocean is on full display here.

 

Add to that the fact that the amazing performances, the claustrophobic setting, and the visual effects and sound design are par excellence in this underrated underwater masterpiece.

 

The Abyss has got to be the most sensational alien invasion story with the most thought-provoking depiction of aliens on-screen.

 

 

3. Life of Pi (2012)

 

 

 

While Life of Pi may not exactly be an underwater feature, it certainly is among the most beautiful films with a subject pertaining to a large water body.

 

Based on Yann Martel's 2001 novel of the same name, it has been produced and directed by Ang Lee.

 

Life of Pi stuns with its breathtakingly beautiful visuals and top-notch execution. For a refreshing change, it does not allow the viewers to experience terror merely by adding piranhas and sharks into its storytelling.

 

The film traces the journey of a boy named Pi Patel who has to fight for survival on a lifeboat in the middle of nowhere. He is accompanied by a hyena and a male Bengal tiger.

 

 

2. Titanic (1997)

 

 

 

James Cameron's magnum opus Titanic is arguably the most popular feature film to make it to our list. One of the highest-grossing motion pictures in the world despite having been released more than two decades ago, Titanic features a lot many genuine underwater shots.

 

It is said that director James Cameron dived 12 times to the wreck of the Titanic to capture the ship in its glory under the weight of the water.

 

When it comes to its groundbreaking execution, the filmmaker merges the original disaster story of the great ship with a timeless love story.

 

The screenplay showcases how a reticent and beautiful Rose who hails from a noble family falls head over heels in love with an artist named Jack Dawson on the ship.

 

Titanic turned its lead actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet into overnight global movie stars.

 

 

1. Jaws (1975)

 

 

 

Arguably the most distinguished aquatic horror motion picture of all time, Jaws takes a decent amount of time to build the momentum and delivers in due time.

 

This Steven Spielberg directorial venture is a game-changing movie of the genre in the true sense of the word.

 

Even today, it can manage to make its viewers anticipate the impending horror and excite them equally. The film tells the story of a police chief, a marine scientist, and a fisherman who try their best to save an island that has been terrorized by a great white shark.

 

This classic story was also a fine leap in technology for Hollywood. Needless to mention, Jaws continues to be the favorite aquatic motion picture of millions of viewers across the globe.