1. The Abyss 1989，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 195616, ID: 0096754 Photo by printerval.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Abyss, a gripping underwater thriller, is a visual spectacle with its stunning special effects and deep-sea setting. The film’s plot, revolving around a nuclear sub recovery operation, is engaging and the performances are commendable. However, it’s the film’s underwater sequences that truly stand out, creating a sense of claustrophobia and tension, making it a must-watch.
2. Finding Nemo 2003，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 1122708, ID: 0266543 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Finding Nemo is a delightful underwater adventure that captivates audiences with its vibrant animation and heartwarming story. The film’s depiction of the ocean’s depth and the aquatic life is visually stunning. Despite its fun and humor, it also subtly educates about the ocean and its inhabitants.
3. The Hunt for Red October 1990，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 216600, ID: 0099810 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Hunt for Red October is a tense underwater thriller that keeps viewers on edge. The film’s plot, centered around a high-tech Soviet submarine, is intriguing. However, it lacks the emotional depth and character development that could have elevated it further.
4. Underwater 2020，IMDB Rating: 5.9, IMDB Votes: 98998, ID: 5774060 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Underwater is a sci-fi horror film that delivers a thrilling experience with its intense underwater scenes. The film’s plot, involving a group of researchers trapped underwater, is engaging, but it’s the suspenseful encounters with unknown creatures that truly stand out. However, some viewers found it predictable and lacking in originality, though it still offers plenty of thrills.
5. The Little Mermaid 1989，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 293252, ID: 0097757 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Little Mermaid is a beloved Disney classic that takes viewers on an enchanting underwater journey. The film’s animation, particularly the underwater scenes, is visually stunning and the story is both engaging and heartwarming. However, some critics argue that it lacks the narrative sophistication of other Disney films.
6. Aquaman 2018，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 524878, ID: 1477834 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Aquaman, a visually stunning film, takes us on an underwater adventure in the lost city of Atlantis. The film’s CGI is commendable, especially in the underwater scenes. However, the plot and dialogue could have been stronger. Jason Momoa’s performance as Arthur Curry is charismatic, making the film enjoyable despite its flaws.
7. Das Boot 1981，IMDB Rating: 8.4, IMDB Votes: 266125, ID: 0082096 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Das Boot is a gripping and realistic war film that takes place mostly underwater in a German U-boat during World War II. The film’s portrayal of the crew’s life under the sea is both intense and claustrophobic. The underwater scenes, especially the ones involving the submarine’s encounters with enemy ships, are suspenseful and well-executed. Despite its long runtime, Das Boot keeps you engaged with its strong narrative and character development.
8. Deep Blue Sea 1999，IMDB Rating: 5.9, IMDB Votes: 143787, ID: 0149261 Photo by medium.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Deep Blue Sea is a fun, B-movie creature feature that takes place in an underwater research facility. The film’s plot revolves around genetically modified sharks that become a threat to the facility’s crew. While the film’s dialogue and plot may be weak, it delivers on thrilling shark attack scenes and underwater suspense. The CGI used for the sharks still holds up well, making the underwater scenes quite engaging.
9. The Meg 2018，IMDB Rating: 5.7, IMDB Votes: 210164, ID: 4779682 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Meg is a shark movie that delivers on the promise of a prehistoric megalodon causing havoc in the modern world. The film’s underwater scenes, especially those involving encounters with the megalodon, are thrilling. While the film takes itself a bit too seriously at times, it provides enough action and spectacle to keep audiences entertained, making it a fun addition to the genre.
10. Titanic 1997，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 1294808, ID: 0120338 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Titanic is a historical drama that tells the tragic story of the RMS Titanic’s maiden voyage. While not primarily an underwater film, its most memorable scenes take place after the ship hits an iceberg and begins to sink. The film’s depiction of the sinking is both harrowing and spectacular, with excellent special effects and performances. Titanic is a cinematic masterpiece that effectively combines historical drama with disaster film elements.
11. Jaws 1975，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 668119, ID: 0073195 Photo by printerval.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Jaws is a classic thriller that tells the story of a great white shark terrorizing a beach community. While the film takes place mostly above water, its underwater scenes, especially those from the shark’s point of view, are iconic and have been imitated by many films since. Jaws is not just a great shark movie, but a great film in general that set the standard for modern blockbusters.
12. The Shape of Water 2017，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 450428, ID: 5580390 Photo by printerval.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Shape of Water is a magnificent, touching, and original film. It’s a visually and emotionally engrossing fable. The underwater scenes are central to the storyline, making it a unique cinematic experience. However, the film’s overt irony may come off as smug and artificial to some.
13. Sphere 1998，IMDB Rating: 6.1, IMDB Votes: 113159, ID: 0120184 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Sphere is a classic fantasy thriller with a good cast and an interesting plot. However, it lacks a suspenseful ending. The underwater scenes were filmed in dry conditions, adding a unique touch to the film. Despite its potential, it fails to fully captivate the audience, leaving them wanting more.
14. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou 2004，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 212222, ID: 0362270 Photo by printerval.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou is a lighthearted adventure comedy that brings a fresh chapter with a stellar cast. Despite its overt irony, it’s worth the dive for fans of Wes Anderson’s unique brand of whimsy. The underwater scenes, central to the storyline, add a unique charm to the film.
15. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea 1954，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 37592, ID: 0046672 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is one of Disney’s finest live-action adventures, bringing Jules Verne’s classic sci-fi tale to vivid life. It features an awesome giant squid and is still a standout even in this day of computer-generated effects, making it a timeless classic.
16. Leviathan 1989，IMDB Rating: 5.8, IMDB Votes: 24191, ID: 0097737 Photo by picryl.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Leviathan is a deep-sea thriller with an unusually strong cast and potent ideas. However, it quickly plunges into an abyss of weak thrills and lame kills. The underwater scenes were actually filmed in dry conditions, adding a unique touch to the film.
17. Waterworld 1995，IMDB Rating: 6.3, IMDB Votes: 211997, ID: 0114898 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Waterworld, a post-apocalyptic film with Kevin Costner, is a visually stunning spectacle with impressive underwater scenes. However, the film’s plot and character development leave much to be desired, making it a mediocre experience. The underwater scenes, though, are a sight to behold, showcasing a submerged cityscape that adds a unique touch to the film.
18. The Poseidon Adventure 1972，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 49657, ID: 0069113 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Poseidon Adventure is a classic disaster film that effectively uses its underwater setting to create a sense of claustrophobia and impending doom. The film’s plot, revolving around a group of survivors trying to escape a capsized ship, is engaging and the performances are commendable. The underwater scenes, particularly the ones involving the rising water levels, add to the film’s tension, making it a gripping watch.
19. 47 Meters Down 2017，IMDB Rating: 5.6, IMDB Votes: 61582, ID: 2932536 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 47 Meters Down is a shark-infested survival thriller that delivers some genuine scares. The film’s underwater scenes are intense and claustrophobic, effectively conveying the characters’ desperation and fear. However, the film’s plot is somewhat thin and the characters lack depth. Despite these flaws, the film offers a decent amount of underwater thrills.
20. The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie 2004，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 103492, ID: 0345950 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie is a delightful underwater adventure that will appeal to both children and adults. The film’s underwater setting is vibrant and full of life, perfectly capturing the charm of the original TV series. While the film’s plot is simple, it’s the humor and the characters that make this movie a joy to watch, ensuring it remains a favorite.
20 Must-Watch Underwater Thrillers That Will Keep You on the Edge of Your Seat
