Submarines are truly a fascinating invention. Whether it’s their underwater capabilities, their unique appearance, or the artillery that they can carry – there’s nothing else like it. Fortunately, you don’t have to be at the sea to witness the beauty of this watercraft, as the best submarine movies do a great job at showcasing how things work.
There are two things to consider when it comes to the best submarine movies. The first one is obvious, as the movie should be centered around watercraft and show us an insight into something related to it. The second thing is that the movie should be well-made and entertaining. Not even submarines can save a bad movie!
So, with everything laid out – let’s take a look at the best submarine movies that you can watch in 2022!
- Das Boot (1991)
When the topic of best submarine movies is brought up, Das Boot is always on top of the list. It’s a very realistic and tense movie about a German U-boat during World War II. It displays the claustrophobic life of soldiers inside a submarine. There is no sugarcoating for their hardships, and it reminds us why war should never happen.
Written and directed by the well-known Wolfgang Petersen, the movie was nominated for several Oscars and is considered one of the most compelling movies ever made. If you’re up for something serious, this is a movie you have to watch!
- Crimson Tide (1995)
Crimson Tide has a great cast that features Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman. And its story is about a U.S. submarine that is on a mission to stop a possible nuclear threat from a post-Cold War Russia. What follows is a great thriller film that shows conflict not only again the enemy, but even within the main cast of US soldiers. And to top it all off, the performances by Denzel and Hackman elevate the film further.
It’s easily one of the best submarine movies of all time and it has the advantage of being something that all audiences can enjoy.
- The Wolf’s Call (2019)
The Wolf’s Call is a 2019 movie, which is refreshingly similar. And what sets it apart is that the main character this time is a sonarman rather than a hot-headed fighter. The movie has immaculate sound design, which perfectly fits the tension and atmosphere of being in the shoes of a sonarman trying to live through another day.
It’s a nail-biting thriller that does a great job at displaying the turmoil of political unbalance.
- The Abyss (1989)
The Abyss is a movie that not many movie buffs talk about, but it’s one of James Cameron’s most underrated sci-fi movies. The movie is about divers who are hired by the U.S. government for the task of finding a lost nuclear submarine. Though much of the movie is earthly, it has hints of aliens too. This makes for a surreal finale that brings the entire movie together.
It’s not a masterpiece by any means and it’s been reported over time that the movie was very difficult to make. But regardless of those things, it’s a unique film that earns its spot among the best submarine movies.
- The Enemy Below (1957)
The Enemy Below is a classic that is about a naval battle between a U.S. destroyer and a German U-boat. It takes place in the World War II era and the movie itself is pretty old. So, the intensity, atmosphere, and the fatigue of being a soldier are all depicted perfectly.
But this is not just a movie about simple naval combat. The dialogue of the movie is very well-written, and the captain of the German U-boat is a very compelling character to watch. And of course, the US Navy side of characters isn’t far behind on being memorable folks either.
It’s easily one of the best submarine movies. And it will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout its entire runtime.
- The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)
It’s okay to not want to watch a serious flick sometimes. And that’s what brings us to the heartwarming comedy The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, which features remarkable cast of Owen Wilson, Bill Murray, Cate Blanchett, Willem Dafoe – and more. And its director is Wes Craven, so you know you’re in for a treat.
The movie is about a famous oceanographer that gathers his crew to kill a sea creature that killed his partner. But things are of course never too simple when such a diverse cast of characters is together.
- Below (2002)
We’ve covered history, drama, and even comedy – now it’s time for scares. Below is a horror film that is co-written by Darren Aronofsky, who everyone knows from Requiem for a Dream. And it’s about a mysterious supernatural phenomenon that begins to take place on a World War II submarine. Things become very tense as people start disappearing and technology begins to malfunction. And those who are still alive try their best to uncover the truth.
Thanks to the vastness of the sea and the confinement of submarines, Below is a good thriller that knows how to make the viewer feel uncomfortable.
We hope that this guide helped you pick the best submarine movies for your day, evening, or night! Just make sure not to go too deep into the water.
Barry Lachey is a Professional Editor at Zobuz. Previously He has also worked for Moxly Sports and Network Resources “Joe Joe.” He is a graduate of the Kings College at the University of Thames Valley London. You can reach Barry via email or by phone.
