12 Best Movies About Ships At Sea That You Should Watching Update 03/2024

Movies About Ships At Sea

There’s something about the open sea that appeals to many people, whether it’s the nostalgia of bygone exploits or the hope of taming an uncontrollable power, or perhaps it’s simply the chance to sail out to some serene seas and relax for a while. People have obeyed the call of the sea, whatever it may be. On a ship, there are many different scenarios that can occur, including captivity, the hazards of the sea, and the promise of freedom. The following is a ranking of the best seafaring films of all time. If that’s what you were thinking, it includes the Tom Hanks movie about a pirate ship. Some of the best ship movies are available on streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime.

12. The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou (2004)

Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou

Wes Anderson’s finest work, this film is characterized by brilliant storytelling, heartbreaking character portrayals, and stunning photography. In this film, Bill Murray plays oceanographer Steve Zissou, who attempts to track down and photograph the dreaded “jaguar shark” that killed his companion Esteban. Steve Zissou sets sail with a gang of misfits, including his divorced wife, in search of adventure. Ned, a little child who considers Zissou to be his father, develops a particular relationship with him. While Steve continues the hunt alone after Ned’s death, he decides to let the shark live when he encounters it. Bill Murray’s performance as ‘the Zissou’ is memorable in this very emotional picture that only gets better with each watching. The Belafonte ship serves as Zissou’s home and sanctuary as he grows as a character, and it also acts as the film’s principal backdrop.

11. The Perfect Storm (2000)

This is Wolfgang Petersen’s third time adapting a non-fictional event into a film, this time a maritime natural disaster. George Clooney plays Andrea Gail’s captain in the film. He’s a proud captain of a swordboat, and he’s joined by his devoted crew for a late-season fishing trip. It all goes horribly wrong when they try to brave a storm on the way back, though, and the crew is lost to history. Even in the face of death, this film is a monument to the love of sailing and a captivating tale of bravery and brotherhood.

10. Mutiny on the Bounty (1935)

Mutiny on the Bounty (1935)

A retelling of the actual mutiny on HMS Bounty, this film stars Charles Laughton and Clark Gable. Many individuals enjoy sailing, but not everyone enjoys sailing under a mean-spirited or abusive skipper. On HMS Bounty, Captain Bligh, an unjust and brutal leader, makes life unpleasant for his crew, culminating in the death of Dr. Bacchus and the mutiny. Crew members find their own happiness in this story about difficult relationships and the necessity for solidarity at sea. Ultimately, they save themselves from their cruel skipper.

9. Ship of Fools (1965)

This Stanley Kramer-directed picture received eight Academy Award nominations despite some skepticism. While at sea, the story examines the development of human relationships over a long period of time. One of the best ship pictures ever made, it featured Vivien Leigh in her final film appearance, making it a crucial moment in film history.

8. Poseidon (2006)

Poseidon (2006)

Kurt Russell is the star of this disaster picture. While vacationing on a luxurious cruise liner, what is the worst thing that may happen to your ship? A gigantic wave that sinks it, of course. Even if the storyline is shallow, the film’s visual effects are stunning, earning it a nomination for best visual effects at the 79th Academy Awards. This film, describing the escape of a group from a sinking luxury liner, serves as a good reminder of the perils that exist out at sea.

7. In the Heart of the Sea (2015)

‘Moby Dick’ is based on the real-life events that inspired Melville’s classic novel, which was directed by Ron Howard. As Melville interviews Thomas Nickerson, the last survivor of the Essex whaling ship, the film is presented in flashback. It’s revealed in the interview that Chris Hemsworth’s character, Chase, is Pollard’s nemesis. It then describes their meeting with an albino sperm whale, which prompts some of the stranded crew members to turn to cannibalism. Although the sea is wild and refuses to be tamed, this riveting story explores the tie of compassion and understanding between man and beast. In addition to exploring themes of human survival, the film also features some of the best ship stories ever made.

6. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007)

Pirates of the Caribbean At World’s End (2007)

The Black Pearl and Jack Sparrow’s affection for it will appeal to everyone who enjoys movies about ships and how they beckon to free spirits. Because the entire series revolves around pirates, there are countless ships to be found in each film. However, I specifically selected this one for my analysis. An exciting naval fight between the intrepid pirates and the English navy, which is trying to put an end to them, concludes the epic film. A naval battle with cannons blazing between Davy Jones’ the Dutchman and the Black Pearl is imprinted in one’s memory. Show your patriotism and enjoy this tale of rebellious free guys.

5. Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)

The epic military film starring Russel Crowe as Jack Aubrey made the right waves at the Oscars and won two trophies, but Lord of the Rings won on other counts. There are several maritime chase scenes involving the HMS Surprise and the French privateer ship, Acheron. While the Acheron manages to gain the upper hand multiple times, Aubrey remains hot on their tails, and the movie concludes with the chase still going on as the Acheron’s captain tricks Aubrey into believing in his own victory on the one occasion when the HMS Surprise actually lives up to its name and surprises the Acheron.. If you’re a fan of ships and war movies, this film is a must-see.

4. Captain Phillips (2013)

Captain Phillips (2013)

In his role as the captain of the Mv Maersk Alabama, Tom Hanks portrays a world traveler. According to the account, which is based on true events, Phillips was kidnapped by pirates and endured a horrible ordeal. The film depicts the dangers of piracy and the dark side of the situation. This is a story about grit and fortitude in the face of peril, and Hanks’ performance is both amazing and a testament to the film’s high bar.

3. The Boat That Rocked (2009)

This film, which is sometimes referred to as Pirate Radio, explores the freedom that comes with sailing the wide seas from an unusual perspective. A pirate ship and the carefree lifestyle of its crew are the focus of this story, which takes place in 1996 when pirate radio channels transmitted rock and pop music that the BBC radio did not. This ship, which tells the story of how music teaches us to rebel and be free, becomes a symbol of unbridled thought and an object of resistance to censorship because of its message. It’s still one of the best ship movies ever filmed because of its poignant depiction of relationships and the passion for music.

2. Titanic (1997)

Titanic (1997)

As far as movies about ships go, Titanic comes in a close second to both Cameron’s best work to date and Eisenstein’s masterpiece. Plot centres around actual sinking of Titanic in terrible crash against iceberg. Probably the most well-known ship name. It is Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet’s acting that elevates this Hollywood success formula, which depicts a young man meeting a young woman from an entirely different social strata, into something exceptional. Titanic is still the most popular ship movie in the world, and it may remain so for a long time to come.

1. Battleship Potemkin (1925)

Director Sergei Eisenstein created a masterpiece during the silent era with this Soviet film, which is a cornerstone of cinematography and direction. The mutiny on board the Potemkin in June of 1905 is the focus of the story. Sailors on one of the Imperial Navy’s ships demonstrate their support for the Russian revolution by mutinying in favor of the uprising. Even after all these years, it remains one of the most touching parables of solidarity and is unquestionably the best film on ships.