25 Best Movies About The Ocean That You Should Watching Update 04/2024

Movies About The Ocean

There’s nothing wrong with binge-watching a show once in a while. For example, if you are flying to your favorite scuba site, having a movie night with pals, or taking a lengthy surface break, you may wish to avoid boredom. If you’re going to watch a bunch of movies in a row for whatever reason, why not do it like a diver and see some of the best underwater movies ever? Here are 25 ideas to get you started, in no particular sequence.

1. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)

Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou

Although this isn’t Bill Murray’s best work, Wes Anderson’s tale has a lot going for it. Jacques-Yves Cousteau was also honored in the film’s dedication. In the film, a fictional oceanographer named Zissou plots to avenge the death of his companion by killing a fabled shark. Did you know that Bill Murray was a PADI Open Water Diver before to filming?

2. Into The Blue (2005)

This video follows a gang of young scuba divers on their quest to find a fabled treasure ship in the Bahama Islands. This leads to a subterranean plot of mobs and underwater action when they find an airplane disaster loaded of drugs. The majority of the film’s shark footage was shot utilizing live, wild sharks. In addition to Jessica Alba and Paul Walker, the movie’s exotic landscape will have you diving right out of the theater!

3. For Your Eyes Only (1981)

No underwater film list is complete without a James Bond film, of course (or two). Underwater footage of Roger Moore in Greece as well as the Bahamas is shown. Most sequences were filmed on a studio with special effects applied later to provide the sense of water moving around them. However, you may not have known this information.

4. Thunderball (1965)

Thunderball (1965)

Thunderball rewinds the clock to the heyday of Sean Connery as James Bond in the 1960s. It is in the Bahamas where Connery dives with sharks in this Bond film classic. Clear plastic panels were used to separate the actor from the sharks throughout the filming. Sharks quickly found their way around the panels and swam right up to the cast, albeit with a few frights, but everyone survived.

5. Men of Honour (2000)

Cuba Gooding Jr.’s Oscar-winning undersea movie was a box office success It is Carl Brashear, the first black Master Diver in the Navy, who Gooding portrays in the film. Despite the bigotry of the 1940s, Brashear’s teacher (Robert De Niro) motivates him to overcome his limited schooling and become an operational diver for the Navy. You might want to bring Kleenex to this scuba movie because of the several tear-jerking scenes!

6. The Deep (1977)

The plot revolves around a vacationing couple who discover unusual artifacts while wreck diving off the coast of Bermuda in the 1970s. 9,985 dives, 10,870 hours underwater, and 1 million cubic feet of pressurized air are rumored to have been necessary for the production of the film The Deep.

7. The Abyss (1989)

The Abyss (1989)

What’s not to love about James Cameron’s combination of aliens and deep sea diving? He is a scuba diver, and he was the third person to dive the Mariana Trench, so did you know that James Cameron has a deep love for water? After encountering a supernatural undersea monster, a US nuclear submarine collapses along a vast underwater trench. If you’re not blown away by the tale, you’ll still enjoy this deep-sea adventure thanks to the stunning visuals!

8. The Big Blue (1988)

Le Grand Bleu, which was released in Europe, tells the story of two childhood friends who became freediving adversaries in the Mediterranean Sea. One of the best marine movies to take you to tropical locales, and the dolphin scenes are sure to cheer you up!

9. Sanctum (2011)

Sanctum, a Jim Cameron-produced cave diving thriller, is based on a true story. It’s also not recommended for individuals who are claustrophobic or who are going to take their PADI Open Water Diver certification in this film!

10. 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea (1954)

20,000 Leagues Under The Sea (1954)

The original Walt Disney Productions production is still regarded as one of the greatest deep-sea films of all time, despite countless remakes over the years. It’s got a lot to keep you entertained, and that’s why it won two Academy Awards!

11. Open Water (2004)

Two people are stranded in the middle of the ocean when their dive boat abandons them. As feared, sharks show up, and the couple’s vacation takes a turn for the worst. New divers who are about to embark on their first boat diving trip may want to avoid this movie at all costs!

12. Dark Tide (2011)

Halle Berry portrays a “Shark Whisperer” who is haunted by her memories following a shark attack, which she inevitably has to overcome and win the day in the movie. In spite of the fact that it’s not one of Halle Berry’s best-known films, it’s still worth seeing.

13. Fool’s Gold (2008)

Fool’s Gold (2008)

Fans of Matthew McConaughey will enjoy this scuba film, which was shot in the stunning Australian landscape. He reunites with his estranged wife Kate Hudson while searching for the wreckage of a Spanish ship rich of wealth in the deep sea. However, despite the shaky dives, this is excellent family entertainment, thanks in part to the sprinkling of charm and humor.

14. Deep Blue Sea (1999)

At an isolated research facility, genetically modified sharks are trying to escape into the open ocean. Deep Blue Sea stars Samuel L. Jackson, who takes on genetically modified sharks. As Samuel L. Jackson fights his way to triumph over these fishy fiends, this one is clearly packed with action and intrigue.

15. Finding Nemo (2003)

As a scuba diver, you can’t help but relate to the plot of this film. The fish characters’ personalities are based on real-world traits that have been grafted onto them. If you’re looking for a family-friendly movie that’s also great for teaching youngsters about fish identification, look no further!

16. Sphere (1998)

Sphere (1998)

Another deep sea movie starring Samuel L. Jackson, Dustin Hoffman, and Sharon Stone as a team of scientists. When the team arrives, they find a 300-year-old starship submerged at a depth of 1,000 feet (304 meters), which turns out to be an American craft from the future, transported back in time after a space mission. With an all-star ensemble and a novel by Michael Crichton, it’s a must-see.

17. Aquaman (2018)

For the first time in in a decade, an Aquaman movie has delivered on its promise of endless action and adventure that spans the seven seas. The plot revolves around a superhero, but that’s always a good thing, right?

18. The Cave (2005)

Abbey built over entrance to cave network discovered in Romanian forest during scientific excavation. New high-tech scuba gear (basically an improved rebreather) is employed by a team of divers, who are able to stay underwater for 24 hours. They quickly learn that they’re not alone, though, as a slew of terrifying creatures emerge from the shadows.

19. Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation (2015)

Tom Cruise, who is known for his daring stunts, took up freediving in order to prepare for the filming of MI. It’s widely reported that Cruise became a skilled freediver, able to hold his breath for six minutes at a time.

20. Jaws (1975)

Jaws (1975)

Jaws is an essential part of any discussion of the best ocean films. Despite the lack of scuba-related content, this film forever impacted the way many people view sharks. One of the most revolutionary movies ever made, but it has unquestionably contributed to the worldwide perception of sharks as man-eaters.

21. Titanic (1997)

There is no scuba diving in the film starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, but the underwater scenes are some of the most unforgettable in cinema. After making the film in order to dive the Titanic himself, James Cameron confessed that it was all for the sake of doing so. When paired with a love tale, it’s a riveting film and a true achievement in film production. The details presented in the movie are reported to be entirely authentic reconstructions of the real vessel (right down to the restaurant tableware used).

22. The Perfect Storm (2000)

This epic disaster film is based on the events of the 1991 Perfect Storm, in which a group of fishermen are caught at sea in the worst conditions possible. Although the film earned mixed reviews, it’s still worth a viewing because of its star power.

23. The Little Mermaid (1989)

The Little Mermaid (1989)

Ariel, a mermaid who is attracted by the world above the surface, but whose father, King Triton, disapproves, is the focus of this beloved Disney musical. Ariel meets (and falls in love with) a real-life human prince after making a deal with a wicked sea witch in order to save herself from certain death. Without a doubt, it’s one of the most inventive and enjoyable films for young people (and adults, if you haven’t seen it yet!)

24. The Hunt for Red October (1990)

If you’re a fan of Tom Clancy’s renowned 1984 novel, this is one of the best maritime movies to see. The CIA’s Jack Ryan (Alec Baldwin) and Sean Connery feature as a Soviet nuclear submarine commander traveling toward the United States.

25. Life of Pi (2012)

Life of Pi (2012)

The Oscar-winning film adaptation by Ang Lee is a story of faith and brotherhood in the face of adversity. For 227 days, they are stuck on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger as their only companion. If you’re looking for something a little more thought-provoking than the normal disaster-themed or scary ocean flicks, this is it.

Have you prepared your popcorn?? After you’ve viewed all the best ocean movies, why not check out the filming places in our scuba guides? In addition, the PADI Underwater Videographer course is a terrific way to get started with your lights, camera, and action in creating your own videos about the ocean!