Submarine movies are a treat to watch for the eyes. They produce high levels of dopamine in human brains. Submarine movies are mostly based on true war stories. You might not believe it, but these movies have got one of the biggest viewerships all over the world.
The submarine movies need to have a huge budget as they require the producer to pay for the submarine or either the VFX guy. Apart from that, many other genres get attached to submarine movies, like the action genre, the war genre, the horror genre, etc. Submarine movies are currently running on many OTT platforms.
If you have not watched any of the submarine movies, don’t worry, you are not late or alone. Many other people have not watched it yet, so you can tune into the big OTT platforms to watch these old classic submarine movies. This list is going to give you goosebumps as it will take you through a ride of the most awestruck movies of all time.
20. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
- Director: Wes Anderson
- Producer: Touchstone Pictures
- Cast: Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Willem Dafoe
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
- IMDB: 7.2/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 57%
One of the most realistic submarine movies, life aquatic, is definitely a submarine thriller to watch out for on these heavy summer days. This movie shows the hectic of Steve Zissou. As he was busy preparing a documentary for his clients, during that time itself, he lost his wife to a shark.
This could be very tough for him to digest, but that is the truth. But he had a very strong heart and did not give up so easily, and he is going to ride deep into the sea to find out the real truth behind all this.
This movie is all headed on the screens of Amazon prime video. It would be only viewable to friends living in the united states and the united kingdom.
19. Das Boot
- Director: Wolfgang Peterson
- Producer: Columbia Pictures
- Cast: Klaus Wenneman, Hubertus Bengsch, Thomas Box hammer
- Where to Watch: Netflix
- IMDB: 8.4/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
Das Boot is a typical world war ii movie made on a German u boat. By the title of this movie itself, you can understand that it is a German film. It shows how the world was destroyed, and there was no one happy during these wars.
But the main point of das boot is not to show this. Das Boot was directed by a very famous director named Wolfgang Peterson. He had decided to include a German u boat in the movie scenes as it would give it a more realistic look.
Columbia Pictures took the task of producing das boot. Apart from this, they also took the task of distributing Das boots. This movie is all decorated on the screens of Netflix. If you have got a paid subscription to Netflix, you should definitely turn on your screens and watch this movie to know about the harsh times during World War II.
18. The Hunt for Red October
- Director: John McTierman
- Producer: Larry Ferguson
- Cast: Sean Connery, Alec Baldwin, Scott Glenn
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
- IMDB: 7.6/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
The Hunt for Red October is a typical boat movie. This submarine movie has got the likes of Sean Connery. They made this movie with a huge budget to ensure that viewers do not make any sort of the fun of the movie, and we need to say that they are pretty much successful in their plans as they have perfectly made this movie.
John, the man, directs the Hunt for Red October. He is one of the most famous directors who mostly makes movies that have war and action in the storyline.
The Hunt for Red October was initially planned to be released much earlier than its real release date, but it was delayed, and it has a got very interesting tale attached to it. This movie includes the soviet union and the US Navy commander.
As we all know, it is one of the oldest and most talked about opponents, so no doubt this movie is going to give you thrills. The hunt for red October would be perceivable on the screens of the amazon prime video.
17. Run Silent Run Deep
- Director: Robert Wise
- Producer: Hetch Hill Lancaster
- Cast: Clark Gable, Jack Warden, Don Rickles, Burt Lancaster, Rudy Bond
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
- IMDB: 7.6/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
Run Silent Run Deep is a top movie that was released years back and is directed by Robert Wise. This movie is based on our navy and its covert mission. Run Silent Run Deep is a true story.
It shows how a navy works hard to safeguard its motherland. The crew of this movie is pretty large as we keep the year of release of this movie in our minds. It was pretty tough for the producers to hire such a long number of crew members.
It can also be called a World War II submarine movie as this movie has got a script very much in common. This movie could be watched on the screens of amazon prime video easily.
16. Hunter Killer
- Director: Donovan Marsh
- Producer: Lionsgate Film
- Cast: Gerard Butler, Gary Oldman, Linda Carrdellni, Toby Stephens
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
- IMDB: 6.6/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 37%
Hunter Killer is one of the true stories involving American sailors. Donovan Marsh directs this movie. You would see a glimpse of allied forces, too, in this movie which is definitely going to increase the adrenaline rush in your body.
This movie is going to be a fight between two of the world’s biggest opponents, that is, the United States and the Soviets. This is one of the best submarine movies of all time. The plot of the story is pretty much complex this time; an unknown entity kidnaps the Soviet president in this movie.
But in this movie, us navy is going to search and save the Soviet president but why so? Is there any hidden agenda or what? Why are they interested in saving the president of their opponent country? Is it due to some selfish reasons? You need to watch the movie to know the whole situation.
15. Le Chant du loup
- Director: Antonin Baudry
- Producer: Pathe
- Cast: Francois Civil, Omar Sy, Reda Kateb, Alexis Michalik, Paula Beer
- Where to Watch: Netflix
- IMDB: 6.9/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 71%
A French movie is always a treat to watch as they make a movie with complete perfection. This movie would include a nuclear sub, as this movie is pretty much linked to a nuclear missile war.
But we all know how dangerous a nuclear submarine can be, and even a small mistake could lead to a big disaster not only for the countries fighting but for the whole world. Even in this movie, it is shown how the captain of that submarine would make a mistake that would lead to a big issue for all the crew members onboard.
What would be the next steps taken by him to rescue them all? Would they be saved, or could it be a big disaster? This is definitely going to be worth watching. This movie was basically developed for the French people, but due to the amazing storyline of this submarine movie, it was speeded all over the world.
This submarine movie would rate above all of the other submarine movies due to its amazing story and cast. Antonin Baudry has done loads of hard work in this film to make it a big hit. Along with him, the cast of this movie has equally put in wonderful acting skills in this movie. This movie would be perceivable on the screens of Netflix.
14. Black Sea
- Director: Kevin Macdonald
- Producer: Cowboy Films
- Cast: Jude Law, Ben Mendelsohn, Scoot McNairy, David Threlfall, Jodie Whittaker
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
- IMDB: 6.4/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 80%
Black Sea is a top-class best submarine movie of all time. It is based on a Nazi gold boat. It was a u boat that had been missing for a long time. There was some news that it sank into the black sea, but nobody ever tried to find out the existence of that yellow submarine boat.
But after some time, one of the main sailors of a European country lost his job due to some issues; he planned to look out for that boat and get all that treasure out. He will have to take a lot of risk in finding that yellow submarine boat as it is believed that the boat had sunk deep into the sea.
It would be very tough to look out for that boat in that sea. He might have to use a submarine to find that yellow submarine boat. But who is going to lend him a boat? If he lends somebody’s boat, he will have to make sure to give him his part to help him in this mission.
What would be the outcome of this movie? It must be worth watching. Jude Law and the other crew members in this movie have worked very hard. Kevin Macdonald has hired a very experienced and hard-working crew for this movie. This movie will be perceivable on the screens of Amazon Prime Video if you have not watched it yet.
13. The Enemy Below
- Director: Dick Powell
- Producer: 20th Century Studios
- Cast: Robert Mitcham, Curd Jargon, David Headison, Russell Collins
- Where to Watch: Netflix
- IMDB: 7.4/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 86%
The Enemy Below is definitely a submarine war movie. This war was fought in the South Atlantic, and so this movie is sometimes called the Battle of the Atlantic. This movie was released decades ago, yet it is watched by almost everybody each weekend, which still makes it a profitable movie.
Dick Powell directed this movie, and getting such an experienced cast for a movie is not everybody’s cup of tea. But the way he had managed his work, along with managing the whole cast, was tremendously appreciated by the whole world.
This movie is basically based on world war ii as two ships face each other in the ocean. They both hate each other as they are from opponent countries. They will try their very best to beat each other.
But definitely, it is not going to be an easy task for anyone of them as both of the captains are veterans and are going to use dirty tactics and play dirty politics to win this war. But with time, they both understand that there is no point in this war, and they start respecting each other’s tactics on the war ground.
Would it be a turnaround in their characters, or is it just a twist in this movie? This is going to be worth watching. This movie is placed on the screens of Netflix; if you have not watched this movie yet, you definitely are missing a big fish. Tune in to your account and watch it right now.
12. Ice Station Zebra
- Director: John Sturges
- Producer: Alistair MacLean
- Cast: Rock Hudson, Ernest Borgnine, Jim Brown, Patrick McGoohan
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
- IMDB: 6.6/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 47%
Ice Station Zebra is definitely a great entertainment movie to watch out for. This movie is based on a story at the north pole. This movie has got a very interesting storyline. The movie starts by showing that a satellite was keeping a check on us bases.
After investigation, it came out to be a Soviet satellite. But after some time, news came that the satellite has been crashed and had fallen at the north pole, which made us people happy, and the sailors were directed to go to the Pole and destroy the recordings of the satellite completely.
But later on, people from different countries were en route to that place to get that information. As soon as this news came into the knowledge of the commanding officer, he fastened up the requirements to reach the pole first.
The other people who wanted to reach that place were the Russians and the Britishers. This led to a complete cold war situation. This cold war could lead to many problems for all the countries involved.
Would this cold war lead to a big disaster, or would the commanding officer manage to get back all the findings would be the thing to look out for in this movie. This movie would be perceivable on the walls of amazon prime video.
11. Crimson Tide
- Director: Tony Scott
- Producer: Walt Disney Pictures, Don Simpson
- Cast: Denzel Washington, Gene Hackman, Viggo Mortenson
- Where to Watch: Disney Plus
- IMDB: 7.3/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
Crimson Tide is one of the biggest fights between the submarines. Basically, this movie is going to be a war between the two submarines and, along with that, a war of thoughts between the captain and his deputy.
It is going to be a war of different perspectives for both of them. Denzel Washington has done amazing acting in this movie along with gene hackman. Such movies are watched by almost everyone in the Western world, including the united states and the united kingdom.
The issue between both of them was whether they should open the war or not. The captain was all set to start the war, but his deputy wanted to wait for some more time to get confirmation first from the higher authority.
This made the ship’s captain go mad, and he started fighting with his deputy on this topic, which in turn made the deputy angry. The deputy tried to remove the captain from the ship and wanted to take over control of the ship.
But would it be so easy for him to do so? Or is it going to be a hell of a task for him? Would this internal fight lead to a big happening, or would they get some mind and stop fighting like kids? This is definitely going to be an adventurous ride while watching this movie, as it has got lots of ups and down. This movie is provided on the screens of Disney Plus if you have not watched it yet.
10. The Good Shepherd
- Director: Robert de Niro
- Producer: Universal Pictures
- Cast: Matt Damon, William Hurt, Joe Pesci, Alec Baldwin
- Where to Watch: Netflix
- IMDB: 6.7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 55%
The Good Shepherd is one of the top-class submarine movies to be ever made on this planet. It has got one of the most talented crew members, along with the very talented and hard-working director Robert de Niro.
This movie is based on the life of one of the agents of the world’s best intelligence agents, he is CIA. The movie shows the life of a CIA agent. Later on in the movie, it is shown that the stress levels in the life of agents started increasing as the cold war increased in the region.
Now they will have to manage their personal life and their official life altogether. This is going to be very tough, as we know how tough it is to work in an intelligence agency. This movie shows the life of a family man in an intelligence agency.
It is definitely worth watching if you are also a working parent and find it tough to handle office work with your family time. This is truly a bliss to such kinds of people. This movie is placed on Netflix, and you can watch it there if you have not watched it yet.
9. Greyhound
- Director: Aaron Scheneider
- Producer: Blake Neely
- Cast: Tom Hanks, Stephen Graham, Rob Morgan, Chet Hanks, Elisabeth Shue
- Where to watch: Apple TV+
- IMDB: 7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 78%
Greyhound is definitely one of the best submarine movies. No doubt that the acting of Tom Hanks has taken away the complete show. The extraordinary crew of this movie made sure to work in accordance with what the script demanded.
This movie is all set during the times of the second world war. Rated as one of the best submarine movies of all time, this movie is directed by Aaron Schneider. It is one of the most recent movies on our list; it was released in the year 2020, the Covid year itself.
This movie is based on the US naval guys. One of the newcomers to this field is all set for his first war. He would be going to war along with the allies of the united states, but this does not make any task easy for him.
He has got lots of tough decisions to make ahead. The script tells that this is going to be one of the longest-running naval battles ever to be seen by the audience all over the world.
Along with being the longest, it is also going to be the toughest battle as many countries are getting involved in this movie which is definitely going to be show stopper element in this movie.
IMDB has given a pretty good score in this movie. Getting a seven by IMDB is not everybody’s cup of tea. It is all because of the fan following of tom hanks all over the world.
8. The Imitation Game
- Director: Morten Tyldum
- Producer: Mick Jagger and company
- Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Matthew Goode, Mark Strong, Charles Dance
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
- IMDB: 8/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
The imitation game is a movie to look out for in this whole list. One of the best submarine movies on this list, the imitation game has got a lot of mystery included in it. The movie is all about solving a code and getting the hidden secrets out.
But it is definitely not going to be an easy task as lots of people have tried it earlier. Later on, a mathematician is called to join the team and figure out the way to get the code decoded. After a long time, the mathematician decided to make an enigma machine to reveal the hidden secrets.
He came to know about the code that it is a German enigma code, and only a machine can help them open it and get the unheard secrets out. But how is he alone going to make that machine?
Is it going to be a hell of a task for him? This is really suspenseful, and you must watch the imitation game to know about it. This movie has been rated highly by IMDB and rotten tomatoes, which makes this movie a must-watch one. IMDB rated it 8Â of 10, whereas rotten tomatoes rated it as 89%, which is not everybody’s cup of tea.
You should definitely watch this movie this summer as it would make your brain go jingle and mingle. This movie is placed on the amazon prime video showcase.
7. Phantom
- Director: Todd Robinson
- Producer: Kadokawa
- Cast: Ed Harris, William Fichtner, David Duchovny, Jason Beghe, Jason Gray Stanford
- Where to watch: Netflix
- IMDB: 5.9/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 25%
As the name suggests, Phantom is a top-class submarine movie on this list. This movie is all based on the never happened world war iii. It is definitely a must-watch movie because of the amazing crew it has got.
This movie is about a very old Russian veteran sailor who has been exempted from sailing the submarines now. But due to the pressure from the higher authorities, he has to agree to go for a sail for one last time.
But this last sail is not going to be so easy for him as the submarine in which he is going to sail is going to be sold to the Chinese troops within a few weeks. The mental condition of the veteran was also not fine.
He was mentally ill and was not able to control himself properly. Along with that, the technician of his submarine is going to play with him throughout the sail. He wants the veteran to start a world war and then blame the Chinese for the whole of this idea.
However, this is definitely not going to be a very easy moment for him as he will have to make some very difficult decisions on this mission.
The thing to look out for in this movie is how he is going to handle this mission with the mental condition that he is facing. It is going to be an adventurous ride for him throughout this mission. This movie is all placed on the showcase of Netflix if you have not got a glimpse of it yet.
6. Becoming Cousteau
- Director: Liz Garbus
- Producer: Picturehouse
- Cast: Vincent Cassel, Monica Bellusi, Deva Cassel, Leonie Cassel
- Where to watch: Disney Plus
- IMDB: 7.7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
Jacques Cousteau is a household name in the world of ocean wanderers. He is one of the biggest and most famous oceanographers. Becoming Cousteau is a documentary movie made for him as a tribute to his work throughout his life. Jacques is the guy who was an inspiration for the youth of his generation.
Many kids wanted to be like him when they grew up. Apart from that, he made the occupation of oceanographer pretty famous amongst the people too, which opened the gates for the youth to try something new in their lives.
Cousteau came from a very humble family where he did not have much money or guidance to shape his career. But later, he found out that he has got an interest in the sea and oceans, and so he decided to do something in this field only.
Later he found out oceanographer was a career option. In an interview with a leading newspaper, he said he was very keen to work hard and become one of the most famous people in this field.
This has helped him to be where he has reached. Youth of today’s generation should take inspiration from him as he is the epitome of sheer class and hard work. Moreover, this documentary would show all of his life trajectory of him.
Becoming Cousteau Review:
It is definitely going to be a treat to watch for all the fans of Jacques. The very famous Liz Garbus directs this film. It has got an amazing IMDB score, too, that is 7.7 out of 10, along with a 98% rating from rotten tomatoes. This movie has been placed on the showcase of Disney Plus if you have not watched it yet.
5. U-571
- Director: Jonathon Moscow
- Producer: Canal + Image
- Cast: Bill Paxton, Matthew McConaughey, Harvey Keitel, Jon Bon Solvi
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
- IMDB: 6.6/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 68%
U-571 is atop a Navy submarine movie made by Jonathon Mostow. This story is all about the long-lasting hatred between the Americans and the Germans. So the movie starts by showing a top-class submarine that Nazi Germany made.
But by playing certain games and hiding their own identity, the Americans boarded the submarine and took over its control. The fellow Germans thought that those guys were also Germans, but in reality, they were Americans.
Americans wanted to infiltrate the boat and get all the necessary information and codes required from the Germans. This could lead to a big disaster for the Germans as it would leak all of their important secrets to the Americans.
What would happen next? Would the American infiltrators be caught? Or would they be successful in taking away the secrets with them? IMDB has given U 571 a whopping 6.6 out of 10, which makes this movie a must-watch this summer. U 571 is placed on the showcase of Amazon Prime Video and thus could be watched over there if you have not got a glimpse of it yet.
4. Below
- Director: David Twohy
- Producer: Miramax
- Cast: David Twohy, Bruce Greenwood, Olivia Williams, Sue Baden Powell
- Where to watch: Apple Plus TV
- IMDB: 6.1/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 65%
This submarine movie comes under the horror genre as it has got some ghost activities included in it. Below is a submarine movie directed by one of the most celebrated action and war movie directors David Twohy.
One thing to note is that he is also a part of the cast of this movie. This movie starts with showing a routine patrolling by the officers in the sea. But some time later, they found something strange in the ocean.
Also, they saw some ghostly activities going on under the sea, and this is not a good message for them at all as it is an arrival of a big problem for them. Apart from that, they were on a rescue mission too, so now they have to rescue the needful, keeping paranormal activities in mind. This would be a hell of a ride for them all.
What do you think are those ghostly things that are below the sea? Is that really some paranormal activity, or is it just a misconception? You need to watch the movie to find it out.
The movie has been rated 6.1 out of 10 by IMDB, whereas rotten tomatoes gave it a whopping 65% rating, making it a perfect companion for you this summer. This movie would be perceivable on the showcase of Apple Plus TV.
3. Down Periscope
- Director: David S. Ward
- Producer: Randy Edelman
- Cast: Kelsey Grammar, Lauren Holly, Bruce Dern, Harry Dean Stanton
- Where to watch: Netflix
- IMDB: 6.1/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 11%
Down Periscope is one of the most classic submarine movies of all time. This movie has been rated highly by Americans to watch during the weekends. David S. Ward directed this film.
He is one of the most successful action movie directors in the world. Down Periscope was released almost 30 years back, but millions still watch it. Moreover, Randy Edelman is the producer of this film.
The movie starts by showing a struggling commander of the naval force. He was keen to prove his worth again to his teammates, but for that, he had to go on a big mission. So his seniors had asked him to sail a broken and junked ship with some inexperienced sailors.
This is really not a way you treat a commander, but yes, he will have to complete this mission as he wants to prove his worth to his fellow teammates. This is really going to be a big issue for him as he will have to manage a group of inexperienced people.
So even the condition of the ship is very bad and can lead to a big disaster if not managed properly. Also, this movie has been rated pretty amazing by IMDB. It has rated this movie as 6.1 out of 10, which makes this movie the best companion for you to watch this summer. This movie has been placed on the Netflix showcase, in case you have not watched it yet.
2. Destination Tokyo
- Director: Delmer Daves
- Producer: Warner Bros Pictures
- Cast: Cary Grant, John Garfield, John Ridgely, Dane Clark
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
- IMDB: 7.1/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 67%
Destination Tokyo is a very interesting submarine movie. This amazing movie is directed by Delmer Dave and is produced by Warner Bros Pictures. The movie starts by showing an experienced sailor on a secret mission.
This mission was very much secret, as even the sailor did not know where he was going. Later, he gets informed that he is heading toward Tokyo to gather some secret information about Tokyo.
This information is necessary to get as America is planning a big air strike on Tokyo after a week. But he has to make sure that he does this task so secretly that even the fish deep inside the sea should not get an idea about it.
But once they reach the sea space of Japan, they could be caught by the coast guards, which could lead to a big problem. So they must create an effective plan to stay underground and do their work silently. What would happen next? Watch this movie to know. Also, the movie is placed on the showcase of Amazon Prime Video.
1. Operation Pacific
- Director: George Waggner
- Producer: Max Steiner
- Cast: Patricia Neal, Ward Bond, Philip Carey, Martin Milner, Jack Pennick
- IMDB: 6.6/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 83%
- Where to Watch: Netflix
Operation Pacific is a top-class submarine movie directed by George Wagner. Moreover, this movie has got a very emotional story along with an action-packed storyline. This movie shows a life of a sailor who is very much depressed and sad about his life.
A few days back, he lost his dear friend, whom he misses a lot. Along with that, his wife also signed a divorce with him, which increased his anxiety a lot.
Now he has been given a very important mission to undergo where he has to beat his opponent while he has to manage himself also as he has a very bad mental condition. What do you think he would be doing to manage the whole situation? Watch the movie now on Netflix to know what happens next.
Submarine Movies are a treat to watch during summer as they lead to a dopamine rush in the mind, making us feel better in hot summers. Also, apart from that, submarine movies are watched mostly by Western countries.
Moreover, in an analysis done by a top firm, it came to know that Americans were the highest among the people who loved watching submarine movies.
