7 of the scariest water-based movies that'll make you scared of the ocean
Water-based movies continue to captivate audiences worldwide, but they can also be quite scary for some viewers. These types of films effectively use the vastness and mystery of the ocean to create suspense and fear in the audience. It's that fear of the unknown. That fear of what might be lurking in the depths can unsettle many viewers. I mean, imagine being trapped underwater with limited resources and an unknown predator eager to make you its meal. That would be truly terrifying!
Are you looking for something to watch that'll have you on the edge of your seat? If so, you should check out our list below of some of the scariest water-based movies. These films will definitely make you scared of the ocean!
Jaws (1975)
Directed by Steven Spielberg, Jaws follows a local police chief, a marine biologist, and a professional shark hunter who join forces to hunt down and kill a man-eating great white shark that's been terrorizing a small seaside town. Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss, Lorraine Gary, and Murray Hamilton star.
Where to watch: Starz streaming service, available to rent or purchase on digital platforms
Underwater (2020)
Underwater takes place seven miles below the ocean's surface and follows a group of researchers and engineers working in a deep-sea drilling station. When a mysterious earthquake strikes their station, the crew must do everything they can to get to safety. However, they soon find that getting to safety won't be easy when they encounter and come under attack by mysterious and deadly creatures that resemble humanoid sea monsters.
The ensemble cast is made up of Twilight's Kristen Stewart, Vincent Cassel, Jessica Henwick, John Gallagher Jr., Mamoudou Athie, and T.J. Miller.
Where to watch: available to rent or purchase on digital platforms such as Amazon Video, Google Play, Vudu, etc.
47 Meters Down (2017)
In 47 Meters Down, the plot centers around two sisters, who while on vacation in Mexico, gets invited to cage dive in shark-infested waters. But what was supposed to be a fun activity turns into a nightmare when the winch system holding the cage they're in breaks, and the cage sinks to the ocean floor. Now, the sisters must quickly find a way to escape before their air supply runs out and before they end up food for the bloodthirsty, great white sharks stalking nearby.
Claire Holt and Mandy Moore star as the two sisters, Kate and Lisa. Joining them in the cast are Matthew Modine, Chris Johnson, Yani Gellman, and Santiago Segura. After watching this film, you should check out its sequel 47 Meters Down: Uncaged. In addition, a third film titled The Wreck is currently in the works.
Where to watch: Starz streaming service, available to rent or purchase on digital platforms
Leviathan (1989)
Set in the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, Leviathan centers around a crew of an underwater geological facility who find themselves in a battle for survival against a monstrous hybrid creature. Peter Weller, Richard Crenna, Amanda Pays, Daniel Stern, Ernie Hudson, Michael Carmine, Lisa Eilbacher, and Héctor Elizondo all star in this sci-fi horror film.
Where to watch: Max, available to rent or purchase on digital platforms
Open Water (2003)
Inspired by true events, Open Water follows an American couple and experienced scuba divers, Daniel Kintner and Susan Watkins, who decide to go scuba diving on a tropical vacation, only to find themselves stranded in shark-infested waters after the crew of their boat accidentally leaves them behind. Blanchard Ryan, Daniel Travis, Saul Stein, Michael E. Williamson, Cristina Zenato, John Charles, and Estelle Lau star in this water-based movie.
Where to watch: Max, available to rent or purchase on digital platforms
The Abyss (1989)
The Abyss is an Academy Award-winning movie written and directed by James Cameron. It follows a civilian underwater diving team as they search for a missing American nuclear submarine deep in the depths of the ocean. But what they end up finding is something otherworldly: an alien aquatic species. Ed Harris, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Michael Biehn, and many others star in this gripping and visually stunning science fiction film.
Where to watch: Hulu, AMC+, available to rent or purchase on digital platforms
The Reef (2010)
The Reef is a tense Australian survival horror film about a group of friends who find themselves stranded in shark-infested waters after their boat capsizes while sailing to Indonesia. With only one chance of survival, they try to swim to a nearby island, but they soon find themselves being picked off one by one by a relentless great white shark. The cast is made up of Damian Walshe-Howling, Zoe Naylor, Gyton Grantley, Adrienne Pickering, Kieran Darcy-Smith, and Mark Simpson.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, available to rent or purchase on digital platforms
What are some of your favorite scary water-based movies?
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