If you were captivated by the gripping documentary 'The Last Cruise' (2021), which chronicles the harrowing experiences aboard a cruise ship at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, you'll love these 10 similar movies and shows. This article is your guide to equally intense and thought-provoking stories that explore themes of crisis, survival, and human resilience. Whether you're a fan of documentaries or dramatic retellings, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Abyss (1989)
Description: A deep-sea diving team encounters mysterious and potentially alien forces, combining underwater suspense with themes of discovery and survival.
Fact: The film pioneered several underwater filming techniques, including the use of a specially designed pressurized tank. The production was notoriously difficult, with actors and crew enduring grueling conditions.


Titanic (1997)
Description: A dramatic tale set on a doomed ship, blending human stories with the overwhelming power of the sea, showcasing survival and tragedy.
Fact: The film's budget was the most expensive at its time, costing around $200 million. It won 11 Academy Awards, tying with 'Ben-Hur' for the most Oscars won by a single film.


The Perfect Storm (2000)
Description: Chronicles the harrowing ordeal of a fishing crew caught in one of the worst storms in recorded history, highlighting the unpredictability and danger of the sea.
Fact: Based on a true story, the film used a combination of practical effects and CGI to recreate the massive storm. The real-life event inspired significant changes in maritime weather forecasting.


The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)
Description: A quirky, stylized adventure following a marine explorer and his crew, blending humor with the unpredictable and often dangerous nature of ocean exploration.
Fact: The film features stop-motion animated sea creatures created by Henry Selick, the director of 'The Nightmare Before Christmas'. The underwater scenes were filmed in a specially constructed tank in Italy.


Open Water (2003)
Description: A chilling, minimalist survival story about a couple accidentally left behind during a scuba diving trip, facing the vast, indifferent ocean.
Fact: The film was shot on a very low budget, using real sharks to heighten the sense of danger. It's based loosely on the true story of Tom and Eileen Lonergan, who were left behind during a dive in Australia.


Poseidon (2006)
Description: Focuses on a group of passengers fighting for survival after their luxury liner is capsized by a rogue wave, emphasizing human resilience against maritime disasters.
Fact: The film is a remake of the 1972 movie 'The Poseidon Adventure'. Most of the underwater scenes were filmed in a giant water tank built specifically for the movie.


Captain Phillips (2013)
Description: A tense, real-life account of a cargo ship's hijacking by pirates, showcasing the vulnerability of seafarers and the high stakes of maritime security.
Fact: The film's antagonist was played by a first-time actor who was discovered in a local casting call. The U.S. Navy provided actual ships and personnel for the movie's production.


All Is Lost (2013)
Description: A solitary sailor's struggle for survival after his yacht is damaged at sea, focusing on the silent, intense battle against nature's indifference.
Fact: The film features almost no dialogue, relying entirely on visual storytelling. The lead actor performed most of his own stunts, including prolonged sequences in open water.


The Finest Hours (2016)
Description: Depicts a daring Coast Guard rescue mission during a brutal nor'easter, emphasizing bravery and teamwork in the face of overwhelming odds at sea.
Fact: Based on the true story of the 1952 SS Pendleton rescue, one of the most daring in Coast Guard history. The film used a combination of practical effects and CGI to recreate the stormy seas.


The Mercy (2018)
Description: Tells the true story of a man's ill-fated attempt to sail solo around the world, exploring themes of ambition, isolation, and the sea's merciless nature.
Fact: The film is based on the mysterious disappearance of Donald Crowhurst during the 1968 Sunday Times Golden Globe Race. Much of the filming took place at sea to capture authentic conditions.
