Ahoy, mateys! Are you ready to set sail on a cinematic journey filled with high-octane action, daring escapades, and the salty tang of the sea? This curated list of films will take you aboard vessels where danger lurks at every turn, and the stakes are as high as the waves. Whether it's pirates, mercenaries, or rogue waves, these movies deliver the thrill of adventure on the open water. So, grab your life jacket, and let's dive into the top 10 action films set on ships!

DeepStar Six (1989)
Description: While not exclusively a ship film, this underwater action thriller involves a military base on the ocean floor that feels like a ship in its isolation and claustrophobia, facing an unknown threat from the deep.
Fact: The film was one of the first to use CGI for underwater scenes, paving the way for future underwater action films.


The Hunt for Red October (1990)
Description: Based on Tom Clancy's novel, this film features a Soviet submarine captain planning to defect to the U.S. with his crew, leading to a thrilling cat-and-mouse game on the high seas.
Fact: Sean Connery, who played the Soviet captain, had to learn to speak with a Russian accent for authenticity.


Under Siege (1992)
Description: A rogue CIA operative takes over a battleship during a birthday party for the ship's commander, leading to a one-man stand against the terrorists by a former Navy SEAL.
Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life incident of the USS Iowa turret explosion in


Crimson Tide (1995)
Description: A nuclear submarine faces a mutiny when its captain and executive officer clash over whether to launch nuclear missiles, creating a tense atmosphere aboard the ship.
Fact: The film was shot on a real submarine, giving viewers an authentic feel of life underwater.


The Ghost and the Darkness (1996)
Description: While not set on a ship, this film involves a ship journey to Africa where two man-eating lions terrorize a railway construction crew, showcasing the dangers of travel in the late 19th century.
Fact: The lions in the film were real, trained animals, and the movie was based on true events.


U-571 (2000)
Description: This World War II film follows an American submarine crew's daring mission to capture an Enigma machine from a German U-boat, showcasing the intense atmosphere of submarine warfare.
Fact: Despite its historical inaccuracies, the film was praised for its realistic portrayal of submarine life and tension.


The Perfect Storm (2000)
Description: This film captures the harrowing tale of the Andrea Gail, a fishing boat caught in the fury of a massive storm. It's a gripping portrayal of human endurance against the relentless power of nature, making it a perfect fit for our list.
Fact: The film was based on a true story, and the special effects team recreated the storm using a combination of real footage and CGI, making it one of the most realistic storm sequences in cinema.


Captain Phillips (2013)
Description: This film recounts the true story of the 2009 hijacking by Somali pirates of the U.S. container ship Maersk Alabama, focusing on the tense negotiations and rescue operation.
Fact: Tom Hanks underwent extensive training to portray the real-life Captain Richard Phillips.


The Finest Hours (2016)
Description: Based on a true story, this film depicts the Coast Guard's daring rescue of the crew from the sinking tanker SS Pendleton, highlighting the bravery of the rescuers and the ship's crew.
Fact: The film used practical effects to recreate the storm and the rescue, with real Coast Guard boats used in the filming.


Black Sea (2014)
Description: A submarine crew, led by a disgraced captain, embarks on a mission to recover gold from a sunken Nazi U-boat, facing both external dangers and internal conflicts.
Fact: The film was shot in a real submarine, adding to the claustrophobic atmosphere and authenticity of the setting.
