- Operation Petticoat (1959)
- The Hunt for Red October (1990)
- U-571 (2000)
- K-19: The Widowmaker (2002)
- Submarine: Steel Boats, Iron Men (1989)
- The Silent War (2012)
- Beneath the Surface: The Story of the USS Thresher (2013)
- The Silent Service (1995)
- Submarine Warfare: The Battle Beneath the Waves (2007)
- Kursk: The Last Mission (2018)
Submarines have always captured our imagination, offering a glimpse into the mysterious depths of our oceans. These documentaries not only showcase the engineering marvels of these underwater vessels but also delve into the human stories, historical events, and the breathtaking underwater landscapes. Here's a curated list of 10 must-watch submarine documentaries that will take you on an unforgettable journey beneath the sea.

Operation Petticoat (1959)
Description: Although a comedy, this film is loosely based on real events and offers a light-hearted look at the challenges faced by a WWII submarine crew.
Fact: The film was inspired by the true story of the USS Sea Tiger, which was painted pink to avoid detection.


The Hunt for Red October (1990)
Description: While a fictional tale, this film is based on Tom Clancy's novel and provides a thrilling narrative around the defection of a Soviet submarine captain.
Fact: The film was one of the first to use CGI to depict submarine interiors and underwater scenes.


U-571 (2000)
Description: This film, while dramatized, is inspired by the true story of the capture of the German Enigma machine by the Allies during WWII.
Fact: The movie was controversial for its historical inaccuracies but praised for its depiction of submarine warfare.


K-19: The Widowmaker (2002)
Description: This film, while not a documentary, is based on real events and provides a dramatic insight into the life aboard the Soviet submarine K-19, known for its nuclear reactor meltdown.
Fact: The film was shot in Canada and Russia, with the Russian Navy providing authentic submarines for filming.


Submarine: Steel Boats, Iron Men (1989)
Description: This documentary captures the essence of life on a submarine during World War II, showcasing the bravery and camaraderie of the crew.
Fact: It includes footage from actual WWII submarine missions, providing an authentic historical perspective.


The Silent War (2012)
Description: This documentary explores the Cold War's underwater battles, focusing on the intense rivalry between the US and Soviet submarine forces.
Fact: It includes interviews with former submariners from both sides of the Iron Curtain, offering a rare dual perspective.


Beneath the Surface: The Story of the USS Thresher (2013)
Description: A detailed look into the tragic loss of the USS Thresher, the first nuclear submarine to sink, and its impact on naval safety protocols.
Fact: The documentary features exclusive interviews with survivors and experts on submarine safety.


The Silent Service (1995)
Description: A documentary series that explores the history of the US Navy's submarine force, from its inception to modern times.
Fact: It features interviews with submariners from different eras, giving a broad historical overview.


Submarine Warfare: The Battle Beneath the Waves (2007)
Description: This documentary delves into the tactics, technology, and human stories behind submarine warfare during both World Wars.
Fact: It includes rare archival footage and interviews with veterans who served on submarines.


Kursk: The Last Mission (2018)
Description: This documentary recounts the tragic sinking of the Russian submarine Kursk in 2000, exploring the events leading up to the disaster and its aftermath.
Fact: The film includes personal accounts from survivors and family members, offering an emotional depth to the story.
