Ahoy, mystery lovers! If you're a fan of both detective stories and the open sea, you're in for a treat. Here's a curated list of 10 films where the salty air meets the sharp mind of a detective. These movies not only offer a thrilling plot but also the unique setting of a boat, which adds an extra layer of suspense and isolation. From classic whodunits to modern thrillers, these films will keep you guessing until the very end. So, grab your detective hat, and let's set sail into the world of maritime mysteries.

The Lady Vanishes (1938)
Description: Although not exclusively set on a boat, this Alfred Hitchcock classic involves a train journey where a woman mysteriously disappears. The train's journey through Europe adds a sense of motion akin to a boat voyage, making it a unique entry.
Fact: The film was remade in 1979 with a different plot but kept the title.


The Sea Wolf (1941)
Description: Based on Jack London's novel, this film features a tyrannical sea captain and the passengers who must navigate his cruelty. The ship setting provides a backdrop for psychological tension and detective-like intrigue.
Fact: Edward G. Robinson's portrayal of the captain, Wolf Larsen, is considered one of his finest roles.


The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947)
Description: A widow moves into a cottage haunted by the ghost of a sea captain. While not a detective story per se, the film involves unraveling the captain's past and his mysterious death, making it a unique addition to this list.
Fact: The film was adapted into a TV series in the late 1960s.


The Deep (1977)
Description: A couple diving off Bermuda discovers a shipwreck with valuable artifacts, leading to a treasure hunt and a series of mysterious events. The underwater setting and the investigation into the shipwreck's secrets make it a thrilling detective story.
Fact: The film was based on Peter Benchley's novel, who also wrote "Jaws."


The Fog (1980)
Description: John Carpenter's horror film involves a small town being haunted by ghostly mariners seeking revenge. The investigation into the town's history and the fog's origin adds a detective element to the eerie maritime setting.
Fact: The film was remade in 2005, but the original remains a cult classic.


The Boat (1981)
Description: This German war film follows the crew of a U-boat during World War II. While primarily a war film, the claustrophobic environment and the crew's struggle for survival add elements of a detective story as they try to outwit their enemies.
Fact: The film was adapted into a TV miniseries in 1985, which included additional scenes not in the theatrical release.


Dead Calm (1989)
Description: This Australian thriller follows a couple on a yacht who pick up a seemingly stranded sailor, only to find themselves in a deadly game of cat and mouse. The boat setting amplifies the tension and claustrophobia, making it a perfect fit for this list.
Fact: The film was based on the novel by Charles Williams and was remade in Hollywood in 2009 with the same title.


The Perfect Storm (2000)
Description: While not a traditional detective story, this film involves a crew of fishermen facing a storm, with elements of survival and investigation into their fate. The boat setting and the mystery of their survival make it a compelling watch.
Fact: The film is based on the true story of the Andrea Gail fishing vessel, which was lost at sea during the 1991 Perfect Storm.


The Ghost Ship (1943)
Description: A psychological horror film where a young sailor aboard a merchant ship starts to suspect that the captain is a murderer. The eerie atmosphere and the ship's isolation make it a classic detective tale on the water.
Fact: The film was produced by Val Lewton, known for his low-budget horror films that often had a psychological twist.


The Ghost Ship (1943)
Description: A psychological horror film where a young sailor aboard a merchant ship starts to suspect that the captain is a murderer. The eerie atmosphere and the ship's isolation make it a classic detective tale on the water.
Fact: The film was produced by Val Lewton, known for his low-budget horror films that often had a psychological twist.
