If you're a fan of the eerie and unsettling atmosphere of Death Ship (1980), a cult classic horror film about a haunted vessel with a dark past, you'll love these 10 similarly chilling movies and shows. This article is perfect for horror enthusiasts looking for more suspenseful, maritime-themed nightmares or stories with supernatural twists. Dive into these recommendations and discover your next favorite spine-tingling watch.

The Fog (1980)
Description: A supernatural horror film where a mysterious fog brings vengeful spirits to a coastal town. The eerie setting and the theme of isolation and dread align closely with maritime horror.
Fact: The film was inspired by a visit to Stonehenge, where John Carpenter saw a strange fog rolling in. It was originally a commercial failure but has since become a cult classic.


The Thing (1982)
Description: A sci-fi horror film about a shape-shifting alien terrorizing an isolated research team. The themes of paranoia, distrust, and survival in a hostile environment are central to the story.
Fact: The film's practical effects, created by Rob Bottin, are still considered some of the best in horror history. It was a box office flop initially but is now regarded as a classic.


The Abyss (1989)
Description: A sci-fi thriller about a diving team encountering mysterious underwater entities. The film combines elements of suspense, isolation, and the unknown, creating a tense and immersive experience.
Fact: The underwater scenes were groundbreaking for their time, using real underwater sets and innovative special effects. The film won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.


DeepStar Six (1989)
Description: Another underwater horror film where a military crew faces a monstrous threat. The confined, high-pressure environment and the crew's desperation to survive create a tense and frightening atmosphere.
Fact: The film was released the same year as 'Leviathan' and 'The Abyss,' leading to comparisons among the three. It was directed by Sean S. Cunningham, known for 'Friday the 13th.'


Leviathan (1989)
Description: A sci-fi horror film about a deep-sea mining crew encountering a deadly, mutating creature. The claustrophobic underwater setting and the crew's struggle for survival mirror themes of isolation and terror.
Fact: The creature effects were created by Stan Winston, who also worked on 'Aliens' and 'Predator.' The film was part of a wave of underwater horror movies released in the late 1980s.


Event Horizon (1997)
Description: A psychological horror film set on a spaceship that has returned from a dimension of pure evil. The ship's haunted, nightmarish environment and the crew's descent into madness are central to the story.
Fact: The film was initially a box office failure but gained a massive cult following. Many scenes were cut for being too graphic, and some footage remains lost.


Below (2002)
Description: A supernatural thriller set on a WWII submarine, where the crew is haunted by mysterious events. The confined, claustrophobic setting and the psychological tension are key elements of the film.
Fact: The film was written by Darren Aronofsky and directed by David Twohy. It was inspired by classic ghost stories and submarine films.


Ghost Ship (2002)
Description: A horror film set on an abandoned ocean liner, featuring supernatural elements and a dark, eerie atmosphere. The story revolves around a crew discovering the ship's sinister past, leading to terrifying encounters.
Fact: The opening scene, featuring a mass killing on the ship, is one of the most memorable and shocking in horror cinema. The film's soundtrack was composed by John Frizzell, known for his work on other horror and sci-fi projects.


Virus (1999)
Description: A sci-fi horror film about a crew battling a malevolent alien intelligence that takes over their ship. The blend of mechanical and biological horror creates a unique and unsettling experience.
Fact: The film is based on a comic book of the same name. The special effects were done by KNB EFX Group, known for their work on 'The Walking Dead' and 'Army of Darkness.'


The Last Voyage of the Demeter (2023)
Description: A horror film based on a chapter from 'Dracula,' focusing on a ship's crew being hunted by a vampire. The maritime setting and the creeping dread of an unseen predator are central to the story.
Fact: The film adapts a single chapter from Bram Stoker's 'Dracula,' expanding it into a full-length feature. It was delayed multiple times before its eventual release.
