If you loved the gripping tension and high-stakes drama of 'Dangerous Waters' (2023), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 thrilling movies and shows that deliver similar adrenaline-pumping action, suspense, and nautical peril. Whether you're a fan of survival thrillers or maritime mysteries, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Abyss (1989)
Description: A deep-sea diving team encounters mysterious and otherworldly forces, combining sci-fi wonder with underwater suspense.
Fact: Pioneered CGI for its underwater alien effects. The production was notoriously difficult, with actors performing in actual underwater conditions.


Deep Blue Sea (1999)
Description: A sci-fi horror flick where genetically enhanced sharks turn a research facility into a battleground, mixing action with survival instincts.
Fact: Features one of the most unexpected character deaths in horror cinema. The sharks were animatronic and CGI, with some scenes using real sharks.


The Perfect Storm (2000)
Description: A gripping survival thriller set against the merciless power of the ocean, showcasing human resilience in the face of nature's fury.
Fact: Based on a true story of the Andrea Gail, a fishing vessel caught in the 1991 Perfect Storm. The film's storm sequences were created using a combination of practical effects and CGI.


Open Water (2003)
Description: A harrowing tale of being stranded in the vast ocean, focusing on psychological terror and the vulnerability of humans in the wild.
Fact: Inspired by true events of two divers left behind by their boat. The film used real sharks, adding to its raw, documentary-like feel.


Poseidon (2006)
Description: A disaster film where passengers must escape a capsized ocean liner, emphasizing frantic survival against overwhelming odds.
Fact: A remake of the 1972 film 'The Poseidon Adventure.' The ship's sets were built to tilt, creating realistic disorientation for actors.


The Reef (2010)
Description: A survival horror film where a group must navigate shark-infested waters, blending real-life danger with primal fear.
Fact: Uses real footage of great white sharks to enhance authenticity. The film is loosely based on the true story of Ray Boundy's survival in


The Finest Hours (2016)
Description: A historical rescue mission braving treacherous seas, highlighting courage and teamwork in life-or-death conditions.
Fact: Based on the 1952 U.S. Coast Guard rescue of the SS Pendleton. The film used a combination of practical effects and CGI for its storm sequences.


47 Meters Down (2017)
Description: A claustrophobic underwater thriller where characters face dwindling oxygen and lurking predators, amplifying tension and dread.
Fact: Originally intended for a direct-to-video release but was upgraded to theaters due to strong test screenings. The sequel, '47 Meters Down: Uncaged,' explores underwater caves.


The Shallows (2016)
Description: A tense, isolated survival story where the protagonist must outwit a relentless predator in the open water, emphasizing suspense and personal determination.
Fact: Filmed primarily in a water tank in Australia, with the shark being entirely CGI. The movie's runtime is a tight 86 minutes, heightening its intensity.


The Meg (2018)
Description: A high-stakes adventure pitting humans against a prehistoric megalodon, blending deep-sea terror with blockbuster spectacle.
Fact: Based on the 1997 novel 'Meg: A Novel of Deep Terror.' The film's production involved massive water tanks and extensive CGI for the megalodon.
