10 Movies and Shows Like Deep Rising (1998)

Description: Alien, like Deep Rising, is a masterclass in suspense and horror, with a crew trapped in a confined space with a deadly creature. Both films feature a strong, resourceful female lead and a mix of sci-fi and horror elements. The tension of being hunted by an unknown, terrifying entity is a key similarity.

Fact: Alien was directed by Ridley Scott and launched the iconic franchise. The film's tagline, 'In space, no one can hear you scream,' is one of the most famous in cinema history. H.R. Giger's biomechanical designs for the Xenomorph are legendary in the sci-fi genre.

Description: The Thing and Deep Rising both feature a group of people isolated in a remote location, battling a shape-shifting, monstrous threat. The paranoia and distrust among the crew, as well as the gruesome creature effects, are strong similarities. Both films excel in building tension and delivering shocking reveals.

Fact: The Thing was directed by John Carpenter and is a remake of the 1951 film The Thing from Another World. The film was initially a box office flop but has since become a cult classic. The practical effects by Rob Bottin are still celebrated for their realism and horror.

Description: Similar to Deep Rising (1998), The Abyss is a thrilling underwater adventure that combines elements of horror, science fiction, and action. Both films feature a group of people trapped in a confined space facing an unknown and deadly threat from the depths. The visual aesthetics of deep-sea exploration and the tension of survival against overwhelming odds are key similarities.

Fact: The Abyss was directed by James Cameron, known for his meticulous attention to detail. The film pioneered the use of CGI for water effects, a groundbreaking achievement at the time. Ed Harris and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio performed many of their own underwater stunts.

Description: Like Deep Rising, DeepStar Six is a creature feature set in an underwater facility where a team encounters a deadly predator. Both films emphasize the claustrophobic tension of being trapped underwater with a relentless enemy. The military and scientific personnel dynamics are also similar, with characters struggling to maintain order as chaos erupts.

Fact: DeepStar Six was one of three underwater horror films released in 1989, alongside Leviathan and The Abyss. The film was directed by Sean S. Cunningham, best known for Friday the 13th. The creature was designed by special effects artist John Carl Buechler.

Description: Leviathan shares with Deep Rising the theme of a monstrous threat lurking in the deep, this time in the form of a genetic mutation. Both films are set in isolated environments (a mining facility vs. a cruise ship) where the crew must band together to survive against a creature that picks them off one by one. The blend of horror and sci-fi is a strong parallel.

Fact: Leviathan was part of a wave of underwater horror films released in

Description: Sphere and Deep Rising both explore the mysteries of the deep sea, though Sphere leans more into psychological sci-fi. Both films feature a team of experts encountering something otherworldly underwater, with tension mounting as the unknown threat becomes clearer. The isolation and paranoia among the crew are common themes.

Fact: Sphere is based on the novel by Michael Crichton. The film stars Dustin Hoffman, Sharon Stone, and Samuel L. Jackson. The underwater sets were some of the largest ever built at the time.

Description: Deep Blue Sea, like Deep Rising, involves a group of people trapped in a remote location with deadly creatures—this time, genetically enhanced sharks. Both films feature high-stakes action, scientific experimentation gone wrong, and a race against time to escape. The underwater research facility setting adds to the claustrophobic tension.

Fact: Deep Blue Sea was directed by Renny Harlin, known for Die Hard 2 and Cliffhanger. The film's most famous scene involves Samuel L. Jackson's unexpected death. The sharks were created using a mix of animatronics and CGI.

Description: Virus shares with Deep Rising the premise of a crew facing off against a relentless, inhuman enemy—this time, a malevolent AI. Both films feature a mix of horror and action, with the crew picked off one by one in gruesome fashion. The nautical setting and the fight for survival against an overwhelming force are key parallels.

Fact: Virus is based on a comic book series of the same name. The film was directed by John Bruno, a visual effects artist on films like The Abyss and Terminator The mechanical creatures were created using practical effects and animatronics.

Description: The Meg and Deep Rising both center around massive, prehistoric sea creatures wreaking havoc. While The Meg leans more into action and adventure, both films share the thrill of facing an ancient predator in a modern setting. The oceanic settings and the blend of horror and action are key similarities.

Fact: The Meg is based on the 1997 novel Meg: A Novel of Deep Terror by Steve Alten. Jason Statham performed many of his own underwater stunts. The film's budget was around $150 million, making it one of the most expensive shark movies ever made.

Description: Underwater mirrors Deep Rising in its setting of a deep-sea disaster with a monstrous twist. Both films feature a crew fighting for survival against not only the crushing pressure of the ocean but also terrifying creatures. The fast-paced action and suspenseful escape sequences are hallmarks of both movies.

Fact: Underwater stars Kristen Stewart in a rare action-horror role. The film's creatures were inspired by Lovecraftian mythology. The production design emphasized realism, with the cast wearing heavy, functional diving suits.