10 Movies and Shows Like The Abyss (1989)

Description: This film shares 'The Abyss's' setting of an underwater facility threatened by a mysterious deep-sea creature. Both explore the dangers of deep-sea exploration and the psychological strain on isolated crews.

Fact: One of several underwater horror films released in

Description: Like 'The Abyss', 'Leviathan' is set in a deep-sea mining operation and involves a crew facing a terrifying, unknown threat. Both films combine horror and sci-fi elements, with claustrophobic underwater settings and themes of corporate greed versus survival.

Fact: Released the same year as 'The Abyss'. Features early roles for Peter Weller and Richard Crenna. The creature effects were done by Stan Winston, who also worked on 'Aliens'.

Description: Similar to 'The Abyss', 'Sphere' explores deep-sea exploration and encounters with mysterious, otherworldly phenomena. Both films blend science fiction with psychological thriller elements, focusing on human reactions to the unknown. The underwater setting and the theme of isolation under pressure are key parallels.

Fact: Based on Michael Crichton's novel. Features an ensemble cast including Dustin Hoffman and Sharon Stone. The film's special effects were groundbreaking for its time.

Description: Like 'The Abyss', this film explores an underwater cave system with unknown dangers. Both feature teams of specialists facing both environmental and supernatural threats in confined spaces.

Fact: Features creatures adapted to complete darkness. Shot in Romania and the Dominican Republic. The cave sets were built in a former Soviet aircraft hangar.

Description: Similar to 'The Abyss's' cave diving sequences, 'Sanctum' focuses on extreme underwater cave exploration and survival. Both films showcase the dangers and beauty of underwater environments.

Fact: Produced by James Cameron. Based on a true story. Used real cave divers as consultants.

Description: While a horror film, it shares 'The Abyss's' underwater exploration theme and the discovery of something terrifying beneath the surface. Both use the underwater environment to create tension and mystery.

Fact: Unique premise of a haunted house underwater. Filmed in an actual submerged house. Uses long takes to enhance claustrophobia.

Description: Shares 'The Abyss's' themes of deep-water survival and the psychological terror of being trapped underwater. Both films use the ocean's depth to create intense pressure and suspense.

Fact: Originally intended for direct-to-video release. The sequel was filmed back-to-back. Used real shark footage blended with CGI.

Description: While set in shallower waters, it shares 'The Abyss's' focus on survival against oceanic threats and the psychological toll of isolation in water. Both films showcase human resilience in aquatic environments.

Fact: Blake Lively performed most of her own stunts. The shark was entirely CGI. Filmed in Australia using a mechanical wave pool.

Description: While more action-oriented, 'The Meg' shares 'The Abyss's' theme of deep-sea exploration encountering the unknown. Both films feature underwater research facilities and the threat of massive, prehistoric sea creatures.

Fact: Based on the novel 'Meg: A Novel of Deep Terror'. Jason Statham's first major foray into sci-fi. The megalodon design went through multiple iterations.

Description: This film mirrors 'The Abyss's' claustrophobic underwater setting and sudden disaster scenario. Both involve deep-sea drilling operations facing existential threats, blending sci-fi and survival horror elements.

Fact: Features Kristen Stewart in a rare action role. The creature design was inspired by H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu. Filmed in massive water tanks to simulate pressure.