If you loved the thrilling underwater adventure of 'Octopus! (2025)' and are craving more suspenseful marine mysteries, this article is for you! We've curated a list of 10 gripping movies and shows that share the same eerie, deep-sea tension and unexpected twists. Dive in and discover your next favorite aquatic thriller!

The Abyss (1989)
Description: This film explores deep-sea exploration and encounters with mysterious, otherworldly entities, blending science fiction with underwater suspense.
Fact: The underwater scenes were filmed in an abandoned nuclear reactor to create the necessary large water tanks. The film won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.


Leviathan (1989)
Description: A sci-fi horror film about deep-sea miners who encounter a terrifying genetic experiment gone wrong, blending elements of isolation and biological horror.
Fact: The creature effects were created by Stan Winston, known for his work on 'Aliens' and 'Predator.' The film was one of several underwater-themed horror movies released in the late 1980s.


Sphere (1998)
Description: A psychological thriller set in the deep sea, featuring a team of scientists who discover a mysterious object with unknown origins, leading to paranoia and existential dread.
Fact: The movie is based on a novel by Michael Crichton. The underwater sets were built inside a massive water tank to simulate the ocean depths.


Deep Blue Sea (1999)
Description: A high-stakes survival horror set in an underwater research facility, where genetically enhanced sharks turn against their creators.
Fact: The film's iconic scene where a shark bursts through a window was achieved using a real shark prop and careful timing. It was one of the first films to use CGI for realistic shark movements.


Open Water (2003)
Description: A minimalist survival horror film about a couple accidentally left behind during a scuba diving trip, facing the vast and unforgiving ocean.
Fact: The film was shot on a shoestring budget using real sharks and minimal special effects. It is based on the true story of Tom and Eileen Lonergan, who were left behind during a dive in Australia.


The Reef (2010)
Description: A survival horror based on true events, following a group stranded in open water and hunted by a great white shark, emphasizing realism and dread.
Fact: The film uses real shark footage to enhance its authenticity. It was inspired by the true story of a shipwreck survivor who swam through shark-infested waters.


47 Meters Down (2017)
Description: A claustrophobic horror film about two sisters trapped in a shark cage at the bottom of the ocean, battling dwindling oxygen and predatory sharks.
Fact: The movie was originally intended for a direct-to-video release but was given a theatrical run due to its strong test screenings. The sequel, '47 Meters Down: Uncaged,' explores underwater caves.


The Shallows (2016)
Description: A survival thriller focusing on a lone surfer trapped on a rock, hunted by a great white shark, emphasizing tension and isolation in the open ocean.
Fact: The film was shot in a combination of real ocean locations and a controlled water tank. The shark was created using a mix of animatronics and CGI.


The Meg (2018)
Description: A thrilling adventure centered around a massive prehistoric shark, combining deep-sea exploration with action-packed survival scenarios.
Fact: The Megalodon in the film was designed based on scientific estimates of its size and appearance. The movie is loosely based on the novel 'Meg: A Novel of Deep Terror' by Steve Alten.


Underwater (2020)
Description: A tense survival horror set in a deep-sea drilling station, where a crew must navigate claustrophobic environments and evade unknown creatures.
Fact: The film's production design was inspired by real deep-sea submersibles and underwater habitats. It features a unique blend of practical effects and CGI for its creatures.
