If you were captivated by the gripping documentary 'Vessel' (2015), which follows the courageous work of Women on Waves providing reproductive healthcare at sea, you'll love these 10 similar films and shows. This article explores thought-provoking documentaries and dramas that tackle themes of activism, women's rights, and social justice, offering compelling stories that will resonate with fans of 'Vessel'.

The Abyss (1989)
Description: A deep-sea diving team encounters mysterious and otherworldly phenomena, blending sci-fi with underwater suspense and psychological tension.
Fact: The underwater scenes were filmed in an abandoned nuclear reactor to create the necessary water pressure. The film won an Oscar for Best Visual Effects.


DeepStar Six (1989)
Description: A military underwater base is attacked by a prehistoric creature, leading to a fight for survival in the crushing depths.
Fact: The film was released the same year as 'Leviathan' and 'The Abyss,' creating a mini-genre of underwater horror. The creature was designed to be more animalistic than other movie monsters of the time.


Leviathan (1989)
Description: A group of deep-sea miners discovers a sunken Soviet ship and faces a monstrous genetic experiment gone wrong.
Fact: The creature effects were created by Stan Winston, known for his work on 'Aliens' and 'Predator.' The film was part of a wave of underwater horror movies released in the late 1980s.


Sphere (1998)
Description: A team of scientists investigates a mysterious spacecraft deep in the ocean, facing psychological and existential threats in an isolated environment.
Fact: The film is based on a novel by Michael Crichton. The underwater sets were built inside a massive water tank to simulate deep-sea conditions.


Open Water (2003)
Description: A couple is accidentally left behind during a scuba diving trip, facing the vast and terrifying ocean alone.
Fact: The film is based on true events and was shot on a shoestring budget. Real sharks were used in some scenes, adding to the film's realism.


The Deep House (2021)
Description: Two divers explore a submerged haunted house, encountering supernatural horrors in a claustrophobic underwater setting.
Fact: The film was shot in a real underwater location to enhance the eerie atmosphere. It combines elements of haunted house and deep-sea horror genres.


47 Meters Down (2017)
Description: Two sisters trapped in a shark cage at the bottom of the ocean must survive with limited oxygen and circling predators.
Fact: The film was originally intended to be a direct-to-DVD 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 surfer is stranded on a rock just offshore, fighting for survival against a relentless great white shark.
Fact: The film was shot in a mix of real locations and a water tank to simulate the ocean. Blake Lively performed many of her own stunts.


The Meg (2018)
Description: A massive prehistoric shark threatens a deep-sea research facility, blending action and horror with underwater suspense.
Fact: The film is based on the novel 'Meg: A Novel of Deep Terror.' The production used a mix of CGI and practical effects to bring the megalodon to life.


Underwater (2020)
Description: A crew of deep-sea researchers must survive after their facility is compromised, encountering terrifying creatures in the abyss.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life deep-sea exploration and Lovecraftian horror. The production used practical effects to enhance the claustrophobic atmosphere.
