If you were captivated by the intense psychological thriller 'Drowning' (2016), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 gripping movies and shows that share its dark, suspenseful themes, complex characters, and haunting narratives. Whether you loved the film's eerie atmosphere or its deep dive into human psyche, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Abyss (1989)
Description: A deep-sea science fiction film that explores the mysteries of the ocean depths, featuring underwater survival, alien encounters, and intense psychological drama.
Fact: The underwater scenes were groundbreaking for their time, with the cast and crew enduring grueling conditions to film in actual water tanks.


Deep Blue Sea (1999)
Description: A science fiction horror film set in an underwater research facility, where genetically enhanced sharks turn on their creators, blending survival horror with scientific experimentation gone wrong.
Fact: The film features one of the most unexpected and memorable death scenes in horror movie history, involving a sudden shark attack.


The Perfect Storm (2000)
Description: A dramatic retelling of a real-life maritime disaster, focusing on the crew of a fishing boat caught in a massive storm, highlighting the power and unpredictability of the sea.
Fact: The storm scenes were created using a combination of practical effects and CGI, making them some of the most realistic storm sequences ever filmed at the time.


Open Water (2003)
Description: A harrowing tale of survival at sea, based on true events, where characters are left stranded in open water, facing dehydration, sharks, and the vast, unforgiving ocean.
Fact: The film was made on a very low budget and used real sharks, adding to the authenticity and tension of the scenes.


The Cave (2005)
Description: A horror-adventure film about a team of divers exploring an uncharted cave system, only to encounter deadly creatures and the struggle to find a way out.
Fact: The cave sets were built on soundstages, but the actors underwent extensive diving training to perform many of their own underwater stunts.


Sanctum (2011)
Description: A claustrophobic survival thriller set in an underwater cave system, where a team of divers must navigate treacherous conditions and dwindling oxygen supplies to escape.
Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life experiences of one of the producers, who is an avid cave diver.


The Reef (2010)
Description: A survival horror film that follows a group stranded in the ocean after their boat capsizes, forced to swim to safety while being stalked by a great white shark.
Fact: The film is based on true events, adding a layer of realism and terror to the narrative.


47 Meters Down (2017)
Description: A suspenseful underwater horror film where characters are trapped in a shark cage at the bottom of the ocean, battling fear, limited oxygen, and relentless predators.
Fact: The movie was originally intended to be a direct-to-video release but was given a theatrical release due to its strong test screenings.


The Shallows (2016)
Description: A survival thriller set in the ocean, focusing on a lone protagonist battling against nature and predatory sea creatures, emphasizing isolation and the struggle for survival.
Fact: The film was shot in a real ocean location, and the actress performed many of her own stunts, including swimming with real sharks.


The Meg (2018)
Description: A high-octane action thriller centered around a prehistoric megalodon shark terrorizing the ocean, combining elements of survival, adventure, and monster horror.
Fact: The film is based on a bestselling novel and took nearly 20 years to adapt into a movie due to various production delays.
