If you were captivated by the tense, claustrophobic thriller 'The Pool' (2018), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 gripping movies and shows that deliver similar high-stakes survival scenarios, psychological tension, and heart-pounding suspense. Whether you loved the film's relentless pacing or its confined setting, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Abyss (1989)
Description: A deep-sea adventure with elements of survival and mystery, as a team encounters unknown dangers in the ocean depths.
Fact: The film was groundbreaking for its underwater special effects. The production was notoriously difficult, with actors enduring grueling conditions.


Deep Blue Sea (1999)
Description: A sci-fi horror film where genetically enhanced sharks turn on their creators in an isolated underwater facility.
Fact: The film is known for its unexpected twists and intense action sequences. It was one of the first movies to use CGI sharks extensively.


Open Water (2003)
Description: A harrowing tale of survival at sea, based on true events, where characters are left stranded in open water with no hope of immediate rescue.
Fact: The film used real sharks in some scenes, adding to the authenticity and tension. It was made on a very low budget but became a surprise hit.


The Descent (2005)
Description: A claustrophobic horror film where a group of explorers must survive in a cave system filled with deadly creatures.
Fact: The film was shot in a real cave system, adding to the authenticity. The UK and US versions have different endings, altering the story's impact.


The Reef (2010)
Description: A survival horror film set in the ocean, where a group of friends must navigate shark-infested waters after their boat capsizes.
Fact: The movie is loosely based on a true story. The sharks in the film were real, not CGI, which added to the realism and fear factor.


Bait (2012)
Description: A thriller set in a flooded supermarket, where survivors must evade a great white shark while trying to escape.
Fact: The film was shot in a real water tank, and the actors had to endure long hours in cold water. It blends survival horror with a unique setting.


47 Meters Down (2017)
Description: A tense underwater survival story where characters are trapped in a shark-infested environment, relying on limited resources to escape.
Fact: The movie was originally intended to be a direct-to-DVD release but was given a theatrical run 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.
Fact: The film was shot in a real ocean location, and the shark was entirely CGI. Blake Lively performed most of her own stunts.


The Meg (2018)
Description: A high-stakes action thriller featuring a massive prehistoric shark, blending survival elements with blockbuster spectacle.
Fact: The movie is based on the novel 'Meg: A Novel of Deep Terror' by Steve Alten. It took over 20 years to bring the story to the big screen.


Underwater (2020)
Description: A sci-fi horror film set in a deep-sea drilling facility, where a crew must survive against unknown creatures after a disaster.
Fact: The movie was inspired by Lovecraftian horror, though it doesn't explicitly reference H.P. Lovecraft. The creatures were designed to be mysterious and terrifying.
