Imagine the vast, open sea, the gentle sway of the ship, and the promise of adventure. Now, add a dash of suspense, a pinch of mystery, and you've got yourself a cruise thriller. These films take the serene setting of a cruise and turn it into a stage for nail-biting tension, unexpected twists, and heart-pounding action. Whether it's a murder mystery, a heist gone wrong, or a psychological game, these movies will keep you on the edge of your seat. Here's our handpicked selection of 10 cruise ship thrillers that are not only thrilling but also have an official English dub or subtitles, ensuring you won't miss a moment of the suspense.
The Poseidon Adventure (1972)
Description: A luxury cruise ship capsizes on New Year's Eve, and a group of survivors must navigate their way to safety. The film's disaster scenario and survival theme make it a classic cruise thriller.
Fact: The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Watch Now 
Dead Calm (1989)
Description: A couple on a yacht encounter a seemingly stranded man, but his arrival brings terror. This film captures the isolation and vulnerability of being at sea, perfect for a cruise thriller list.
Fact: Nicole Kidman's breakout role, and the film was shot on a real yacht in the Coral Sea.
Watch Now 
DeepStar Six (1989)
Description: While not strictly a cruise ship, this film's underwater base setting offers a similar claustrophobic environment. It's about a team of scientists and military personnel facing an unknown threat deep beneath the ocean's surface.
Fact: This was one of several underwater horror films released around the same time, competing with "The Abyss" and "Leviathan."
Watch Now 
Speed 2: Cruise Control (1997)
Description: While not as critically acclaimed as its predecessor, this sequel moves the action to a cruise ship where a hacker takes control, forcing it to speed towards an oil tanker.
Fact: The film was one of the most expensive flops in cinema history, with a budget of $160 million and box office returns of $164 million.
Watch Now 
The Perfect Storm (2000)
Description: Although not a cruise ship, this film captures the essence of a maritime adventure gone wrong, with a fishing boat crew facing a deadly storm. The tension and survival elements make it a fitting inclusion.
Fact: The film was based on a real-life event, and the special effects for the storm scenes were groundbreaking at the time.
Watch Now 
Ghost Ship (2002)
Description: A salvage crew discovers a long-lost passenger ship, only to find it's haunted by the ghosts of its passengers. The film blends horror with the eerie atmosphere of an abandoned cruise ship.
Fact: The opening scene with the cable snapping through the partygoers is one of the most memorable horror scenes in film.
Watch Now 
Open Water (2003)
Description: Although not a cruise ship, this film's setting of being stranded in the open ocean after a diving excursion captures the essence of isolation and fear akin to a cruise gone wrong.
Fact: The film was shot with a very small crew and minimal equipment, giving it a raw, documentary feel.
Watch Now 
Triangle (2009)
Description: A group of friends on a yachting trip encounter a mysterious cruise ship, leading to a time-loop horror. The film's psychological twists and turns make it a standout in the thriller genre.
Fact: The film's ending is often debated for its interpretation, adding to its mystique.
Watch Now 
The Finest Hours (2016)
Description: This film tells the true story of a Coast Guard rescue mission during a massive storm, with elements of maritime adventure and survival that echo the themes of cruise ship thrillers.
Fact: The film was based on the book by Michael J. Tougias and Casey Sherman, detailing one of the most daring rescues in Coast Guard history.
Watch Now 
Adrift (2018)
Description: A couple's sailing trip turns into a fight for survival when their yacht is hit by a hurricane. While not a cruise ship, the film's theme of being lost at sea and battling the elements fits the list.
Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life story of Tami Oldham Ashcraft and Richard Sharp, whose ordeal was documented in Ashcraft's book "Red Sky in Mourning."
Watch Now 
