In the vast expanse of space or the crushing depths of the ocean, the threat of decompression can turn any mission into a life-or-death struggle. These films capture the heart-pounding moments when the integrity of a vessel's hull is compromised, leading to catastrophic consequences. From astronauts fighting for survival in zero gravity to deep-sea explorers battling the pressure, this curated list offers a thrilling look at human resilience against the unforgiving forces of nature.
The Abyss (1989)
Description: A deep-sea drilling team encounters a mysterious underwater craft, but their mission is jeopardized by a series of decompression events in their submersible.
Fact: The film was shot in a specially constructed 7 million gallon tank, and James Cameron nearly drowned during one of the underwater scenes.
Watch Now 
DeepStar Six (1989)
Description: A team at an underwater military base faces a series of decompression incidents as they encounter an unknown creature.
Fact: The film was one of the first to explore the concept of underwater decompression emergencies in a sci-fi setting.
Watch Now 
Leviathan (1989)
Description: A mining crew on the ocean floor encounters a mutated creature, leading to a series of decompression incidents as they try to escape.
Fact: The film was one of several underwater horror films released in the late '80s, capitalizing on the fear of the unknown depths.
Watch Now 
Event Horizon (1997)
Description: A rescue crew investigates the disappearance of a spaceship, only to encounter a terrifying phenomenon that includes decompression events.
Fact: The film's director, Paul W.S. Anderson, used real-life astronaut training footage to enhance the film's realism.
Watch Now 
Sphere (1998)
Description: A team of scientists discovers a mysterious spacecraft on the ocean floor, where decompression becomes a critical issue as they explore its secrets.
Fact: The film was based on Michael Crichton's novel and features a scene where the crew must deal with a sudden decompression event.
Watch Now 
Armageddon (1998)
Description: A team of oil drillers is sent to space to destroy an asteroid heading towards Earth, facing numerous decompression scenarios along the way.
Fact: The film features a scene where the crew must deal with a rapid decompression event in their space shuttle.
Watch Now 
Mission to Mars (2000)
Description: A rescue mission to Mars faces numerous challenges, including a critical decompression event that threatens the crew's survival.
Fact: The film was criticized for its scientific inaccuracies but praised for its visual effects, particularly the depiction of Mars.
Watch Now 
The Core (2003)
Description: A team of scientists must drill to the Earth's core to restart its rotation, facing decompression issues in their specially designed vehicle.
Fact: The film's concept of a "ship" capable of withstanding the Earth's core conditions was inspired by Jules Verne's "Journey to the Center of the Earth."
Watch Now 
Sunshine (2007)
Description: A team of astronauts on a mission to reignite the dying sun face numerous challenges, including a critical hull breach that leads to decompression.
Fact: The film features a cameo by Cillian Murphy, who plays a physicist in the crew, and it was inspired by the real-life Icarus myth.
Watch Now 
Gravity (2013)
Description: After a space shuttle is destroyed by debris, Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) must navigate the perils of space, including the risk of decompression, to return to Earth.
Fact: The film was shot in a zero-gravity environment using a specially designed rig, and it was the first film ever to be shot entirely in space.
Watch Now 
