The silent service of the Second World War, the submariners, have inspired countless films that capture the claustrophobic tension, the bravery, and the strategic importance of these underwater warriors. This collection of 10 films offers a dive into the world of WWII submarine warfare, showcasing the drama, the danger, and the daring missions that took place beneath the waves. Whether you're a history buff, a film enthusiast, or simply looking for gripping tales of survival and heroism, this selection promises to immerse you in the gripping world of WWII submarine operations.

The Enemy Below (1957)
Description: A classic cat-and-mouse game between an American destroyer and a German U-boat, highlighting the strategic and tactical aspects of naval warfare.
Fact: Robert Mitchum and Curt Jurgens, who played the opposing captains, had a real-life rivalry that added authenticity to their on-screen tension.


Operation Petticoat (1959)
Description: A light-hearted take on submarine life, where a U.S. submarine crew must deal with a pink-painted sub and a group of stranded nurses.
Fact: The film was inspired by real events, including the actual painting of a submarine pink to make it less visible to the enemy.


Das Boot (1981)
Description: A German film that provides an unvarnished look at life aboard a U-boat, showcasing the psychological and physical toll of submarine warfare during WWII.
Fact: The film was shot in a real submarine, providing an authentic feel to the claustrophobic environment.


The Hunt for Red October (1990)
Description: While set during the Cold War, it includes flashbacks to WWII, showcasing the legacy of submarine warfare and the technology advancements.
Fact: The film was based on Tom Clancy's novel, and its success led to a series of adaptations of his works.


U-571 (2000)
Description: This film, while not entirely historically accurate, captures the essence of submarine warfare with its depiction of an American crew attempting to capture an Enigma machine from a German U-boat.
Fact: The film was criticized for its historical inaccuracies, particularly for portraying the capture of the Enigma machine by Americans, when it was actually the British who did so.


The Silent Enemy (1958)
Description: This film tells the story of Italian frogmen and British divers during WWII, focusing on the underwater demolition teams and their encounters with submarines.
Fact: The film was shot in Malta, using real WWII-era equipment to add authenticity to the underwater scenes.


Above Us the Waves (1955)
Description: This British film recounts the true story of the midget submarine attack on the German battleship Tirpitz, highlighting the bravery of the submariners.
Fact: The film was based on real events, showcasing the daring and innovative tactics used by the British during WWII.


Run Silent, Run Deep (1958)
Description: Based on a novel, this film explores the tension between a submarine commander and his executive officer as they hunt a Japanese destroyer.
Fact: Clark Gable, who played the commander, was actually a real-life WWII veteran, adding depth to his performance.


Submarine X-1 (1968)
Description: A fictionalized account of British midget submarine operations against the German battleship Tirpitz, emphasizing the psychological and physical challenges faced by the crew.
Fact: The film was one of the last to feature James Caan before his breakout role in "The Godfather."


Greyhound (2020)
Description: Although primarily set in WWII, it focuses on the Battle of the Atlantic, with scenes involving submarine warfare and the tension of convoy protection.
Fact: Tom Hanks not only stars in the film but also wrote the screenplay, based on the novel "The Good Shepherd."
