Imagine the pressure of the deep sea, the isolation, and the constant threat of disaster. Underwater labs, with their unique setting, provide a thrilling backdrop for films where science, survival, and human drama intertwine. This curated list of 10 disaster films set in underwater labs will take you on a journey through the abyss, where every breath could be your last. Whether you're a fan of suspense, action, or the sheer terror of the unknown, these films offer a gripping narrative that's as deep as the ocean itself.

Sphere (1998)
Description: Based on Michael Crichton's novel, this film involves a team of scientists exploring a mysterious spacecraft at the bottom of the ocean. The underwater lab setting provides a backdrop for psychological and physical threats.
Fact: The film features a star-studded cast including Dustin Hoffman, Sharon Stone, and Samuel L. Jackson.


Deep Impact (1998)
Description: While not exclusively set in an underwater lab, the film includes scenes where scientists work in underwater facilities to develop a plan to save humanity from a comet strike.
Fact: The film was released in the same year as "Armageddon," leading to comparisons between the two comet/asteroid disaster films.


The Perfect Storm (2000)
Description: While not set in an underwater lab, the film includes scenes where researchers in an underwater facility monitor the storm's impact on the ocean, adding to the realism of the disaster.
Fact: The film is based on the true story of the Andrea Gail fishing boat, which was lost at sea during the 1991 Perfect Storm.


The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
Description: Although primarily a climate change disaster film, it features scenes in an underwater lab where scientists study the effects of global warming on the ocean currents.
Fact: The film was one of the first to bring the concept of climate change to the mainstream audience in a dramatic fashion.


Underwater (2020)
Description: A modern take on the underwater disaster genre, where a crew must navigate the ocean floor after their drilling station is destroyed. The film's setting in a high-tech underwater lab adds a contemporary twist to the classic theme.
Fact: The film was Kristen Stewart's first major role in a science fiction film, showcasing her versatility as an actress.


The Abyss (1989)
Description: This James Cameron classic explores the depths of the ocean where a team of deep-sea oil workers encounter an alien intelligence. The film's setting in an underwater lab adds to the tension and claustrophobia of the situation.
Fact: The film was shot in an actual underwater facility, requiring the cast and crew to undergo extensive diving training. It was also one of the first films to use CGI extensively for underwater scenes.


The Abyss (1989)
Description: This James Cameron classic explores the depths of the ocean where a team of deep-sea oil workers encounter an alien intelligence. The film's setting in an underwater lab adds to the tension and claustrophobia of the situation.
Fact: The film was shot in an actual underwater facility, requiring the cast and crew to undergo extensive diving training. It was also one of the first films to use CGI extensively for underwater scenes.


DeepStar Six (1989)
Description: A group of scientists and military personnel in an underwater military base face a mysterious creature awakened by their drilling operations. The film captures the essence of isolation and the unknown in the deep sea.
Fact: The film was released in the same year as "The Abyss" and "Leviathan," creating a sort of underwater disaster film trilogy.


DeepStar Six (1989)
Description: A group of scientists and military personnel in an underwater military base face a mysterious creature awakened by their drilling operations. The film captures the essence of isolation and the unknown in the deep sea.
Fact: The film was released in the same year as "The Abyss" and "Leviathan," creating a sort of underwater disaster film trilogy.


Leviathan (1989)
Description: Set in a deep-sea mining facility, this film follows a crew who encounter a mutated creature after salvaging a sunken Russian ship. The underwater lab setting amplifies the horror and suspense.
Fact: The film was inspired by the novel "The Sphere" by Michael Crichton, although it deviates significantly from the source material.
