The Second World War was a period of intense naval warfare, where submarines played a crucial role. This curated list of films delves into the claustrophobic, high-stakes environment of submarine warfare during WWII. These movies not only provide a thrilling cinematic experience but also offer insights into the psychological and strategic aspects of naval combat, making them invaluable for history buffs and film enthusiasts alike.
The Enemy Below (1957)
Description: A classic cat-and-mouse game between an American destroyer and a German U-boat, showcasing the tactical mind games of naval warfare.
Fact: The film was one of the first to depict the psychological warfare between submarine and surface ship commanders.
Watch Now
Run Silent, Run Deep (1958)
Description: This film explores the conflict between a submarine commander and his executive officer during a mission in the Pacific.
Fact: Clark Gable, who stars as the commander, was actually a real-life WWII gunner.
Watch Now
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-life incidents involving the USS Sea Tiger.
Watch Now
The Bedford Incident (1965)
Description: While not strictly a WWII film, it captures the Cold War tension aboard a U.S. destroyer hunting a Soviet submarine.
Fact: The film's plot was inspired by the real-life Cold War incident involving the USS Maddox.
Watch Now
Das Boot (1981)
Description: This German film is often hailed as one of the best war films ever made, focusing on the harrowing experiences of the crew aboard a U-boat.
Fact: The film was shot in a specially constructed submarine set, which was so realistic that some crew members experienced claustrophobia.
Watch Now
U-571 (2000)
Description: Despite historical inaccuracies, this film captures the tension of a mission to capture an Enigma machine from a German submarine.
Fact: The film's depiction of the capture of the Enigma machine was criticized for historical inaccuracies, as it was actually British forces who captured the first Enigma machine.
Watch Now
We Dive at Dawn (1943)
Description: A British submarine crew embarks on a mission to sink a German battleship, highlighting the camaraderie and tension of wartime service.
Fact: The film was made during WWII to boost morale and was based on real-life submarine operations.
Watch Now
Submarine X-1 (1968)
Description: Based on the true story of the X-craft midget submarines used by the British to attack German ships.
Fact: The film was shot in Malta, using real WWII-era submarines.
30 Days Free
Greyhound (2020)
Description: Although set in WWII, this film focuses on the Battle of the Atlantic, with a U.S. Navy commander leading his convoy against German U-boats.
Fact: The film was adapted from the novel "The Good Shepherd" by C.S. Forester, and Tom Hanks both stars and wrote the screenplay.
30 Days Free
Above Us the Waves (1955)
Description: This film recounts the true story of British midget submarines attacking the German battleship Tirpitz.
Fact: The film was shot with the cooperation of the Royal Navy, using real midget submarines.
30 Days Free
