The vast, unpredictable ocean has always been a source of fear and fascination, making it the perfect setting for horror films. This collection of 10 horror films set on boats offers a unique blend of isolation, claustrophobia, and the unknown, delivering spine-chilling experiences that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether it's ghostly apparitions, sea monsters, or human madness, these films explore the terror that can unfold when you're adrift on the open sea.

The Fog (1980)
Description: While not entirely set on a boat, this John Carpenter classic involves a small coastal town being haunted by a ghostly fog that emanates from the sea, bringing with it the vengeful spirits of a shipwrecked crew.
Fact: The film was remade in 2005, but the original remains a cult classic for its atmospheric horror.


Dead Calm (1989)
Description: A couple grieving the loss of their child encounter a deranged man on their yacht in the middle of the ocean. The film's tension is derived from the psychological horror of human madness in an isolated setting.
Fact: Nicole Kidman's performance in this film was one of her early breakout roles.


Below (2002)
Description: Set during World War II, this film involves a submarine crew encountering supernatural forces after picking up survivors from a torpedoed ship. The claustrophobic setting and the psychological horror elements make it a gripping watch.
Fact: The film was directed by David Twohy, who also directed "The Arrival" and "Pitch Black."


Ghost Ship (2002)
Description: This film follows a salvage crew that discovers a long-lost Italian ocean liner, only to find it haunted by the spirits of its passengers. The eerie atmosphere and the mysterious backstory of the ship make it a quintessential horror film set on a boat.
Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life legend of the Mary Celeste, a ship found adrift with no crew in


Open Water (2003)
Description: Based on a true story, this film follows a couple left behind by their scuba diving group, stranded in shark-infested waters. The film's tension comes from the isolation and the looming threat of the ocean's predators.
Fact: The film was shot in the actual ocean, with the actors experiencing real-life conditions, adding to the authenticity of the terror.


Triangle (2009)
Description: A psychological horror film where a group of friends on a yacht trip encounter a mysterious, seemingly abandoned ocean liner. The film delves into time loops and the supernatural, making it a unique entry in the horror boat genre.
Fact: The film's ending has sparked numerous theories and discussions among fans about its meaning and interpretation.


The Reef (2010)
Description: After their boat capsizes, a group of friends must swim to safety while being stalked by a great white shark. The film's realism and the relentless pursuit by the shark make it a terrifying watch.
Fact: The film was shot in a tank with real sharks, enhancing the authenticity of the shark attacks.


The Shallows (2016)
Description: While not on a boat, this film features a surfer stranded on a rock 200 yards from shore, with a great white shark circling her. The film's setting on the water and the survival horror elements align with the theme.
Fact: The film was praised for its use of practical effects to create the shark, rather than relying solely on CGI.


DeepStar Six (1989)
Description: Set in an underwater military base, this film features a crew facing a prehistoric sea creature awakened by their drilling operations. Although not strictly on a boat, the claustrophobic setting and the terror of the deep sea fit the theme perfectly.
Fact: The film was one of several underwater-themed horror movies released in the late 1980s, competing with "The Abyss" and "Leviathan."


Leviathan (1989)
Description: A mining crew on the ocean floor encounters a mutated creature after discovering an old Russian shipwreck. The film combines elements of sci-fi and horror, with the deep-sea setting adding to the isolation and fear.
Fact: The creature design was influenced by H.R. Giger's work on "Alien."
