5 Movies About Sea Tragedy That Will Dive You Deep in Stressful Thoughts

Before starting, let’s just admit that it isn’t the seas or the oceans that terrify us. It’s not knowing what can happen to us while being in them, that terrifies us. So when I talk about 5 movies about sea tragedy, I won’t be blaming the sea or nature or anything for that matter. It’s just fate. 

However, thanks to the makers of the following movies, sea tragedies are something that we have experienced sitting at home. I even developed Thalassophobia after watching Jaws. But that’s a different thing. Thankfully, I have been able to keep my fear of deep seas, and oceans separate from my love for movies. This article is a result of that gap. So here goes. 

5 Movies About Sea Tragedy

Jaws (1975)

While oceans are as old as Earth itself, the fear of the deep was explored on-screen only recently (not that recently, but in the large scheme of things) by a guy named Steven Spielberg. 1975’s Jaws, directed by Spielberg, brought us face to face with a fear that was inside us, but we didn’t know. It won’t be wrong to say that the film gave birth to the shark genre in movies.

The menacing shark Bruce (machine), as well as the Great White Shark whose footage was used, along with John Williams’ legendary ‘da, duh’ theme, make this film a must-watch for cinephiles. You may not address the movie as a sea tragedy, but whenever there is a discussion of sea tragedy in movies, the name of Jaws will be among the first to come up. As for me, the reason it has made it to this list is that sharks are pioneers of sea tragedies. Then come things like icebergs, speaking of which.

Titanic (1997)

James Cameron’s magnum opus, Titanic, is based on the 1912’s sea tragedy wherein the Titanic sank during its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York. The film has to be an honourable mention in this catalogue, especially after the shocking incident involving the tragic implosion of the Oceangate submersible Titan that led to the death of all five people on board. They were all headed to see the remains of the Titanic at the bottom of the North Atlantic. What makes film tragic is how it makes us wonder if whatever happened in the film happened in real life as well.

As for me, a shipwreck at night is fine. Not enough rescue boats are fine. Freezing cold waters is fine too. I have my life jacket. But it’s what in those dark, cold waters that send shivers down my spine. Even as tears rolled down my eyes as I watched Rose let Jack go, and him drowning, I couldn’t help but imagine a Great White shark making rounds underneath, just waiting for the right moment to lay to rest its midnight cravings.

Also Read: 10 Influencers Who Also Acted in Movies Making You Think You’ve Seen Them Somewhere: Kusha Kapila, Addison Rae and Others

The Shallows (2016)

Some may call it a sea tragedy while others may not, but what happens to Blake Lively’s Nancy Adams in The Shallows (directed by Jaume Collet-Serra) is nothing less terrifying. No, she doesn’t die, but to see her being stranded on a small rock far from land (200 yards to be precise) with a great white making rounds around it is indeed tragic. She is hurt badly, and there’s no way out until she finds one. Definitely, a worthy addition to this catastrophic list. 

The Perfect Storm (2000)

Directed by Wolfgang Petersen, this biographical film from the year 2000 is based on Sebastian Junger novel of the same name. It tells the tale of Andra Gail, a fishing vessel, that was lost in the North Atlantic (Titanic vibes tingling!) after getting stuck in the Perfect Storm of 1991. All those aboard died. With George Clooney and Mark Wahlberg in key roles, it shows human determination pinned against Nature’s ruthlessness. The Perfect Storm is another strong addition to not just this but any list of narratives about sea tragedy. 

Life Of Pi (2012)

Since we have already mentioned 4 movies that give birth to a tragic feeling, it makes sense to add one film to this list that has tragedy but transcends it as well. Life of Pi begins with Pi losing his parents in a storm after it hits the ship they were on. He is stranded on a small boat in the middle of the ocean with a Tiger, Richard Parker.

The way in which this Ang-Lee-directorial turns a sea tragedy into a tragedy that is life, even with all its beauty, cannot ever be exaggerated. Irrfan Khan’s words about how life is an act of letting go and what hurt the most is not taking a moment to say goodbye still resonates with all those who have seen the film.  

Which of these sea tragedies did you watch? Let us know in the comments section below.

Also Read: 3 Best Movies of 2023 So Far That Left a Long-Lasting Impression

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