If you like cruises, then you probably like watching movies about cruises. I know I do!
I’ve navigated through wave after wave of good, bad, and downright waterlogged films to bring you this list of the best movies about cruise ships. (Tough job, but someone had to do it!)
As a cruise fan with a life jacket full of cinema knowledge, I’m here to save you from a sinking ship of regrettable movie nights.
Sit back, grab your sailor’s hat, and get ready for a cinematic journey that’s as exciting, captivating, and hilarious as a week-long Transatlantic cruise (but without the seasickness).
The Best Movies About Cruise Ships
Speed 2: Cruise Control (1997)
The sequel to the successful “Speed” has Sandra Bullock on a runaway cruise ship rigged with explosives.
Titanic (1997)
This James Cameron epic is a pivotal film about the famous ocean liner. But as we all know, it doesn’t end well.
Suggested read: Was Titanic filmed in a swimming pool?
Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation (2018)
Dracula and his family go on a monster cruise in this animated comedy. My kids love this one, and so do I!
Boat Trip (2002)
A comedy about two straight guys who accidentally end up on a cruise for gay men.
The Poseidon Adventure (1972)
This classic disaster movie involves a luxury cruise ship that capsizes from a rogue wave, with passengers struggling to survive and escape.
Poseidon (2006)
This is a more recent retelling of “The Poseidon Adventure.” This one is more fast-paced, with more action sequences and special effects.
Shall We Dance? (1937)
Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dazzle in this romantic comedy set partially on an ocean liner, which includes a combination of music, dance, and humor.
Overboard (1987 & 2018)
Both versions of the film involve a rich, spoiled yacht owner who gets amnesia, with much of the story happening on the yacht.
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)
This quirky Wes Anderson film involves a research vessel rather than a cruise ship, but much of the story is set at sea.
Deep Rising (1998)
This action-horror movie about a group of heavily armed hijackers who board a luxury cruise ship only to find it deserted and under attack by a sea monster.
Out to Sea (1997)
A comedy about two brothers who sneak aboard a luxury cruise ship for seniors, one to win big at the onboard casino, the other to find love.
Ghost Ship (2002)
A horror film about a salvage crew that discovers a long-lost 1962 passenger ship floating lifeless in a remote region of the Bering Sea, and soon notice that its long-dead inhabitants may still be on board.
Cruise Into Terror (1978)
A horror movie about an Egyptian sarcophagus that is found in the ocean and brought onto a cruise ship, with frightening results.
Adrift (2006)
Also known as “Open Water 2,” this thriller features a group of friends who jump off a yacht to go swimming, but forget to lower the ladder, leaving them stranded in the water while the boat drifts away.
An Affair to Remember (1957)
A classic romance film in which the characters meet and fall in love on an ocean liner. It’s a transatlantic ship, not a traditional cruise, but the setting is similar.
The Last Voyage (1960)
A disaster film about a couple on an aging ocean liner that starts sinking.
Triangle (2009)
A group of friends go on a boat trip, only to get caught in a freak storm and end up on a deserted cruise ship, where strange things start to happen.
Ship of Fools (1965)
A drama set in 1933 aboard a luxury liner bound for Germany from Mexico.
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)
Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell sizzle on the screen in this comedy partially set aboard a cruise ship
Monkey Business (1931)
The zany Marx Brothers stow away on an ocean liner, promising plenty of hilarious antics and uproarious situations.
Romance on the High Seas (1948)
A classic romantic comedy about mistaken identities and love found on a cruise ship.
Royal Wedding (1951)
Fred Astaire and Jane Powell star in this musical comedy that takes place partly on a transatlantic cruise.
Legend of 1900 (1998)
A drama about a gifted pianist who was born and lives his entire life aboard an ocean liner.
Table for Five (1983)
Jon Voight stars in this drama about a man who takes his children on a Mediterranean cruise following a custody battle.
Out to Sea (1997)
A comedy featuring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau as two friends who go on a cruise to meet wealthy widows.
The Parent Trap (1998)
Lindsay Lohan plays twins who meet at camp and swap places in this family film, which features a cruise ship in the final act.
Like Father (2018)
After being left at the altar, a woman (Kristen Bell) takes her estranged father (Kelsey Grammer) on her honeymoon cruise in this Netflix original.
Carry on Cruising (1962)
Part of the British “Carry On” comedy film series, this movie sees the crew dealing with a variety of humorous situations on a cruise ship.
Bon Voyage! (1962)
This Disney film is a comedy about a family’s European vacation, which starts with a transatlantic cruise.
Assault on a Queen (1966)
Frank Sinatra stars in this adventure film about a group planning to rob the Queen Mary.
Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked (2011)
The famous singing chipmunks go on a cruise in this family adventure.
Jack and Jill (2011)
Adam Sandler plays both title roles in this comedy about a family going on a cruise.
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- The Best Books To Read On A Cruise
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