Pioneer
From horror-comedies to spy thrillers, divers and diving culture have often been the main focus for a variety of films.
In the upcoming Film Pioneer, director Erik Skjoldbjærg explores a real life Norwegian big oil cover-up that includes murder, extortion, and diving in the North Sea.
In preparation for its Friday launch, we are counting down ten of the best diving films.
10) Sanctum (2011)
Loosely based on a true story, Sanctum follows a team of divers on a treacherous mission to explore the largest, most dangerous cave system on Earth.
When a flash flood cuts off their exit, they begin a battle with time to find a way out before they starve to death. Will they escape, or be left for dead?
9) Deep Blue Sea (1999)
If you’re a fan of B grade horror films, jump right on board for Deep Blue Sea. In this high-octane slasher film, Samuel Jackson stars as a business investor trying to cure Alzheimer’s.
When his research on sharks goes tragically wrong, his team unwittingly unleashes a new breed of genetically mutated super sharks. Trapped in open water, Jackson and his team must take to the ocean to make their escape.
8) Into the Blue (2005)
Into the Blue dredged the plot of The Deep (No.6 on this list) up from the ocean depths for this thrilling remake.
Floating off performances from the ever charming Jessica Alba and Paul Walker, Into the Blue merges a thriller plot with diving culture.
When Paul Walker and Jessica Alba find a cache of drugs in a sunken ship, they embark on a high-speed collision course with the cartel in this story of sex, drugs, and bikinis.
7) Men of Honor (2000)
Inspired by true events, Men of Honor takes a look at the relationship between Carl Brashear - the first black diver in the US Navy, and later the first amputee diver - and the reluctant Master Chief who trained him.
Relying on strong performances from Robert De Niro and Cuba Gooding Jr., Men of Honor is an inspirational story appealing to anyone who has faced adversity in their life.
6) The Deep (1977)
As the original inspiration for Into the Blue, The Deep boasted spectacular performances from stars Nick Nolte, Robert Shaw, and former model Jacqueline Bisset.
Although it was panned by many critics at the time, the film was a major box office success, and managed to retain a cult following after its theatrical release.
5) The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)
Following the critically acclaimed The Royal Tenenbaums, Wes Anderson brought his stylized vision and Futura font to the sea.
The Life Aquatic follows the story of Steve Zissou (Bill Murray), as he hunts down the shark that killed his best friend.
With cameos from other West Anderson favourites including Owen Wilson and Willem Defoe, The Life Aquatic is e an eccentric diving comedy filled with the Andersonian wit and style fans have come to love.
4) The Big Blue (1988)
Featuring breathtaking ocean cinematography, Into the Blue is a gorgeously romantic film that explores the competitive spirit that drives athletes in the dangerous sport of free diving.
Answering the call of the ocean, Enzo, the reigning free diving world champion, convinces a begrudging Jacques to compete against him.
As their childhood rivalry is rekindled, they soon begin treading treacherous water in the hopes of winning.
3) Open Water (2003)
Based on a true story, this Sundance festival favourite may make you think twice about diving on your next family vacation.
When a newly married couple is accidently left behind in open water 15 miles off the Coast while diving, they must fight against the trials of the ocean to make it back to shore.
2) Thunderball (1965)
For the fourth instalment in the 007 franchise, James Bond (Sean Connery) and his high-tech gadgetry travelled under the sea.
Set in the vacation worthy Bahamas, Thunderball featured diving suits galore for a series of wildly entertaining action sequences and a villain who stashed a nuclear warhead cache at the bottom of the ocean.
At the time, it was the most expensive Bond film to date, and today it is still one of the best reviewed Bond films of all time.
1) The Abyss (1989)
Not just an academy award winning director, James Cameroon is also an avid diver and recently the first man to reach the bottom of the Mariana Trench.
In 1989, Cameron merged his love for film with his first love of diving for this under-the-ocean alien thriller. The movie was nominated for four Oscars, and won in the category of best special effects.
Pioneer is released in UK cinemas April 11