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Deep Blue Sea

Deep Blue Sea

Bigger. Smarter. Faster. Meaner.

1999105 minRMidcredits score: 40th percentile of all films
Director
Renny Harlin
Starring
Saffron Burrows, Thomas Jane, LL Cool J, Samuel L. Jackson

Researchers on the undersea lab Aquatica have genetically altered the brains of captive sharks to develop a cure for Alzheimer's disease. But there's an unexpected side effect: the sharks got smarter, faster, and more dangerous. After a big storm damages their remote research facility, they must fight for their lives.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Deep Blue Sea?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Deep Blue Sea streaming on Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Deep Blue Sea?

Deep Blue Sea earns 7 badges, led by Box Office Hit and Award Winner.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Deep Blue Sea worth watching?

Deep Blue Sea's Midcredits score is the 40th percentile of all films, from 299K ratings across 6 sources. 38% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

40th percentile

Better received than 40% of films

56th percentile among Action43rd percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)46th
Approval (how many liked it)35th

60 /100

46th percentile of all films

63rd percentile among Action50th percentile among 1990s

Critics 54 · Audience 61

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.0 — solid but not unanimous.

38% liked it

35th percentile of all films

49th percentile among Action37th percentile among 1990s
38% rated it 7–1062% rated it 1–6

Critics 60% · Audience 40%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 4 noms overall

98th percentile

299K ratings across platforms

95th percentile among Action97th percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 2% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$60M
Opening weekend$19M
Domestic gross$74M
Worldwide gross$165M

Returned 2.7× its budget — 89th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A dumb, fun popcorn thriller with smart sharks and little interest in logic or character depth.

Fans praised

  • genuinely suspenseful and tense shark attacks
  • unexpected deaths keep audience guessing
  • entertaining popcorn action despite dumb premise

Detractors panned

  • scientifically nonsensical and implausible plot
  • weak, one-dimensional characters with poor dialogue
  • insultingly low-brow with racial stereotyping

What stands out

TensionDivisive70

several effective jump scares, relentless predator threat

PacingDivisive70

relentless, action-packed, well-paced

AtmosphereDivisive65

claustrophobic underwater facility, tense survival vibe

Effects and spectacleDivisive55

practical shark puppets good, CGI often dated and unconvincing

ActingDivisive50

mostly adequate or forgettable, LL Cool J and Samuel L. Jackson singled out

Originality40

Jaws meets Alien, familiar formula with smart-shark twist

Characters30

thin, one-dimensional, interchangeable

Plot and storyDivisive25

contrived, illogical, built around kills rather than story

Preferred by

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 15 points higher than users.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 3 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s even
  • US vs non-US 4 points apart

Watch experience

What is Deep Blue Sea like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Scary: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want to be scared.

It is intense, never lets up and leaves you entertained.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Scary.

The answer rests on this: Moods
DreadTenseThrilling
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Adventurous · 11% of filmsBrutal · 7% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its premise with earnest intensity, delivering shark attacks and survival tension with a straight face, though the tone leans into action-movie spectacle.
The rideThe film builds dread and tension throughout, with thrilling action peaks; the heaviest emotional weight likely lands in the late stages as the final confrontation unfolds.
StructureEvents unfold chronologically as the shark attack escalates.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

FunRousing · 10% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves a sense of wild entertainment and adrenaline, without deeper resonance.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet endingTwist

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).MonsterPredator
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% (this title) · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Predator: A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeA remote research facility is flooded by genetically enhanced sharks that outsmart and hunt the trapped scientists and crew.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfSurvival
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15% (this title): Survival 17% (this title) · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% (this title) · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Survival

SurvivalTrauma · 7% of films
Warns its theme: Presents its theme as a danger or a coming cost.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe central drive is staying alive against a concrete, intelligent predator; the scientists must also grapple with the traumatic consequences of their own experiments.
StanceThe film warns about the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition (playing God with nature), with intimate life-or-death stakes within a small group of characters.

The world

ContemporaryInstitutionalIn transitRealistic
Orchestral modernElectronicSupportive music · original score · Trevor Rabin
Settingan isolated ocean research facility under siege by genetically enhanced sharks
MusicTrevor Rabin's score blends orchestral tension with electronic elements to heighten the predatory threat.

Content guide

Is Deep Blue Sea okay for kids?

R

Deep Blue Sea is rated R: “Rated R for graphic shark attacks, and for language” (MPAA). As of September 28, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (87/100), sexual content at mild (25/100), language at moderate (58/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (33/100) and frightening material at intense (68/100). Overall it is heavier than 53% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 21 other countries
  • UK15
  • Canada14A
  • Germany16
  • France12
  • Ireland15
  • South Korea12
  • Brazil12
  • Belgium18
  • Czechia12+
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK-16
  • Hungary16
  • Netherlands16
  • Norway15
  • Poland18
  • PortugalM/12
  • RO15
  • SK15
  • Spain16
  • Sweden15
  • Switzerland16
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 72% of all filmsHeavier than 53% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 79%
Sex & Nudity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 19%
Profanity
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 35%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 25%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 61%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is violence and frightening material. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Deep Blue Sea have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Deep Blue Sea?

Cast

1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Saffron Burrows
as Dr. Susan McAlester
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Thomas Jane
as Carter Blake
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
LL Cool J
as Sherman 'Preacher' Dudley
Samuel L. Jackson
as Russell Franklin
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Jacqueline McKenzie
as Janice Higgins
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Michael Rapaport
as Tom Scoggins
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Stellan Skarsgård
as Jim Whitlock
Aida Turturro
as Brenda Kerns
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Cristos
as Boat Captain
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Daniel Rey
as Helicopter Pilot
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Deep Blue Sea?

Movies like Deep Blue Sea include Deep Water (2026), The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997) and Shark Bait (2022). Of the 12 closest matches, several are animal horror films, and several are stories about creatures.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

7 of these 12 share its world: at sea. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Deep Blue Sea?

578 other films share the rarest tag below, up against: animal. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.