Whether it’s an accurate retelling of history or it’s a fictional portrayal of battles on the sea, movies revolving around the Navy are quite fascinating to watch. These films usually revolve around Navy officers who carry out high-stakes missions that often involve intense combat and can be physically and mentally grueling. Here are some of the best movies about the Navy, ranked:

10 Midway (2019)

Midway
Lionsgate Films
AGC Studios
Elevation Pictures

Based on the real events of the Battle of Midway during World War II, Midway focuses on the battle between the Japanese and American soldiers. The film attempts to portray a historically accurate retelling of the incidents and sheds light on the sacrifices naval officers had to make to protect their homeland. One of the best things about the film is that it does not drag by dwelling on irrelevant details, but is quite straightforward with its narrative, which is quite refreshing.

9 In Harm's Way (1965)

In Harm's Way
Paramount Pictures

In Harm’s Way is not only one of the last black-and-white World War II epics, but also the last black-and-white film that John Wayne starred in. Based on James Bassett’s novel of the same name, the film recounts the lives of multiple different naval officers based in Hawaii during the Second World War. It was praised by the audience for its realistic and unfiltered portal into the American Navy and its officers. It was even nominated for an Academy Award for Cinematography in 1965.

Related: Biggest Stars Who Served in the Military for World War II

8 The Hunt for Red October (1990)

The Hunt for Red October
Paramount Pictures

Based on Tom Clancy’s 1984 novel of the same name, The Hunt for Red October is a submarine spy thriller that is set during the Cold War. The film centers around a rogue Soviet navy captain, Marko Ramius portrayed by Sean Connery, who wants to defect to the United States along with his officers. On the other side, a CIA analyst, Jack Ryan portrayed by Alec Baldwin, correctly deduces Ramius’ motives and attempts to convince his theory to the U.S. Navy before things start getting out of hand. Unlike usual war films that have a bunch of loud sounds, The Hunt for Red October actually has a very pleasant soundtrack, which helped the film earn an Academy Award for Best Sound Editing.

7 K-19: The Widowmaker (2002)

K-19: The Widowmaker
Paramount Pictures
Constantin Film

Directed and produced by Kathryn Bigelow, K-19: The Widowmaker is a historical submarine film that centers around the Soviet Hotel-class submarine K-19. It stars Harrison Ford as Captain Alexi Vostrikov, who is assigned to take over a nuclear missile submarine. Set during the height of the Cold War, Vostrikov is forced to choose between completing his mission or keeping his men alive as problems arise on the submarine. After its release, the film was praised for its dramatic atmosphere and spectacular performances by the cast.

6 Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)

Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World
20th Century Studios

Directed, produced, and co-written by Peter Weir, Master, and Commander: The Far Side of the World, is an epic period war film that is set during the Napoleonic Wars. It follows Captain Jack Aubrey, who is determined to emerge victorious in battle despite the variety of hurdles that come his way. Not only does Aubrey lack numbers in terms of men and arms, making him smaller than his enemy, but he also suffers from quite a lot of damage. But none of this is enough to break his resolve. What makes the film memorable is it shines a light on the struggles of naval officers at sea, how they’re bound by natural calamities, and have limited options when their vessels are damaged.

Related: The Best Military Movies, Ranked

5 Crimson Tide (1995)

Crimson Tide
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Tony Scott’s action thriller Crimson Tide is about a period of political turmoil in Russia, a time when ultranationalists threatened the United States and Japan with nuclear missiles. The narrative of the film centers around the turmoil between Captain Frank Ramsey, portrayed by Gene Hackman, the commanding officer of a U.S. nuclear missile submarine, and his executive officer, Lieutenant Commander Ron Hunter, portrayed by Denzel Washington. The story is based on a real incident that occurred during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The film won a Grammy Award for the film’s main score, which was produced by Hans Zimmer and uses heavy synthesizers instead of traditional orchestral instruments.

4 Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970)

A scene from the Pearl harbor attack movie, Tora! Tora! Tora!
20th Century Studios
Toei Company

Directed by Richard Fleisher, Toshio Masuda, and Kinji Fukasaku, Tora! Tora! Tora! Is an epic war film that centers around the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Not only does the film have a thrilling yet compelling screenplay that keeps the audience at the edge of their seats, but it has a diverse cast of actors including Martin Balsam, Joseph Cotten, So Yamamura, Tatsuya Mihashi, and Takajiro Tamura. Tora! Tora! Tora! was nominated for five Oscars at the 43rd Academy Awards and ended up winning the award for Best Visual Effects.

3 Run Silent, Run Deep (1958)

Run Silent, Run Deep
United Artists

Based on Commander Edward L. Beach Jr.'s novel of the same name, Run Silent, Run Deep is a black-and-white war film that centers around submarine warfare in the Pacific Ocean during World War II. The title of the film “silent running” refers to a submarine stealth tactic. The film follows Commanding Officer Rich, portrayed by Clark Gable, who is obsessed with seeking revenge on the Japanese forces that destroyed and sank his old vessel. Those familiar with Moby Dick would liken Rich’s obsession with the Japanese fleet to that of Captain Ahab's obsession.

2 The Caine Mutiny (1954)

The Caine Mutiny
Columbia Pictures

Based on Herman Wouk’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, The Caine Mutiny is a military trial film set in the Pacific theatre of World War II. The film follows the events that occur on the dilapidated vessel, the Caine, where Commander Queeg portrayed by Humphrey Bogart, is assigned as the new captain. However, his crew finds Queeg’s unconventional behavior irrational and almost insane. This led to a mutiny of sorts to start taking form. Bogart’s portrayal of Queeg is particularly memorable, especially in the moments where the Commander is shown obsessing about something or going through a severe breakdown. The Caine Mutiny was highly praised and became the second highest-grossing film in the U.S. in 1954.

1 Top Gun (1986)

The cast of Top Gun
Paramount Pictures

It would be a crime to talk about Naval films and not mention Top Gun. The film follows hotshot fighter pilot Maverick, portrayed by none other than the legendary Tom Cruise, who enrolls in an elite naval school. Maverick competes with other pilots not just for the title of the best fighter pilot but also for the heart of his flight instructor, Charlotte Blackwood, portrayed by Kelly McGillis. This film received an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for its song Take My Breath Away by Berlin.