The Abyss
When you get there, you will understand.
1989 • 140 min • Adventure · Thriller · Science Fiction
Synopsis
A civilian oil rig crew is recruited to conduct a search and rescue effort when a nuclear submarine mysteriously sinks. One diver soon finds himself on a spectacular odyssey 25,000 feet below the ocean's surface where he confronts a mysterious force that has the power to change the world or destroy it.
Our family guide
Best from age 13- 74 Audience · 3559 · 100%
When a nuclear submarine sinks, a civilian oil rig crew is enlisted for a deep-sea rescue. They encounter mysterious alien life forms and face extreme danger and psychological stress deep beneath the ocean surface.
- Violence & peril
- 5/10
- Language
- 4/10
- Drinking, drugs & smoking
- 2/10
- Romance & sensuality
- 2/10
- Scary moments
- 6/10
Heads up
- Characters face drowning and claustrophobia
- Intense marital conflict and emotional distress
- Moments of psychological breakdown
- Threat of nuclear destruction
What it models well
- Courage in crisis
- Sacrifice for others
- Environmental respect
- Open-mindedness
Talk about it after
- How individuals react under extreme pressure
- The unknown wonders of the deep sea
- Responsibility in handling powerful technology
Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for The Abyss. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.
Where to watch
Stream
Disney PlusRent
- Amazon Video
- Apple TV Store
- Google Play Movies
- YouTube
- Fandango At Home
- Spectrum On Demand
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home
Spectrum On DemandBuy
- Amazon Video
- Apple TV Store
- Google Play Movies
- YouTube
- Fandango At Home
Links go straight to each service. Some are affiliate links that support Movie Knight at no cost to you. Availability data by JustWatch via TMDB.
Top billed cast
Director: James Cameron • Crew: James Cameron
Ed Harris
Virgil 'Bud' Brigman
Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
Lindsey Brigman
Michael Biehn
Lieutenant Hiram Coffey
Leo Burmester
Catton ‘Catfish’ De Vries
Todd Graff
Alan 'Hippy' Carnes
John Bedford Lloyd
Jammer Willis
Kimberly Scott
Lisa 'One Night' Standing
Chris Elliott
Bendix
J.C. Quinn
Arliss 'Sonny' Dawson
- P
Pierce Oliver Brewer, Jr.
Lew Finler
Trailers & clips
Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Featurette
4K Remastered Official Trailer
Original Theatrical International Trailer
Original Theatrical Trailer
Special Edition Trailer
James Cameron introduces The Abyss | Film4 Interview
Thowback Trailer
The Abyss Wins Visual Effects: 1990 Oscars
Reviewer notes
No critic reviews aggregated yet.
Fan reviews
Sign in to rate and reviewBe the first fan to review this.
Gallery
Details
- TMDB audience
- 7.4/10 (3,559)
- Age rating
- PG-13
- Status
- Released
- Budget
- $43,000,000
- Box office
- $90,000,098
- IMDb
- tt0096754
