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The Abyss

1989·Movie
2h 20min·PG-13

Where to watch

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

The Abyss fingerprint

Relentless energy, stunning style, no humor.

Energy

Nerve-racking and epic

Fast from start to finish.

  • Tension9
  • Spectacle9
  • Adrenaline8

Heart

Awe-inspiring and cathartic

  • Wonder10
  • Catharsis8
  • Pathos7

Humor

Serious throughout

  • Dark Humor2
  • Wit & Wordplay1
  • Absurdist Humor1

World

Faith and meaning, mystery, and the mind

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • World Immersion9
  • Novelty8
  • Rewatchability7

Craft

Standout direction, performances, and characters

Layered plot that rewards full attention.

  • Intrigue9
  • Direction8
  • Acting8

Style

Standout cinematography, score, and sound design

  • Cinematography9
  • Music Composition9
  • Sound Centrality9

Who it's for

AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightParty VibeIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensPure EscapismThought-Provoking

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You want something to laugh atYou want to half-watch while scrollingYou want something quiet and calm

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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

When you get there, you will understand.

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.
Underwater AdventureSci-Fi ThrillerTechnological WonderCold War TensionDeep Sea MysteryHumanity's FutureVisually StunningExploration and DiscoveryClaustrophobic Atmosphere

Crew

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

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Questions about The Abyss

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Abyss legally?

The Abyss is included with a subscription to Hulu and Disney+ in the United States. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is The Abyss worth watching?

72
GoodGoodWatch score

Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 73/100 (IMDb 7.5, Rotten Tomatoes 75%, and Metacritic 62). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is The Abyss rated?

PG-13

It's rated PG-13 in the United States.

How long is The Abyss?

2 h 20 min

The Abyss runs 2 h 20 min.

Do critics and audiences agree on The Abyss?

Critics69
Audiences78

Not quite. Audiences rate The Abyss higher (78) than critics (69). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.

Was The Abyss a box office hit?

Budget$43 million
Box office$90 million

Yes. It cost about $43 million to make and earned $90 million worldwide, 2.1 times its budget.

What language is The Abyss in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in United States.

In how many countries can I watch The Abyss?

71ALARATAUBABEBGBOBRBZCACHCLCO+57

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Abyss in 71 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does The Abyss use?

"Not So Different" RemarkOh, Crap!Sensory TentaclesRousseau Was RightDropped in the ToiletAlmost Out of Oxygen'80s HairOminous CrackDelayed ReactionNuke 'EmCassandra TruthArtistic License – Militaryand 105 more

TV Tropes lists 117 storytelling tropes for The Abyss, including "Not So Different" Remark, Oh, Crap!, Sensory Tentacles.