Das Boot

Name: Das Boot
Genre: Drama, History, War
Released: 1981-09-17
Cast: Jürgen Prochnow, Herbert Grönemeyer, Klaus Wennemann, Hubertus Bengsch, Martin Semmelrogge

1981 | 150 min | Drama, History, War

Friday Night Flick

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

Critics loved it (98% on Rotten Tomatoes), audiences adore it (8.1 out of 10), people are still talking about it and it drew serious awards attention. Make plans for this one.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it: Made for history buffs. If you loved Saving Private Ryan or Schindler's List, start here.
The mood: Intense.
The pace: Unhurried and epic, at 2 hr 30 min.
What might put you off: Rated R: meant for adults.
It's long: 2 hr 30 min.
It's in German, so expect subtitles (or a dub).

A German submarine hunts allied ships during the Second World War, but it soon becomes the hunted. The crew tries to survive below the surface, while stretching both the boat and themselves to their limits.

How it earned its rating

CriticsVery strong
98% on Rotten Tomatoes, 85 on Metacritic
AudiencesVery strong
8.1 out of 10
AwardsStrong
Nominated for 6 Oscars, 1 Golden Globe and 1 BAFTA.
Box office & staying powerStrong
$85 million worldwide on a $14 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
Buzz & cultural impactVery strong
About 415K people sought it out in the past year