🎞 MTDbBest ofBy yearBy genreBy runtimeBrowse (app)

MTDb › Best of › 1981 › Das Boot

Das Boot poster

Das Boot (1981)

“On land they dreamed of being heroes. Beneath the sea they pray to be survivors.”

8.1/10 · 2,651 votes 2h 30m r DramaHistoryWar

#1 of 42 films from 1981 #133 of 3759 in drama

Directed by Wolfgang Petersen · Written by Wolfgang Petersen, Lothar-Günther Buchheim, Dean Riesner

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

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.

Cast

Jürgen Prochnowas Lieutenant 'Der Alte'
Herbert Grönemeyeras Leutnant Werner
Klaus Wennemannas Chef Ingenieur
Hubertus Bengschas First Watch Officer
Martin Semmelroggeas Second Watch Officer
Bernd Tauberas Kriechbaum
Erwin Lederas Johann 'Das Gespenst'
Martin Mayas Ullmann
Heinz Hoenigas Hinrich
Uwe Ochsenknechtas Chief Bosun
Claude-Oliver Rudolphas Ario
Jan Fedderas Pilgrim
Rita Cadillacas Monique
Ralf Richteras Frenssen

Facts

Release dateSeptember 17, 1981
Runtime150 min (2h 30m) — longer as the 1981 average of 108 min
GenresDrama, History, War
LanguageDE
Budget$14,000,000
Box office$85,000,000 (6.1× budget)
IMDbtt0082096

More from Wolfgang Petersen

TroyTroy2004 · ★ 7.2 · 2h 43m The NeverEnding StoryThe NeverEnding Story1984 · ★ 7.2 · 1h 41m Enemy MineEnemy Mine1985 · ★ 7.0 · 1h 48m In the Line of FireIn the Line of Fire1993 · ★ 7.0 · 2h 8m OutbreakOutbreak1995 · ★ 6.6 · 2h 9m Air Force OneAir Force One1997 · ★ 6.5 · 2h 4m The Perfect StormThe Perfect Storm2000 · ★ 6.5 · 2h 10m PoseidonPoseidon2006 · ★ 5.9 · 1h 38m

If you liked Das Boot

Same genre, released within a few years, sorted by TMDB rating.

Come and SeeCome and See1985 · ★ 8.2 · 2h 22m Barry LyndonBarry Lyndon1975 · ★ 8.0 · 3h 8m KagemushaKagemusha1980 · ★ 7.8 · 3h 0m GloryGlory1989 · ★ 7.5 · 2h 2m Empire of the SunEmpire of the Sun1987 · ★ 7.5 · 2h 33m The Killing FieldsThe Killing Fields1984 · ★ 7.5 · 2h 22m Merry Christmas, Mr. LawrenceMerry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence1983 · ★ 7.3 · 2h 4m A Bridge Too FarA Bridge Too Far1977 · ★ 7.2 · 2h 55m

Questions

How long is Das Boot?
Das Boot runs 150 minutes (2h 30m).
Is Das Boot worth watching?
TMDB users give it 8.1/10 across 2,651 votes, which places it #1 of 42 films released in 1981 in this index (top 100%) and #133 among 3759 drama titles.
Who directed Das Boot?
Das Boot was directed by Wolfgang Petersen. Other well-rated titles by the same director: Troy (2004), The NeverEnding Story (1984), Enemy Mine (1985).
Who stars in Das Boot?
Jürgen Prochnow as Lieutenant 'Der Alte'; Herbert Grönemeyer as Leutnant Werner; Klaus Wennemann as Chef Ingenieur; Hubertus Bengsch as First Watch Officer; Martin Semmelrogge as Second Watch Officer; Bernd Tauber as Kriechbaum.
What is Das Boot rated?
It carries a r certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for Das Boot?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/56336.

Browse

Best of 1981Best dramaDrama of the 1980sBest historyHistory of the 1980sBest warWar of the 1980sAll lists
MTDb·Best films by year, genre and runtime·A century in numbers·Browse and watch trailers

Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.