Crimson Tide poster & wallpaper
Get movie widget Recommend it Add to Favorites

Denzel Washington, Gene Hackman, George Dzundza, Viggo Mortensen, James Gandolfini ... see more see more... , Matt Craven , Earl Billings , Christopher Birt , Lillo Brancato Jr. , Eric Bruskotter , Scott Burkholder , Vanessa Bell Calloway , Rocky Carroll , Michael Chieffo , Rad Daly , Dennis Garber , Jaime Gómez , Scott Grimes , Jason Robards , Mark Christopher Lawrence , Michael Milhoan , Danny Nucci , Sean O'Bryan , Warren Olney , Rick Schroder , Jacob Vargas , Daniel von Bargen , Chris Ellis , Jim Boyce , Bob Stone , Henry Mortensen , Ryan Phillippe , Steve Zahn , Michael D. Weatherred

Two leaders with different philosophies about battle and leadership wage war with each other in this tense military thriller. Capt. Frank Ramsey (Gene Hackman) is the commanding officer of a nuclear s... read more read more...ubmarine, the U.S.S. Alabama. Ramsey is a distinguished veteran near the end of his career, and he leads his men with an iron hand; as he puts it, "We're here to preserve democracy, not to practice it." Ramsey is assigned a new second-in-command, Lt. Cmmdr. Ron Hunter (Denzel Washington); Hunter is much younger than Ramsey, Harvard educated, and believes the goal of the military in the nuclear age is to prevent war, not fight it. While at sea, word reaches the Alabama that a splinter group of Russian forces have seized missile silos, and the ship is put on red alert. The Alabama has orders to fire, but as it is receiving a new incoming order the radio malfunctions. It's Ramsey's contention that an order is an order and they are to move forward with the attack, while Hunter feels if there is any question at all about their mission, they should wait until they can receive further instruction, with Hunter going so far as to threaten mutiny against Ramsey if the missile strike is carried out. Quentin Tarantino and Robert Towne both contributed to the screenplay without credit. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Flixster Users

78% liked it

57,839 ratings

Critics

87% liked it

46 critics

R, 1 hr. 55 min.

Directed by: Tony Scott

Release Date: May 12, 1995

Invite friends to see

DVD Release Date: February 3, 1998

Get It:

Stats: 2,175 reviews

report incorrect info

Photos

Crimson Tide viggo in crimson tide Crimson Tide Viggo Mortensen viggo in crimson tide Viggo Mortenson Lillo Brancato Jr. Crimson Tide Crimson Tide
Upload a Photo | View All Crimson Tide Photos

Your Rating


clear rating

Flixster Reviews (2,175)

  • kenstachnik
    October 1, 2011
    kenstachnik
    Totally entertaining naval suspense film with great cinematography and fantastic performances.
  • fb100000212943704
    August 20, 2011
    fb100000212943704
    Enjoyable somewhat, "Crimson Tide" is a classic men's film combined with a beer and shouting at the screen, but it sometimes fails at times as I found myself just getting angry at the over the top gun-ho Americans.

    Michael Schiffer and Richard P. Henrick provide a decent script,... read more snatched up by studios as a box office smash, but they are let down by slightly poor direction from Tony Scott, who I would love to like but have found it hard so far.

    Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman portray not very deep characters, but you find yourself egging Washington on and I found myself developing a slight grudge against Hackman, who play Executive Officer Hunter and Captain Ramsey respectively.

    The man who can only be known as Tony and another as Aragon provide good performances. No one steals the show but they are among the decent cast the best.

    There are interesting shots, moments which capture the fear that sub-mariners must feel in these situations, and at times a gripping storyline, but the film is let down by over the top beats and acting that does drive me to frustration at times.

    Although not the best film of all time, "Tide" is a decent film, enjoyed by not only the typical man but also many others as well.

    *** 3 Star
  • TheDudeLebowski65
    July 12, 2011
    TheDudeLebowski65
    Crimson Tide is one of the best submarine films that I have seen. Along with The Hunt For Red October, Crimson Tide is one of the most solid sub films. There are a few imperfections, but man is this film entertaining. The cast here deliver strong performances, and it's simply int... read moreense to see Gene Hackman and Denzel Washington going head to head. Tony Scott knows how to deliver a wicked action film, and Crimson Tide, though flawed is action packed, filled with thrills and suspense and is basically the perfect film to thrill an audience. Crimson Tide is a top notch action film that definitely delivers the action, and is among the best action films that I have seen. Tony Scott is always able to create something action packed and entertaining, but Crimson Tide though not perfect, is among one of the best action films ever filmed. Hans Zimmer has crafted an epic film score too. Crimson Tide is a pure, entertainment film that shouldn't be dismissed. A well crafted action, Crimson Tide is one of the best action films of the 90's. A well plotted and tense war action film, Crimson Tide is a pulse pounding, thrill a minute action film. Not only that, but the acting is superb and you can forgive the films imperfection due to its good cast. A memorable film and one of Tony Scott's most accomplished directorial efforts. A film not to miss if you're a fan great action. This film delivers it all.
  • BEACHBUNNI
    May 28, 2010
    BEACHBUNNI
    good action thriller!!!!
  • SirPant
    September 29, 2009
    SirPant
    Good cast and all round good film but Tony Scott's usual cheese creeps in a little too much
  • Chiefilms
    September 28, 2009
    Chiefilms
    Tension under sea with an interesting plot where you're not sure who's good or bad, right or wrong. Deals more with respect of the chain of command during extraordinary circumstances. Good cast, Washington vs. Hackman, good directing. Why do submarine movies always have someth... read moreing Red related in the title? Crimson Tide, Hunt for the Red October, K-19 The "Red" Widowmaker. Very Very interesting.
  • RossCollinsUK
    April 10, 2009
    RossCollinsUK
    Nuclear submarines make for a good thriller...
  • kiriyamakazou
    August 11, 2008
    kiriyamakazou
    Crimson Tide really is a fantastic film. It's one of the most suspense ridden films I've seen due to some brilliant editing and a wonderful score. However the tension mainly comes from the amazing screenplay and flawless performances. The characters here are neither right nor wro... read moreng. They both have their arguments and it's just awesome watching everyone start to split into groups. The Chief of the Boat was especially great to see, as he goes by the books despite disagreeing with Washington. The chemistry between Hackman and Washington is blinding. It's friendly, respectful and then spiteful and dark. It's like Heat or The Dark Knight, a great rivalry between the two. The supporting cast do a wonderful job, showing a bunch of young soldiers thrown in the deep end where the wrong decision could mean the end of the world, and the right decision may mean the same thing. The lack of women makes this a real old school manly film, like The Great Escape or Lawrence of Arabia. These days we would have had boring scenes of the wives at home crying or something. The only tears here are at the end, because it's real manly love stuff, respect and honour. Having just found out about an extended edition I know what I'm gonna get my hands on next.
  • garyX
    August 11, 2008
    garyX
    When an American nuclear submarine is cut off from the chain of command, the captain decides to launch his missiles causing the first officer to mutiny. This is a pretty run of the mill submarine thriller elevated once more by the presence of veteran character actor Gene Hackman ... read moreand a good supporting cast including Viggo Mortensen and James Gandolfini. The suspense is contrived and the direction by Tony Scott is rather mechanical but thankfully free of the kind of irritatingly gimmicky camera work that has since become his trademark. The gratuitous Tarantino-isms also stand out like a sore thumb. But by far the biggest handicap for this film is the usual Old Glory salutin' militarism that plagues American thrillers of this type; it even bottles out of showing the captain as the villain of the piece even though he basically was trying to start WW III. Paths Of Glory this is not; in fact it's own contemporary The Hunt For Red October is a lot better.
  • allan913
    October 29, 2007
    allan913
    A full-throttle, first-rate edge of your seat action-thriller. Tension loaded and packed with excitment. Gene Hackman and Denzel Washington are at the top of their game.

View All Crimson Tide Reviews

Critic Reviews

Variety Staff
March 26, 2009
Variety Staff, Variety

This is a boy's movie all the way. Full Review

Janet Maslin
May 20, 2003
Janet Maslin, New York Times

Isn't there something awfully satisfying about the throbbing missiles and cathartic explosions that constitute this film's main excitement? Maybe so, but nothing else here delivers a comparable thrill. Full Review

Mick LaSalle
June 18, 2002
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

Crimson Tide has everything you could want from an action thriller and a few other things you usually can't hope to expect. Full Review

Rick Groen
April 12, 2002
Rick Groen, Globe and Mail

Nope, this picture doesn't bear thinking about, but, if you resist that nasty temptation, setting all your mental gauges at Dead Slow, the flow of the action will see you through. Full Review

Kenneth Turan
February 13, 2001
Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times

If ever a picture crackled, Crimson Tide fits the description. Full Review

Susan Wloszczyna
January 1, 2000
Susan Wloszczyna, USA Today

Crimson Tide is pop-action naval gazing at its finest.

Roger Ebert
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

This is the rare kind of war movie that not only thrills people while they're watching it, but invites them to leave the theater actually discussing the issues. Full Review

James Berardinelli
January 1, 2000
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

Because of the contained environment, submarines make great settings for thrillers, with the throbbing of the engines sounding like a pulse. Crimson Tide is no exception -- the atmosphere alone is suf... Full Review

Heather Boerner
December 18, 2010
Heather Boerner, Common Sense Media

War Games in the water; older teens and up. Full Review

Peter Canavese
March 9, 2008
Peter Canavese, Groucho Reviews

A big, bold Hollywood movie that won't be winning any awards for subtlety but can't be denied its popcorn appeal. [Blu-Ray review]

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Cast

More Like This

Click a thumb to vote on that suggestion, or add your own suggestions.

  • The Hunt for Red October
    The Hunt for Red October (87%)
  • Unstoppable
    Unstoppable (93%)
  • Under Siege
    Under Siege (71%)
  • Pet Sematary Two
    Pet Sematary Two (20%)

More Movies like Crimson Tide

Facts

Submit a Fact | View All
    • Capt. Frank Ramsey: What'd you think, son? That I was just some crazy old coot, putting everyone in harm's way as I yelled 'YEE-HA!'?
Submit a Fact | View All

Crimson Tide : Watch Free on TV

Crimson Tide Trivia

  • Of the following movies, which one Ridley Scott did not direct?  Answer »
  • Hans Zimmer won a GRAMMY AWARD for his powerful music composition for which film?  Answer »
  • Which actor links the following movies: Antwone Fisher, Philadelphia, The Pelican Brief, Crimson Tide?  Answer »
  • Which US sbumarine was used for the dockside scene in Crimson tide?   Answer »
More Crimson Tide Trivia

Movie Quizzes

Create a Quiz |

All Quizzes

Video Clips

Upload a Video |

All Crimson Tide Videos

Meet Other Fans

Add Crimson Tide to favorites

Recent News

No recent headlines. Got one?

Recent Lists

Make a List |

View All Lists

Most Popular Skin

No skins yet. Interested in creating one?