14 Movies That Filmed Underwater Scenes in Pools

Shooting action scenes underwater is notoriously difficult for filmmakers. The open ocean poses huge problems with lighting and keeping actors safe. Because of this, directors often use large water tanks or swimming pools to have full control over the filming environment. This lets them create visually stunning scenes without the risks and unpredictability of the sea.

‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ (2022)

James Cameron built a huge water tank to film the actors’ movements underwater. The actors trained to hold their breath for a long time, allowing for long, uninterrupted shots. This created incredibly realistic scenes of the characters interacting with the water. It was a breakthrough in visual effects, combining real water work with computer-generated imagery.

‘Titanic’ (1997)

Filmmakers built a huge tank in Mexico to recreate the icy Atlantic Ocean for the movie. Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio spent many hours filming in the water to portray the ship’s terrifying final scenes. The massive tank, holding millions of gallons, allowed them to build an almost full-size copy of the ship. This setup kept the actors safe while still making it look like they were in the middle of a vast ocean.

‘The Abyss’ (1989)

The movie was filmed inside a massive, unfinished water tank at a nuclear power plant. Because the tank was so deep, the bottom naturally appeared dark, eliminating the need for special effects. Actors and divers worked for long hours underwater to create a truly claustrophobic feeling. The shoot was incredibly challenging and is remembered as one of the most physically difficult ever undertaken in filmmaking.

‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’ (2005)

Daniel Radcliffe filmed his scenes for the underwater task in a large tank using a blue screen. Because he was performing difficult swimming stunts, divers were on hand to provide him with air between takes. Later, the filmmakers used special effects to add the creatures and scenery of the Black Lake, making it look realistic while keeping Daniel safe.

‘Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation’ (2015)

Tom Cruise is well-known for a daring stunt where he held his breath for six minutes while filming in a water tank. The scene involved his character switching a data card while dodging a spinning underwater device. Filming it practically – instead of relying solely on visual effects – created a more realistic and intense experience. Cruise trained for months with professional freedivers to ensure he could perform the stunt safely and without needing any cuts during filming.

‘Alien Resurrection’ (1997)

The actors filmed a chase scene in a kitchen set that was completely flooded inside a huge water tank at the Fox studios. Winona Ryder and Sigourney Weaver did their own stunts, even holding their breath underwater. To make the water look dark and unclear, they added milk to the tank. This scene is memorable for its unusual combination of scary and exciting moments, all happening underwater.

‘Cast Away’ (2000)

The dramatic plane crash scene with Tom Hanks was filmed in a giant water tank on the studio grounds. Powerful water jets and the ability to tilt the tank created the effect of a violent ocean storm. Because the environment was controlled, the film crew could quickly reset the scene and shoot it from different angles. This allowed them to create a realistic disaster sequence without the dangers and unpredictability of filming in the actual ocean.

‘Life of Pi’ (2012)

The movie’s ocean scenes were filmed using a massive wave tank in Taiwan. Actor Suraj Sharma performed in front of a green screen while waves were created around a lifeboat to mimic the Pacific Ocean. Digital effects were then used to add tigers and sea creatures, making them appear to interact with the real water. This blend of practical and computer-generated imagery resulted in a visually impressive survival story that felt incredibly realistic.

‘The Impossible’ (2012)

Filmmakers recreated the terrifying 2004 Thailand tsunami using a giant tank in Spain. They used powerful mixers to create the swirling water and debris that would have been part of the deadly wave. While filming, actors like Naomi Watts and the younger cast members were safely pulled through the water using cables, so they weren’t actually carried away by the simulated current. The final result was a realistic and frightening portrayal of the disaster.

‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’ (2014)

The flooded dorm room was created by building the set inside a large water tank. As the set filled with water, the actors swam upwards towards the ceiling, using plastic tubes to breathe. The crew precisely controlled how quickly the room filled to build suspense and keep the young actors safe. This scene powerfully showed how dangerous the training program was.

‘The Perfect Storm’ (2000)

To recreate the huge waves faced by the fishing boat Andrea Gail, the movie’s creators used a large tank and powerful water cannons. Actors, including George Clooney and Mark Wahlberg, were repeatedly drenched with thousands of gallons of water to realistically portray the hurricane. Combining these physical effects with computer-generated waves resulted in a believable depiction of the disaster at sea.

‘Splash’ (1984)

Daryl Hannah filmed her mermaid scenes wearing a realistic, heavy tail and swimming in a custom-built tank. The tank provided the controlled conditions needed to film her graceful underwater movements and interactions with animals. Filming in the tank also ensured clear, high-quality footage that would have been hard to get in the ocean.

‘Skyfall’ (2012)

The final fight between Bond and the mercenary happened in a large studio tank filled with water. Daniel Craig and his stunt double acted out the scene surrounded by ice and wreckage. Lights hanging above the tank created the illusion of fire from an explosion happening on the surface. This carefully designed setup ensured the scene was both clear to film and safe for the actors and crew during the demanding underwater fight.

‘True Lies’ (1994)

To film the Harrier jet hovering over the water, the filmmakers used a large tank to create realistic spray and water interactions. They achieved the effect of the huge aircraft disturbing the water’s surface with practical effects, and actors convincingly reacted to the resulting turbulence. Arnold Schwarzenegger filmed separate underwater scenes in a pool to look like he was escaping from the vehicle. Combining these miniature models and tank work created a smooth and believable action sequence.

2025-12-12 04:46