10 Best Naval War Films You Need To See

The next entry is a classic of the Cold War era. Moving into more modern territory, The Hunt For Red October won high praise in 1990 and continued director John McTiernan's talent for building tension in film.

Based on the Tom Clancy thriller of the same name, the film tracks the exploits of the Soviet naval captain Marco Ramius (Sean Connery) who wishes to steal his country's nuclear-capable vehicle and defect to the US. CIA analyst Jack Ryan (Alec Baldwin) uncovers Marco's plans and must prove them to the US military to prevent an escalating conflict.

The Hunt for Red October earned its stripes through its pendulum swinging perspective. On the one hand, Ryan gathers information and his attempts grow more desperate as the two sides inch closer and closer to armed conflict. On the other, Ramius must keep the morale of his men up while simultaneously evading other Soviet vessels across the Atlantic. Swapping between the two sides makes for a thoroughly engaging narrative.

The Hunt For Red October was able to kick off the Jack Ryan franchise and bring Clancy's character to a greater prominence in the film industry. In addition, it became another leading example of crafting immersive naval warfare with a healthy dose of tension to boot.