The sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912 was one of the most tragic and well-known disasters in history. It has been the subject of numerous films, plays, books, and songs over the years, each offering their own unique perspective on the event. In this article, we will take a look at some of the greatest films about the Titanic, and rank them based on their historical accuracy, emotional impact, and overall quality.
- “A Night to Remember” (1958) – This film is widely considered to be one of the most accurate and well-researched depictions of the Titanic disaster. Directed by Roy Ward Baker, the film is based on Walter Lord’s book of the same name and follows the events of the disaster in a chronological and detailed manner. The film’s attention to historical accuracy and the use of real footage of the ship makes it a powerful and moving experience.
- “Titanic” (1997) – Directed by James Cameron, this epic romance film is considered to be one of the greatest films of all time. The film tells the fictional story of Jack and Rose, two young lovers who meet on the ill-fated voyage of the Titanic. The film’s stunning visual effects, powerful performances, and emotional impact make it a cinematic masterpiece. The film grossed over $2.2 billion and won 11 Academy Awards, it’s considered to be a cultural phenomenon.
- “S.O.S. Titanic” (1979) – This made-for-TV film directed by James Goldstone tells the story of the disaster using a combination of fictional and real-life characters. The film received critical acclaim for its attention to historical detail and the performances of its cast, particularly David Janssen as Captain Smith and Cloris Leachman as Margaret “Molly” Brown.
- “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” (1964) – This musical film directed by Charles Walters tells the story of Margaret “Molly” Brown, a real-life survivor of the Titanic disaster. The film received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress for Debbie Reynolds’ portrayal of Brown and is considered to be a classic of the genre.
- “Raise the Titanic” (1980) – Directed by Jerry Jameson, this film is based on the best-selling novel by Clive Cussler and follows a team of treasure hunters as they attempt to raise the Titanic from the ocean floor. While the film received mixed reviews, it’s considered to be a fun adventure film that offers an interesting perspective on the disaster.
While these are some of the greatest films about the Titanic, many other films also offer unique perspectives on the disaster. For example, “The Terror of the Titanic” (1912) was one of the first films about the Titanic and “Ghosts of the Abyss” (2003) is a documentary film directed by James Cameron that explores the wreck of the Titanic.
In conclusion, the sinking of the Titanic has been the subject of numerous films over the years, each offering its own unique perspective on the event. From the historical accuracy of “A Night to Remember” to the emotional impact of “Titanic”, these films have captivated audiences and continue to be powerful and moving experiences. While these are some of the greatest films about the Titanic, many other films also offer unique perspectives on the disaster and it’s worth exploring them all to gain a deeper understanding of the event and its aftermath.
What are the greatest Titanic Films?
Titanic (1997)
When Jame’s Cameron Titanic was in production, all signs pointed to it becoming an epic bust. Regular stories were being leaked from the crew about the director’s obsession with accuracy and attention to detail interwoven with a complex plot, unproven computer technologies and a skyrocketing budget.
The film’s two stars were thought to be miscast for a film such as this, and there was a common feeling that a three-hour film about a sinking ship couldn’t really draw large audiences. Creating a critically acclaimed break-even film seemed to be the best outlook for many.
How wrong these predictions would be as Titanic shattered all expectations to become the biggest film in box-office history ($2.195 Billion, 2021) and collect a record 11 academy awards to solidify its place in cinema history as a cash-cow and cinematic masterpiece.
Kate Winslet (Rose) and Leonardo DiCaprio (Jack) would lead a cleverly scripted romantic tragedy in the midst of a near-flawless recount of the voyage and events of the Titanic sinking that mixed groundbreaking computer-generated imagery with painstakingly accurate set pieces and items that had not been seen since 1912 and most thought impossible to recreate.
Titanic hit home runs from all corners of pop culture with a global smash hit soundtrack and an onslaught of appearances from the cast and crew explaining how this amazing film came into existence.
Titanic could be considered ‘cheesy’ by some and rightly so but it is incredibly watchable as a piece of art, cinema, storytelling and a historical document. It’s a must-watch.
A Complete Titanic TEACHING UNIT
A complete unit of work to teach students about the historical and cultural impact Titanic made upon the world both back in the early 20th century. This complete unit includes.
Titanic (1953) Tagline: TITANIC in Emotion…in Spectacle…in Climax…in Cast!
Unhappily married and uncomfortable with life among the British upper crust, Julia Sturges takes her two children and boards the Titanic for America. Her husband Richard also arranges passage on the doomed luxury liner in order to let him have custody of their two children. Their problems soon seem minor when the ship hits an iceberg.
If you’re looking for a Titanic tutorial, rent ‘A Night to Remember.’ If you crave a sweeping love story, pop in Cameron’s blockbuster. This ‘Titanic’ is neither of those. It may not be “king of the world,” but by focusing on family relationships and using the disaster as a potent backdrop, it carves its own niche and tells its tragic story with equal power and tenderness.
The literate screenplay, unobtrusive direction, and terrific performances by Barbara Stanwyck and Clifton Webb enhance the film’s emotional core. Fox rounds out the package with a first-class image transfer that’s a nice step up from the previous DVD, solid audio, and a boatload of notable extras, making this classic attractive to both Titanic and film history enthusiasts. Recommended.
Titanic 1953 Theatrical trailer
A Night to remember (1958) Tagline: The night the unsinkable sank
This is the first titanic movie and it does a great job for the time in which it was released.
A successful attempt at an even-handed portrayal of the White Star Line’s (later part of Cunard) luxury liner R.M.S. Titanic sank from the standpoint of 2nd Officer Charles Herbert Lightoller, himself the most senior of the ill-fated ship’s Deck Officers to survive the disaster. (Lightoller later went on to distinguish himself as a line British Naval Officer during the First World War and served as a Senior Naval Staff Officer (convoys) during WWII.
Between wars, he owned and operated a successful family business producing pleasure craft.) His own survival of the sinking, along with several others, is shown atop one of the liner’s two “collapsible” lifeboats which were capsized in floating off the liner as it sank. The picture depicts then known facts (c1958) as reported after the sinking; such as the woeful lack of adequate lifeboats, the ship’s band playing true to the very end…
A Night to Remember US Theatrical Trailer
Raise the Titanic (1980) Tagline: Once they said God himself couldn’t sink her. Then they said no man on earth could reach her. Now – you will be there when we raise The Titanic
A group of Americans are interested in raising the ill-fated Ocean liner Titanic. One of the team members find out the Russians also have plans to raise the ship from its watery grave. Why all the interest? A rare mineral on board could be used to power a sound beam that will knock any missile out of the air when entering United States airspace.
Raise the Titanic official Trailer: