Where to start
Das Boot
2 versions · originally a film, 1981
Das Boot masterfully depicts the claustrophobic, relentless psychological and physical toll of submarine warfare on a weary U-boat crew.
✦ Most fans start here
Das Boot (1981)
The original movie
✦ Start hereDas Boot
Film · 1981
The 1981 movie Das Boot delivers a taut, cinematic experience that distills the terrifying reality of life beneath the surface into a singular, high-stakes narrative focused on raw survival.
1985 series
Das Boot
Wolfgang Petersen · Series · 1985
The 1985 TV version of Das Boot expands the scope of the original story, offering a broader look at the crew's daily patrols across the Atlantic and Mediterranean theaters of war.
Common questions
Is the Das Boot TV series different from the 1981 movie?
The 1985 Das Boot TV series is an extended version of the 1981 Das Boot movie. While they share the same source material and core footage, the television adaptation provides a significantly longer runtime than the original theatrical film release.
What order should I watch Das Boot in?
Most viewers begin with the 1981 Das Boot movie to experience the original theatrical cut. If you want a more comprehensive version of the story, you can follow it up with the 1985 Das Boot television series, which expands upon the narrative presented in the film.
How long is the Das Boot movie compared to the 1985 TV series?
The 1981 Das Boot movie is a feature-length film, while the 1985 Das Boot TV series is a multi-episode production. The television version contains substantially more footage and a longer total runtime than the original 1981 movie release.
Should I watch the 1985 Das Boot series after the movie?
Watching the 1985 Das Boot series after the 1981 Das Boot movie is a common choice for fans who want to see the extended cut of the story. The series uses the same source material as the film but presents it in a longer format.