Where to start withThe Poseidon Adventure
2 versions · originally a film, 1972
Themes: Survival Against the Odds, Group Dynamics Under Pressure, Leadership in Crisis, Man vs. Nature, Social Class Conflict.
Start with The Poseidon Adventure (Ronald Neame, 1972) — the film. The Poseidon Adventure exists in 2 versions across media, beginning as a film in 1972; each is ranked below by what it does best.
The Poseidon Adventure centers on the harrowing, claustrophobic struggle of disparate passengers attempting to climb through an capsized ocean liner.
✦ Most fans start here
The Poseidon Adventure (1972)
The original movie
✦ Start hereThe Poseidon Adventure
Ronald Neame · Film · 1972
The Poseidon Adventure (1972) defines the disaster epic genre, offering a masterclass in tension and character-driven survival dynamics that remains the gold standard for all subsequent ship-based catastrophe films.
2006 film
Poseidon
Wolfgang Petersen · Film · 2006
Poseidon (2006) updates the concept with modern high-stakes spectacle and visceral visual effects, focusing primarily on the sheer kinetic intensity of the vessel's destruction and the immediate physical scramble for survival.
Common questions
Is the 2006 film Poseidon a direct remake of The Poseidon Adventure?
Yes, the 2006 film Poseidon is a remake of the 1972 movie The Poseidon Adventure. Both films are based on the same source material and follow the story of passengers attempting to survive after their ship is capsized by a rogue wave.
Should I watch The Poseidon Adventure before watching the 2006 remake Poseidon?
It is not strictly necessary to watch them in a specific order, but viewing The Poseidon Adventure first allows you to see the original 1972 production. You can then compare it to the 2006 film Poseidon to see how the story was updated for a later audience.
Is the 2006 movie Poseidon a sequel to The Poseidon Adventure?
No, the 2006 movie Poseidon is not a sequel to The Poseidon Adventure. It is a standalone remake that reimagines the events of the original 1972 film rather than continuing the plot or featuring the same characters from the earlier production.
How do the 1972 film The Poseidon Adventure and the 2006 remake Poseidon differ?
The 1972 film The Poseidon Adventure and the 2006 remake Poseidon both focus on a ship capsizing, but they differ in their production era and cinematic style. The Poseidon Adventure represents the disaster film style of the 1970s, while Poseidon utilizes modern visual effects to depict the disaster.