Movies like The Ship Building
The best movies like The Ship Building are Ship of Fools (1965), The Wackiest Ship in the Army (1960) and The Long Ships (1964). If The Ship Building hooked you, these 20 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
The Ship Building
Quick picks
- Highest ratedAn Affair to Remember (1957)7.4/10 from 535 votes
- NewestShipwrecked: Nightmare at Sea (2026)Released 2026
Ship of Fools (1965)
A varied group of passengers aboard a ship bound for pre-WWII Germany represents a microcosm of early-1930s society.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Wackiest Ship in the Army (1960)
Lieutenant Rip Crandall is hoodwinked into taking command of the "Wackiest Ship in the Navy" – a real garbage scow with a crew of misfits who don't know a jib from a jigger. What none of them knows, including Crandall, is that this ship has a very important top-secret mission to complete in waters patrolled by the Japanese fleet. Their mission will save hundreds of allied lives – if only they can get there in one piece.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Long Ships (1964)
Moorish ruler El Mansuh is determined to locate a massive bell made of gold known as the "Mother of Voices." Viking explorer Rolfe also becomes intent on finding the mythical treasure, and sails with his crew from Scandinavia to Africa to track it down. Reluctantly working together, El Mansuh and Rolfe, along with their men, embark on a quest for the prized object, but only one leader will be able to claim the bell as his own — if it even exists at all.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLove Affair (1939)
A French playboy and an American former nightclub singer fall in love aboard a ship. They arrange to reunite six months later, if neither has changed their mind.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLove at Sea (2018)
Organized and structured event planner Olivia has been meticulous in organizing logistics for an Internet lifestyle series set on a Caribbean cruise ship. But when the ship’s new cruise director, Tony, puts his personal stamp on the cruise experience, Olivia realizes that some things can’t be anticipated or scheduled – like falling in love.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisIn Which We Serve (1942)
The story of the HMS Torrin, from its construction to its sinking in the Mediterranean during action in World War II. The ship’s first and only commanding officer is Captain E.V. Kinross, who trains his men not only to be loyal to him and the country, but—most importantly—to themselves.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisTiger Cruise (2004)
On its last leg homeward, from Pearl Harbor, Hawaii to San Diego, the USS Constellation hosts a jolly "tiger cruise" for US Navy, Marines and USNAF relatives, mainly minors ("Navy brats"). Attitudes and emotions vary from simple joy to open frustration, the worst brat being XO commander Gary Dolan's daughter Maddie, who wants him to refuse a promotion to command for a shore job. Then the news of the WCC terror crisis changes everything, as the crew is recalled to war footing.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAn Affair to Remember (1957)
A couple falls in love and agrees to meet in six months at the Empire State Building - but will it happen?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisOn the Town (1949)
Three sailors wreak havoc as they search for love during a whirlwind 24-hour leave in New York City.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisChristmas Made to Order (2018)
When architect and Christmas amateur Steven finds himself hosting his family for Christmas, he recruits holiday coordinator Gretchen to bring holiday joy to his home. Gretchen’s expert Christmas spirit brings Steven’s family together, but neither expected it to bring them closer to each other. After a great opportunity presents itself to Gretchen, she and Steven must decide what’s really important in life.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Tourist (2010)
American tourist Frank meets mysterious British woman Elise on the train to Venice. Romance seems to bud, but there's more to her than meets the eye.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisJuggernaut (1974)
A terrorist demands a huge ransom in exchange for information on how to disarm the seven bombs he has planted aboard a trans-Atlantic cruise ship. Inspired by real events.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisOut to Sea (1997)
Care-free Charlie cons his widower brother-in-law Herb into an expenses-paid luxury cruise in search of rich, lonely ladies. The catch is that they are required to be dance hosts! With a tyrannical cruise director, and the luscious Liz and lovely Vivian, our heroes have lots of mis-adventures before they finally return to port.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
SnoozefestMovies like thisShipwrecked: Nightmare at Sea (2026)
Never-before-seen footage and survivor accounts trace the 2012 shipwreck of a luxury cruise and the disaster that ensued, in this immersive documentary.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisFifty Shades Darker (2017)
When a wounded Christian Grey tries to entice a cautious Ana Steele back into his life, she demands a new arrangement before she will give him another chance. As the two begin to build trust and find stability, shadowy figures from Christian’s past start to circle the couple, determined to destroy their hopes for a future together.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBarbie as the Island Princess (2007)
Young Rosella is saved by a few kind animals after a shipwreck. Now called Ro, she learns to talk to animals. One day, she saves the life of a prince and returns to civilisation to discover her past.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisAttraction (2001)
A writer/radio advice show host fails to heed his own advice as he stalks his ex-girlfriend and then becomes involved with an actress friend of hers.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Poseidon Adventure (1972)
When their ocean liner capsizes, a group of passengers struggle to survive and escape.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMister Roberts (1955)
Mr. Roberts is a Navy officer who's yearning for battle but is stuck in the backwaters of World War II on a non-commissioned ship run by the bullying Captain Morton.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBritannic (2000)
It was the sister ship of the infamous Titanic... and its final destiny was the same. Experience the true untold story of Britannic, a tumultuous, epic voyage of human passion, courage and betrayal aboard an ill-fated ocean liner bound for a shattering demise. With the world at war, an undercover British agent (Amanda Ryan), embarks the Britannic in search of a German spy believed to be on board to sabotage the ship. Posing as a governess, the undercover agent finds herself falling in love with the ship's chaplain (Edward Atterton). In a stunning discovery, the lovers suddenly find themselves enemies of war. And when a massive explosion deals a deathblow to the ship, their battle becomes one for their own survival. With a dynamic, international cast and a story line that hosts a chilling tale of espionage, politics and romance, Britannic brings one of history's most devastating events to riveting, new life.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like The Ship Building?
The closest matches to The Ship Building are Ship of Fools (1965), The Wackiest Ship in the Army (1960) and The Long Ships (1964). Below are 17 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after The Ship Building?
Start with Ship of Fools (1965), the closest match to The Ship Building.
What is the highest-rated movie like The Ship Building?
An Affair to Remember (1957), rated 7.4/10 by 535 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like The Ship Building?
Shipwrecked: Nightmare at Sea (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
How are movies similar to The Ship Building chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside The Ship Building, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.