---
title: "Das Boot"
year: 1981
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/das-boot-1981"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 387
imdb_id: "tt0082096"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 150
community_rating: 8.1
vote_count: 2555
content_rating: "R"
---

# Das Boot (1981) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/das-boot-1981

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Das Boot is a 1981 German drama film set during the Second World War. The movie is centered around a German submarine and its crew as they engage in a naval operation. The crew's experiences are portrayed as they face challenges while operating beneath the surface of the ocean. The film explores the crew's struggles to survive and their efforts to extend the capabilities of their vessel.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A German submarine hunts allied ships during the Second World War before becoming the hunted."

### Why Watch
- directed by Wolfgang Petersen
- intense survival narrative

### Caveats & Content Note
- contains intense war themes
- Tone & Suitability: This is a dramatic war film dealing with intense survival situations during the Second World War.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: tense, gritty, claustrophobic, historical

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | fuboTV | YouTube Free | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Sky Store |
| **Canada (CA)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, CosmoGo |
| **Australia (AU)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Wolfgang Petersen
- **Networks / Studios**: Radiant Film, Bavaria Film

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Jürgen Prochnow** as *Captain Lieutenant 'Der Alte'*
- **Herbert Grönemeyer** as *Lieutenant Werner*
- **Klaus Wennemann** as *Chief Engineer*
- **Hubertus Bengsch** as *First Watch Officer*
- **Martin Semmelrogge** as *Second Watch Officer*
- **Bernd Tauber** as *Kriechbaum*
- **Erwin Leder** as *Johann 'Das Gespenst'*
- **Martin May** as *Ullmann*
- **Heinz Hoenig** as *Hinrich*
- **Uwe Ochsenknecht** as *Chief Bosun*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: When was Das Boot released?
Das Boot was released in 1981.

### Q: Who directed the film?
It was written and directed by Wolfgang Petersen.

### Q: What is the film about?
It follows a German U-boat crew hunting allied ships and trying to survive below the surface.

### Q: Is the film based on a book?
Yes, it is a film adaptation of the novel of the same name by Lothar-Günther Buchheim.

### Q: What genres are associated with the film?
It is categorized as drama, history, and war.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Das Boot — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/387)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*