Crimson Tide

Last Updated on: October 18th, 2023

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing movie Crimson Tide including casting, reviews, fun facts and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Crimson Tide Description

Crimson Tide (Hollywood Pictures Movie)

“Crimson Tide” is a 1995 American submarine thriller film directed by Tony Scott. The movie is set during the tense political climate of the Cold War and follows the crew of a U.S. Navy nuclear submarine, the USS Alabama.

The plot revolves around a conflict between the ship’s commanding officer, Captain Frank Ramsey (played by Gene Hackman), and his newly appointed executive officer, Lieutenant Commander Ron Hunter (played by Denzel Washington). When an order is received to launch nuclear missiles during a potential global crisis, Ramsey and Hunter clash over the interpretation of the message and the decision to carry out the orders.

As tensions rise and the crew becomes divided, the film explores themes of loyalty, duty, and the ethical dilemmas faced by military personnel in high-stakes situations. The story unfolds within the claustrophobic and intense environment of the submarine, creating a suspenseful atmosphere throughout the film.

“Crimson Tide” is known for its gripping performances by Hackman and Washington, as well as its tight pacing and dramatic tension. It received positive reviews from critics and was praised for its realistic portrayal of submarine warfare and the complex moral questions it raises.

The film combines thrilling action sequences, thought-provoking dialogue, and a compelling exploration of command authority and decision-making under extreme circumstances. “Crimson Tide” remains a notable entry in the submarine thriller genre and a favorite among fans of intense and suspenseful military dramas.



Crimson Tide Fun Facts

  • The film’s title, “Crimson Tide,” refers to the University of Alabama’s football team, known for their distinctive crimson jerseys. The connection is symbolic as the film deals with conflicts and tensions within a military hierarchy.
  • The screenplay for “Crimson Tide” was written by Michael Schiffer and later underwent rewrites by Quentin Tarantino, who is uncredited for his contributions.
  • Denzel Washington’s character, Lieutenant Commander Ron Hunter, was originally written as a white character. However, Washington’s involvement in the film led to the script being rewritten to accommodate his casting.
  • The movie features intense and claustrophobic submarine sequences that were filmed in real submarines, including the USS Alabama and the USS Drum, which are part of the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama.
  • The film’s score was composed by Hans Zimmer, known for his work on various blockbuster films. The score incorporates a tense and pulsating theme that adds to the suspenseful atmosphere of the movie.
  • “Crimson Tide” explores themes of authority, command, and the ethical dilemmas faced by military personnel. It delves into the concept of “mutiny” and the consequences of divided loyalties within a military structure.
  • The film received generally positive reviews from critics, praising the performances of Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman, as well as the tension-filled direction of Tony Scott.
  • “Crimson Tide” features a memorable and intense verbal showdown between Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman’s characters, known as the “I’m Captain now” scene, which has become a standout moment from the film.
  • The movie was a commercial success, grossing over $157 million worldwide against a budget of $53 million. Its critical and financial success solidified its place as one of the notable submarine-themed films.


Crimson Tide Cast
  • Denzel Washington: Lieutenant Commander Ron Hunter
  • Gene Hackman: Captain Frank Ramsey
  • George Dzundza: Chief of the Boat Walters
  • Matt Craven: Lieutenant Roy Zimmer
  • Viggo Mortensen: Lieutenant Peter Ince
  • James Gandolfini: Lieutenant Bobby Dougherty
  • Rocky Carroll: Lieutenant Darik Westerguard
  • Jaime P. Gomez: Officer of the Deck Mahoney
  • Michael Milhoan: Chief of the Watch Hunsicker
  • Scott Burkholder: Tactical Supervising Officer Billy Linkletter
  • Danny Nucci: Petty Officer Danny Rivetti, Sonar Supervisor
  • Lillo Brancato, Jr.: Petty Officer Third Class Russell Vossler
  • Rick Schroder: Lieutenant Paul Hellerman
  • Steve Zahn: Seaman William Barnes
  • Mark Christopher Lawrence: Head Cook Rono
  • Ryan Phillippe: Seaman Grattam
  • Daniel von Bargen: Vladimir Radchenko
  • Jason Robards: Rear Admiral Anderson


Crimson Tide Crew
  • Director: Tony Scott
  • Producers: Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer
  • Screenplay: Michael Schiffer
  • Music: Hans Zimmer




Additional Details

  • Movie Studio:
  • Year Released: 1995
  • Type of Movie: Live Action
  • Box Office: $157.3 million
  • Awards: Nominated Academy Awards; Won Grammy Award
  • IMDB Link

Crimson Tide Trailer:




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I am founder and editor of DisneyNews.us. My passion for all things Disney goes pretty far back to my first trip to Walt Disney World in the mid-80's. I have since returned to the magical place more than 20 times. I started this site when I came to the realization that I spent a significant portion of my day reading articles about Disney and watching Disney content with my 8-year old, so it made sense that I would start sharing some of what I read and see and building a little community around it. Other interests include 80's nostalgia, vintage toys, video games, LEGO, Star Wars and tech gadgets. Other sites include DMR and VideoGamesStats.com.