The Cruel Sea
Directed by Charles Frend
At the start of World War II, Cmdr. Ericson is assigned to convoy escort HMS Compass Rose with inexperienced officers and men just out of training. The winter seas make life miserable enough, but the men must also harden themselves to rescuing survivors of U-Boat attacks, while seldom able to strike back. Traumatic events afloat and ashore create a warm bond between the skipper and his first officer.
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Top cast
Jack Hawkins
Ericson
Donald Sinden
Lockhart
Denholm Elliott
Morell
John Stratton
Ferraby
Stanley Baker
Bennett
Liam Redmond
Watts
Meredith Edwards
Yeoman Wells
Bruce Seton
Tallow
John Warner
Baker
Barry Letts
Raikes
Frequently asked questions
Where can I watch The Cruel Sea online?
As of September 20, 2026, The Cruel Sea is available to stream on BFI Player Amazon Channel and Kanopy in United States. Use the country selector above to check availability in other regions — streaming rights are licensed per country, so catalogues differ.
Is The Cruel Sea on Netflix?
Not in United States at the moment. However, The Cruel Sea is on Netflix in Italy, Portugal, and Spain. Streaming rights are sold per country, which is why catalogues differ.
Can I rent or buy The Cruel Sea online?
Yes. In United States, The Cruel Sea can be rented on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home and purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
In which countries can I stream The Cruel Sea?
As of September 20, 2026, The Cruel Sea is included with a streaming subscription (or free with ads) in Italy, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom, and United States, among the countries we track.
Streaming availability last checked on September 20, 2026. Catalogues change frequently — data from TMDB and JustWatch.
