The Abyss
“When you get there, you will understand.”
Synopsis
A civilian oil rig crew is recruited to conduct a search and rescue effort when a nuclear submarine mysteriously sinks. One diver soon finds himself on a spectacular odyssey 25,000 feet below the ocean's surface where he confronts a mysterious force that has the power to change the world or destroy it.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
4K Remastered Official TrailerOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2023-11-13
Top Cast
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Ed Harris
Virgil 'Bud' Brigman
Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
Lindsey Brigman
Michael Biehn
Lieutenant Hiram Coffey
Leo Burmester
Catton ‘Catfish’ De Vries
Todd Graff
Alan 'Hippy' Carnes
John Bedford Lloyd
Jammer Willis
Kimberly Scott
Lisa 'One Night' Standing
Chris Elliott
Bendix
J.C. Quinn
Arliss 'Sonny' Dawson
Pierce Oliver Brewer, Jr.
Lew Finler
George Robert Klek
Wilhite
Christopher Murphy
Schoenick
Adam Nelson
Ensign Monk
Dick Warlock
Dwight Perry
Jimmie Ray Weeks
Leland McBride
J. Kenneth Campbell
DeMarco
Peter Ratray
Captain
Michael Beach
Barnes
Release History & Theatrical Window
New York City, New York
Festival / Special Debut
February 26, 1993
Wide Cinema Exhibition
December 12, 2023
VOD & Digital Platforms
March 12, 2024
Physical Home Media
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$43M
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$90M
Total global ticket sales
Box Office Return
2.09x
+$47M net gain
Theatrical Status
Profitable
Box office tier
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- James Cameron
- Screenplay & Story
- James Cameron
- Original Score
- Alan Silvestri
- Original Title
- The Abyss
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 2h 20m
- Production Budget
- $43M
- Worldwide Gross
- $90M
- Production Studios
- 20th Century Fox, Pacific Western
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
James Cameron
James Cameron
Alan Silvestri
Mikael Salomon
Conrad Buff IV, Joel Goodman, Howard E. Smith
Gale Anne Hurd, Van Ling
Department Leadership Roster
James Cameron
Director
Gale Anne Hurd
Producer
Van Ling
Producer
Alan Silvestri
Original Music Composer
Mikael Salomon
Director of Photography
Leslie Dilley
Production Design
Conrad Buff IV
Editor
Joel Goodman
Editor
Howard E. Smith
Editor
Deborah Everton
Costume Design
Hoyt Yeatman
Visual Effects Supervisor
Steve Johnson
Visual Effects Supervisor
Walt Conti
Visual Effects Supervisor
Dick Warlock
Stunt Coordinator
James Cameron
Writer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
PG-13: Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.
International Certification Matrix
Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Interdit aux moins de 12 ans — 12+ only.
Suitable only for 15 years and over.
Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Abyss.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Abyss
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Abyss about?
A civilian oil rig crew is recruited to conduct a search and rescue effort when a nuclear submarine mysteriously sinks. One diver soon finds himself on a spectacular odyssey 25,000 feet below the ocean's surface where he confronts a mysterious force that has the power to change the world or destroy it.
Who directed The Abyss?
The Abyss was directed by James Cameron.
Who stars in The Abyss?
The principal cast of The Abyss includes Ed Harris, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Michael Biehn, Leo Burmester, Todd Graff.
When was The Abyss released and how long is it?
The Abyss was released in 1989 with a total runtime of 2h 20m.
What was the box office and production budget of The Abyss?
The Abyss had a reported production budget of $43M and grossed $90M at the worldwide box office (2.09 return on budget, classified as a commercial hit).
Who composed the musical score for The Abyss?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Abyss was composed by Alan Silvestri.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Abyss?
The Abyss holds official age classifications: AU: M (Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.); DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.); FR: 12 (Interdit aux moins de 12 ans — 12+ only.); GB: 15 (Suitable only for 15 years and over.); US: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.).