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Das Boot poster
8.1 / 10(2,670 votes)IMDbR19812h 30m$85M Worldwide GrossGermany

Das Boot

“On land they dreamed of being heroes. Beneath the sea they pray to be survivors.”

Synopsis

A German submarine hunts allied ships during the Second World War, but it soon becomes the hunted. The crew tries to survive below the surface, while stretching both the boat and themselves to their limits.

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Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes

Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.

Das Boot (director's Cut) (Subtitles)- TrailerOfficial

Type: Trailer • Published 2013-08-13

Release History & Theatrical Window

World Premiere

Gent

Festival / Special Debut

Theatrical Premiere

February 10, 1982

Wide Cinema Exhibition

4K UHD / Blu-ray Debut

December 9, 1997

Physical Home Media

Financials & Box Office Performance

ReleasedBlockbuster Success (6.07x ROI)

Production Budget

$14M

Filming & production cost

Worldwide Gross

$85M

Total global ticket sales

Box Office Return

6.07x

+$71M net gain

Theatrical Status

Mega Hit

Box office tier

Budget: $14MWorldwide: $85M

Key Information & Fast Facts

Director
Wolfgang Petersen
Screenplay & Story
Dean Riesner, Wolfgang Petersen
Original Score
Klaus Doldinger
Original Title
Das Boot
Country of Origin
Germany
Spoken Languages
German, English, French
Runtime
2h 30m
Production Budget
$14M
Worldwide Gross
$85M
Production Studios
Radiant Film, Bavaria Film

Creative Leadership & Key Crew

Director

Wolfgang Petersen

Screenplay & Story

Dean Riesner, Wolfgang Petersen, Lothar-Günther Buchheim

Original Score & Music

Klaus Doldinger

Director of Photography

Jost Vacano, Ernst Wild

Film Editing

Hannes Nikel

Producers

Günter Rohrbach, Ortwin Freyermuth, John W. Hyde, Edward R. Pressman, Mark Damon Johnson

Literary Origin & Source Material
Novel:Lothar-Günther Buchheim

Department Leadership Roster

Dean Riesner

Dean Riesner

Screenplay

Klaus Doldinger

Klaus Doldinger

Original Music Composer

Günter Rohrbach

Günter Rohrbach

Producer

Ortwin Freyermuth

Producer

Wolfgang Petersen

Wolfgang Petersen

Screenplay

Jost Vacano

Jost Vacano

Director of Photography

Hannes Nikel

Editor

Wolfgang Petersen

Wolfgang Petersen

Director

Michael Bittins

Producer

Monika Bauert

Costume Design

Rolf Zehetbauer

Rolf Zehetbauer

Production Design

Age Classification & Content Advisories

Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.

Primary: R

R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

International Certification Matrix

Australia (ACB)M

Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.

Canada14A
Germany (FSK)12

FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.

France (CNC)U

Tous publics — Universal audience.

United Kingdom (BBFC)15

Suitable only for 15 years and over.

United States (MPAA)R

Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

Official cinematic photography and background stills for Das Boot.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Das Boot

Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.

What is Das Boot about?

A German submarine hunts allied ships during the Second World War, but it soon becomes the hunted. The crew tries to survive below the surface, while stretching both the boat and themselves to their limits.

Who directed Das Boot?

Das Boot was directed by Wolfgang Petersen.

Who stars in Das Boot?

The principal cast of Das Boot includes Jürgen Prochnow, Herbert Grönemeyer, Klaus Wennemann, Hubertus Bengsch, Martin Semmelrogge.

When was Das Boot released and how long is it?

Das Boot was released in 1981 with a total runtime of 2h 30m.

What was the box office and production budget of Das Boot?

Das Boot had a reported production budget of $14M and grossed $85M at the worldwide box office (6.07 return on budget, classified as a blockbuster success).

Who composed the musical score for Das Boot?

The original motion picture soundtrack for Das Boot was composed by Klaus Doldinger.

Is Das Boot based on a book or true story?

Das Boot is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Lothar-Günther Buchheim".

What is the age rating and content advisory for Das Boot?

Das Boot holds official age classifications: AU: M (Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.); CA: 14A; DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.); FR: U (Tous publics — Universal audience.); GB: 15 (Suitable only for 15 years and over.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).