Aliens of the Deep (2005)

84% of critics liked it
(61 reviews)
50% of users liked it
(3,912 ratings)

Few who witnessed the awesome spectacle of the Titanic emerging from the darkness of the ocean depths in James Cameron's Ghosts of the Abyss are likely to forget that spectacular sight, and now the groundbreaking filmmaker journeys even deeper into unexplored territory with this look at some of… More Few who witnessed the awesome spectacle of the Titanic emerging from the darkness of the ocean depths in James Cameron's Ghosts of the Abyss are likely to forget that spectacular sight, and now the groundbreaking filmmaker journeys even deeper into unexplored territory with this look at some of nature's most elusive creations in Aliens of the Deep. Using the basic concepts of astrobiology as his foundation, Cameron enlists the aid of talented marine biologists and NASA researchers to reveal the fascinating and seldom-seen life forms of the sea and use their biological makeup to create a speculative blueprint for what life on other planets might look like. In the super-heated, mineral-charged water of hydrothermal vents, creatures such as a six-foot-tall worm with crimson plumes dance alongside blind white crabs and some of the strangest creatures you're ever likely to see. If Ghosts of the Abyss brought viewers as close as they're ever likely to get to standing on the ocean floor and beholding the majesty of one of history's most notorious tragedies, Aliens of the Deep brings them as close as they may ever come to standing face-to-face with an alien life form. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: G, 47 min.
Directed By: James Cameron, Steven Quale
Genres: Documentary, Special Interest

In Theaters: Jan 28, 2005 Wide
On DVD: Nov 1, 2005
Studio: Buena Vista Distribution

Critic Reviews

Christy Lemire, Associated Press
Yes, the work they're doing is mind-boggling and important, but sometimes the images alone are more than capable of speaking for themselves.
Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel
A master showman's large-format documentary, a movie with great images, great special effects and the sheen of Hollywood often missing in these museum or science-center movies.
David Hiltbrand, Philadelphia Inquirer
The experience is so immediate and immersive that you actually feel as if you are swimming with the krill.
Brian Thomas, Chicago Reader
Here we know only that Cameron and his bright-eyed young scientists (who take turns narrating) are heading to the deeper parts of the Atlantic and Pacific to observe the environment and life-forms down there.
J. Hoberman, Village Voice
Often thrilling.
Richard Roeper, Ebert & Roeper
It's fantastic stuff.
James Mottram, Film4
A fascinating science lesson for anyone interested in either deep-sea -- or outer space -- exploration.
Urban Cinefile Critics, Urban Cinefile
It's not usual for documentaries to ingest the sci-fi genre, but in this case it's an eye pleasing and mind boggling excursion, beautifully realised and seamlessly integrated into the film.
Jim Lane, Sacramento News & Review
The far more interesting stuff is back here at the bottom of the sea.
Joe Lozito, Big Picture Big Sound
Once you get used to the "awesome" and "wow"-heavy dialogue, James Cameron's excursion into both 3-D technology and deep ocean trenches delivers some fascinating footage.
Prairie Miller, Long Island Press
Even if these plants and animals did not exist, we may have already invented them, courtesy of those sci fi special effects magicians working overtime for the past decades.
Prairie Miller, Long Island Press
Even if these plants and animals did not exist, we may have already invented them, courtesy of those sci fi special effects magicians working overtime for the past decades.
Trevor Johnston, Time Out
That IMAX 3-D cameras have plunged so deep to record an often bizarre array of sea creatures undoubtedly delivers a certain 'wow' factor, but the accompanying commentary is heavier on breathless excitement than solid fact.
, Empire Magazine
The final shot, in particular, is awesome, and confirms that the sooner Cameron gets back to making proper movies, instead of Boys' Own diversions, the better.
Kevin Carr, 7M Pictures
I want the old James Cameron back.
Jack Garner, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
[Cameron] speculates that the ocean's depths contain mysterious life unlike anything else on Earth.
Ross Anthony, Hollywood Report Card
Some great shots of some odd (alien) deep sea fish and a good tie into space exploration, but other than that, the 3D isn't that great and reaction shots go too long.
Gary Thompson, Philadelphia Daily News
There are impressive rock formations and many other fine things to see, along with an interesting science lesson.
Robert Roten, Laramie Movie Scope
It is a lot more like being there than just watching pictures taken by someone who was there.
Rich Cline, Shadows on the Wall
It's visually stunning, but [James Cameron] can't resist going slightly too far with its premise.

Read all 20 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Ken S

Pretty cool and a little hokey at times.
Mike S

If there's two things that James Cameron can't get enough of, it's aliens and the sea. In this documentary, he combines both of his passions and turns it into a fascinating exploration of the strange creatures that inhabit the deep depths of the world's oceans.… More
If there's two things that James Cameron can't get enough of, it's aliens and the sea. In this documentary, he combines both of his passions and turns it into a fascinating exploration of the strange creatures that inhabit the deep depths of the world's oceans. Not only that, but like the great visionary that he is, he also goes beyond those found on Earth and looks at how the ocean life might look like on one of Jupiter's many moons, namely Europa. It'd be cool to say the least if they went there for real someday, because after seeing this production, it seems the prospect of finding alien life there, is far from mere science fiction.
Bradley J

Im sort of confused after this doc. It didn't amaze me like other ones, but it isn't horrible, because it did present me to different creatures i've never seen before. It just doesn't compare to any of Disneynature's films. Keep in mind that I saw the 48… More
Im sort of confused after this doc. It didn't amaze me like other ones, but it isn't horrible, because it did present me to different creatures i've never seen before. It just doesn't compare to any of Disneynature's films. Keep in mind that I saw the 48 minute version not the 96 minute one. Overall Rating:48
Barry L

Beautiful and ghostly. Theses deep see mysterys are fantastic.
Sarah P

Interesting movie, makes you feel privledged being able to see these odd (to us) creatures.