The 1989 film "The Abyss" made an undeniable splash among sci-fi fans. With James Cameron directing, an aquatic setting, an alien threat and a stacked cast, it’s no surprise the film earned four Oscar nominations and took home Best Visual Effects.
But nearly a decade later, another deep-sea science fiction film was released that deserves more recognition: "Sphere." Adapted from Michael Crichton’s novel and starring Dustin Hoffman, Sharon Stone, and Samuel L. Jackson, the 1998 film follows the discovery of a perfect, otherworldly sphere resting 1,000 feet beneath the ocean.
Blending psychological thriller elements with high-concept science fiction, it’s a story that captivated me even more than its better-known predecessor. And the best part? You can stream it free right now on Tubi.
What is 'Sphere' about?
Dr. Norman Goodman (Dustin Hoffman), a psychiatrist, is suddenly recruited for a top-secret mission. To his surprise, he’s joined by familiar colleagues: marine biologist and former lover Dr. Beth Halperin (Sharon Stone), mathematician Dr. Harry Adams (Samuel L. Jackson) and astrophysicist Dr. Ted Fielding (Liev Schreiber).
None of them knows why they’ve been brought together — until Norman realizes he once wrote a government report outlining the very team needed for first contact with aliens.
Led by Navy Captain Harold Barnes (Peter Coyote), the group descends to a newly discovered spacecraft deep in the ocean. At first it seems alien, but records reveal it’s American — built centuries in the future before being hurled back through a black hole to crash in the 1700s.
Inside, they discover something even stranger: a massive, fluid-like sphere that reflects everything but them. One by one, the scientists enter it, returning unsettled and changed. Soon afterward, a series of bizarre and terrifying events threatens their lives, forcing them to confront both the mystery of the sphere and their own darkest fears.
Why You Should Watch 'Sphere'
What makes "Sphere" so compelling isn’t just the sci-fi premise, but the psychological suspense it builds. The true menace isn’t the sphere itself, but what it reveals within each character. Nightmares become real, fear manifests physically, and the group’s survival hinges on whether they can face the threats their own minds create.
There’s also the unnerving presence of an alien intelligence communicating with the crew — sometimes helpful, sometimes hostile — bringing a touch of "2001: A Space Odyssey’s" HAL to the deep-sea setting.
The cast brings real weight to the story. Seeing Hoffman in one of his rare sci-fi roles adds a grounded presence, while Jackson and Stone deliver sharp, distinctive performances that clash and complement one another. Even smaller roles shine; Queen Latifah, as Alice “Teeny” Fletcher, gives one of the film’s most memorable portrayals of raw fear.
Though "Sphere" shares certain DNA with "The Abyss," like an underwater setting and mysterious force, it distinguishes itself with its focus on psychology and human vulnerability. Instead of just exploring the unknown, it dives into what the unknown brings out in us.
"Sphere" might not have earned the same accolades, but it’s a tense, thought-provoking sci-fi thriller that deserves another look. You can watch it now on Tubi and decide for yourself which film surfaces as the better deep-sea movie.
Watch "Sphere" free on Tubi
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