Animation, Comics and Fantasy: From Tintin's Unicorn to the Durmstrang Ship
Tintin, Moana, Peter Pan, One Piece, the Corsairs of Umbar, the Durmstrang ship and the fleets of Westeros. Imagined ships are often the most loved of all, and a scale model is the only way to hold one.
This chapter of Ships on Screen holds 183 ships and boats. For each one you will find the film or the book, the year, who was in it, what the ship does in the story, and the scene we would bring to life. See all 1,404 ships on one page.
Marea can build every one of these ships as a scale model, with the maximum detail the scale permits, finished to be inspected. But we don’t stop at the ship. We bring the scene with it: a few hand painted figurines on deck, caught in the one moment you remember. It isn’t a diorama. It’s the ship, with its story on board.
This database was put together by Ai Refloat™, Marea’s own artificial intelligence. Ai Refloat is still young & like any teenager, it can be a little volatile and unpredictable at times, but above all, it is learning fast. So this list may well contain mistakes and we welcome the input of everyone who knows these films, books and ships better than we do: listening, correcting and learning is one of the many ways we work towards perfection in this craft.
Have you spotted a mistake? Tell us which film, series, book, cartoon or boat, and we will amend it accordingly. Tell us here
The ships
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
Mickey's steamboat (Willie) Fictional
Steamboat Willie (1928)
Directed by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks
Starring Walt Disney (voices)
Mickey Mouse pilots a river paddle steamer, whistling, until Captain Pete throws him off the bridge. After a stop at Podunk Landing to load livestock, Mickey turns the cargo into musical instruments and is punished by peeling potatoes.
The Marea scene Mickey at the wheel of the steamboat, whistling and sounding its whistles.
On set Hand drawn animation; fictional boat.
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
Monstro and Geppetto's boat Fictional
Pinocchio (1940)
Directed by Ben Sharpsteen and Hamilton Luske (supervising)
Starring Dickie Jones (Pinocchio), Cliff Edwards (Jiminy Cricket), Christian Rub (Geppetto)
Geppetto sets out to sea in his little boat to look for Pinocchio and is swallowed, boat and all, by the giant whale Monstro. Pinocchio finds him inside, and they escape on a raft that the enraged whale smashes.
The Marea scene Geppetto fishing from his boat inside Monstro's belly, with Figaro and Cleo beside him.
On set Hand drawn animation; fictional.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
Jolly Roger Fictional
Peter Pan (1953)
Directed by Hamilton Luske, Clyde Geronimi and Wilfred Jackson
Starring Bobby Driscoll (Peter Pan), Hans Conried (Captain Hook), Kathryn Beaumont (Wendy), Bill Thompson (Mr. Smee)
The Jolly Roger is Captain Hook's ship, anchored in a Never Land cove. The climactic fight between Peter and Hook takes place aboard, after which Peter and the children sprinkle it with pixie dust and sail it through the sky back to London.
The Marea scene The golden, pixie dusted Jolly Roger sailing across the moon over London.
On set Hand drawn animation; fictional ship.
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
Black Pig Fictional
Captain Pugwash (1957)
Created by John Ryan
Starring Peter Hawkins (all voices, 1957 to 1975 series)
The Black Pig is the ship of the pompous and cowardly Captain Horatio Pugwash, crewed by Master Mate, Barnabas, Willy and the capable cabin boy Tom. Pugwash's schemes are usually foiled or rescued by Tom, while the rival Cut-Throat Jake sails the Flying Dustman.
The Marea scene Captain Pugwash on the poop deck of the Black Pig, telescope in hand, while Tom quietly steers.
On set Cut paper animation; fictional ship. First appeared in the Eagle comic in 1950.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
Stingray Fictional
Stingray (1964)
Created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson (AP Films)
Starring Don Mason (Troy Tempest), Robert Easton (Phones), Ray Barrett (Commander Shore)
Stingray is the flagship submarine of the World Aquanaut Security Patrol, based at Marineville in the 2060s. Captain Troy Tempest, Phones and the mute Marina patrol the oceans against King Titan and his Aquaphibians in their Mechanical Fish.
The Marea scene Stingray breaking the surface in a burst of spray with Troy Tempest at the controls.
On set Filming miniatures; the first British TV series made entirely in colour.
Photo: Fandom wiki
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
Thunderbird 4 Fictional
Thunderbirds (1965)
Created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson (AP Films)
Starring David Graham (Gordon Tracy), Peter Dyneley (Jeff Tracy), Shane Rimmer (Scott Tracy), Sylvia Anderson (Lady Penelope)
Thunderbird 4 is International Rescue's small yellow submarine, piloted by Gordon Tracy and usually carried to rescue sites in one of Thunderbird 2's pods. It handles underwater rescues and salvage work.
The Marea scene Thunderbird 4 sliding down the ramp from Thunderbird 2's pod into the sea.
On set Filming miniatures in Supermarionation puppet series.
Photo: Fandom wiki
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
Numerobis's Nile barges and Cleopatra's luxury ship Fictional
Asterix and Cleopatra (1968)
Directed by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo
Starring Roger Carel (Asterix), Jacques Morel (Obelix), Micheline Dax (Cleopatra)
On the way to Egypt the Gauls board and scuttle a pirate ship, then sail a fleet up the Nile to fetch stone for Cleopatra's palace. Pirates hired by Amonbofis attack the fleet on its return, and the Gauls are finally escorted home aboard Cleopatra's luxury ship.
The Marea scene Asterix and Obelix leaping aboard the pirate ship from Numerobis's boat as the pirates dive overboard.
On set Traditional animation; fictional vessels.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
Prince Eric's ship Fictional
The Little Mermaid (1989)
Directed by John Musker and Ron Clements
Starring Jodi Benson (Ariel), Christopher Daniel Barnes (Prince Eric), Pat Carroll (Ursula), Samuel E. Wright (Sebastian)
Ariel first sees Prince Eric at his birthday celebration aboard his ship. A storm sets the ship ablaze and wrecks it, and Ariel rescues Eric and carries him to shore, which begins the story.
The Marea scene Ariel peeping over the rail as Eric's crew celebrate his birthday with fireworks on deck.
On set Hand drawn animation; fictional ship.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
The Unicorn, Karaboudjan, Aurora, Sirius, Ramona and other Tintin ships Fictional
The Adventures of Tintin (TV series) (1991)
Created by Stéphane Bernasconi (Ellipse and Nelvana)
Starring Colin O'Meara (Tintin, English), David Fox (Haddock, English), Thierry Wermuth (Tintin, French), Christian Pelissier (Haddock, French)
The 39 episode Franco Canadian series adapted the albums closely from Hergé's own panels, so the Karaboudjan, Aurora, Sirius, Ramona and the flashback Unicorn all appear much as drawn in the books. It is the most faithful screen version of Hergé's ships.
The Marea scene The Aurora ploughing through Arctic ice with Tintin and Snowy at the bow.
On set Traditional cel animation; fictional ships.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
The Wraith Fictional
The Pirates of Dark Water (1991)
Created by David Kirschner (Hanna-Barbera)
Starring George Newbern (Ren), Jodi Benson (Tula), Héctor Elizondo (Ioz), Brock Peters (Bloth)
The Wraith carries the young prince Ren and his crew across the world of Mer in search of the Thirteen Treasures of Rule that can stop the Dark Water. It is pursued by Bloth's Maelstrom, a warship built from leviathan carcasses.
The Marea scene Ren at the Wraith's helm as Bloth's fossil like Maelstrom looms out of the dark sea.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
Clayton's ship Fictional
Tarzan (1999)
Directed by Kevin Lima and Chris Buck
Starring Tony Goldwyn (Tarzan), Minnie Driver (Jane), Glenn Close (Kala), Brian Blessed (Clayton)
The Porter expedition arrives in Africa by ship, and at the climax the traitor Clayton imprisons Tarzan and the Porters on board while his men cage the gorillas to sell. The film opens with Tarzan's human parents escaping a burning shipwreck.
The Marea scene Tarzan, Terk and Tantor bursting aboard Clayton's ship to free Jane and the Porters.
On set Hand drawn animation (Deep Canvas); fictional.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
The old man's skiff Fictional
The Old Man and the Sea (1999)
Directed by Aleksandr Petrov
Starring Gordon Pinsent (voice of the Old Man, English)
Petrov's 20 minute paint on glass film follows Hemingway's old Cuban fisherman Santiago, who takes his skiff far out and hooks a giant marlin. The film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short in 2000.
The Marea scene Santiago in his skiff, the marlin lashed alongside, as sharks close in.
On set Paint on glass animation filmed in IMAX in Yaroslavl and Montreal; fictional skiff.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
Cortés's ship and the El Dorado boat Fictional
The Road to El Dorado (2000)
Directed by Eric Bergeron and Don Paul
Starring Kevin Kline (Tulio), Kenneth Branagh (Miguel), Rosie Perez (Chel), Armand Assante (Tzekel-Kan)
Tulio and Miguel stow away aboard Cortés's ship, escape with the horse Altivo in a rowing boat and reach El Dorado. At the climax they sail their boat into the stone pillars beneath the waterfall to block the city's entrance from Cortés.
The Marea scene Tulio and Miguel sharing a rowing boat with Altivo the horse on the open sea.
On set Traditional animation; fictional.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
Ulysses Fictional
Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)
Directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise
Starring Michael J. Fox (Milo Thatch), James Garner (Rourke), Cree Summer (Kida), Leonard Nimoy (King Kashekim)
The Ulysses carries Milo Thatch and Rourke's expedition in search of Atlantis. The mechanical Leviathan destroys it near the entrance to the city, killing most of the crew, and the survivors carry on in sub pods.
The Marea scene The Ulysses launching from its dock with its sub pods clustered beneath.
On set Hand drawn and CGI; designed on paper by Matt Codd and Jim Martin, with a scale model built by Greg Aronowitz for reference; production design influenced by Mike Mignola.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
RLS Legacy Fictional
Treasure Planet (2002)
Directed by John Musker and Ron Clements
Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Jim Hawkins), Brian Murray (Long John Silver), Emma Thompson (Captain Amelia), David Hyde Pierce (Doppler)
The RLS Legacy is Captain Amelia's solar powered galleon, an 18th century ship sailing through space, which carries Jim Hawkins to Treasure Planet. It survives a supernova and a black hole before Silver's crew mutinies.
The Marea scene Jim Hawkins clinging to the rigging of the RLS Legacy as the supernova's shockwave hits.
On set Hand drawn characters on CGI environments; fictional ship designed on the 70 per cent traditional, 30 per cent sci fi rule, named after Robert Louis Stevenson.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
Dive boat of the dentist P. Sherman Fictional
Finding Nemo (2003)
Directed by Andrew Stanton
Starring Albert Brooks (Marlin), Ellen DeGeneres (Dory), Alexander Gould (Nemo), Willem Dafoe (Gill)
Nemo swims out to touch the hull of a dive boat and is caught by a diver, a Sydney dentist, who takes him away in the boat. A diving mask that falls from the boat gives Marlin the address that starts his search.
The Marea scene Marlin chasing the departing boat's wake as the diving mask drifts down.
On set CGI; fictional.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
Sinbad's ship Fictional
Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas (2003)
Directed by Tim Johnson and Patrick Gilmore
Starring Brad Pitt (Sinbad), Catherine Zeta-Jones (Marina), Michelle Pfeiffer (Eris), Joseph Fiennes (Proteus)
Sinbad and his crew, with Marina aboard, sail to the edge of the world to recover the Book of Peace from Eris. The ship is attacked by the sea monster Cetus, lured by sirens and menaced by a giant roc.
The Marea scene Marina at the helm steering Sinbad's ship through the sirens while the enchanted crew stand frozen.
On set Traditional and computer animation; fictional.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
Cargo ship to Kenya Fictional
Madagascar (2005)
Directed by Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath
Starring Ben Stiller (Alex), Chris Rock (Marty), David Schwimmer (Melman), Jada Pinkett Smith (Gloria)
The zoo animals are shipped in crates to a reserve in Kenya. The penguins break out, hijack the ship and set course for Antarctica, causing the crates holding Alex and his friends to fall overboard and wash up on Madagascar.
The Marea scene The penguins on the bridge, Skipper at the wheel, as the crates tumble off the stern.
On set CGI; fictional.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
Viking longship Fictional
Asterix and the Vikings (2006)
Directed by Stefan Fjeldmark and Jesper Møller
Starring Roger Carel (Asterix, French), Jacques Frantz (Obelix, French), Paul Giamatti (Asterix, English), Brad Garrett (Obelix, English)
The Vikings of chief Timandahaf sail their longship to Gaul looking for a Champion of Fear who can teach them to fly. They kidnap the timid Justforkix and carry him back to the north, so Asterix and Obelix sail after them to Norway.
The Marea scene Viking warriors rowing their dragon prowed longship onto the beach below the Gaulish village.
On set Traditional animation; fictional ship based on Viking longships.
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
Jammy Dodger Fictional
Flushed Away (2006)
Directed by David Bowers and Sam Fell
Starring Hugh Jackman (Roddy), Kate Winslet (Rita), Ian McKellen (The Toad), Jean Reno (Le Frog)
The Jammy Dodger is the boat Rita uses to scavenge in the sewers of London's rat city. She and Roddy flee the Toad's henchmen in it, and it is wrecked during Le Frog's attack.
The Marea scene Rita at the wheel of the Jammy Dodger dodging pursuers through a sewer tunnel with Roddy clinging on.
On set CGI designed to look like Aardman clay animation; fictional.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
Ship to Worcestershire Fictional
Shrek the Third (2007)
Directed by Chris Miller and Raman Hui
Starring Mike Myers (Shrek), Cameron Diaz (Fiona), Eddie Murphy (Donkey), Antonio Banderas (Puss in Boots), Justin Timberlake (Artie)
Shrek, Donkey and Puss sail to Worcestershire Academy to fetch Fiona's cousin Artie as heir to Far Far Away, and Fiona reveals she is pregnant as they leave. On the way back Artie tries to take control of the ship and it is wrecked on a remote island.
The Marea scene Shrek at the ship's rail as Fiona calls out from the dock that she is pregnant.
On set CGI; fictional.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
Viking fleet Fictional
How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Directed by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois
Starring Jay Baruchel (Hiccup), Gerard Butler (Stoick), America Ferrera (Astrid)
Stoick leads the Viking fleet of Berk through the fog to find the dragons' nest, using the captured Toothless as a guide. The ships are set ablaze when the giant Red Death emerges, and Hiccup and the young riders fly in to save them.
The Marea scene The Viking longships burning on the shore of the dragons' island as the Red Death rises.
On set CGI; fictional Viking style ships.
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
Bucky and the Jolly Roger Fictional
Jake and the Never Land Pirates (2011)
Created by Bobs Gannaway
Starring Colin Ford (Jake), Cameron Boyce (Jake), Corey Burton (Captain Hook), Jeff Bennett (Mr. Smee)
Jake and his crew sail Bucky, a small living pirate ship that listens to their orders, around Never Land. Their rival Captain Hook commands the much bigger Jolly Roger, which is not alive.
The Marea scene Jake at Bucky's wheel racing Hook's Jolly Roger to a treasure island.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
The Unicorn (and its model) Fictional
The Adventures of Tintin (The Secret of the Unicorn) (2011)
Directed by Steven Spielberg
Starring Jamie Bell (Tintin), Andy Serkis (Captain Haddock and Sir Francis Haddock), Daniel Craig (Sakharine)
Tintin buys a model of the Unicorn at a market, and the parchment hidden in its mast sets off a race with Sakharine. In a flashback, Sir Francis Haddock fights Red Rackham and scuttles the real Unicorn to keep its treasure from the pirates.
The Marea scene Sir Francis Haddock and Red Rackham duelling on the Unicorn's deck as the two ships lock together in a storm.
On set Performance capture animation (Weta Digital); fictional ship based on Hergé's design derived from Le Brillant.
Photo: Rama, CC BY-SA 3.0 fr
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
SS Karaboudjan Fictional
The Adventures of Tintin (The Secret of the Unicorn) (2011)
Directed by Steven Spielberg
Starring Jamie Bell (Tintin), Andy Serkis (Captain Haddock), Daniel Craig (Sakharine)
Tintin is kidnapped and held aboard the Karaboudjan, whose crew Sakharine has turned against Captain Haddock. Tintin, Haddock and Snowy escape in a lifeboat, which ends upside down after Haddock's whisky mishap.
The Marea scene Tintin, Haddock and Snowy lowering the lifeboat from the Karaboudjan's davits under fire.
On set Performance capture animation; fictional ship.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
Captain Gutt's ice ship Fictional
Ice Age: Continental Drift (2012)
Directed by Steve Martino and Mike Thurmeier
Starring Ray Romano (Manny), John Leguizamo (Sid), Denis Leary (Diego), Peter Dinklage (Captain Gutt), Jennifer Lopez (Shira)
Separated from his family by continental drift, Manny drifts on an iceberg with Sid, Diego and Granny and meets Captain Gutt's pirate crew in a ship made of ice. The herd escapes and wrecks it, and Gutt builds another to pursue them.
The Marea scene Captain Gutt, the ape, standing at the icy prow of his ship as the herd's iceberg raft approaches.
On set CGI; fictional.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
Pirate Captain's ship and Queen Victoria's flagship QV1 Fictional
The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists! (US: The Pirates! Band of Misfits) (2012)
Directed by Peter Lord
Starring Hugh Grant (Pirate Captain), Martin Freeman (Pirate with a Scarf), David Tennant (Charles Darwin), Imelda Staunton (Queen Victoria)
The Pirate Captain sails his ship in pursuit of the Pirate of the Year award and meets Charles Darwin, who realises the crew's parrot Polly is a dodo. The story climaxes against Queen Victoria aboard her flagship, the QV1.
The Marea scene The Pirate Captain on his quarterdeck with the Pirate with a Scarf, the ship's hull stuffed with ham.
On set Stop motion model by Aardman, combined with CGI sea.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
Lighthouse island and the mainland ferry Fictional
Song of the Sea (2014)
Directed by Tomm Moore (Cartoon Saloon)
Starring David Rawle (Ben), Brendan Gleeson (Conor and Mac Lir), Fionnula Flanagan (Granny and Macha), Lisa Hannigan (Bronagh)
Ben and his selkie sister Saoirse live with their father Conor, a lighthouse keeper on an island off the north west coast of Ireland in 1981. Their grandmother takes them by ferry to Dublin, and Saoirse must recover her seal coat from the sea to survive.
The Marea scene Saoirse in her white seal form swimming beside the island lighthouse at night.
On set Hand drawn; fictional.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
Leaf boat Fictional
Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)
Directed by Travis Knight
Starring Art Parkinson (Kubo), Charlize Theron (Monkey), Matthew McConaughey (Beetle), Ralph Fiennes (Moon King)
Kubo uses his magic shamisen to fold a sailing boat out of leaves so he, Monkey and Beetle can cross the sea in search of the magic armour. On the voyage Kubo dives below and meets the Garden of Eyes.
The Marea scene Monkey and Beetle on the leaf boat's deck as Kubo plays his shamisen to fill its sail.
On set Stop motion by Laika; fictional.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
Moana's canoe Fictional
Moana (French: Vaiana) (2016)
Directed by John Musker and Ron Clements
Starring Auliʻi Cravalho (Moana), Dwayne Johnson (Maui), Rachel House (Tala), Temuera Morrison (Tui)
Moana sets out alone in a small outrigger canoe to find the demigod Maui and restore the heart of Te Fiti, and learns to wayfind on the way. She also finds her ancestors' great voyaging canoes hidden in a cave, revealing her people were once voyagers. In France and several other countries the film is titled Vaiana.
The Marea scene Moana at the steering paddle of her canoe with Maui on the outrigger and Heihei at the bow.
On set CGI; design follows the traditional Fijian camakau, which Fijian boatbuilders said was used without permission; the ancestral double hulled canoes recall the Fijian drua. The Oceanic Story Trust advised the filmmakers.
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
Kakamora ships Fictional
Moana (French: Vaiana) (2016)
Directed by John Musker and Ron Clements
Starring Auliʻi Cravalho (Moana), Dwayne Johnson (Maui)
The Kakamora, small pirates in coconut armour, attack Moana and Maui from a fleet of boats that join together into a huge floating fortress. They steal the heart of Te Fiti and Moana has to board their ship to recover it.
The Marea scene Moana running along a rope between Kakamora ships as coconut armoured pirates close in.
On set CGI; fictional.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
The castaway's raft Fictional
The Red Turtle (2016)
Directed by Michaël Dudok de Wit
A shipwrecked man builds rafts to escape a desert island, and each one is destroyed from below by a giant red turtle. The turtle becomes a woman and they raise a son, who later swims away with the turtles.
The Marea scene The castaway on his half built bamboo raft as the red turtle rises beside it.
On set Hand drawn; fictional. Co-produced by Studio Ghibli and Wild Bunch.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
The Legacy Fictional
Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation (2018)
Directed by Genndy Tartakovsky
Starring Adam Sandler (Dracula), Selena Gomez (Mavis), Andy Samberg (Johnny), Kathryn Hahn (Ericka Van Helsing)
Dracula and his monster family take a holiday on the monster cruise ship Legacy, captained by Ericka, who is secretly Van Helsing's great granddaughter. The cruise heads for the lost city of Atlantis, where Van Helsing tries to use the Kraken against the monsters.
The Marea scene Dracula and Captain Ericka dancing on the Legacy's deck as the Kraken rises beside the ship.
On set CGI; fictional.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
Arendelle royal ship (wreck) Fictional
Frozen II (2019)
Directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee
Starring Kristen Bell (Anna), Idina Menzel (Elsa), Josh Gad (Olaf), Jonathan Groff (Kristoff)
Anna and Elsa's parents were lost at sea in the first film. In Frozen II the sisters find the wreck of their parents' ship, with a map showing they were sailing for Ahtohallan to learn the truth about Elsa's powers.
The Marea scene Anna and Elsa standing inside the broken hull of their parents' wrecked ship.
On set CGI; fictional.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
Massimo's fishing boat Fictional
Luca (2021)
Directed by Enrico Casarosa
Starring Jacob Tremblay (Luca), Jack Dylan Grazer (Alberto), Emma Berman (Giulia), Saverio Raimondo (Ercole)
Giulia's father Massimo is a fisherman in the Riviera town of Portorosso, and Luca and Alberto help him on his boat while hiding that they are sea monsters. Fishing culture and the harbour are central to the story.
The Marea scene Luca and Alberto hauling Massimo's nets in the small boat, trying not to get wet.
On set CGI; Portorosso inspired by the Cinque Terre and the Italian Riviera.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
Boun's Shrimporium boat Fictional
Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)
Directed by Don Hall and Carlos López Estrada
Starring Kelly Marie Tran (Raya), Awkwafina (Sisu), Izaac Wang (Boun), Gemma Chan (Namaari)
Boun, a ten year old from Tail, runs a floating restaurant boat that becomes Raya and Sisu's transport along the dragon shaped river through the lands of Kumandra.
The Marea scene Boun cooking shrimp congee at his boat's stove while Sisu leans over the rail.
On set CGI; fictional, inspired by Southeast Asian river boats.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
The Inevitable Fictional
The Sea Beast (2022)
Directed by Chris Williams
Starring Karl Urban (Jacob Holland), Zaris-Angel Hator (Maisie), Jared Harris (Captain Crow), Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Sarah Sharpe)
The Inevitable is the hunting ship of Captain Crow, who is set on killing the great beast called the Red Bluster. The stowaway Maisie and the boatswain Jacob come to realise the creature is gentle.
The Marea scene Captain Crow at the bow of the Inevitable, harpoons ready, as the Red Bluster surfaces.
On set CGI; fictional.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
Prince Eric's ship Fictional
The Little Mermaid (2023)
Directed by Rob Marshall
Starring Halle Bailey (Ariel), Jonah Hauer-King (Prince Eric), Melissa McCarthy (Ursula), Javier Bardem (King Triton)
As in the original, Ariel watches Eric aboard his ship and saves him when a storm drives it onto rocks. In the finale Ariel commandeers a wrecked ship and impales Ursula with its splintered bowsprit.
The Marea scene Ariel steering a wrecked ship's bowsprit into the giant Ursula in the storm.
On set Physical ship set built at Pinewood Studios, England (seen in leaked aerial photos); additional filming in Sardinia.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
Moana's voyaging canoe and the Kakamora Fictional
Moana 2 (2024)
Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller
Starring Auliʻi Cravalho (Moana), Dwayne Johnson (Maui), Temuera Morrison (Tui), Alan Tudyk (Heihei)
Moana sails with a new crew, Moni the historian, Loto the craftswoman and old Kele the farmer, to find the sunken island of Motufetu and break the curse of the storm god Nalo. The Kakamora return, and the crew faces a giant clam and Nalo's storms.
The Marea scene Moana's crew on the deck of their canoe, Loto adjusting the rigging, as Kakamora boats close in.
On set CGI; fictional.
Photo: Tevake (talk), Public domain
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
The Flying Dutchman's ghost ship Fictional
The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants (2025)
Directed by Derek Drymon
Starring Tom Kenny (SpongeBob), Bill Fagerbakke (Patrick), Mark Hamill (The Flying Dutchman), Clancy Brown (Mr. Krabs)
SpongeBob sets out to prove his bravery and ends up caught up in the scheme of the Flying Dutchman, the ghostly pirate of the TV series, and must break his curse. The Dutchman's ship is a recurring vessel in SpongeBob SquarePants.
The Marea scene SpongeBob and Patrick on the misty deck of the Flying Dutchman's ghost ship.
On set CGI; fictional, based on the Flying Dutchman legend.
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated films
Moana's canoe Fictional
Moana (live action) (2026)
Directed by Thomas Kail
Starring Catherine Lagaʻaia (Moana), Dwayne Johnson (Maui), Rena Owen (Tala), John Tui (Tui)
The live action remake retells Moana's voyage in her camakau to find Maui and restore the heart of Te Fiti.
The Marea scene Moana pushing her canoe off the reef into open ocean.
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated series
Jolly Roger Fictional
Peter Pan & the Pirates (1990)
Created by Fox Children's Productions, Southern Star, TMS
Starring Tim Curry, Jason Marsden, Debi Derryberry
Captain Hook's ship is his base in Fox's animated retelling of J. M. Barrie's story, with Tim Curry's Hook forever plotting against Peter.
The Marea scene Tim Curry's Hook raging on the Jolly Roger's quarterdeck as Peter flies off with his hat.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Animated series
Zuko's ship Fictional
Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005)
Created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko
Starring Dante Basco, Zach Tyler Eisen, Mako
The banished Prince Zuko and his uncle Iroh pursue Aang across the seas in a Fire Nation vessel throughout Book One. The ship is later destroyed in an explosion.
The Marea scene Zuko standing at the bow of his ship firing a flare into the sky over the South Pole while Iroh sips tea behind him.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Children's television
Ten Cents Fictional
TUGS (1989)
Created by Robert D. Cardona and David Mitton
Narrated by Patrick Allen as Captain Star
Set in the 1920s port of Bigg City, TUGS follows the Star Fleet tugs, led by switcher Ten Cents and his friends Big Mac, OJ, Top Hat and Warrior, in their rivalry with the Z Stacks.
The Marea scene Ten Cents bustling between two big ships in the fog while the Star Fleet whistles for help.
On set Live action models filmed at eye level with the Clearwater periscope lens; long presumed destroyed, the original models were found and bought by fans in 2012 and are shown at TUGS: The Exhibition, Butterley station, Derbyshire.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Children's television
Zorran Fictional
TUGS (1989)
Created by Robert D. Cardona and David Mitton
Narrated by Patrick Allen
Zorran is the leader of the scheming Z Stacks, rivals of the Star Fleet who try to steal their work in the harbour of Bigg City.
The Marea scene Zorran and Zebedee barging in to snatch a tow from under Ten Cents's bow.
On set Original model held by TUGS: The Exhibition.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Children's television
Bulstrode Fictional
Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends (1991)
Created by Britt Allcroft, David Mitton (director)
Narrated by Ringo Starr / Michael Angelis
Bulstrode is a grumpy barge at the harbour who constantly complains about slow loading, until Percy accidentally pushes stone trucks into his hold. Holed and beached, he ends up as a children's play area on the sand.
The Marea scene Percy's trucks tumbling off the quay into Bulstrode's hold as the barge bellows in outrage.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Children's television
Theodore Fictional
Theodore Tugboat (1993)
Created by Andrew Cochran
Narrated by Denny Doherty
Theodore is a small, friendly tugboat in the Big Harbour, modelled on Halifax, who learns a lesson in each episode while helping the ships around him.
The Marea scene Theodore, red cap on his funnel, nudging a big container ship into her berth in the Big Harbour.
On set Radio controlled models filmed in a water filled gymnasium; the original models are displayed at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Halifax.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Children's television
Octopod Fictional
Octonauts (2010)
Created by Meomi (Vicki Wong and Michael C. Murphy); Brown Bag Films
Starring Simon Greenall, Rob Rackstraw, Teresa Gallagher, Keith Wickham
The Octopod is the Octonauts' mobile undersea home base, from which Captain Barnacles and his crew set out to explore and rescue sea creatures.
The Marea scene Captain Barnacles sounding the Octo alert as the crew slide down the Octopod's tubes into the launch bay.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Children's television
GUP-A Fictional
Octonauts (2010)
Created by Meomi (Vicki Wong and Michael C. Murphy); Brown Bag Films
Starring Simon Greenall, Rob Rackstraw, Teresa Gallagher
The Gups are the Octonauts' fleet of vehicles, each modelled on a sea creature; the GUP-A, based on an anglerfish, is the workhorse submarine used on many missions.
The Marea scene Kwazii and Peso in the GUP-A, headlight glowing, as they descend into a dark ocean trench.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Classic animated shorts
Father Noah's Ark Fictional
Father Noah's Ark (1933)
Directed by Wilfred Jackson
A Silly Symphony retelling the Genesis flood. Noah and his sons build the ark while the animals board two by two before the storm, and after forty days a dove returns with an olive branch.
The Marea scene The animals file up the gangplank two by two as the first storm clouds gather over the ark.
On set Hand drawn.
Photo: Edward Hicks, Public domain
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Classic animated shorts
Captain Pete's ship Fictional
Shanghaied (1934)
Directed by Burt Gillett
Starring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pete
Pete, captain of a rough sailing ship, holds Mickey and Minnie captive aboard. Mickey frees himself and fights Pete and his crew all over the ship until he takes it over.
The Marea scene Mickey swings through the rigging to fight Pete on the deck while Minnie is tied to the mast.
On set Hand drawn.
Photo: Ub Iwerks, Public domain
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Classic animated shorts
Popeye's ship Fictional
Popeye the Sailor Meets Sindbad the Sailor (1936)
Directed by Dave Fleischer
Starring Popeye, Olive Oyl, Wimpy, Sindbad (Bluto)
The first of Fleischer's three colour two reel Popeye specials. Popeye sails past Sindbad's island singing, with Olive and Wimpy aboard, and Sindbad's giant roc wrecks the ship so they must swim ashore. Popeye then beats Sindbad's monsters with spinach.
The Marea scene The giant roc swoops down on Popeye's little ship as Olive Oyl and Wimpy cling to the rail.
On set Hand drawn with Fleischer 3D setback backgrounds.
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Classic animated shorts
Queen Minnie Fictional
Boat Builders (1938)
Directed by Ben Sharpsteen
Starring Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, Minnie Mouse
Mickey, Donald and Goofy assemble the Queen Minnie from a mail order kit, with the mast shooting skyward and planks springing loose. Goofy falls for the mermaid figurehead. When Minnie christens the finished boat with a champagne bottle, the whole vessel falls apart.
The Marea scene Minnie swings the champagne bottle at the bow of the freshly painted Queen Minnie while Mickey, Donald and Goofy stand proudly on deck.
On set Hand drawn.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Classic animated shorts
Mickey, Donald and Goofy's whaling ship Fictional
The Whalers (1938)
Directed by Dick Huemer
Starring Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy
The trio set out on a whaling expedition in an old sailing ship. Goofy tries to harpoon a sleeping whale but launches the anchor instead and ends up inside the whale's mouth. The furious whale chases Donald back to the ship and smashes it to pieces.
The Marea scene Goofy stands in the bow with a harpoon aimed at a sleeping whale while Donald fights off seagulls stealing his lunch on deck.
On set Hand drawn.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Classic animated shorts
Admiral Donald's ship Fictional
Sea Scouts (1939)
Directed by Dick Lundy
Starring Donald Duck, Huey, Dewey and Louie (voices by Clarence Nash)
Donald plays admiral to his three nephews aboard a large sailing ship they row out to in a small boat. Their bungled orders sink the ship while raising the anchor and snap a mast, and a shark hunts Donald until he punches it on the nose.
The Marea scene Donald in an admiral's hat is caught in the shark's jaws, saved only by the lifebuoy wedged between its teeth, beside the ship's hull.
On set Hand drawn.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Classic animated shorts
Sea-Goin' Sam's pirate ship Fictional
Buccaneer Bunny (1948)
Directed by Friz Freleng
Starring Bugs Bunny, Yosemite Sam (as Sea-Goin' Sam), voices by Mel Blanc
Pirate Sam buries his treasure right by Bugs's rabbit hole, and the chase moves aboard his ship. Bugs disguises himself and tricks Sam into lighting cannon after cannon in the hold.
The Marea scene Bugs, dressed as a parrot, perches on the rail as Sam stoops over a smoking cannon hatch.
On set Hand drawn.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Classic animated shorts
Little Toot Fictional
Little Toot (segment of Melody Time) (1948)
Directed by Clyde Geronimi; book by Hardie Gramatky (1939)
Starring The Andrews Sisters (narration in song)
A young New York harbour tug, son of Big Toot, prefers play to work and causes an ocean liner to crash into Manhattan, so he is banished. He redeems himself by rescuing a grounded liner out at sea in a storm. Based on Hardie Gramatky's 1939 picture book.
The Marea scene Tiny Little Toot puffs through huge storm waves with a tow line taut to the stranded ocean liner.
On set Hand drawn.
Photo: Public domain
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Classic animated shorts
Bugs's trading ship and Sam's pirate ship Fictional
Captain Hareblower (1954)
Directed by Friz Freleng
Starring Bugs Bunny, Yosemite Sam, voices by Mel Blanc
Pirate Sam tries to seize a trading ship on which Bugs is the only one aboard among the cargo of carrots. The fight escalates with cannons, dynamite and diving suits, and ends with both ships blown up.
The Marea scene The two ships lie broadside to broadside as Bugs and Sam trade cannon fire across the gap.
On set Hand drawn.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Comic strips and American comics
Viking ships of Prince Valiant Fictional
Prince Valiant (1937)
Written by Hal Foster
Screen adaptations Adapted as films Prince Valiant (1954) and (1997)
Hal Foster's Sunday strip sends Val, prince of Thule, on voyages to the Mediterranean and to North America aboard Norse longships, drawn in great detail.
The Marea scene Val standing at the prow of a longship with sword raised as it nears a new coast.
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Comic strips and American comics
S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier Fictional
Strange Tales #135 and The Avengers (1965)
Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby; film directed by Joss Whedon
Starring Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson
S.H.I.E.L.D.'s mobile headquarters, an aircraft carrier kept aloft by giant rotors, created by Jack Kirby. On screen it rises from the sea in The Avengers, and three enhanced Helicarriers are the threat in Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
The Marea scene The Helicarrier lifting out of the ocean, water cascading from its turbines, as in The Avengers.
On set CGI by Industrial Light and Magic, design by Nathan Schroeder.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Comic strips and American comics
Hägar's longship Fictional
Hägar the Horrible (1973)
Written by Dik Browne (later Chris Browne)
Screen adaptations Adapted as the TV special Hägar the Horrible: Hägar Knows Best (1989, Hanna-Barbera)
Hägar and his crew, with the hapless Lucky Eddie as first mate, sail their longship on raids to England and France. The ship is the setting for many of the strip's gags.
The Marea scene Hägar and Lucky Eddie in the longship, shields along the gunwale, spotting an English castle.
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Comic strips and American comics
The Black Freighter Fictional
Tales of the Black Freighter (in Watchmen) (1986 to 1987)
Created by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons; animated film directed by Daniel DelPurgatorio and Mike Smith
Voices Gerard Butler, Jared Harris
A pirate comic read by a boy inside Watchmen. A sea captain survives the Black Freighter's attack and sails home on a raft lashed together from his dead shipmates, descending into madness, only to find the Freighter has come for him alone.
The Marea scene The mariner on his raft of corpses as the black sails of the Freighter loom on the horizon.
On set Animation.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Comic strips and American comics
Dilly Dollar Fictional
The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck, chapter 2: The Master of the Mississippi (1992)
Written by Don Rosa
Young Scrooge works as a deckhand on his uncle Pothole McDuck's riverboat Dilly Dollar in 1880 to 1882, racing the Beagle Boys to salvage sunken gold. Scrooge ends up owning the boat before the railways make steamboats obsolete.
The Marea scene Young Scrooge in his cap at the Dilly Dollar's wheel with the Beagle Boys closing in on a raft.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Comic strips and American comics
Cutty Sark Real ship
The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck, chapter 3B: The Cowboy Captain of the Cutty Sark (1998)
Written by Don Rosa
In this later added chapter set in 1883, the young Scrooge becomes captain of the famous clipper Cutty Sark. He sails her on a cattle carrying voyage in the Pacific, mixing cowboy and seafaring adventure.
The Marea scene Young Scrooge at the Cutty Sark's helm with cattle on the deck under full sail.
The real ship Cutty Sark, preserved in dry dock at Greenwich, London.
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Comic strips and American comics
Nautilus Fictional
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (1999)
Created by Alan Moore and Kevin O'Neill; film directed by Stephen Norrington
Starring Sean Connery, Naseeruddin Shah, Peta Wilson, Stuart Townsend
Nemo's Nautilus is the League's transport in both the comic and the film. On screen it is a vast, ornate Indian styled submarine that carries the heroes to Venice and on to the villain's fortress.
The Marea scene The long white Nautilus surfacing among the canals of Venice.
On set Film used sets and miniatures.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Comics and bandes dessinées
MS Époméo Fictional
Cigars of the Pharaoh (Les Cigares du pharaon) (1934)
Written by Hergé
Screen adaptations Adapted in The Adventures of Tintin (TV series, 1991)
Tintin begins the adventure on a Mediterranean cruise aboard the Époméo, where he meets the eccentric Egyptologist Sophocles Sarcophagus. The encounter draws him into the international drug smuggling ring of the story. Later, adrift in the Red Sea, he is picked up by an arms smuggler's dhow.
The Marea scene Tintin and Snowy at the rail of the white liner Époméo as Sarcophagus bumps into them on deck.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Comics and bandes dessinées
Karaboudjan Fictional
The Crab with the Golden Claws (Le Crabe aux pinces d'or) (1941)
Written by Hergé
Screen adaptations Adaptations: The Adventures of Tintin (1991 animated series); The Adventures of Tintin (2011 film, Steven Spielberg)
The Karaboudjan is the ship commanded by a drunken Captain Haddock, whose first mate Allan uses it to smuggle opium hidden in tins of crab meat. It is where Tintin first meets Haddock, and the pair escape it by lifeboat before the ship is sunk in a storm.
The Marea scene Tintin, tied up in the hold among the crab tins, while a befuddled Captain Haddock drinks in his cabin above.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Comics and bandes dessinées
Aurora (L'Aurore) Fictional
The Shooting Star (L'Étoile mystérieuse) (1942)
Written by Hergé
Screen adaptations Adaptation: The Adventures of Tintin (1991 animated series)
The Aurora carries a European scientific expedition, captained by Haddock with Tintin and Snowy aboard, to find a meteorite that has fallen into the Arctic Ocean. The voyage becomes a race against a rival ship financed by the villain Bohlwinkel.
The Marea scene Captain Haddock on the Aurora's bridge in heavy Arctic seas, watching Tintin's seaplane head off towards the meteorite.
The real ship Design based on the research ship RRS William Scoresby.
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Comics and bandes dessinées
Peary Fictional
The Shooting Star (L'Étoile mystérieuse) (1942)
Written by Hergé
Screen adaptations Adaptation: The Adventures of Tintin (1991 animated series)
The Peary is the rival expedition ship financed by the financier Bohlwinkel, who wants to claim the meteorite first. It races the Aurora across the Arctic and tries to sabotage its fuel supply.
The Marea scene The Peary's crew arriving in a boat just as Tintin plants the expedition flag on the meteorite.
The real ship Most likely based on the Antarctic ship RRS Discovery.
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Comics and bandes dessinées
The Unicorn (La Licorne) Fictional
The Secret of the Unicorn (Le Secret de La Licorne) (1943)
Written by Hergé
Screen adaptations Adaptations: The Adventures of Tintin (1991 animated series); The Adventures of Tintin (2011 film, Steven Spielberg)
The Unicorn was the ship of Captain Haddock's ancestor Sir Francis Haddock, attacked by the pirate Red Rackham in the 17th century. Three model ships of the Unicorn hide parchments that together point to the treasure, which drives the whole story.
The Marea scene Sir Francis Haddock, sword in hand, fights Red Rackham on the burning deck of the Unicorn before she is blown up.
The real ship Hergé based the design on the French 64 gun ship Le Brillant (built at Le Havre, 1690), with a unicorn figurehead taken from a British frigate of 1745.
Photo: Rama, CC BY-SA 3.0 fr
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Comics and bandes dessinées
Sirius Fictional
Red Rackham's Treasure (Le Trésor de Rackham le Rouge) (1944)
Written by Hergé
Screen adaptations Adaptation: The Adventures of Tintin (1991 animated series)
The Sirius is the trawler lent by Captain Chester that carries Tintin, Haddock and Professor Calculus to the Caribbean to find the wreck of the Unicorn and Red Rackham's treasure. It serves as the base for the diving expedition.
The Marea scene Haddock in a diving suit being lowered over the side of the Sirius while Tintin watches from the deck.
The real ship Named after the SS Sirius, first ship to cross the Atlantic under steam alone, but drawn from the trawler John-O.88 that Hergé sketched in Ostend.
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Comics and bandes dessinées
Professor Calculus's shark submarine Fictional
Red Rackham's Treasure (Le Trésor de Rackham le Rouge) (1944)
Written by Hergé
Screen adaptations Adaptation: The Adventures of Tintin (1991 animated series)
Calculus invents a small shark shaped submarine and brings it on the treasure hunt. Tintin uses it to explore the sea bed and find the wreck of the Unicorn, and Calculus later sells the design, which buys Marlinspike Hall.
The Marea scene Tintin inside the shark submarine, peering through its eye portholes at the sunken Unicorn.
The real ship Visually based on a real American submarine Hergé saw pictured in a German newspaper.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Comics and bandes dessinées
USS Yorktown (CV-5) Real ship
Buck Danny: Les Japs attaquent (1948)
Written by Jean-Michel Charlier and Victor Hubinon
In the very first Buck Danny story, set in the Pacific War after Pearl Harbor, the young navy pilot flies from the carrier USS Yorktown. The series used real American carriers throughout its history.
The Marea scene Buck Danny's Wildcat landing on the Yorktown's wooden deck in 1942.
The real ship USS Yorktown (CV-5), sunk at Midway in 1942.
Photo: U.S. Navy, Public domain
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Comics and bandes dessinées
Pachacamac Fictional
Prisoners of the Sun (Le Temple du Soleil) (1949)
Written by Hergé
Screen adaptations Adapted as the animated film Tintin and the Temple of the Sun (1969) and in the 1991 TV series
The kidnapped Professor Calculus is carried to Peru aboard the Pachacamac. When the ship reaches Callao it is placed under a staged quarantine, and Tintin slips aboard at night to find his friend, but the abductors escape into the Andes with their prisoner.
The Marea scene Tintin climbing aboard the quarantined Pachacamac at night in Callao harbour.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Comics and bandes dessinées
Speedol Star Fictional
Land of Black Gold (Tintin au pays de l'or noir) (1950)
Written by Hergé
Screen adaptations Adapted in The Adventures of Tintin (TV series, 1991)
Tintin and the detectives Thomson and Thompson sign on as crew of the tanker Speedol Star to investigate why petrol all over Europe is exploding in car engines. The voyage takes them to the Middle Eastern emirate of Khemed, where the sabotage is traced to its source.
The Marea scene Tintin in sailor's cap working on the tanker's long deck with its pipework, the Thom(p)sons bumbling beside him.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Comics and bandes dessinées
Ramona Fictional
The Red Sea Sharks (Coke en stock) (1958)
Written by Hergé
Screen adaptations Adaptation: The Adventures of Tintin (1991 animated series)
The Ramona is a rusty tramp steamer used by Rastapopoulos's gang to carry African pilgrims who are secretly to be sold as slaves. Tintin and Haddock end up aboard, take control of the ship after the crew abandons it and fight off attacks until rescue arrives.
The Marea scene Haddock and Tintin at the Ramona's rail as a submarine's torpedo streaks towards the ship.
The real ship Hergé and Bob de Moor sailed on the Swedish cargo ship MS Reine Astrid from Antwerp to Gothenburg to sketch and photograph shipboard detail.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Comics and bandes dessinées
Scheherazade Fictional
The Red Sea Sharks (Coke en stock) (1958)
Written by Hergé
Screen adaptations Adaptation: The Adventures of Tintin (1991 animated series)
The Scheherazade is the luxury yacht of the Marquis di Gorgonzola, who is really Rastapopoulos. Its glittering party life hides the slave trading operation that Tintin is investigating.
The Marea scene The Marquis di Gorgonzola hosting guests on the Scheherazade's deck while the Ramona burns on the horizon.
The real ship Based on press clippings of the Christina, Aristotle Onassis's motor yacht (now Christina O).
Photo: Stef Bravin, CC BY-SA 4.0
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Comics and bandes dessinées
USS Los Angeles Real ship
The Red Sea Sharks (Coke en stock) (1958)
Written by Hergé
Screen adaptations Adapted in The Adventures of Tintin (TV series, 1991)
When the tramp steamer Ramona, carrying Tintin, Haddock and a hold full of African pilgrims being sold as slaves, is hunted by a submarine, the American cruiser USS Los Angeles comes to the rescue. Its aircraft and guns save the Ramona and end the attack.
The Marea scene The grey cruiser USS Los Angeles steaming up beside the battered little Ramona in the Red Sea.
The real ship The name matches the real Baltimore class heavy cruiser USS Los Angeles (CA-135), in service in the 1950s; Hergé's depiction is based on a US cruiser of that type.
Photo: US Navy, Public domain
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Comics and bandes dessinées
Rastapopoulos's U-boat and escape mini-submarine Fictional
The Red Sea Sharks (Coke en stock) (1958)
Written by Hergé
Screen adaptations Adapted in The Adventures of Tintin (TV series, 1991)
Rastapopoulos orders a submarine to sink the Ramona and so dispose of the witnesses to his slave trade. At the end, cornered aboard his yacht Scheherazade, he fakes his own death and escapes in a mini-submarine.
The Marea scene The submarine's periscope breaking the surface near the drifting Ramona, torpedo tracks in the water.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Comics and bandes dessinées
The sambuk Fictional
The Red Sea Sharks (Coke en stock) (1958)
Written by Hergé
Screen adaptations Adapted in The Adventures of Tintin (TV series, 1991)
Tintin, Haddock and Snowy leave for the Red Sea coast and board a sambuk, a traditional Arab sailing vessel, which turns out to be part of the slave trafficking operation. The voyage leads them into Rastapopoulos's trap.
The Marea scene Haddock grumbling in the cramped sambuk under its lateen sail on the Red Sea.
The real ship Traditional vessel type, fictional ship.
Photo: Dr. Hecker, Public domain
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Comics and bandes dessinées
Le Faucon Noir (The Black Falcon) Fictional
Barbe-Rouge (Redbeard) (1959)
Written by Jean-Michel Charlier (writer) and Victor Hubinon (artist)
Screen adaptations Adaptation: Barbe-Rouge
The Black Falcon is the ship of the French pirate Redbeard, whose adventures run between 1715 and 1750 in the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Indian Ocean. Several versions of the ship appear over the series, including a heavily armed one nicknamed the ship from hell.
The Marea scene Redbeard at the Black Falcon's rail with his adopted son Eric, the one legged Triple-Patte and Baba beside him, as the ship closes on a Spanish galleon.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Comics and bandes dessinées
Daisy Belle Fictional
Lucky Luke: En remontant le Mississippi (Up the Mississippi) (1961)
Written by Morris and René Goscinny
Screen adaptations Adapted in the Lucky Luke animated TV series (1984)
Captain Barrows's steamboat Daisy Belle races a rival from New Orleans to Minneapolis, the winner to receive the monopoly of traffic on the river. Lucky Luke rides aboard to keep the race honest against a string of dirty tricks.
The Marea scene The Daisy Belle's twin smokestacks belching sparks as she pulls level with her rival on the Mississippi.
The real ship Inspired by the 1870 race of the Robert E. Lee and the Natchez.
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Comics and bandes dessinées
Asbestos D. Plower Fictional
Lucky Luke: En remontant le Mississippi (Up the Mississippi) (1961)
Written by Morris and René Goscinny
Screen adaptations Adapted in the Lucky Luke animated TV series (1984)
The rival steamboat of Captain Lowriver, which competes with the Daisy Belle for the river monopoly. Its crew resort to sabotage and ambush along the way.
The Marea scene The Asbestos D. Plower forcing wood into its boilers until the funnels glow red.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Comics and bandes dessinées
Redbeard's pirate ship Fictional
Asterix (Astérix le Gaulois) series, from Asterix the Gladiator (1962)
Written by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo
Screen adaptations Adaptations: Asterix and Cleopatra (1968), Asterix and Obelix: Mission Cleopatra (2002), many animated films
The hapless pirates of Redbeard, with Pegleg who quotes Latin and the lookout Baba, first appear in Asterix the Gladiator and return in almost every album. Their ship is sunk again and again by Asterix and Obelix, and they sometimes scuttle it themselves on sighting the Gauls.
The Marea scene Redbeard and Pegleg sitting on a floating spar as their ship sinks behind them, Obelix waving from a departing boat.
The real ship The pirates parody the Belgian comic Barbe-Rouge by Charlier and Hubinon.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Comics and bandes dessinées
Olaf Grossebaf's Norman longship Fictional
Asterix and the Normans (Astérix et les Normands) (1966)
Written by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo
Screen adaptations Adapted in Asterix and the Vikings (2006)
Chief Olaf Grossebaf and his Normans land in Armorica on a longship, determined to learn the meaning of fear because they believe it will make them fly. They kidnap the timid Parisian youth Justforkix to teach them, until Cacofonix's singing finally does the job.
The Marea scene The Norman longship drawn up on the beach below the Gaulish village with horned warriors disembarking.
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Comics and bandes dessinées
Cormoran Fictional
Bernard Prince (1966 to 2010)
Written by Greg and Hermann
Former Interpol officer Bernard Prince roams the world aboard his ship the Cormoran with the brawling sailor Barney Jordan and young Djinn. The ship is later replaced by Cormoran II and Cormoran III.
The Marea scene Barney Jordan at the wheel of the Cormoran in a storm with Prince at the bow.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Comics and bandes dessinées
USS Enterprise (CVN-65) Real ship
Buck Danny: Le Mystère des avions fantômes (1966)
Written by Jean-Michel Charlier and Victor Hubinon
Buck Danny, Tumbler and Tuckson operate from the real carrier USS Enterprise in this and two following episodes. The ship's historical commanding officer, Captain Vincent P. de Poix, appears in the story.
The Marea scene Buck Danny's jet catapulted off the Enterprise's flight deck with the carrier's square island behind.
The real ship USS Enterprise (CVN-65), decommissioned 2017.
Photo: U.S. Navy, Public domain
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Comics and bandes dessinées
Rasputin's pirate ship and Corto's raft Fictional
The Ballad of the Salt Sea (Una ballata del mare salato) (1967)
Written by Hugo Pratt
Screen adaptations Adaptations: Corto Maltese, la cour secrète des arcanes (2002 animated film); Canal+ animated series (2002)
Corto Maltese, the Maltese born sea captain of the early 20th century, makes his debut in this Pacific adventure set during the First World War. The story opens with Corto found adrift and tied to a raft, rescued by the pirate Rasputin.
The Marea scene Corto Maltese lying bound on a raft in the open Pacific as Rasputin's ship bears down on him.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Comics and bandes dessinées
Calculus's shark submarine Fictional
Tintin and the Lake of Sharks (Tintin et le Lac aux requins) (1972)
Created by Raymond Leblanc (Belvision)
Voices Jacques Careuil (Tintin), Claude Bertrand (Haddock), Serge Nadaud (Rastapopoulos)
The little shark shaped submarine Calculus built for the search for Red Rackham's treasure returns in this original animated film. Tintin uses it to follow the villains underwater to their base in a drowned town at the bottom of a Syldavian lake.
The Marea scene The yellow shark submarine gliding past the drowned village roofs at the bottom of the lake.
On set Animation; fictional.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Comics and bandes dessinées
Asterix and Obelix's fishing boat Fictional
Asterix and the Great Crossing (La Grande Traversée) (1975)
Written by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo
Screen adaptations Adapted (with Asterix and the Normans) as the animated film Asterix and the Vikings (2006)
Sent out to catch fresh fish for the druid's potion, Asterix and Obelix are blown off course by a storm for days. Their little boat carries them across the Atlantic to America, making them the first Gauls to discover the New World.
The Marea scene Obelix at the oars of the tiny boat on an empty ocean with Dogmatix in the bow and Asterix scanning the horizon.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Comics and bandes dessinées
Kerøsen's Viking longship Fictional
Asterix and the Great Crossing (La Grande Traversée) (1975)
Written by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo
Screen adaptations Adapted in Asterix and the Vikings (2006)
A Viking expedition under Kerøsen reaches America and finds the two Gauls there, whom they take for natives of the new land. The longship carries Asterix and Obelix back to Scandinavia, where they are presented to the chief as proof of the discovery.
The Marea scene The dragon prowed longship beached on an American shore as the Vikings stare at Obelix.
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Comics and bandes dessinées
Marie-Caroline Fictional
Les Passagers du vent (The Passengers of the Wind) (1979 to 1984)
Written by François Bourgeon
In Bourgeon's meticulously researched 18th century saga, Isa, Hoel and Mary embark on the slave ship Marie-Caroline, bound from the African coast of Juda (Ouidah) to Saint-Domingue. The voyage shows the slave trade with unflinching realism.
The Marea scene Isa on the quarterdeck of the Marie-Caroline as captives are brought aboard off the West African coast.
The real ship Bourgeon built his own scale models of 18th century ships to draw them accurately.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Comics and bandes dessinées
Sweethaven harbour boats (Popeye) Fictional
Popeye (1980)
Directed by Robert Altman
Starring Robin Williams (Popeye), Shelley Duvall (Olive Oyl), Paul L. Smith (Bluto)
Popeye the Sailor, created by E.C. Segar in the Thimble Theatre strip in 1929 and animated by Fleischer Studios from 1933, rows into the harbour village of Sweethaven looking for his father. The film ends at sea with a showdown with Bluto and a giant octopus.
The Marea scene Popeye rowing his small boat into Sweethaven harbour on a grey morning.
On set The Sweethaven set was built in Malta and survives as the Popeye Village tourist attraction.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Comics and bandes dessinées
The Black Galley Fictional
Thorgal: La Galère noire (The Black Galley) (1982)
Written by Jean Van Hamme and Grzegorz Rosiński
Betrayed by the jealous Shaniah while waiting for Aaricia to give birth, Thorgal is enslaved aboard Prince Véronar's black galley. His time chained at the oar drives the fourth album of the Viking saga.
The Marea scene Thorgal chained to an oar bench on the black galley under the overseer's whip.
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Comics and bandes dessinées
La Méduse Fictional
L'Épervier (1994 onwards)
Written by Patrice Pellerin
Yann de Kermeur, a former pirate pardoned by Louis XV and made a royal privateer, commands the King's ship La Méduse. Pellerin's series is praised for its accurate rendering of Brest, the French navy and 18th century rigging.
The Marea scene Yann de Kermeur at the rail of La Méduse leaving the roadstead of Brest.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Comics and bandes dessinées
Redbeard's pirate ship Fictional
Asterix and Obelix: Mission Cleopatra (2002)
Directed by Alain Chabat
Starring Gérard Depardieu (Obelix), Christian Clavier (Asterix), Monica Bellucci (Cleopatra), Bernard Farcy (Redbeard)
The live action adaptation keeps the running gag of Redbeard's pirates, played by Bernard Farcy's Captain Redbeard and his crew, being sunk by the Gauls. The pirates form a comic subplot around the main story of building Cleopatra's palace.
The Marea scene Captain Redbeard on his quarterdeck realising the approaching boat carries the Gauls.
On set Live action pirate ship set.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Comics and bandes dessinées
Neptune Fictional
Long John Silver (2007 to 2013)
Written by Xavier Dorison and Mathieu Lauffray
Lady Vivian Hastings charters the Neptune and recruits Long John Silver to reach the lost city of Guyanacapac in the Amazon, where her husband is said to have found a treasure. Silver seizes the ship in a mutiny in the second volume, which is titled Neptune.
The Marea scene Silver on his crutch on the Neptune's deck during the mutiny, lightning over the Atlantic.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Disney and Pixar features
Medusa's riverboat and the Swamp Mobile Fictional
The Rescuers (1977)
Directed by Wolfgang Reitherman, John Lounsbery, Art Stevens
Starring Bob Newhart, Eva Gabor, Geraldine Page, Joe Flynn
Madame Medusa holds the orphan Penny on an abandoned riverboat in Devil's Bayou, Louisiana. Bernard and Bianca arrive by a leaf boat powered by Evinrude the dragonfly, and the climax is a chase with Medusa's makeshift Swamp Mobile.
The Marea scene Penny and the mice race away across the bayou in the Swamp Mobile while the listing riverboat looms behind them.
On set Hand drawn.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Disney and Pixar features
Ship to England and the Jamestown armada Fictional
Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World (1998)
Directed by Tom Ellery, Bradley Raymond
Starring Irene Bedard, Billy Zane, Donal Gibson, David Ogden Stiers
Pocahontas sails to London with John Rolfe as envoy of her people. Ratcliffe persuades King James to send an armada against the Powhatan, and Pocahontas and her friends stop the ships before they can sail.
The Marea scene Pocahontas stands at the bow of the ship as it sails into the Thames with London on the horizon.
On set Hand drawn.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Disney and Pixar features
Jolly Roger Fictional
Return to Never Land (2002)
Directed by Robin Budd
Starring Harriet Owen, Blayne Weaver, Corey Burton, Kath Soucie
Hook's pirates kidnap Wendy's daughter Jane from wartime London by mistake and carry her to Never Land aboard the flying Jolly Roger. A giant octopus stalks the ship, and Peter sinks it with an anchor in the climax.
The Marea scene The Jolly Roger sails over blacked out London in the Blitz while the pirates haul Jane aboard in a sack.
On set Hand drawn.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Disney and Pixar features
Crabby Fictional
Cars 2 (2011)
Directed by John Lasseter
Starring Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer
British spy car Finn McMissile reaches a Pacific oil platform aboard the fishing boat Crabby. The opening scene grew from a Joe Ranft storyboard cut from the first film.
The Marea scene Crabby, a boat with eyes, noses through stormy night seas towards the floodlit oil rigs with Finn McMissile aboard.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · DreamWorks and other US studios
Yellow Submarine Fictional
Yellow Submarine (1968)
Directed by George Dunning
Starring John Clive, Geoffrey Hughes, Paul Angelis, Lance Percival (with The Beatles)
Old Fred escapes Pepperland in the Yellow Submarine to fetch the Beatles from Liverpool. They sail back through the Sea of Time, the Sea of Science, the Sea of Monsters, the Sea of Nothing, the Sea of Holes and the Sea of Green to free Pepperland from the Blue Meanies.
The Marea scene The four Beatles wave from the portholes and deck of the Yellow Submarine as it surfaces in the Sea of Green.
On set Hand drawn; art direction by Heinz Edelmann.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · DreamWorks and other US studios
Emigrant steamer from Hamburg Fictional
An American Tail (1986)
Directed by Don Bluth
Starring Phillip Glasser, Dom DeLuise, Christopher Plummer, Madeline Kahn
The Mousekewitz family board a tramp steamer at Hamburg for New York, believing there are no cats in America. In a storm Fievel is washed overboard and drifts to New York in a bottle, setting up his search for his family.
The Marea scene Fievel clings to the rail of the pitching steamer as a huge wave sweeps across the deck in the storm.
On set Hand drawn.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · DreamWorks and other US studios
Ship to Paris Fictional
Anastasia (1997)
Directed by Don Bluth, Gary Goldman
Starring Meg Ryan, John Cusack, Kelsey Grammer, Christopher Lloyd
After their train is sabotaged, Anya, Dimitri and Vlad continue to Paris by ship. Rasputin's minions try to lure Anya, sleepwalking, off the deck into the storm, but Dimitri saves her.
The Marea scene Anya, sleepwalking in her nightdress, climbs onto the rain lashed rail as Dimitri runs to catch her.
On set Hand drawn.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · DreamWorks and other US studios
Moses's reed basket Fictional
The Prince of Egypt (1998)
Directed by Brenda Chapman, Steve Hickner, Simon Wells
Starring Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sandra Bullock
In the opening 'Deliver Us' sequence, a Hebrew mother sets her baby son adrift on the Nile in a basket to save him from Pharaoh's decree. The basket drifts past dangers of the river and into the royal palace, where the queen adopts the child as Moses.
The Marea scene The tiny basket slips between crocodiles and fishing boats on the Nile while Miriam runs along the bank.
On set Hand drawn with CGI.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · DreamWorks and other US studios
Lord Shen's flagship and cannon fleet Fictional
Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011)
Directed by Jennifer Yuh Nelson
Starring Jack Black, Gary Oldman, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman
Lord Shen has built a fleet of warships armed with his new gunpowder cannons to conquer China. In the climactic battle in Gongmen harbour, Po catches the cannonballs and throws them back, destroying the fleet and Shen's flagship.
The Marea scene Po spins a cannonball in his paws on the harbour water as Lord Shen's flagship bristles with cannon above him.
Photo: Lai Afong, Public domain
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · DreamWorks and other US studios
Crossing liner Fictional
Missing Link (2019)
Directed by Chris Butler
Starring Hugh Jackman, Zach Galifianakis, Zoe Saldaña, Emma Thompson
Sir Lionel Frost, Mr Link and Adelina Fortnight cross the Atlantic by ship on their way to the Himalayas. The bounty hunter Stenk attacks them aboard and a fight tumbles through the ship as it rolls in a storm, until the heroes lock him in a cabin.
The Marea scene Mr Link and Sir Lionel slide across a tilting cabin as the stop motion ship rolls in heavy seas.
On set Stop motion puppets and sets by Laika.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · European and world animation
Beda (ex Pobeda) Fictional
The Adventures of Captain Wrongel (Priklyucheniya kapitana Vrungelya) (1976)
Created by David Cherkassky
Starring Zinovy Gerdt
Captain Vrungel sets out for an international regatta in his yacht Pobeda (Victory), but the first two letters fall off the stern and she becomes Beda (Trouble). The crew get caught up with gangsters smuggling a stolen statue of Venus. Based on Andrey Nekrasov's 1937 story.
The Marea scene The letters P and O drop off the stern into the water as Vrungel and his mate Lom look on, leaving the name BEDA.
On set Cut out and hand drawn animation (Kievnauchfilm).
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · European and world animation
Rabbits' river boat Fictional
Watership Down (1978)
Directed by Martin Rosen
Starring John Hurt, Richard Briers, Michael Graham Cox, Zero Mostel
Escaping from the tyrannical warren of Efrafa, Hazel's rabbits and the does led out by Bigwig float away down the river on a moored boat whose rope they gnaw through, with Kehaar the gull covering them.
The Marea scene The rabbits huddle in a small wooden boat drifting downstream as General Woundwort glares from the riverbank.
On set Hand drawn.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · European and world animation
RMS Titanic Real ship
The Legend of the Titanic (La leggenda del Titanic) (1999)
Directed by Orlando Corradi, Kim J. Ok
Mondo TV's animated fantasy of the sinking, in which a mouse sailor helps a rich girl escape an arranged marriage while a villainous shark plots to steer the liner into an iceberg. In this version whales and dolphins help rescue everyone.
The Marea scene Mouse sailor Top Connors stands on the Titanic's rail as an octopus heaves the iceberg towards the bow.
On set Fictional depiction of the real ship, hand drawn.
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · European and world animation
RMS Titanic Real ship
Titanic: The Legend Goes On (2000)
Directed by Camillo Teti
Starring Lisa Russo, Mark Thompson-Ashworth, Gregory Snegoff, Kenneth Belton
An Italian animated take on the Titanic in which a poor girl, Angelica, falls in love with a rich passenger, William, while animals and mice have adventures below decks. It is often listed among the worst animated films ever made.
The Marea scene Angelica and William dance on the Titanic's boat deck under the stars before the iceberg looms.
On set Fictional depiction of the real ship, hand drawn.
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · European and world animation
Madame Souza's pedalo and the ocean liner Fictional
Les Triplettes de Belleville (The Triplets of Belleville) (2003)
Directed by Sylvain Chomet
Starring Béatrice Bonifassi, Lina Boudreault, Jean-Claude Donda (mostly wordless)
When mobsters kidnap her grandson Champion from the Tour de France and ship him across the Atlantic to Belleville, Madame Souza and her dog Bruno follow the ship across the ocean in a rented pedalo. It is one of the film's most celebrated sequences.
The Marea scene Tiny Madame Souza pedals her pedalo through a storm at night, with Bruno on board, in the wake of a towering ocean liner.
On set Hand drawn with CGI.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · European and world animation
Noah's Ark Fictional
Ooops! Noah Is Gone... (Two by Two) (2015)
Directed by Toby Genkel, Sean McCormack
Starring Callan McAuliffe, Dermot Magennis, Ava Connolly
Two imaginary creatures, the Nestrians, are left behind when Noah's Ark sails, while their parents on board must fight past gorilla guards and a vain lion captain to turn the ark round and save them.
The Marea scene Dave and Hazel sneak through the crowded animal decks of the ark as the gorilla guards patrol.
Photo: Edward Hicks, Public domain
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · European and world animation
Davaï Fictional
Tout en haut du monde (Long Way North) (2015)
Directed by Rémi Chayé
Starring Chloé Dunn, Geoffrey Greenhill (English version)
In nineteenth century Saint Petersburg, the explorer Oloukine sails for the North Pole aboard the Davaï, built specially for the ice, and never returns. His granddaughter Sasha works out where the ship really went and finally finds the Davaï locked in the Arctic ice.
The Marea scene Sasha climbs onto the ice encrusted deck of the abandoned Davaï, trapped in the pack ice.
On set Flat colour hand drawn.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · European and world animation
Norge Fictional
Tout en haut du monde (Long Way North) (2015)
Directed by Rémi Chayé
Starring Chloé Dunn, Geoffrey Greenhill (English version)
Sasha runs away and joins the crew of the Norge, a ship with a reinforced hull, to search for her grandfather's lost Davaï. The voyage in the ice turns into a struggle for survival.
The Marea scene Sasha works on the snowy deck of the Norge among the sailors as icebergs close in around the ship.
On set Flat colour hand drawn.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · European and world animation
Mogens's ferry to Smeerensburg Fictional
Klaus (2019)
Directed by Sergio Pablos
Starring Jason Schwartzman, J. K. Simmons, Rashida Jones, Norm Macdonald
Spoiled postman Jesper is sent to the frozen island town of Smeerensburg, and the sarcastic ferryman Mogens is his only link to the mainland. The ferry carries him in and out of the story.
The Marea scene Mogens grins at the tiller as Jesper, clutching his luggage, looks in horror at gloomy Smeerensburg across the icy water.
On set Hand drawn with volumetric lighting.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · European and world animation
The animals' sailboat Fictional
Flow (Straume) (2024)
Directed by Gints Zilbalodis
As a great flood covers the world, a black cat takes refuge on a drifting sailboat with other animals, inspired by Mediterranean feluccas. The boat carries them through a drowned landscape until its mast snags in a tree and it falls into a ravine. The film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
The Marea scene The cat perches on the bow of the little sailboat with the capybara, lemur and dog as it drifts past half drowned ruins.
On set CGI (made in Blender).
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Family fantasy
Flounder Fictional
Doctor Dolittle (1967)
Directed by Richard Fleischer
Starring Rex Harrison, Samantha Eggar, Anthony Newley
Doctor Dolittle sails in search of the Great Pink Sea Snail and ends up shipwrecked on a floating island. At the end he rides the giant snail home.
The Marea scene Rex Harrison at the helm of the little sailing ship with the animals crowding the deck.
On set Filmed partly at Marigot Bay, St Lucia.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Family fantasy
RMS Titanic and the giant's hat ship Fictional
Time Bandits (1981)
Directed by Terry Gilliam
Starring Craig Warnock, David Rappaport, Sean Connery, John Cleese
The time travelling dwarfs and Kevin land on the Titanic just before it sinks. Later a giant wading through the sea wears a sailing ship as a hat, and they escape from it.
The Marea scene The giant rising out of the sea with a full rigged sailing ship on his head.
On set Models and sets.
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Fantasy sagas
Elven boats of Lothlórien Fictional
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
Directed by Peter Jackson
Starring Elijah Wood (Frodo), Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn), Sean Astin (Sam), Ian McKellen (Gandalf)
The Fellowship leave Lothlórien in elven boats given by Galadriel and paddle down the Anduin, passing beneath the giant statues of the Argonath. At the end Frodo sets off alone in a boat and Sam nearly drowns following him.
The Marea scene The elven boats gliding between the towering Argonath statues.
On set Filmed in New Zealand; boats were practical props.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Fantasy sagas
Corsair ships of Umbar Fictional
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
Directed by Peter Jackson
Starring Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn), Orlando Bloom (Legolas), John Rhys-Davies (Gimli)
Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli lead the Army of the Dead to seize the Corsair fleet at Pelargir, a scene expanded in the extended edition. The black ships then sail up the Anduin to the Pelennor Fields, where the orcs expect reinforcements and instead meet Aragorn and the Dead.
The Marea scene Aragorn leaping from a black corsair ship onto the Harlond quay as the Army of the Dead pours out behind him.
On set Filmed in New Zealand with miniatures and digital effects by Weta.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Fantasy sagas
Elven ship at the Grey Havens Fictional
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
Directed by Peter Jackson
Starring Elijah Wood (Frodo), Sean Astin (Sam), Ian McKellen (Gandalf), Ian Holm (Bilbo)
At the end of the saga Frodo, Bilbo and Gandalf leave Middle-earth with the elves aboard a white ship from the Grey Havens, sailing into the West. Sam, Merry and Pippin stay behind on the quay.
The Marea scene Frodo on the white ship's gangway turning to smile at Sam, Merry and Pippin.
On set Studio set and visual effects.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Fantasy sagas
Durmstrang ship Fictional
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
Directed by Mike Newell
Starring Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Michael Gambon (Dumbledore), Predrag Bjelac (Igor Karkaroff), Stanislav Ianevski (Viktor Krum)
The Durmstrang delegation, led by headmaster Igor Karkaroff with Viktor Krum, arrives for the Triwizard Tournament in a ship that surfaces from beneath the Black Lake. It stays moored at Hogwarts through the tournament. LEGO set 76440 Triwizard Tournament: The Arrival includes the ship.
The Marea scene The Durmstrang ship bursting up through the surface of the Black Lake, water pouring from its sails.
On set Visual effects; the Black Lake underwater scenes used a 20 foot deep tank at Leavesden.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Fantasy sagas
Caspartine Fictional
Stardust (2007)
Directed by Matthew Vaughn
Starring Claire Danes (Yvaine), Charlie Cox (Tristan), Michelle Pfeiffer (Lamia), Robert De Niro (Captain Shakespeare)
The Caspartine is the sky ship of Captain Shakespeare, who harvests lightning from storm clouds. His crew capture Tristan and Yvaine, and the flamboyant captain then shelters them and teaches Tristan to fence.
The Marea scene Captain Shakespeare on the Caspartine's deck as the crew net lightning from a thundercloud.
On set Built as a partial ship set at Pinewood Studios, shot against a 360 degree greenscreen with the bow digitally extended.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Fantasy sagas
Gyptian boats and ship to Trollesund Fictional
The Golden Compass (2007)
Directed by Chris Weitz
Starring Dakota Blue Richards (Lyra), Nicole Kidman (Mrs Coulter), Daniel Craig (Lord Asriel), Sam Elliott (Lee Scoresby)
The Gyptians, a river faring people, rescue Lyra and take her north when they sail to Trollesund in Lapland to rescue their kidnapped children.
The Marea scene Lyra at the rail of the Gyptian ship, with her daemon Pan, as the northern coast comes into view.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Fantasy sagas
Dawn Treader Fictional
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010)
Directed by Michael Apted
Starring Georgie Henley (Lucy), Skandar Keynes (Edmund), Ben Barnes (Caspian), Will Poulter (Eustace)
King Caspian's ship the Dawn Treader carries Lucy, Edmund and their cousin Eustace to the eastern edge of the world in search of seven lost lords. Near the Dark Island a sea serpent attacks the ship.
The Marea scene The sea serpent coiling around the Dawn Treader as Edmund raises Peter's sword.
On set A full size 145 tonne ship was built on a gimbal at Village Roadshow Studios, Queensland, able to turn 360 degrees; exteriors at Cleveland Point and the Gold Coast Seaway.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Fantasy sagas
Black Betha and Stannis Baratheon's fleet Fictional
Game of Thrones (Blackwater, season 2) (2012)
Created by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss (creators); Neil Marshall (episode director)
Starring Liam Cunningham (Davos Seaworth), Stephen Dillane (Stannis Baratheon), Peter Dinklage (Tyrion Lannister)
Davos Seaworth leads Stannis's fleet into Blackwater Bay to attack King's Landing, and Tyrion sends out an unmanned ship loaded with wildfire that destroys much of it. Black Betha is Davos's ship in the books.
The Marea scene Davos on his ship's deck watching the green wildfire explosion engulf the fleet.
On set A single full size ship was built in the car park of a quarry near Belfast, modelled on 14th century ships; it was the only physical ship the crew had.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Fantasy sagas
Bard's barge and the barrels Fictional
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
Directed by Peter Jackson
Starring Martin Freeman (Bilbo), Richard Armitage (Thorin), Luke Evans (Bard), Orlando Bloom (Legolas)
The dwarves escape the Woodland Realm in empty wine barrels down a river, pursued by elves and orcs. The bargeman Bard then smuggles them into Lake-town on his barge, hidden in barrels of fish.
The Marea scene Bard poling his barge towards Lake-town's gate, fish barrels piled on deck with dwarves inside.
On set Filmed in New Zealand and at Pinewood Studios; practical barrels.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Fantasy sagas
Titan's Daughter Fictional
Game of Thrones (seasons 4 and 5) (2014)
Created by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss
Starring Maisie Williams (Arya Stark)
Arya pays her passage to Braavos with Jaqen H'ghar's iron coin aboard the Titan's Daughter at the end of season four. In season five the ship sails under the giant statue of the Titan of Braavos.
The Marea scene Arya at the bow of the Titan's Daughter passing between the legs of the Titan of Braavos.
Photo: Fandom wiki
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Fantasy sagas
Silence and the Iron Fleet Fictional
Game of Thrones (season 7) (2017)
Created by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss (creators); Mark Mylod (Stormborn)
Starring Pilou Asbæk (Euron Greyjoy), Gemma Whelan (Yara Greyjoy), Alfie Allen (Theon Greyjoy)
Euron Greyjoy's Iron Fleet, led by his flagship Silence, ambushes Yara's ships at night in the episode Stormborn. Yara and the Sand Snakes are captured and Theon jumps overboard.
The Marea scene Euron boarding Yara's burning ship by the light of the flames.
On set Filmed with pyrotechnics and wave machines.
Photo: Fandom wiki
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Fantasy sagas
Gyptian narrowboats Fictional
His Dark Materials (2019)
Created by Jack Thorne
Starring Dafne Keen (Lyra), Ruth Wilson (Mrs Coulter), James McAvoy (Lord Asriel), Anne-Marie Duff (Ma Costa)
The Gyptians live and travel on boats and narrowboats on the waterways of Lyra's world. Ma Costa's family shelter Lyra aboard and the Gyptians then sail north to rescue their stolen children.
The Marea scene Lyra hiding in Ma Costa's narrowboat cabin as the Gobblers search the canal.
Photo: RHaworth, CC BY-SA 3.0
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Fantasy sagas
Sandskiff Fictional
Shadow and Bone (2021)
Created by Eric Heisserer
Starring Jessie Mei Li (Alina Starkov), Ben Barnes (General Kirigan), Archie Renaux (Mal)
Sandskiffs are sail driven craft that carry people and goods across the Shadow Fold, a band of darkness full of flying volcra. Alina's powers as the Sun Summoner are revealed when her skiff is attacked during a crossing.
The Marea scene Alina blazing with light on the deck of a sandskiff as volcra swoop out of the dark.
Photo: Fandom wiki
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Fantasy sagas
Sea Snake and the Velaryon fleet Fictional
House of the Dragon (2022)
Created by Ryan Condal and George R. R. Martin
Starring Steve Toussaint (Corlys Velaryon), Eve Best (Rhaenys Targaryen), Emma D'Arcy (Rhaenyra), Matt Smith (Daemon)
Corlys Velaryon, called the Sea Snake, is the most famous seafarer of Westeros, and his flagship shares his nickname. The Velaryon fleet fights the War for the Stepstones and later blockades Blackwater Bay for Rhaenyra, and Corlys renames the ship The Queen Who Never Was after Rhaenys's death.
The Marea scene Corlys Velaryon on the Sea Snake's quarterdeck, the Velaryon seahorse on the sails behind him.
Photo: Fandom wiki
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Fantasy sagas
Elven ship to Valinor Fictional
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022)
Created by J. D. Payne and Patrick McKay
Starring Morfydd Clark (Galadriel), Charlie Vickers (Halbrand)
In the first episode Galadriel is granted passage to Valinor on an elven ship. As it approaches the undying lands she jumps from it into the Sundering Seas to continue hunting Sauron.
The Marea scene Galadriel standing at the elven ship's rail in the golden light of Valinor, about to leap.
Photo: Fandom wiki
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Fantasy sagas
Númenórean fleet Fictional
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022)
Created by J. D. Payne and Patrick McKay
Starring Cynthia Addai-Robinson (Míriel), Morfydd Clark (Galadriel), Lloyd Owen (Elendil), Charlie Vickers (Halbrand)
In the episode Partings the fleet of Númenor sails for the Southlands with Queen Regent Míriel, Galadriel and Halbrand aboard, to help the people there against Sauron's orcs. Elendil is a sea captain in the fleet.
The Marea scene The Númenórean fleet leaving the harbour of Armenelos under white sails.
Photo: Fandom wiki
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Fantasy sagas
Volkvolny Fictional
Shadow and Bone (season 2) (2023)
Created by Eric Heisserer
Starring Patrick Gibson (Sturmhond), Jessie Mei Li (Alina Starkov), Archie Renaux (Mal)
The privateer Sturmhond, secretly the second prince of Ravka, commands his own ship in season two, which expands the saga's naval sequences. The name Volkvolny comes from the books.
The Marea scene Sturmhond at the wheel of his ship with Alina and Mal on deck.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Fantasy sagas
Viking fleet of Berk Fictional
How to Train Your Dragon (2025)
Directed by Dean DeBlois
Starring Mason Thames (Hiccup), Nico Parker (Astrid), Gerard Butler (Stoick), Nick Frost (Gobber)
The live action remake follows the animated film: Stoick leads the Viking ships to the dragons' nest, where the Red Death destroys the fleet.
The Marea scene Stoick at the prow of his longship in the fog as the fleet nears the nest.
On set Filmed in Belfast, Northern Ireland, with flight scenery from the Faroe Islands; the production favoured practical sets.
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Live action fantasy series
Nautilus Fictional
Kapitan Nemo (Captain Nemo) (1975)
Created by Vasily Levin
Starring Vladislav Dvorzhetsky, Yuri Rodionov, Mikhail Kononov, Volodymyr Talashko
The Soviet three part adaptation of Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas follows Aronnax, Conseil and Ned Land as prisoners aboard Prince Dakkar's submarine. The Nautilus is shown as an underwater ship of fantastic qualities for its time.
The Marea scene Dvorzhetsky's Nemo standing before the great saloon window of the Nautilus as the sea bed glides past.
On set Interior sets and the exterior were built at Odessa Film Studio; a model was filmed in the studio pool.
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Live action fantasy series
Nomad Fictional
The Adventures of Sinbad (1996)
Created by Ed Naha
Starring Zen Gesner, George Buza, Tim Progosh, Oris Erhuero
Sinbad and his brother Doubar gather a crew and set sail from Baghdad in the Nomad, facing witches, sorcerers and monsters around the Persian Gulf. The ship is the crew's home for both seasons of the Canadian series.
The Marea scene Sinbad at the prow of the Nomad, sword raised, as a sea monster breaks the surface ahead.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Live action fantasy series
Fancy Real ship
Doctor Who: The Curse of the Black Spot (2011)
Created by Jeremy Webb (director), Stephen Thompson (writer)
Starring Matt Smith, Karen Gillan, Arthur Darvill, Hugh Bonneville
The TARDIS lands aboard the becalmed pirate ship of Captain Henry Avery, whose crew are being picked off by a Siren each time they are hurt. The Siren turns out to be the virtual doctor of an alien ship sharing the same space.
The Marea scene Hugh Bonneville as Captain Avery and Matt Smith's Doctor on the fog bound deck of the Fancy as the glowing Siren rises from the water.
On set Exterior ship scenes filmed at a dock in Cornwall; the lower decks were a studio set at Upper Boat Studios, Wales. The Fancy was Henry Every's real ship.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Live action fantasy series
Jolly Roger Fictional
Once Upon a Time (2011)
Created by Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz
Starring Colin O'Donoghue, Jennifer Morrison, Ginnifer Goodwin, Lana Parrilla
Captain Hook's ship carries him between the fairy tale realms and later brings him to Storybrooke, becoming the home of the reformed pirate. She is lost, won back and even shrunk into a bottle over the seasons.
The Marea scene Captain Hook at the helm of the Jolly Roger with Emma Swan beside him as the ship sails through a magic portal.
On set Played by the replica brig Lady Washington, still sailing from Aberdeen, Washington.
Photo: Miso Beno, CC BY-SA 3.0
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Live action fantasy series
Providence Fictional
Sinbad (2012)
Created by Sky1; writers include James Dormer and Jack Lothian
Starring Elliot Knight, Naveen Andrews, Dimitri Leonidas, Marama Corlett
The Providence is the ship on which the young Sinbad, cursed never to stay long on land, sails with his mismatched crew. She is their home base through the single series.
The Marea scene Sinbad and Gunnar hauling on the Providence's sail as a storm drives her towards an unknown island.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Manga and anime
P-1 Fictional
Marine Boy (1969)
Created by Minoru Adachi; Japan Tele-Cartoons
The Ocean Patrol's P-1 carries Marine Boy and his friends on missions against undersea villains; it can briefly fly and carries torpedoes, lasers and drills.
The Marea scene Marine Boy leaping from the P-1's hatch with Splasher the dolphin leaping alongside.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Manga and anime
Captain Silver's pirate ship Fictional
Animal Treasure Island (Dōbutsu Takarajima) (1971)
Created by Hiroshi Ikeda
Starring Minori Matsushima
Toei's anniversary feature with a story contributed by Hayao Miyazaki. Jim and his mouse friend Gran are captured by the pig pirate Captain Silver, whose crew repeatedly try to steal the map until a storm wrecks their ship.
The Marea scene Jim swings on a rope across the deck of Silver's ship while pig pirates tumble around him.
On set Hand drawn (Toei Animation).
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Manga and anime
Space Battleship Yamato Fictional
Space Battleship Yamato (Uchū Senkan Yamato; US: Star Blazers) (1974)
Created by Yoshinobu Nishizaki and Leiji Matsumoto
Starring Kei Tomiyama (Susumu Kodai), Goro Naya (Captain Okita); 2010 live action: Takuya Kimura, Meisa Kuroki
The wreck of the Second World War battleship Yamato is rebuilt as a starship and sent to the planet Iscandar to fetch a device that can cleanse the radioactive Earth after bombardment by the Gamilas. The series was hugely influential on later anime.
The Marea scene The rusted Yamato breaking free of the dried seabed as it launches for the first time.
On set Derived from the real Japanese battleship Yamato, sunk in 1945.
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Manga and anime
Barracuda Fictional
Future Boy Conan (Mirai Shōnen Konan) (1978)
Created by Hayao Miyazaki
Starring Kazuko Kosugi, Mieko Nobusawa
In a post apocalyptic flooded world, the Barracuda of the city state Industria, captained by Dyce, salvages plastic and hunts the girl Lana. Conan crosses the sea on a home built sailboat to rescue her. Miyazaki's first series as director.
The Marea scene Conan leaps from his little raft onto the deck of the Barracuda as Dyce shouts orders from the bridge.
On set Hand drawn (Nippon Animation).
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Manga and anime
Queen Emeraldas Fictional
Queen Emeraldas (1978)
Created by Leiji Matsumoto
The ship of the lone privateer Emeraldas, Harlock's friend, which alongside the Arcadia is one of only two ships entitled to fly the skull and crossbones in Matsumoto's universe.
The Marea scene Emeraldas on the bridge of her zeppelin like ship ordering a rival to remove his skull flag.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Manga and anime
Arcadia Fictional
Space Pirate Captain Harlock (1978)
Created by Leiji Matsumoto; Rintaro; Shinji Aramaki (2013 film)
Starring Makio Inoue (Harlock, Japanese); David Matranga (Harlock, 2013 film English)
The Arcadia is the skull flagged battleship of the space pirate Captain Harlock, who fights for freedom against invaders and a corrupt Earth government. Its design mixes a sailing ship's stern galleries with a starship hull.
The Marea scene Captain Harlock standing on the Arcadia's bridge, cape flowing, before the great ship's wheel.
On set Character first appeared in 1977.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Manga and anime
Hispaniola Fictional
Takarajima (Treasure Island) (1978)
Created by Osamu Dezaki
Tokyo Movie Shinsha's 26 episode adaptation of Stevenson, with a 13 year old Jim and his leopard cub Benbow sailing on the Hispaniola to Flint's island. Admired for Dezaki's dramatic still frame style and its sympathetic Silver.
The Marea scene Jim and Long John Silver stand at the Hispaniola's bow as the island rises from the mist.
On set Hand drawn (TMS).
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Manga and anime
Esperanza Fictional
The Mysterious Cities of Gold (Les Mystérieuses Cités d'or) (1982)
Created by Bernard Deyriès and Hisayuki Toriumi (DIC, Studio Pierrot)
Esteban, Zia, Pedro and Sancho stow away aboard the navigator Mendoza's galleon Esperanza bound for the New World in search of the Cities of Gold. The ship is lost in a typhoon in the Straits of Magellan.
The Marea scene Esteban raising his medallion to the sun on the Esperanza's yardarm to part the storm clouds.
Photo: Desconhecido, Public domain
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Manga and anime
Solaris Fictional
The Mysterious Cities of Gold (Les Mystérieuses Cités d'or) (1982)
Created by Bernard Deyriès and Hisayuki Toriumi (DIC, Studio Pierrot)
A golden vessel of the lost Hiva civilisation found by Tao on the Galápagos Islands. It carries the children for part of their quest until Tao overloads its weapon and it is destroyed.
The Marea scene The gleaming Solaris cutting through the waves with the children on its golden deck.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Manga and anime
Tsushima Maru Real ship
Tsushima Maru: Sayonara Okinawa (1982)
Created by Osamu Kobayashi
Starring Mayumi Tanaka, Hiroko Maruyama
Animated film about the Tsushima Maru, which was evacuating schoolchildren from Okinawa to Kyushu when it was torpedoed in August 1944 with the loss of more than 1,400 lives, most of them children.
The Marea scene Children and teachers waving goodbye from the ship's deck as she leaves Naha harbour.
On set Real wreck located in 1997 off Akusekijima; the Tsushima Maru Memorial Museum is in Naha.
Photo: Public domain
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Manga and anime
Strength (the orangutan's freighter) Fictional
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders (1989)
Created by Hirohiko Araki; anime by David Production
After their boat is sunk crossing towards Singapore, Jotaro and his companions board a seemingly abandoned freighter. The ship itself is the Stand Strength, controlled by an orangutan.
The Marea scene The rescued crusaders on the rusty freighter's deck as its metal begins to twist around them.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Manga and anime
Nautilus Fictional
Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water (Fushigi no Umi no Nadia) (1990)
Created by Hideaki Anno (Gainax)
Starring Yoshino Takamori (Nadia), Noriko Hidaka (Jean), Kenyu Horiuchi (Captain Nemo)
Inspired by Jules Verne, the series follows Nadia and the young inventor Jean, who are taken aboard Captain Nemo's submarine Nautilus in the fight against Gargoyle's Neo Atlanteans. The idea grew from a 1970s pitch by Hayao Miyazaki.
The Marea scene Nadia and Jean on the Nautilus's surfaced deck beside Captain Nemo.
On set Based on Verne's Nautilus.
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Manga and anime
Yamato (ex Seabat) Fictional
The Silent Service (Chinmoku no Kantai) (1995)
Created by Sunrise (studio); based on the manga by Kaiji Kawaguchi
Starring Tessho Genda
The anime special of Kaiji Kawaguchi's manga. Captain Kaieda declares Japan's secret nuclear submarine Seabat an independent state, renames her Yamato and uses her to push for world unity.
The Marea scene Kaieda stands calmly in the control room of the Yamato as American hunter killer submarines close in.
On set Hand drawn.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Manga and anime
Espoir Fictional
Kaiji (Gambling Apocalypse: Kaiji) (1996)
Created by Nobuyuki Fukumoto; anime by Madhouse
To clear a debt, Kaiji agrees to spend one night on the Espoir, French for hope, a ship on which debtors play Restricted Rock Paper Scissors for their freedom. It opens the whole saga.
The Marea scene Kaiji clutching his cards in the Espoir's crowded gaming hall as the ship sails in the dark.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Manga and anime
Going Merry Fictional
One Piece (1997)
Created by Eiichiro Oda (manga); Toei Animation (anime from 1999)
Voices Mayumi Tanaka (Luffy), Kazuya Nakai (Zoro), Akemi Okamura (Nami), Kappei Yamaguchi (Usopp)
The Going Merry, with its sheep's head figurehead, is given to the Straw Hat Pirates by Kaya in Usopp's village and carries them from the East Blue into the Grand Line. Damaged beyond repair, it is given a Viking style funeral by fire after the Enies Lobby battle, one of the saga's most emotional moments.
The Marea scene The burning Going Merry drifting on a dark sea while the Straw Hats watch from a boat.
On set A life size replica was displayed at promotional events worldwide.
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Manga and anime
Thousand Sunny Fictional
One Piece (1997)
Created by Eiichiro Oda (manga); Toei Animation (anime from 1999)
Voices Mayumi Tanaka (Luffy), Kazuki Yao (Franky), Kazuya Nakai (Zoro), Akemi Okamura (Nami)
Built by the shipwright Franky from Adam wood to replace the Going Merry, the Thousand Sunny has a lion's head figurehead and the Soldier Dock System with mini submarines. It carries the Gaon Cannon and can leap through the air with the cola powered Coup de Burst.
The Marea scene The Thousand Sunny launched into the air by a Coup de Burst, Luffy on the lion figurehead.
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Manga and anime
Oro Jackson Fictional
One Piece (1997)
Created by Eiichiro Oda (manga); Toei Animation (anime from 1999)
Voices Mayumi Tanaka (Luffy), Kazuya Nakai (Zoro)
Gol D. Roger's flagship, built by the shipwright Tom of Water 7 from the treasure tree Adam, the same wood as the Thousand Sunny. It is the only known ship to have reached Laugh Tale at the end of the Grand Line.
The Marea scene The Oro Jackson under red sails with its twin mermaid figurehead flanking a forward cannon.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Manga and anime
Moby Dick Fictional
One Piece (1997)
Created by Eiichiro Oda (manga); Toei Animation (anime from 1999)
Voices Mayumi Tanaka (Luffy), Kazuya Nakai (Zoro)
Whitebeard's flagship, with a white whale (cachalot) figurehead, carrying the Whitebeard Pirates. It is set ablaze and destroyed by Admiral Akainu's magma meteors during the war at Marineford.
The Marea scene The white whale headed Moby Dick burning in Marineford bay as Whitebeard stands on deck.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Manga and anime
Red Force Fictional
One Piece (1997)
Created by Eiichiro Oda (manga); Toei Animation (anime from 1999)
Voices Mayumi Tanaka (Luffy), Kazuya Nakai (Zoro)
Shanks's ship, flagship of the Red Hair Pirates, larger and more ornate than their earlier ship seen in Luffy's childhood. It first appears approaching the Moby Dick for a meeting between Shanks and Whitebeard.
The Marea scene The Red Force with its dragon headed figurehead drawing alongside the Moby Dick.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Manga and anime
Polar Tang Fictional
One Piece (1997)
Created by Eiichiro Oda (manga); Toei Animation (anime from 1999)
Voices Mayumi Tanaka (Luffy), Kazuya Nakai (Zoro)
The yellow submarine of Trafalgar Law's Heart Pirates. It surfaces during the Marineford war to carry the wounded Luffy away to safety.
The Marea scene The yellow Polar Tang surfacing at Marineford as Jinbe carries Luffy towards it.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Manga and anime
Thriller Bark Fictional
One Piece (1997)
Created by Eiichiro Oda (manga); Toei Animation (anime from 1999)
Voices Mayumi Tanaka (Luffy), Kazuya Nakai (Zoro)
The world's largest pirate ship, a converted island ship owned by the Warlord Gecko Moria and drifting in the Florian Triangle. Mansions, graveyards and forests stand on its deck, and it is the setting of the Thriller Bark arc.
The Marea scene The Straw Hats' Thousand Sunny dwarfed beside the gloomy mansion towers of Thriller Bark in fog.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Manga and anime
Ark Maxim Fictional
One Piece (1997)
Created by Eiichiro Oda (manga); Toei Animation (anime from 1999)
Voices Mayumi Tanaka (Luffy), Kazuya Nakai (Zoro)
The golden sky ship built by Enel, self proclaimed god of Skypiea, powered by his electricity with Jet Dials as backup. He plans to sail it to the Endless Varse and destroy Skypiea from it.
The Marea scene Luffy swinging the golden ball against Enel above the oar lined Ark Maxim.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Manga and anime
Baratie Fictional
One Piece (1997)
Created by Eiichiro Oda (manga); Toei Animation (anime from 1999)
Voices Mayumi Tanaka (Luffy), Kazuya Nakai (Zoro)
The fish headed ocean going restaurant run by the former pirate Red-Leg Zeff, where Sanji works as sous chef. It is attacked by Don Krieg's pirates in the Baratie arc, where Sanji joins Luffy.
The Marea scene Sanji fighting on the fin decks of the fish shaped Baratie as Krieg's galleon lies wrecked alongside.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Manga and anime
Noah Fictional
One Piece (1997)
Created by Eiichiro Oda (manga); Toei Animation (anime from 1999)
Voices Mayumi Tanaka (Luffy), Kazuya Nakai (Zoro)
A colossal ark built long ago and kept on Fish-Man Island. Hody Jones drags it towards Ryugu Palace to crush the island, and Luffy stops it in the climax of the Fish-Man Island arc.
The Marea scene Luffy standing on Noah's bow as the giant ark hangs above Ryugu Palace.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Manga and anime
Blue Submarine No. 6 Fictional
Blue Submarine No. 6 (Ao no Rokugō) (1998)
Created by Mahiro Maeda
Starring Kazuya Ichijō
After the scientist Zorndyke floods the world and unleashes an army of hybrid sea creatures, the submarine Blue 6 of the Blue organisation fights to stop his plan to switch the Earth's poles. Based on Satoru Ozawa's manga and made by Gonzo as an early CGI and cel mix.
The Marea scene Blue 6 slides through the depths with its fighter pods launching as hybrid creatures circle it.
On set Hand drawn with CGI (Gonzo).
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Manga and anime
JDS Mirai (DDH-182) Fictional
Zipang (2000)
Created by Kaiji Kawaguchi (manga); anime by Studio Deen
The modern JMSDF destroyer Mirai is thrown back in time to June 1942, on the eve of the Battle of Midway. Her crew must decide whether to use their technology and knowledge of history, above all after they rescue an Imperial Navy officer who dreams of an undefeated Japan.
The Marea scene The Mirai's grey modern silhouette steaming beside the battleship Yamato in 1942.
On set Design based on the Kongō class destroyer.
Photo: JMSDF, CC BY 4.0
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Manga and anime
Spirit ferry and the Sea Railway Fictional
Spirited Away (Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi) (2001)
Created by Hayao Miyazaki
Starring Rumi Hiiragi (Chihiro), Miyu Irino (Haku), Mari Natsuki (Yubaba); English: Daveigh Chase, Jason Marsden, Suzanne Pleshette
Spirits arrive at Yubaba's bathhouse across the water by a lantern lit ferry. Later Chihiro and No-Face ride the sea railway across the flooded plain to visit Zeniba, one of the film's most famous quiet sequences.
The Marea scene Chihiro and No-Face sitting in the sea railway carriage as it glides over the shallow sea at dusk.
On set Hand drawn (Studio Ghibli); fictional.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Manga and anime
Black Lagoon Fictional
Black Lagoon (2006)
Created by Rei Hiroe (manga, 2002); Sunao Katabuchi (anime, Madhouse)
Starring Daisuke Namikawa (Rock), Megumi Toyoguchi (Revy), Tsutomu Isobe (Dutch)
The Black Lagoon is the old American PT boat used by the Lagoon Company, a four person mercenary smuggling crew based in the lawless port of Roanapur in Southeast Asia. Many of the series' gunfights and chases happen on or around it.
The Marea scene Revy firing both pistols from the Black Lagoon's deck as it races through a mangrove channel.
On set Based on the American Elco 80 foot PT boat of the Second World War.
Photo: US Navy, Public domain
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Manga and anime
Koganei Maru and Sosuke's pop pop boat Fictional
Ponyo (Gake no Ue no Ponyo) (2008)
Created by Hayao Miyazaki
Starring Yuria Nara (Ponyo), Hiroki Doi (Sosuke), Tomoko Yamaguchi (Lisa), Kazushige Nagashima (Koichi); English: Noah Cyrus, Frankie Jonas, Tina Fey, Matt Damon
Sosuke's father Koichi captains a coastal ship and signals to his family with Morse lamps. When the town floods, Ponyo magically enlarges Sosuke's toy pop pop boat and the two children sail it across the drowned landscape to find his mother.
The Marea scene Ponyo and Sosuke in the enlarged pop pop boat, gliding over the flooded road past prehistoric fish.
On set Hand drawn (Studio Ghibli); the seaside setting was inspired by Tomonoura in Setonaikai National Park.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Manga and anime
Shun's father's tugboat and Umi's signal flags Fictional
From Up on Poppy Hill (Kokuriko-zaka kara) (2011)
Created by Gorō Miyazaki
Starring Masami Nagasawa, Junichi Okada, Jun Fubuki, Keiko Takeshita
In Yokohama in 1963, Umi raises signal flags every morning for her father, lost when his Landing Ship, Tank was mined in the Korean War. Shun, riding to school on his father's tugboat, sees the flags and answers them.
The Marea scene Shun on the tugboat's deck raises answering flags as the tug steams past the hillside house where Umi's flags fly.
On set Hand drawn (Studio Ghibli).
Photo: Public domain
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Manga and anime
I-401 (Iona) Fictional
Arpeggio of Blue Steel (Aoki Hagane no Arpeggio) (2013)
Created by Ark Performance (manga); anime by Sanzigen
Starring Mai Fuchigami
The mysterious Fleet of Fog, warships modelled on Second World War designs, has cut humanity off from the seas. The submarine I-401, whose human avatar is Iona, defects to serve human captain Gunzō Chihaya and battles the Fog's heavy cruiser Takao and battleships Kongō, Haruna and Kirishima.
The Marea scene Iona stands on the conning tower of the glowing I-401 as it surfaces beside the Fog battleship Kongō.
On set CGI (Sanzigen).
Photo: Public domain
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Manga and anime
JDS Hotaka Fictional
Detective Conan: Private Eye in the Distant Sea (Zekkai no Private Eye) (2013)
Created by Kobun Shizuno
Voices Minami Takayama (Conan), Kappei Yamaguchi
Conan and his friends win tickets to a public exercise aboard the Aegis destroyer Hotaka, off Maizuru. A spy and a murder on board turn the visit into a race to protect naval secrets. The film was made with JMSDF cooperation.
The Marea scene Conan on the Hotaka's helicopter deck with the Aegis radar faces of the superstructure behind.
On set Fictional ship of the real Atago class.
Photo: JMSDF, CC BY 4.0
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Manga and anime
Gargantia Fictional
Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet (Suisei no Gargantia) (2013)
Created by Kazuya Murata (Production I.G), written by Gen Urobuchi
On an ocean covered future Earth, Gargantia is a massive fleet of ships lashed together, whose people salvage ancient technology from beneath the waves. The stranded soldier Ledo and his mecha Chamber find a new life aboard.
The Marea scene Ledo standing on the deck of a salvage ship of the Gargantia fleet with sails and chimneys all around.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Manga and anime
Arcadia Fictional
Harlock: Space Pirate (Space Pirate Captain Harlock) (2013)
Created by Shinji Aramaki (Toei Animation)
Voices Shun Oguri (Harlock), Haruma Miura, Yū Aoi
A full CGI reimagining of Leiji Matsumoto's Harlock, then the most expensive Japanese CG anime film. Harlock's battered galleon, the Arcadia, powered by dark matter, is at the heart of the story.
The Marea scene The skull prowed Arcadia emerging from a dark matter cloud with its galleon stern lit up.
On set CGI; fictional.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Manga and anime
Fubuki Real ship
KanColle (Kantai Collection) (2013)
Created by Kadokawa Games (game); anime by Diomedéa
The game and anime personify Second World War warships as girls with traits drawn from each ship's history. The 2015 anime follows the destroyer Fubuki as its main character.
The Marea scene Fubuki skimming the waves with her rigging of turrets, based on the real destroyer.
On set Based on the IJN Fubuki class destroyer Fubuki, sunk 1942.
Photo: Public domain
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Manga and anime
Harekaze Fictional
High School Fleet (Haifuri) (2016)
Created by Yuu Nobuta
Starring Shiina Natsukawa
In a Japan largely sunk beneath the sea, girls train at a marine high school to join the Blue Mermaid coast guard. On its first voyage the student crewed destroyer Harekaze is wrongly accused of mutiny and must evade pursuit while uncovering the truth.
The Marea scene Captain Akeno Misaki stands on the Harekaze's bridge wing in her white uniform as the destroyer turns at full speed.
On set Hand drawn with CGI ships (Production IMS).
Photo: Shizuo Fukui, Public domain
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Manga and anime
Askeladd's longship Fictional
Vinland Saga (2019)
Created by Shūhei Yabuta; Wit Studio and MAPPA
Starring Yūto Uemura, Naoya Uchida, Akio Ōtsuka
Askeladd's warband raids England from its longship, with the young Thorfinn aboard seeking revenge on the man who killed his father.
The Marea scene Thorfinn crouched at the prow of the longship, daggers drawn, as it runs up onto an English beach.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Manga and anime
Black Organization submarine Fictional
Detective Conan: Black Iron Submarine (Kurogane no Submarine) (2023)
Created by Yuzuru Tachikawa
Voices Minami Takayama (Conan), Wakana Yamazaki (Ran)
The Black Organization uses a submarine to kidnap and hold captives near Pacific Buoy, an Interpol underwater facility off Hachijō-jima. It became one of the highest grossing Conan films.
The Marea scene The black submarine lurking beneath the lit Pacific Buoy station.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Manga and anime
Going Merry Fictional
One Piece (live action) (2023)
Created by Matt Owens and Steven Maeda (showrunners)
Starring Iñaki Godoy (Luffy), Emily Rudd (Nami), Mackenyu (Zoro), Jacob Romero Gibson (Usopp), Taz Skylar (Sanji)
The Netflix adaptation follows the Straw Hats aboard the Going Merry through the East Blue, with Luffy perched on its sheep's head figurehead. The production also built other ships such as Garp's.
The Marea scene Luffy sitting on the Going Merry's figurehead with the crew on deck behind.
On set Physical ships built for filming at Cape Town Film Studios, South Africa, partly reusing ships and infrastructure left by the series Black Sails; a life size replica toured promotional events.
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Nordic comics and books
Mary Fictional
Rasmus Klump (Petzi) (1951)
Written by Carla and Vilhelm Hansen
Rasmus Klump the bear cub builds his boat Mary with his friends Pingo, Pelle and the others in the very first episode. They then sail the world in her in the Danish comic, known in French as Petzi.
The Marea scene Rasmus Klump and Pingo hammering the last plank into Mary on the slipway.
Photo: Wikipedia
Animation, Comics and Fantasy · Nordic comics and books
The Adventure (Äventyret) Fictional
Moominpappa at Sea (Pappan och havet) (1965)
Written by Tove Jansson
Moominpappa takes his family in their boat to a remote lighthouse island in the open sea, where each of them struggles to find a place. The boat's name, The Adventure, is recalled from the book.
The Marea scene The Moomin family in the little boat approaching the lighthouse island at dusk.
Photo: Wikipedia
Explore Ships on Screen by chapter
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See all 1,404 ships on one page
How a Marea screen ship comes to life
- You choose the ship. Any vessel from any film, series, documentary or book, including the ones missing from this page.
- You choose the moment. A line of dialogue, a storm, an arrival, a farewell. The scene you want to keep.
- We research her. Plans, stills, the real ship used on set where there was one, and our Ai Refloat™ reconstruction when no plans survive at all.
- We place the figurines. Sculpted and painted by hand, in the costumes and poses of the scene.
- We take care of the rights. Some of these ships belong to someone: a film studio, an author’s estate, a boat builder. When that’s the case, we contact the rights holder and pay for the licence ourselves, so the model you receive is entirely legitimate. Each licence is agreed with its owner, and we will always tell you up front where things stand.
Want one of these ships built, with its scene on board? Tell us which one and we will prepare your quote.