Tony Scott’s gripping action thriller starring Gene Hackman as the commanding officer of nuclear submarine the USS Alabama and Denzel Washington as his newly appointed executive officer was released in the United States on this day in 1995.

Hackman and Washington are both on top form here as they go head to head over whether to launch nuclear weapons amid rising Russian hostility. A fine supporting cast includes Viggo Mortensen, James Gandolfini, George Dzundza and Matt Craven. A tense, thought-provoking film with powerhouse performances from the two lead actors.