The Tunnel (2001): cast, story & where to watch

2001 · Film · ★ 7.1

The Tunnel poster

Released in 2001, The Tunnel is a thriller and drama film directed by Roland Suso Richter, running about 150 minutes.

What it’s about. Inspired by true events, Olympic swimmer Harry Melchior defects from East Germany in the 1960s and hatches a daring plot to help his sister and others flee East Berlin through a 145-yard underground tunnel.

Who’s in it. The Tunnel stars Heino Ferch as Harry Melchior, Nicolette Krebitz as Friederike " Fritzi " Scholz, Sebastian Koch as Matthis Hiller and Alexandra Maria Lara as Lotte Lohmann, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 7.1/10, The Tunnel has been warmly received by audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Tunnel page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Tunnel tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, Pulp Fiction, Parasite and Fight Club.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch The Tunnel (2001)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Tunnel change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is The Tunnel worth watching?
The Tunnel holds an audience score of 7.1 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy thriller and drama. Most viewers rate it highly.
Who stars in The Tunnel?
The Tunnel stars Heino Ferch, Nicolette Krebitz, Sebastian Koch, Alexandra Maria Lara and Claudia Michelsen.
When was The Tunnel released?
The Tunnel was released in 2001, with a runtime of about 150 minutes.