Latitude Zero (1969)
A wild undersea adventure from Toho master Ishirō Honda, pitting a utopian ocean city against a megalomaniacal mad scientist.
Latitude Zero - Movie Information
- Original Title: 緯度0大作戦
- Release Year: 1969
- Directed by: Ishirō Honda
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Adventure, Action
- Age Rating (US): G
- Runtime: 1h 45m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): July 26, 1969 (Japan), December 4, 1970 (United States - G), June 5, 1970 (Canada), August 1, 1974 (United Kingdom), April 3, 1970 (Germany - 12), October 3, 1971 (France - U), March 11, 1974 (Spain)
- Alternative Titles: Latitude Zero (US), Ido Zero Daisakusen (JP), Οδύσσεια στον Βυθό των Θαλασσών (GR)
- Production Companies: TOHO, Ambassador Productions, Don Sharpe Enterprises
- Production Countries: Japan, United States of America
Latitude Zero - Plot
A massive underwater volcano erupts and puts a group of investigative scientists in danger. They are rescued by an atomic super submarine named The Alpha under the command of Captain McKenzie. The group is quickly taken to a vast underwater city known as Latitude Zero, a fantastic, Atlantean type utopia, a world beneath the ocean with its own sun. It is soon discovered that Captain McKenzie is at war with the evil Dr. Malic, a cruel scientist who wishes to rule mankind all the while conducting genetic experiments on humans and animals. Malic sends his agents to kidnap Dr. Okada, a human scientist who has created a serum that can immunize exposure to radiation.
Latitude Zero - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the wonders of the deep unfold:
Discover the incredible world of tomorrow... 15 miles straight down at LATITUDE ZERO
Where to Watch Latitude Zero
Looking for where to watch Latitude Zero?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Latitude Zero - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Ishirō Honda
Main Cast
- Joseph Cotten
- Cesar Romero
- Akira Takarada
- Masumi Okada
- Richard Jaeckel
- Patricia Medina
- Mari Nakayama
- Akihiko Hirata
- Tetsu Nakamura
- Hikaru Kuroki
Writers
- Ted Sherdeman
- Shinichi Sekizawa
Producers
- Don Sharpe
Latitude Zero - FAQs
What is Latitude Zero about?
Latitude Zero follows a group of scientists rescued by an atomic submarine after an underwater volcano erupts. They're brought to a breathtaking utopian city deep beneath the ocean, only to find themselves caught in a war between the noble Captain McKenzie and the villainous Dr. Malic, a mad scientist conducting horrific genetic experiments.
Does Latitude Zero feature any classic monster movie creatures?
Yes! The film delivers some wonderfully wild creature effects courtesy of Toho's special effects team. Dr. Malic's experiments produce grotesque hybrid beasts — including a giant rat, a bat-man hybrid, and a griffin — brought to life by Haruo Nakajima, the legendary performer inside the original Godzilla suit.
Where can you stream Latitude Zero?
You can watch Latitude Zero for free on Plex or through the Plex Channel. It's also available on IndieFlix and IndieFlix Shorts via Amazon Channel with a subscription, and on Mometu with ads. Plenty of options to catch this undersea classic!
Is Latitude Zero a Toho tokusatsu production?
Absolutely. Latitude Zero is a classic tokusatsu co-production between Japan's Toho studio and American producers. It blends Hollywood talent like Joseph Cotten and Cesar Romero with Toho's signature practical effects and creature work, making it a fascinating East-meets-West sci-fi spectacle from 1969.
Who are the main actors in Latitude Zero?
The cast is a real treat. Joseph Cotten leads as the heroic Captain McKenzie, while Cesar Romero chews the scenery delightfully as the villainous Dr. Malic. They're joined by Akira Takarada, Richard Jaeckel, Patricia Medina, and Masumi Okada in this international ensemble adventure.
Who directed Latitude Zero and what else did they make?
Ishirō Honda directed Latitude Zero. He's the legendary filmmaker behind the original Godzilla (1954) and dozens of Toho monster classics. Honda was a master of blending spectacle with social commentary, and Latitude Zero showcases his flair for imaginative, large-scale science fiction storytelling.
What is the age rating for Latitude Zero?
Latitude Zero is rated G, making it suitable for all ages. Despite its mad-scientist villains and creature effects, the film keeps things family-friendly in tone — it's the kind of old-fashioned adventure that parents and kids can enjoy together on a movie night.
What films are similar to Latitude Zero?
If you enjoy Latitude Zero, check out 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954) for classic undersea adventure, or Toho's own Destroy All Monsters (1968) for more creature spectacle. Flash Gordon (1980) shares the same campy, colorful sci-fi energy, and Pacific Rim (2013) delivers modern monster-battle thrills.
More About Latitude Zero
Explore further details about Latitude Zero on these trusted resources: