<?xml version="1.0"?>
<ownershipDocument>

    <schemaVersion>X0206</schemaVersion>

    <documentType>3</documentType>

    <periodOfReport>2015-11-16</periodOfReport>

    <noSecuritiesOwned>1</noSecuritiesOwned>

    <issuer>
        <issuerCik>0000892986</issuerCik>
        <issuerName>WARREN RESOURCES INC</issuerName>
        <issuerTradingSymbol>WRES</issuerTradingSymbol>
    </issuer>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001197293</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>WATT JAMES A</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>1331 17TH STREET</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2>SUITE 720</rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>DENVER</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>CO</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>80202</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>0</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>1</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>0</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>0</isOther>
            <officerTitle>President &amp; C.E.O.</officerTitle>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <remarks>Exhibit List: Exhibit 24 - Power of Attorney</remarks>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>/s/ James A. Watt</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2015-11-17</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>
</ownershipDocument>
