Sunday afternoon, no waves. You’re lying on the couch with nothing to do, so you resort to the classic plan: movie, blanket, and sofa. You turn on the TV and start zapping, or open Netflix or any other platform and begin browsing through an endless list of movies. In the end, you spend more time choosing a movie than actually watching one.
That’s why, from our surf school, we’ve put together this article presenting our top surf movies. In this list of must-watch surf films for any fan of the sport, you’ll find all kinds of surf movies: based on true stories, documentaries, comedies, and even animations. You may know many of them, but others will surprise you.
Without further ado, here’s our top list of the best surf movies, each with its trailer to give you a taste, so you can decide which ones to watch. Plus, each movie comes with a brief synopsis without spoilers. Lights, camera, action…
Chasing Mavericks
Chasing Mavericks is a surf movie based on a true story about Jay Moriarty. At just 15 years old, Jay dreams of surfing the biggest waves in the world and discovers the myth of Mavericks. To ride this enormous wave, he seeks help from surfing legend Frosty Hesson, who becomes his mentor and a father figure. Thus begins the training and adventure that leads Jay to surf Mavericks off the northern coast of California, south of San Francisco.
The Mavericks wave is one of the largest in the world, along with Nazaré in Portugal, reaching heights over 30 meters. It is one of the best waves globally, as explained in our article “The 10 Best Beaches in the World for Surfing.” However, it’s a wave only for expert surfers with great courage.
Soul Surfer
Soul Surfer is a surf movie based on a true story. It tells the story of young Australian surfer Bethany Hamilton, who is attacked by a shark during a surf session and loses an arm. After this accident, Bethany fights to learn how to surf with one arm and return to the water.
It’s an inspiring movie about overcoming adversity, showing that we’re capable of incredible things despite life’s setbacks. Today, Bethany Hamilton remains a recognized surfer who gives talks and workshops worldwide, sharing her amazing story of perseverance.
Riding Giants
Riding Giants is a surf documentary directed and narrated by famous skater and surfer Stacy Peralta. This excellent documentary covers the early known roots of surfing in Polynesia, its rise in the early 20th century, and its expansion from the 1940s onward.
The film highlights big waves and the development of the sport, featuring amazing vintage footage of some of the world’s best waves. Throughout the documentary, many of the era’s greatest surfers, such as Laird Hamilton, Mickey Muñoz, Jeff Clark, and Greg Noll, share their testimonies.
Drift
Drift is a surf movie based on the novel by Tim Duffy. It tells the story of three surfing brothers living in one of the world’s most dangerous surf areas. Beyond their passion for surfing, they share a strong family bond. This leads them to open a surfboard and marine equipment shop, which radically changes their lives and brings numerous challenges.
It’s not just a surf story but one of brotherly friendship. It’s an adventure full of plot twists that keeps viewers constantly on edge.
Point Brake
Point Break tells the story of an FBI agent who infiltrates a surfing community to uncover a gang of robbers. The film revolves around the young agent’s evolution and how he is influenced by the gang leader and the surfing lifestyle.
It’s a unique mix — an older movie that entertains and manages to convey the magic of surfing and its strong appeal.
The endless summer
The Endless Summer is a classic documentary following two young surfers in search of the perfect wave. Around the world, there are magnificent waves, and this surf trip introduces them to diverse characters with unique stories as they surf incredible waves.
The film features captivating photography and music from the first minute. Throughout the movie, you can enjoy unique shots of wave riding.
Surf’s up
In Surf’s Up, penguins are the main characters. This fun animated surf movie tells the story of a young penguin named Cody who dreams of competing in the Penguin World Surfing Championship. A special mention goes to the sequence about the history of penguin surfing, filmed with a unique vintage style.
The combination is amazing, making it one of the best surf movies for kids. One very important note: it has a sequel!
Big Wednesday
Big Wednesday is a surf movie set in the 1960s. It tells the story of three friends passionate about surfing, each with very different personalities. Their only concerns are surfing and girls. As the years pass, their lives change and they drift apart, but when they learn a huge wave is coming to shore, they decide to reunite and surf it.
This movie deals with important themes like deep friendships and is a story about growth and returning to one’s roots — a true work of art.
In God’s Hands
In God’s Hands tells the story of three close friends searching for the biggest wave in the world. Throughout the movie, they travel to the most remote places on the planet to find this massive wave. However, a tragic accident turns their lives upside down.
It’s the classic story of surfer friends chasing the best waves worldwide, but this time with a less happy ending.
Can you think of any other surf movies to add to the list? What other themes would you like to see in surf films? Want more information about surfing gear and articles?
0 Comments