Best Surf Movies
Surf Movies you should watch
Surf movies stand as a fundamental pillars of surf culture, capturing both the essence of the sport and its lifestyle in a universal and timeless language. As such, they have the power to start trends, inspire and stimulate generations, disseminate surf breaks, promote brands, consolidate names, and facilitate cross-pollination between surf communities across the globe. Above all, they provide entertainment and inspiration for those who, at a given moment, cannot be out in the waves. The best surf movies feature the most gorgeous waves, often set to iconic soundtracks, showcase visionary athletes who dare to chase their dreams and stories from the sea that deserve to be told.
Let us show you our top 10 favourite surf movies you should watch (maybe on your flight to our Bali or Sri Lanka?!):
1. The Endless Summer
Directed by Bruce Brown, "The Endless Summer" is often considered the ultimate classic surf movie. It follows the two surfers, Robert August and Mike Hynson, around the world in search of “The Perfect Wave”. This groundbreaking documentary not only showcased beautiful surf locations but also introduced the world to the idea of chasing endless summer waves. The whole journey took them to Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Hawaii, Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa where they found a remote right-hand pointbreak with no one out at Cape St. Francis. Their epitome of the “perfect wave” they had been looking for.
2. Point Break:
Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, "Point Break" is maybe not the typical surf movie, you’d expect. It is a legendary action-thriller that combines surf culture with adrenaline-pumping heists. Starring Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze, it explores the world of extreme sports, particularly surfing, as it follows an undercover FBI agent who infiltrates a gang of surf-loving bank robbers.
3. Chasing Mavericks:
This biographical drama tells the true story of legendary surfer Jay Moriarity and his quest to surf the massive waves at Mavericks in California - a wave known to a few at the time, but those who did knew it could kill you. It's an inspirational tale of mentorship, friendship, and the pursuit of one's dreams as the movie shows the local surfing legend Frosty Hesson training the 15-year-old Jay to ride the Mavericks. This movie is an epitome that every surfer either has a Frosty in their life or is hoping to meet one to help them set and achieve goals.
4. Riding Giants:
How do surfers ride 50-foot waves? This question is answered by zthe documentary “Riding Giants”. It explains about the evolution and history of big-wave surfing and gives tribute to surfers who dare surf the world’s biggest waves. With plenty of exhilirating tube and wipeout footage to illustrate the fascination with and draw of riding such massive waves “Riding Giants” brings viewers as close as most of them will ever get.
5. The Shallows:
While not a traditional surf movie, "The Shallows" is a thriller that involves a surfer played by Blake Lively, who finds herself stranded on a rock in the ocean while being hunted by a great white shark. It offers a heart-pounding surfing survival story with intense suspense. Side note: This movie is not based on a true story!
6. Unstoppable:
Based on a true story is the next movie: Unstoppable - the tragic and inspirational story of famous Bethany Hamilton, one of the most inspirational women surfers ever. The movie follows Bethany through her accident, where she lost her left arm to a shark at just 13 years old and her struggles and successes of her hard return to surfing. It documents her every day life now and he manages to be a mom, entrepreneur and competing surfer.
7. North Shore:
“Scrub it, kook!”
“Nobody listens to Turtle.”
“When the wave breaks here, don’t be there…or you’re gonna get drilled.”
Three of many famous quotes out of the next surf movie: North Shore. A total surf classic that tells the story of the young surfer Rick Kane from Arizona who travels to the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, to prove himself among the best surfers in the world. Arrived in Hawaii he has to realize that nothing is at easy as it seems. However, with the help of a surfboard shaper and surf guru, who acts as his mentor, and a local girl, Rick begins seeing the ocean and surfing with different eyes. The storyline also vastly inspired Sony Pictures Surf’s Up twenty years later.
8. Surf’s Up
This animated surf movies is a combined parody of North Shore, The Endless Summer and Riding Giants and tells the story of Cody Maverick, a young penguin who wants to become a professional surfer. The movie follows Cody on his journey to a popular surf contest, where he makes new friends, falls in love and learns about the essence of surfing. “Surf’s Up” illustrates both the bad and the good side of surfing within a story that is easy enough fior kids with bits of innocent dark humor for the older ones.
9. Blue Crush:
"Blue Crush" is a surf-themed drama centered around the story of a young female surfer in Hawaii. Whereas women in surfing were not taken seriously and media painted them just as bikini models, this movie finally showed the different side, provides a look at female surfers striving for competitive greatness and offers inspiration for future female surfers. By featuring timely legends like Layne Beachley, Keala Kennelly, Rochelle Ballard and the young Coco Ho, “Blue Crush” is one of the best surf movies to watch.
10. Step Into Liquid:
A visually stunning surf documentary that explores various facets of the sport. It features surfers from different backgrounds, disciplines, and locations, from California's Mavericks to the shores of Ireland, showcasing the global appeal of surfing. “Step Into Liquid” is currently the fifth highest-grossing sports doc of all time.
