Fascinated with big waves and hanging ten but not quite ready to get on the water yourself? Sit back and immerse yourself in the world of surfing with these 10 films from the comfort of your couch!
1. Point Break (1991, dir. Kathryn Bigelow)
For an action-packed adrenaline rush, check out the classic crime film Point Break, which follows FBI Agent Johnny Utah (Keanu Reeves) as he goes undercover into a gang of surfers behind a string of bank robberies. You can even follow up the original 1991 film with the 2015 remake, which stars Elvis’ and Holidate actor Luke Bracey as Johnny Utah! Stream on Pluto TV and Tubi.
2. Teen Beach Movie (2013, dir. Jeffrey Hornaday)
This musical flick earned itself Disney Channel Original classic status when it aired in 2013. Starring Ross Lynch and Maia Mitchell, Teen Beach Movie tells the story of two teens when they stumble into the world of a West Side Story spinoff where it’s Surfers vs Bikers and quickly realize they don’t know how to get back home to "real life". Stream on Disney+.
3. Blue Crush (2002, dir. John Stockwell)
In the mood for a movie with total Y2K vibes? Then this 2002 picture is right up your alley. Blue Crush follows surfer girl Anne Marie (Kate Bosworth) as she trains for a comeback to the competitive surfing world after suffering a wipeout that almost took her life. Stream on Peacock.
4. Ride (2014, dir. Helen Hunt)
This family-centered comedy film, directed, written, and starring Oscar-winning actress Helen Hunt, follows overbearing mom Jackie across the country in pursuit of her son who dropped out of college to pursue professional surfing. Jackie eventually loosens up, but not before some surf lessons! Stream on Peacock, Prime Video, Pluto TV, and Vudu.
5. Soul Surfer (2011, dir. Sean Macnamara)
No movie bucket list is complete without a few based-on-a-true story features, and this is the perfect addition to that roster. Soul Surfer tells the story of surfing legend Bethany Hamilton, who lost an arm in a shark attack while on the waves. But as the film explains, Bethany didn’t let her injury hold her back -- she learned how to surf with one arm and overcame the adversity she was faced with in a way that should inspire us all. Stream on YouTube.
6. The Endless Summer (1966, dir. Bruce Brown)
If a documentary film from the 1960s is your idea of a good time, then The Endless Summer belongs on the top of your watch list. The narrative doc follows buddies Mike Hyson and Robert August as they embark on a surfing trip around the world. At the time of its release, The Endless Summer had a massive impact on the sport and is credited with helping to give birth to the subculture of surf-and-travel. Stream on Tubi.
7. Morning of the Earth (1972, dir. Alby Falzon and David Elfick)
For another throwback, check out this classic surf film from 1972! Morning of the Earth is rooted in film themes that defined the '70s, from living in spiritual harmony with nature to making your own way forward in an ever-changing world. Available to rent on Prime Video and Apple TV.
8. Breath (2017, dir. Simon Baker)
If you’re in the mood for some angst, this Australian film adaptation of a novel by the same title is sure to get the cathartic tears you need flowing. Breath tells the tale of two teen surfers whose lives are turned upside down when they forge a friendship with a mysterious older surfer who doesn’t always have their best interests at heart. Stream on Peacock, Prime Video, Tubi, and Vudu.
9. Gidget (1959, dir. Paul Wendkos)
On the other hand, if you need a laugh, then this classic 1950s comedy is sure to lift your spirits. Gidget follows peppy teen girl Francine Lawerence (Sandra Dee) as she becomes infatuated with an attractive surfer fella she meets on the beach and goes to extremes to earn his attention. This film is the first in a series of films about Francine, which follow her around the world from Hawaii to Italy! Available to rent on Prime Video, YouTube, and Apple TV.
10. Surf's Up (2007, dir. Ash Brannon and Chris Buck)
Looking for an animated surf-centric movie to add to your watchlist? Look no further! Surf’s Up, an animated mockumentary by Sony Pictures, follows a northern rockhopper penguin named Cody, who dreams of becoming a surfer and is determined not to let any number of obstacles stop him from achieving that goal. Stream on Netflix.
BONUS: Back to the Beach (1987. dir. Lyndall Hobbs)
Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello pretty much invented the teen beach movie in the 1960s, and in Back to the Beach, they reunite in this '80s sendup of their former selves as a middle-aged couple who visit their daughter in SoCal and Frankie finds himself challenged to a surfing competition by the local toughies! Stream on Pluto TV.