The 11 Best Surfing Movies of All-Time

Nothing like a good movie to kick back to after a remarkable surfing sesh. Even if you’re still learning how to surf, you’ll still find a movie here to keep you inspired.

Get ready to fall in love with the sport all over again! One of the movies here is either going to become your go-to comfort movie or the one you won’t stop recommending to friends. 

Let’s surf this list, shall we? (pun intended!)

1. Point Break – 1991

Point Break is one of the top 90’s surfing movies. Some of our other blogs reference quotes from this movie – that’s how much we love it!

Point Break’s main character is Keanu Reeves (who doesn’t love a Keanu Reeves movie, am I right?), who plays Johnny Utah. Utah is assigned to investigate a series of bank robberies committed by a group of surfers known as the Ex-Presidents.

To infiltrate the tight-knit surfing community and get closer to the Ex-Presidents, Utah partners with Angelo Pappas, a seasoned but unconventional agent. Pappas believes the surfers are involved in the crimes due to their knowledge of the ocean and their ability to disappear without a trace. 

As Utah immerses himself in the Southern California surf culture, he befriends the charismatic and mysterious Bodhi (solid name, right?), the unofficial leader of the surfer gang. 

As you might have guessed, Utah is then faced with a dilemma. He finds himself torn between his loyalty to the FBI, his growing admiration for Bodhi, and the thrill-seeking lifestyle of the Ex-Presidents – all while becoming increasingly involved in the surfing culture.

Despite all of the action and drama of this adrenaline-fueled story, the surfing aspect is not sacrificed.

Our favorite scene from Point Break comes when Utah enters a surf store to buy a surfboard for a secret assignment. The young kid working the store tells him to stick with it [surfing] and that “surfing’s the source. It’ll change your life”.

Bodhi later explains to Utah that “surfing is a state of mind. It’s where you lose yourself and find yourself”.

We couldn’t agree more!

2. Come Hell or High Water – 2011

We’re massive fans of bodysurfing here at Bodhi Surf + Yoga. Does our name have anything to do with this form of wave sliding? No. Do we get asked that question all the time? Yes.

To our knowledge, we’re the only surf school that includes bodysurfing in its surf curriculum—we even offer bodysurfing + yoga camps!

It’s because of our obsession with bodysurfing that we can’t recommend this film highly enough. It’s the first bodysurfing film that exists, and it’s still one of the only ones out there.

And in our opinion, it’s phenomenal. It shines a light on this fantastic form of wave sliding and illustrates all of our favorite things about the sport.

Compared to board surfing (i.e. surfing with a surfboard), bodysurfing appears to be a much less ‘cool’ way of surfing. In Come Hell or High Water, bodysurfing is referred to as “surfing’s ugly cousin” – and that’s precisely what we love about it.

It’s such an underdog sport. It’s not marketable. It’s not super competitive. It’s just… fun.

Some of the featured bodysurfers in the short film explain that bodysurfing is much less “glamorous” than board surfing. But this is precisely why it’s such a beautiful sport. We love it because it’s so accessible – much more accessible than surfing.

Although we love board surfing (obviously!), you definitely need a few pieces of equipment to do it—a board, for example. With bodysurfing, it’s just you and the waves.

These bodysurfers go into great detail about their love for the sport and its benefits. They enlighten us on why they love it and do it rather than other forms of riding. 

If you’ve never thought of giving bodysurfing the time of day, Come Hell or High Water will undoubtedly make you consider this form of wave riding.

3. Chasing Mavericks – 2012

We like to think of Chasing Mavericks as the Karate Kid of surfing movies. Let us explain what we mean by that.

It’s based on a true story, for starters. It follows the life of a 15-year-old boy, Jay Moriarty, as he meets surfing legend and his soon-to-be surfing mentor, Frosty Hesson.

After his inspiring chance encounter with Frosty, Jay discovers his fascination with the ocean and surfing. It becomes his ultimate quest to surf the legendary Mavericks – one of the most giant waves on the planet, off the coast of Half Moon Bay, California.

Frosty, recognized for his skill and bravery in riding these monstrous Mavericks waves, recognizes Jay’s potential and takes him under his wing, becoming a mentor to the aspiring surfer.

As Jay grows older, his hunger and desire to conquer Mavericks grows stronger. The film follows his journey with his mentor, Frosty, with the relationship between these two characters constantly developing.

Frosty decides to train Jay rigorously, both physically and mentally, imparting not just surfing skills but life lessons about courage, discipline, and respect for the power of the ocean.

As an award-winning surf school, we can’t agree enough with Frosty’s teaching ethos. Yes, the skills required for surfing are needed to conquer that wave. But it also can’t be done without learning these other lessons about the ocean.

Pretty Karate Kid-esq, no?

We base all of our surf lessons on the same principles. It’s our mission to facilitate ocean education and inner awakening amongst our guests – which both happen through learning to surf.

Moving on, the story’s heart revolves around Jay’s intense training regimen, his struggles, and the strong bond between him and Frosty. 

Alongside his physical preparation, Jay also faces personal challenges, including the absence of his father and the complexities of teenage life.

The climax of the film builds up to Jay’s attempt to ride the colossal Mavericks wave – and not wanting to give away any spoilers, we’ll leave you with that!

4. Surf’s Up – 2007

Did you think this legendary film wouldn’t make it into our best surfing movies lineup?

Despite being an animated movie about penguins surfing, movies like Surf’s Up capture the essence of surfing and its culture.

This movie is mainly based on the above Chasing Mavericks and the waves of Mavericks, Half Moon Bay, California.

Surf’s Up tells the story of a young penguin named Cody Maverick (wink, wink) who dreams of becoming a professional surfer. 

Cody spends his time surfing in his hometown of Shiverpool, Antarctica, but dreams of leaving his mundane life and conquering waves on a grand scale. 

He’s presented with a chance to leave the cold waves of Shiverpool and showcase his talent to the world when a competition scout arrives in town. 

Cody and his new friend Chicken Joe (my favorite character) embark on a journey and leave Shiverpool for tropical paradise Pen Gu. This island is known for its Big Z Memorial Surf Off – a legendary surfer who died surfing Pen Gu’s monstrous waves. He also happens to be Cody’s all-time hero.

Having arrived at Pen Gu and realizing that the competition is very tough, Cody finds himself a mentor. He comes across a reclusive old surfer named Geek, with whom he builds a relationship that develops throughout the film. 

Much like in Chasing Mavericks, Geek doesn’t just prepare Cody for surfing the monstrous waves in Pen Gu. He teaches him about patience, perseverance, respect, humility, and the ocean – all vital lessons in surfing.

The movie follows their student/mentor relationship and Cody’s progression not just as a surfer, but as a person (well, penguin).

The film builds up to the final surf competition, where Cody must face his skilled competitors and confront his insecurities and fears. 

And it wouldn’t be a great movie without a twist – so look out for that! Best thing, though, is that this is one of the top movies about surfing on Netflix. You won’t have to look far to enjoy it!

5. The Endless Summer – 1966

The Endless Summer is a classic surf documentary that follows two surfers in their pursuit of, as the name suggests, an endless summer.

In chasing this endless summer, surfers Mike Hynson and Robert August travel through several countries across the two hemispheres.

The movie’s premise is that it’s always summer somewhere in the world. So, by traveling to where summer is, the two surfers essentially experience an endless summer – sounds pretty sick so far, right?

They do this all while chasing the perfect wave to make it even better (and surf-related!).

The surfers encounter different cultures, conditions, and challenges as they travel. The film captures the essence of the surfing lifestyle and the thrill of riding waves in exotic locations – that’s something we can get behind!

Hynson and August begin their travels in their native California, where viewers are first introduced to the surf culture and lifestyle.

The surfers then make their way through several West African countries, including Senegal, Ghana, and Nigeria, before making their way down to South Africa.

They then chase summer in search of the perfect wave across the southern hemisphere, visiting Australia, New Zealand, and Tahiti. Their journey concludes in Hawaii, where they face their toughest conditions yet.

Throughout the film, there’s a blend of surf footage, cultural exploration, and the laid-back commentary of Bruce Brown. The documentary captures the surfing community’s excitement and camaraderie, emphasizing the sport’s joy and the thrill of the chase for the perfect wave.

It reminds us that although we come from different lives and backgrounds, we’re also more similar than we might think. The Endless Summer is a reminder that despite our differences, we can still come together through our shared love for something.

We follow the same principles at Bodhi Surf + Yoga. We use our love for surfing to unite our local and international communities and networks. If this sounds like you, check out our immersive surf (or bodysurf) + yoga camps here!

6. The North Shore – 1987

The North Shore is a coming-of-age film that follows the journey of protagonist and ambitious surfer Rick Kane.

What’s interesting is that the ambitious surfer comes from landlocked Arizona. There, he wins a wave pool competition that earns him a ticket to the North Shore of Oahu – known for its legendary waves and intense surf culture.

Upon arriving in Hawaii, Rick experiences a significant culture shock as he navigates the tight-knit and competitive surfing community on the North Shore. 

He faces skepticism and challenges from the local surfers, who question his ability to handle the powerful waves of the area. What does someone from a landlocked US state know about surfing after all, right?

So, Rick tries to prove himself to the North Shore community. In doing so, he faces numerous obstacles in and out of the water. He must confront his fears, gain the respect of the locals, and ultimately prove that he has what it takes to be a true surfer on the North Shore.

Rick befriends a wise and experienced surfer named Chandler, who becomes his mentor and guides him through the intricacies of Hawaiian surf culture. The film develops as Chandler imparts valuable lessons about surfing and life on the North Shore.

To make matters even more interesting, Rick falls for a local girl named Kiani.

The North Shore follows Rick’s challenges – both in his personal life and trying to be accepted in this surfing culture.

The film climaxes with a dramatic surf competition where Rick has to showcase his skills against seasoned local surfers. The outcome of the competition not only determines Rick’s fate in the surfing world but also tests his character and determination.

Way to use surfing to showcase commitment, perseverance, and determination!

7. Blue Crush – 2002

We believe this is a significant film – in that it revolves around female surfers.

A lot of the time, surfing is viewed as a predominantly male sport. You’ve probably noticed that all the movies so far featured a male lead, for instance. It proves that this is a stereotype that, first of all, isn’t even true; and secondly needs to be broken.

We know this to be the case firsthand. Last season, 67% of our guests for our surf + yoga camps were female, and almost 50% of our surf instructors were female! 

It’s movies like Blue Crush that help show the world that surfing is by no means just a male sport.

The movie’s premise is the main character, Anne Marie Chadwick, following her dream to prove herself in the ‘male-dominated’ world of surfing.

Blue Crush is set on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. It follows the lives of Anne Marie and her best friends as they face the challenges of their daily lives working as maids in a resort while pursuing their passion for surfing.

Like any good surfing movie, of course, a good old-fashioned surf competition is involved! The Pipe Master’s Competition is the movie’s climax, with the lead-up exploring Anne Marie’s determination to realize her dream.

Viewers are exposed to the challenges she faces in the leadup – including dealing with a past injury and trauma from surfing.

Anne Marie undergoes rigorous training and preparation for the Pipe Masters competition, all while building a romantic relationship with pro footballer Matt Tollman.

The intense waves and competitive atmosphere push her to the limits, forcing her to confront her past and redefine her relationship with surfing. The story emphasizes empowerment, resilience, and the importance of staying true to oneself in pursuing dreams.

8. Step Into Liquid – 2003

Step Into Liquid literally does take us around the world – from the waves of Ireland to the shores of Vietnam.

The film explores the diverse world of surfing, showcasing various types of surfers and their unique relationships with the ocean on a global scale. It captures and emphasizes the significant cultural and spiritual aspects of the sport.

The main goal of Step Into Liquid, at least in our eyes, is to showcase that despite our differences across the globe, we’re all somehow connected. This movie shows this connection regarding surfing, portraying it as a unifying force.

Throughout the film, viewers are introduced to various surfers, from professionals to enthusiasts of all ages. The documentary delves into these surfers’ personal stories and motivations, highlighting their deep connection with the ocean and the transformative power of surfing in their lives.

With the film’s main dedication being to big wave surfing, it captures the intensity and danger of riding massive waves, showcasing the courage and skill required for such feats.

If you’re new to surfing, don’t let the monstrous waves featured in this film scare you off!
Step Into Liquid is an extreme example of wave riding. You can feel the same stoke and connection with the ocean by surfing much smaller waves – like the average 2-4 feet waves we surf here at the Marino Ballena National Park.

9. Riding Giants – 2004

As you might assume by reading the name, this surfing movie wants nothing to do with those above 2-4 feet waves that we surf here in Uvita, Costa Rica.

The movie explores the history and culture of big-wave surfing, focusing on the pioneers and legends who have pushed the limits of the sport.

Through interviews, archival footage, and breathtaking surf sequences, the film provides an in-depth look at the evolution of big wave surfing and its impact on surf culture.

Riding Giants is then an account of the history and development of big wave surfing and the challenges and risks involved.

Additionally, the film explores the evolution of surfboard design, from traditional wooden boards to modern innovations, and the technological advancements that have allowed surfers to take on these large waves.

The documentary also goes beyond the surfboard to explore the personal stories of the surfers featured in Riding Giants. It highlights the camaraderie, rivalries, and the profound connection that these individuals have with the ocean. 

Riding Giants is another surfing movie that pays homage to the infamous Mavericks surf break in Northern California. It captures the excitement and intensity of the Mavericks Surf Contest, which attracts the world’s top big wave surfers annually.

This is one of those movies that makes you think, “Wow… humans are amazing!”

10. The September Sessions – 2002

The September Sessions is directed by singer/songwriter and professional surfer Jack Johnson.

It takes its name from Jack Johnson’s September Sessions events – whereby surfers and musicians come together to celebrate the connection between, you guessed it, surfing and music.

It’s this sort of non-traditional style that makes this surfing movie unique. The September Sessions blends surf action, music, and lifestyle, featuring Jack Johnson himself as he explores different surf spots, accompanied by a soundtrack of his music and that of other artists.

Just as his events did, the film captures the essence of the surfing lifestyle and the connection between surfing, music, and the natural environment.

What we appreciate most about The September Sessions is the latter. It addresses environmental themes, reflecting Jack Johnson’s commitment to sustainability and conservation.

The narrative touches on preserving the natural beauty of coastal areas and the oceans. This is something that we, as surfers, are responsible for understanding and taking action on.

Unlike most of the other surfing movies in this list, The September Sessions doesn’t necessarily lead up to a climactic point. Its purpose is more to develop a natural flow, connecting the surf sequences, music performances, and lifestyle scenes.

11. Morning of the Earth – 1972

We’ve arrived at the last of our favorite surfing movies! If you’ve made it this far, we respect your commitment to finding the best surfing movie.

Morning of the Earthportrays surfing in its most natural form. That makes no sense at first, but stay with us for a moment.

In the movie, the surfers embark on a spiritual journey with the waves. They make their own surfboards, craft their own homes, and spend their days searching for the perfect wave. 

Morning of the Earth is set on Australia’s beautiful north-east coast while also featuring gorgeous scenes and waves from Bali and Hawaii. After watching this movie, we can safely tell you that it’s the finest of its genre.

Starring Stephen Cooney and Terry Fitzgerald, the soundtrack of the movie is hands-down the most remarkable thing about it. The album was listed as one of the top 100 Australian Albums in October 2010 (almost 4 decades later!).

So if you’re looking for a laid-back movie that focuses solely on surfing and what it’s about – with no conflict or some bigger plot – then this movie is the answer.

Fun fact: Morning of the Earth was the movie that set Bali as the scenic tourist destination it is today! Surfers all around the world realized that this little slice of heaven is a must-visit to catch some waves.

So When’s the Movie Binge?

If you want to experience that stoke firsthand and be the main character in YOUR fantastic surfing movie, visit us here in Bahia Ballena, Costa Rica.

We’d be beyond happy to provide you with surf lessons or coaching. You can join us for one or two-day surfing clinics or spend a week or two with us at our lodge for our immersive surf + yoga camps.

Either way, we’re stoked to present our favorite surfing movies to you. 

Now, all that’s left to do is put on some comfy clothes, pop some popcorn, sit back, and press play on some of the best surfing movies out there.