Shubhabrata Dutta
Sports movies have been around for a long time. They offer us the tales of sportspeople who endure periods of struggle and setbacks, only to make them stronger and push them to their limits. The best sports stories are the ones of rise and fall, victory and defeat, a tale where personal and professional adversities are overcome to achieve success. Each country makes sports movies on games that are popular among their populace. And there is no need to exaggerate how popular surfing is in the United States and Canada.
As the sport caught the fancy of California natives, it started getting more representation in American culture and movies. Considering the influence of surfing on literature (the Gidget novel series), films (‘Beach Party’ (1963), ‘Beach Blanket Bingo’ (1965)) and music (The Beach Boys), streaming services like Netflix have included this genre in their roster, focusing on stories that entertain and uplift the audience.
7. Point Break (2015)
Kathryn Bigelow’s ‘Point Break’ is a remake of the cult classic action film of the same name that came out in 1991. The film follows an FBI agent who infiltrates a crew of extreme sports enthusiasts who carry out heists and help the poor. Soon, the agent starts to enjoy the rush of adrenaline that the crew’s lifestyle brings him, and his loyalty gets tested. He has to make the choice eventually: to pull the trigger on the criminals who have become his friends or not. Starring Édgar Ramírez, Luke Bracey, and Teresa Palmer, ‘Point Break’ may not be as fascinating as the original film but does offer a fair share of extreme sports action, including surfing huge waves and flying through cliffs in wingsuits. You can watch it here.
6. Into the Wind (2022)
This Polish romance is directed by Kristoffer Rus and explores the romance between privileged teenager Ania (Sonia Mietielica) and kitesurfing instructor Michal (Jakub Sasak), who meet at a seaside resort in Hel (Poland). As Ania and Michal begin exploring their attraction for each other, they realize their near and dear ones do not appreciate their relationship. Will their different worlds keep them from riding the waves of love? ‘Into the Wind’ is a cliché modern romantic drama that can still serve as a good binge for those who can never have enough of young-love-at-the-beach movies. You can watch it here.
5. Malibu Rescue: The Series (2019)
Created by Savage Steve Holland and Scott McAboy, ‘Malibu Rescue: The Series’ follows a group of youngsters/aspiring junior lifeguards who take part in the Malibu Junior Rescue Program and want to become professional lifeguards and own their tower at the Malibu beach. A series primarily made for kids, ‘Malibu Rescue: The Series’ explores hard work, teamwork, and friendship themes. The cast includes Jackie R. Jacobson, Ricardo Hurtado, Abby Donnelly, Alkoya Brunson, Breanna Yde, and Bryana Salaz. You can watch the series here.
4. Solo (2018)
‘Solo’ is an unsettling narrative that unfolds the harrowing true ordeal of a surfer, Álvaro Vizcaíno (played by Alain Hernández), who lost his grip on a towering sandy cliff while en route to the surf, plummeting perilously below, in 2014. The Spanish film chronicles his desperate struggle for survival amidst rising tides as he fights to stay afloat, interwoven with poignant flashbacks to the pivotal moments of his life. Reminiscent of Blake Lively’s ‘The Shallows,’ ‘Solo’ is directed by Hugo Stuven and is a gripping tale of a surfer’s s battle against nature’s ruthless forces. Feel free to check out the movie here.
3. Outer Banks (2020-)
‘Outer Banks,’ created by Jonas Pate, Josh Pate, and Shannon Burke, is a thrilling teen drama series that perfectly blends the allure of treasure hunting with the sun-soaked world of surfing. Set against the backdrop of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, the show follows a group of working-class friends known as the “Pogues” as they navigate the high-stakes quest for hidden treasure while unraveling dark family secrets. Central to the show’s appeal is the breathtaking coastal setting and the thrilling surf scenes that add an adrenaline-pumping dimension to the narrative. The charismatic ensemble cast, led by Chase Stokes, Madelyn Cline, and Rudy Pankow, delivers performances that bring the surf culture to life, making ‘Outer Banks’ an exhilarating and visually captivating surfing-related series that’s impossible to resist. Feel free to check it out here.
2. Resurface (2017)
‘Resurface,’ directed by Wynn Padula and Josh Izenberg, is a poignant and concise documentary that chronicles the remarkable transformation of Iraq war veteran Bobby Lane. Struggling with relentless nightmares, depression, and seizures, Bobby was on the brink of suicide until he crossed paths with Van Curaza, a former big wave surfer who founded Operation Surf. This encounter marked the beginning of Bobby’s healing journey through the therapeutic embrace of surfing. Fueled by compelling research affirming the ocean’s profound therapeutic potential, organizations like Operation Surf and the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation are dedicated to aiding veterans in their battle against physical and psychological trauma. You can watch the documentary here.
1. Surviving Summer (2022-)
‘Surviving Summer‘ is an Australian teen drama television series co-created by Joanna Werner and Josh Mapleston. The storyline revolves around the rebellious teenager, Summer Torres, who faces expulsion from her Brooklyn high school. In a twist of fate, she is sent to stay with the family of an old friend of her mother’s in Australia. There, she becomes entwined with a group of competitive surfers, setting the stage for a series of turbulent events and misadventures shaping her journey. You can stream the series here.
Read More: Best Sports Documentaries On Netflix
