Watch The Top Surf Movies Made
The 2014 edition of the Mavericks Invitational went off today (January 24th, 2014) in Half Moon Bay with Grant "Twiggy" Baker of South Africa taking home the title and the $50,000 prize. Now the thrill of the live competition has ended it is time to head to your favorite means of watching movies and queue up some classic (and sometimes cheesy) surf movies.
Point Break (photo credit: 20th Century Fox)
10. Chasing Mavericks (2012)
May not be one of the best on the list but i felt like I had to include it just because it tell a story based right here in Northern California at Mavericks. Plus, it gave us the story of Gerard Butler nearly getting killed in our most famous surf spot.
9. Thicker Than Water (2000)
An epic surf documentary directed by musician/surfer Jack Johnson and his friend Chris Malloy. The film combines footage from all over the world with music from Jack Johnson, G. Love, Dan the Automator, and more.
8. Gidget (1959)
It is hokey and dated but it also spawned an entire generation of surf-related movies and a TV series with Sally Field.
7. North Shore (1987)
How can you resist a film about a kid from Arizona who after winning a wave pool contest relocates to the North Shore to find his destiny. The film is truly predictable but has some great surfing scenes and features surfer Laird Hamilton as the villain.
6. Step Into Liquid (2003)
Another documentary to see some of the best surfing from around the world including footage from the elusive and monstrous waves at at Cortes Bank.
5. Big Wednesday (1978)
Big wave surfing used as the backdrop for a coming of age film about three friends facing Vietnam. Also the first of two films on the list to star Gary Busey!
4. Soul Surfer (2011)
Probably the only unqualified "inspirational" film in surf history. Soul Surfer is based on the true story of teenager Bethany Hamilton and her recovery from losing her arm in a shark attack while surfing.
3. Blue Crush (2002)
Yes, it is a B-movie but it lovable one with Kate Bosworth and Michelle Rodriguez surfing. What is not to love?
2. Point Break (1991)
It was recently reported that a remake of Point Break was in the works and it made me irrationally mad. How could anyone think they could improve on this film. The plot of a former football star (named Johnny Utah) turned FBI agent going undercover to try and stop a zen master surfer and his gang of masked bank robbers?!? Add to the original cast Keanu Reeves, Patrick Swayze, Gary Busey (again), Lori Petty … plus a cameo by Anthony Kiedis from the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
1. The Endless Summer (1966)
The granddaddy of all surf movies. The film follows two surfers on what can only be called a "surf safari" around the world. Some great locales and surfing.
