10 Surfing Movies Worth Watching on Repeat

The OG surf film. Robert August and Mike Hynson traveled to Hawaii, Tahiti, Australia, New Zealand, Ghana, Senegal, and South Africa, and surf cinema was changed forever. Bruce Brown’s work inspired not just their peers but also set the foundation of surf travel for decades to come. Quirky at times, but its universal themes of hitting the road, seeing different cultures and finding uncrowded surf have never been more relevant. 

Five Summer Stories (1972)

The brainchild of Jim Freeman and Greg MacGillivray, with some great Hawaii sequences from cinematographer Bud Browne. The film uses a series of small stories or vignettes to illustrate the joy of surfing set amid the political upheaval and growing environmentalist movement in the 1970s. The film was an ode to Hawaii, featuring the era’s most contemporary surfers like Gerry Lopez, David Nuuhiwa, Eddie Aikau and Sam Hawk. A valuable endorsement: Laird Hamilton called it his favorite surf movie of all time. 

Free Ride (1977)

The ‘70s were a time of change, both culturally and in surfing, and Bill Delaney’s 1977 film captured the attitude and aesthetic of the sport at the time. It showcased the competitive and progressive skill set of Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew, Mark Richards, Peter Townend, Shaun Tomson and more. Classic film cinematography and a groovy soundtrack.

Searching for Tom Curren (1996)

Surfing loves its TC lore, and the late Sony Miller’s cult classic only vaunted the reclusive world champion into more mythical status. Winner of the 1997 SURFER Poll Awards Movie of the Year, there are moments here that stand the test of time. He comes out guns blazing at J-Bay, still to this day likely the most stylish first wave at any spot at any time. He rips a Fireball Fish session at pumping Bawa and, of course, waves that signature hand-jive Backdoor. Curren fans, this one's for you.

Campaign 2 (2005)

So much to unpack in this sequel from Taylor Steele. Not least of which is the soundtrack, which is heavy with rock, pop, and alternative tracks straight from the early aughts. Andy and Bruce Irons go nuts in Bali, Shane Dorian explores points in Morocco, a young Dane Reynolds destroys the Mentawais, and Kelly Slater dips into the fountain of youth at Soup Bowl in Barbados. High octane, high energy surfing. Wax your board after watching this.

Come Hell or High Water (2011)

Yeah, I know, this is a bodysurfing film. But Keith Malloy’s first feature film (which won Best Cinematography at the 2011 SURFER Poll awards), can be enjoyed no matter which way you ride a wave. There's a cast of characters to meet who just plain love the water, from the Wedge to Montana. Bonus: You’ll get to learn about Mark Cunningham and Mike Stewart, two of the most badass watermen to ever put on fins. 

Dear Suburbia (2013) 

If nothing else, watch this to witness Dane Reynolds at the peak of his powers obliterating all-time Japan. While Modern Collective is often cited as director Kai Neville’s seminal work, Dear Suburbia is arguably more interesting. Each scene has a different vibe and ambiance that keeps the viewer engaged. 

The cast also includes John John Florence, Kolohe Andino, Yadin Nicol, Craig Anderson, Chippa Wilson, Taj Burrow, Jack Freestone and more. The music is a keeper, too, as the soundtrack won an award at the New York Surf Film Festival. 

View From a Blue Moon (2015)

Speaking of peak powers, VFABM remains John John’s magnum opus. An outrageous combo of 4K cameras and a generational talent. John reveals eye-popping airs in Western Australia, carves across South Africa and drives through hollow tunnels at Pipeline. Not only is it a gross display of versatility, it was John’s shot across the bow of professional surfing. All before he won his first world title. 

Andy Irons: Kissed by God (2018)

Even if you were not a devout AI follower, this movie will make you feel something. It’s a compelling and, at times, heart-wrenching story about one of surfing’s heroes who struggled with bipolar disorder and opioid addiction. Andy had his demons, and they are laid bare in this film. Testimony from Bruce Irons, Kelly Slater, Mick Fanning and his wife Lyndie only add to its gravitas. 

Through the Doggy Door (2022)

This documentary tells the story of Sheldon Paison, his friendship with the inimitable Mason Ho and his quest to become a professional surfer and poverty in Makaha on Oahu’s west side.  However, it also examines a much deeper narrative about poverty, desperation, and Hawaii’s troubled history with colonization. Joe Alani and Mason told a beautiful, compelling and real tale, complete with highly technical surfing on some of the most dangerous reefs on Oahu.