The ocean has always been a symbol of vastness, mystery, and the unknown. It's no wonder that filmmakers often use it as a backdrop for stories of love, passion, and heartbreak. This curated collection of melodramas set on or near the ocean offers viewers a chance to explore the depths of human emotions while being captivated by the beauty and power of the sea. Whether it's a tale of star-crossed lovers, a journey of self-discovery, or a story of enduring love, these films are sure to tug at your heartstrings and leave you with a longing for the sea.

The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947)
Description: A widow moves to a seaside cottage where she falls in love with the ghost of a sea captain, with the ocean symbolizing the boundary between life and death.
Fact: The film was one of the first to use a ghost as a romantic lead, and its setting by the sea adds a mystical element to the love story.


The Blue Lagoon (1980)
Description: This film tells the story of two young cousins stranded on a tropical island, where they grow up and fall in love amidst the beauty of the ocean. The ocean here is not just a setting but a character that shapes their lives.
Fact: The film was shot on location in Fiji, and the young actors, Brooke Shields and Christopher Atkins, had to learn to swim for their roles.


Waterworld (1995)
Description: Set in a future where the polar ice caps have melted, the ocean covers the Earth. Here, love blossoms between a drifter and a woman with a map to dry land, highlighting the ocean's role in human survival and connection.
Fact: It was one of the most expensive films ever made at the time, with a budget of $175 million, and it features a unique setting where the ocean is the entire world.


The Shipping News (2001)
Description: A man moves to his ancestral home in Newfoundland, where the ocean becomes a metaphor for his journey of self-discovery and finding love.
Fact: The film was shot in Newfoundland, Canada, capturing the raw beauty of the Atlantic coast.


Message in a Bottle (1999)
Description: A woman finds a love letter in a bottle washed up on the shore, leading her to the man who wrote it, with the ocean playing a pivotal role in their connection.
Fact: The film was inspired by a real-life event where a woman found a love letter in a bottle on a beach in Maine.


The Perfect Storm (2000)
Description: While not a traditional love story, this film captures the intense bond between the crew of the Andrea Gail, showcasing the ocean's power to both unite and divide.
Fact: The film was based on the true story of the 1991 Perfect Storm, and real-life fishermen were used as extras to add authenticity.


The Sea Inside (2004)
Description: Although not directly about the ocean, the film's protagonist, who is quadriplegic, finds solace in the sea, symbolizing his longing for freedom and love.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, and Javier Bardem's performance was critically acclaimed.


The Deep Blue Sea (2011)
Description: This adaptation of Terence Rattigan's play explores a passionate love affair set against the backdrop of post-war London, with the ocean symbolizing the depth of emotions.
Fact: The film's title refers to a poem by A.E. Housman, which is quoted in the movie, reflecting the depth of the characters' feelings.


The Finest Hours (2016)
Description: This film recounts the true story of a daring Coast Guard rescue mission, where love and bravery intertwine amidst the raging sea.
Fact: The film was shot in a real-life location where the actual events took place, adding to its authenticity.


The Light Between Oceans (2016)
Description: A lighthouse keeper and his wife find a baby in a boat washed ashore, leading to a heart-wrenching tale of love, loss, and the ocean's role in their lives.
Fact: The film was adapted from a best-selling novel by M.L. Stedman, and the lighthouse setting was meticulously recreated for authenticity.
