10 Movies and Shows Similar to Surfwise (2007)

Description: Similar to 'Surfwise' (2007), 'The Endless Summer' is a seminal documentary that explores the culture and lifestyle of surfing. Both films delve into the passion and dedication of surfers, portraying surfing not just as a sport but as a way of life. 'The Endless Summer' follows two surfers on a global quest for the perfect wave, much like 'Surfwise' follows the Paskowitz family's nomadic surfing lifestyle. Both films highlight the freedom and adventure associated with surfing.

Fact: 'The Endless Summer' was directed by Bruce Brown, who also narrated the film. The film was shot on a modest budget but became a cult classic, influencing generations of surfers. It was one of the first films to popularize surfing culture globally.

Description: Like 'Surfwise', 'Step Into Liquid' celebrates the surfing lifestyle and the diverse community of surfers around the world. Both films emphasize the spiritual and emotional connection surfers have with the ocean. 'Step Into Liquid' showcases various surfing styles and locations, similar to how 'Surfwise' portrays the Paskowitz family's travels in search of waves. Both films highlight the universal appeal of surfing and its ability to bring people together.

Fact: Directed by Dana Brown, son of Bruce Brown ('The Endless Summer'). The film features surfers from all over the world, including Ireland, Vietnam, and Wisconsin. It was praised for its stunning cinematography and immersive sound design.

Description: 'Riding Giants' shares similarities with 'Surfwise' in its exploration of the surfing subculture and the extreme dedication of its subjects. Both films document the lives of individuals who have devoted themselves entirely to surfing, often at the expense of conventional lifestyles. 'Riding Giants' focuses on big wave surfing, showcasing the thrill and danger of the sport, much like 'Surfwise' highlights the Paskowitz family's unconventional and risky lifestyle.

Fact: Directed by Stacy Peralta, who also directed the skateboarding documentary 'Dogtown and Z-Boys'. The film features interviews with legendary surfers like Laird Hamilton and Greg Noll. It was the first documentary about surfing to be screened at the Sundance Film Festival.

Description: 'Bustin' Down the Door' parallels 'Surfwise' in its focus on the rebellious and pioneering spirit of surfers. Both films document the lives of individuals who challenged societal norms to pursue their passion for surfing. 'Bustin' Down the Door' tells the story of a group of surfers who revolutionized the sport in the 1970s, much like the Paskowitz family's unconventional approach to life and surfing in 'Surfwise'.

Fact: The film features archival footage and interviews with surfing legends like Wayne 'Rabbit' Bartholomew and Mark Richards. It explores the cultural impact of surfing in Hawaii and the tensions between local and foreign surfers. The title refers to the aggressive and competitive nature of surfing during that era.

Description: 'The Cove' and 'Surfwise' both highlight the intersection of human activity and the natural world, though in different contexts. 'The Cove' is an activist documentary about dolphin hunting in Japan, while 'Surfwise' explores the Paskowitz family's harmonious relationship with the ocean. Both films raise awareness about environmental issues and the impact of human actions on marine life.

Fact: Directed by Louie Psihoyos, a National Geographic photographer. The film used hidden cameras to expose the dolphin hunt. It won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Description: '180° South' shares themes of adventure and environmentalism with 'Surfwise'. Both films follow individuals who reject conventional lifestyles in favor of exploration and connection with nature. '180° South' documents a journey to Patagonia, blending surfing, climbing, and environmental activism, much like 'Surfwise' portrays the Paskowitz family's nomadic and eco-conscious lifestyle.

Fact: The film was inspired by the 1968 journey of Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins, founders of Patagonia and The North Face. It features original music by Jack Johnson. The film emphasizes the importance of preserving wild places.

Description: 'Meru' shares with 'Surfwise' a focus on extreme sports and the personal sacrifices required to pursue them. Both films follow individuals who push the limits of human endurance in their respective activities—surfing for the Paskowitz family and mountaineering for the subjects of 'Meru'. Both films also explore the emotional and psychological toll of these lifestyles.

Fact: Directed by Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi. The film documents the first ascent of Meru Peak's Shark's Fin route. It won the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival.

Description: While 'The Salt of the Earth' is not about surfing, it shares with 'Surfwise' a deep exploration of human passion and the relationship between people and nature. Both films document the lives of individuals who have dedicated themselves to their passions, often at great personal cost. 'The Salt of the Earth' focuses on photographer Sebastião Salgado's work and his connection to the natural world, similar to the Paskowitz family's connection to the ocean.

Fact: Co-directed by Wim Wenders and Juliano Ribeiro Salgado. The film won the Special Prize at the Cannes Film Festival. It showcases Salgado's stunning black-and-white photography.

Description: 'Valley Uprising' and 'Surfwise' both celebrate countercultural movements and the rebellious spirit of their subjects. 'Valley Uprising' chronicles the history of rock climbing in Yosemite Valley, focusing on the climbers who defied societal norms, much like the Paskowitz family's rejection of conventional life in 'Surfwise'. Both films highlight the freedom and adventure associated with their respective sports.

Fact: Directed by Peter Mortimer and Nick Rosen. The film features interviews with legendary climbers like Royal Robbins and Lynn Hill. It uses archival footage to tell the story of Yosemite's climbing culture.

Description: 'Free Solo' and 'Surfwise' both document individuals who pursue extreme lifestyles with unwavering dedication. 'Free Solo' follows rock climber Alex Honnold as he attempts to free solo El Capitan, while 'Surfwise' follows the Paskowitz family's unconventional surfing lifestyle. Both films explore the psychological and physical challenges of living on the edge.

Fact: Directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin. The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. It features breathtaking cinematography of Yosemite National Park.