10 Movies and Shows Similar to 100 Foot Wave (2021)

Description: As one of the first films to popularize surfing culture, 'The Endless Summer' shares with '100 Foot Wave' a deep appreciation for the ocean and the pursuit of the perfect wave. Both films celebrate the beauty and thrill of surfing, though 'The Endless Summer' has a more laid-back, nostalgic tone compared to the intense, high-stakes drama of '100 Foot Wave'.

Fact: 'The Endless Summer' was filmed on a budget of just $50,000 but became a cultural phenomenon. The film's director, Bruce Brown, also narrated the documentary. It inspired countless surfers and is considered one of the most influential surf films of all time.

Description: While 'Point Break' is a fictional action film, it shares with '100 Foot Wave' a fascination with the adrenaline-fueled world of extreme sports, particularly surfing. Both films explore the almost spiritual connection between athletes and their environments, as well as the risks they take in pursuit of their passions. The cinematography in 'Point Break' also captures the raw power and beauty of the ocean.

Fact: 'Point Break' was directed by Kathryn Bigelow, who later became the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Director for 'The Hurt Locker'. The film's surfing scenes were shot in California and Hawaii. It has since become a cult classic, inspiring a 2015 remake.

Description: 'Touching the Void' is a harrowing survival documentary that, like '100 Foot Wave', explores the extreme limits of human endurance. Both films are based on true stories of individuals facing life-threatening situations in the pursuit of their passions. The storytelling is intense and immersive, putting viewers in the shoes of the protagonists as they confront seemingly insurmountable odds.

Fact: 'Touching the Void' is based on Joe Simpson's memoir of the same name. The film combines documentary interviews with dramatic reenactments. It won the BAFTA Award for Best British Film in

Description: 'Riding Giants' is a seminal documentary about big wave surfing, making it a direct thematic cousin to '100 Foot Wave'. Both films chronicle the history and evolution of the sport, featuring interviews with legendary surfers and breathtaking footage of massive waves. The films share a reverence for the ocean and the daring individuals who challenge its power.

Fact: 'Riding Giants' was the first documentary about surfing to be released in IMAX. The film features Greg Noll, one of the pioneers of big wave surfing. It was directed by Stacy Peralta, who also directed the skateboarding documentary 'Dogtown and Z-Boys'.

Description: 'The Alpinist' shares with '100 Foot Wave' a focus on the solitary, almost spiritual pursuit of extreme sports. Both documentaries highlight the personal journeys of their subjects, Marc-André Leclerc and big wave surfers, who seek out the most challenging and dangerous conditions to test their skills. The films also emphasize the stunning, often surreal beauty of the natural world, captured through equally impressive cinematography.

Fact: Marc-André Leclerc was known for his solo climbs in remote locations, often without any audience or recognition. The film was completed after Leclerc's tragic death in an avalanche, adding a poignant layer to his story. 'The Alpinist' won the Audience Award at the Banff Mountain Film Festival.

Description: 'Meru' and '100 Foot Wave' both delve into the psychological and physical challenges faced by athletes in extreme environments. Directed by Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, 'Meru' follows a team of climbers attempting to conquer the Shark's Fin on Mount Meru, a feat akin to the monumental waves surfed in '100 Foot Wave'. Both films are as much about the human spirit and camaraderie as they are about the sports themselves.

Fact: 'Meru' was the first documentary to win the Audience Award at both the Sundance Film Festival and the Sheffield Doc/Fest. The film features stunning time-lapse photography of the Himalayan landscape. Jimmy Chin, one of the climbers, is also a renowned photographer for National Geographic.

Description: This documentary explores the rebellious spirit and counterculture of rock climbing in Yosemite Valley, much like '100 Foot Wave' captures the subculture of big wave surfing. Both films highlight the evolution of their respective sports, the pioneers who pushed the limits, and the personal and communal ethos that drive these extreme athletes. The storytelling in both is dynamic, blending history with high-stakes action.

Fact: 'Valley Uprising' is part of the Reel Rock film tour, a series of climbing documentaries. The film features archival footage of legendary climbers like Warren Harding and Royal Robbins. It won the Best Film Award at the Kendal Mountain Festival.

Description: This documentary about professional surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack, shares with '100 Foot Wave' a focus on resilience and the human spirit. Both films showcase individuals who overcome immense physical and emotional challenges to return to their passion for surfing. The ocean serves as both a source of danger and inspiration in both stories.

Fact: Bethany Hamilton's story was previously told in the 2011 film 'Soul Surfer'. She returned to professional surfing just a year after her attack. The documentary includes footage of Hamilton surfing some of the world's biggest waves.

Description: Like '100 Foot Wave', 'Free Solo' is a gripping documentary that explores the limits of human potential and the intense, often dangerous pursuit of extreme sports. Both films focus on individuals who push the boundaries of what is considered possible, with Alex Honnold's free solo climb of El Capitan mirroring the big wave surfing feats in '100 Foot Wave'. The films share a similar visual aesthetic, with breathtaking cinematography that captures the grandeur and peril of their respective environments.

Fact: 'Free Solo' won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in

Description: This documentary, like '100 Foot Wave', focuses on a tight-knit group of surfers who revolutionized their sport. Both films highlight the camaraderie, rivalry, and personal struggles of their subjects, set against the backdrop of some of the world's most formidable waves. The storytelling is intimate, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what drives these athletes to take on such extreme challenges.

Fact: 'Momentum Generation' features surfers like Kelly Slater and Rob Machado. The film was produced by Robert Redford. It premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.