Top 10 Surfing Thrillers to Watch

Description: This documentary follows two surfers around the world in search of the perfect wave. While not a thriller, it captures the adventurous spirit and the inherent risks of surfing in remote locations.

Fact: It's considered one of the most influential surf films ever made, inspiring countless surfers to travel the world. The film was shot on a budget of just $50,

Description: An FBI agent goes undercover in the world of extreme sports to catch a group of bank robbers who are also surfers. This film blends action, crime, and the thrill of surfing into a cult classic.

Fact: Keanu Reeves learned to surf for the role, and Patrick Swayze did many of his own stunts. The film was remade in 2015 with a different focus on extreme sports.

Description: While not a traditional thriller, this film captures the intense pressure and danger of competitive surfing. Anne Marie, a young surfer, faces her fears and the big waves of Hawaii's North Shore in pursuit of her dreams.

Fact: The film was inspired by a 1998 article in "Outside" magazine about female surfers. The surfing scenes were shot at the famous Pipeline in Oahu.

Description: While not strictly a surfing thriller, this film involves a drifter who gets involved in a heist in Hawaii, with surfing scenes that add to the tension and the tropical setting.

Fact: The film is based on an Elmore Leonard novel, and Owen Wilson plays the lead role, showcasing his laid-back surfer persona.

Description: While not directly about surfing, this film tells the story of the Essex, a whaling ship that inspired "Moby-Dick." It includes scenes of the crew's desperate attempts to survive, including using makeshift surfboards to reach land.

Fact: The film was based on the true story of the Essex, and Chris Hemsworth had to lose weight for his role to portray the physical toll of survival.

Description: Based on the true story of Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and returned to professional surfing. The film captures the emotional and physical struggle of overcoming adversity in the water.

Fact: Bethany Hamilton herself served as a stunt double for AnnaSophia Robb, who played her in the movie. The film was shot in Hawaii, where the real events took place.

Description: A young surfer, Jay Moriarty, trains to ride the legendary Mavericks wave. The film explores the mentorship, the thrill of the chase, and the inherent dangers of big wave surfing.

Fact: The real Jay Moriarty died in 2001, before the film was made, but his story inspired many surfers. The film features real surfers like Greg Long and Peter Mel.

Description: A young surfer, Nancy, finds herself stranded 200 yards from shore on a rock, with a great white shark circling her. This film is a gripping tale of survival, showcasing the primal fear of being hunted in the open ocean.

Fact: Blake Lively performed most of her own stunts, including surfing scenes. The film was shot in Australia, but the setting is meant to be Mexico.

Description: A young surfer from Arizona travels to Hawaii to compete in the Pipeline Masters, facing off against local surfers and the dangerous waves of the North Shore.

Fact: The film was shot on location at the North Shore of Oahu, and many real surfers, including Laird Hamilton, appear in the movie. It's a classic in surf cinema for its portrayal of surf culture and competition.

Description: This film follows a young surfer's journey across the world in search of the perfect wave, encountering various challenges and dangers along the way, including a thrilling escape from pirates.

Fact: The movie was inspired by the life of Ian McCormack, who survived a near-death experience. It was shot in multiple locations, including Indonesia and South Africa.