Watching sailing movies can be a fun way to unwind and relax on the television with friends and family.
We've compiled a list of 7 top sailing movies to watch.
The 7 best sailing movies are:
- Best Adventure: All Is Lost
- Best Romance: Adrift
- Best Drama: Kon-Tiki
- Best Period Drama: Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World
- Best Classic: The Riddle Of The Sands
- Best Documentary: Maidentrip
- Best Thriller: Dead Calm
These sailing movies cover all genres and age groups so there is a choice for every viewer.
1. All Is Lost
The best adventure sailing movie is All Is Lost. We rate this movie 7/10.
All Is Lost is 1hr 46 minutes in duration. It was released in 2013 and is directed by J. C. Chandor. In 2014, it was nominated for the golden globe award for best original score. All Is Lost is rated PG-13 due to very minor amounts of strong language.
The sole cast in this movie is actor Robert Redford. He is the only person on the screen for the entire movie. There are 51 English words spoken in total in the movie with the majority of the film in silence.
The plot of the movie All Is Lost follows a lone sailor (played by Robert Redford) who is stranded in the Indian Ocean after his sailboat is damaged by a shipping container. He must use his survival skills to try to stay alive and find a way to be rescued.
The film takes the viewers through all the trials and tribulations Robert Redford encounters as he battles the sea alone on a damaged boat.
All is Lost is a great movie to watch due to its minimalist storytelling and the powerful performance of Robert Redford, who is the only actor who appears on screen for the entire film. The film's cinematography and use of sound design also add to the sense of isolation and desperation experienced by the main character. Additionally, the movie helps provide viewers with a realistic portrayal of the struggles of survival at sea, which makes it a compelling and intense watch.
People can watch the All Is Lost movie on Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Youtube Movies, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Rakuten TV, Sky Movies, Roku TV and Vudu.
2. Adrift
The best romantic sailing movie is Adrift. We rate this movie 6.7/10.
Adrift is 1hr 36 minutes in duration. It was released in June, 2018 and is directed by Baltasar Kormákur. The film is based on the 2002 book "Red Sky in Mourning" by Tami Oldham Ashcraft, a true story set during the events of Hurricane Raymond in 1983. In 2019, it was nominated for best romance at the Golden Trailer Awards.
Adrift is rated PG-13 due to very minor amounts of strong language and nudity.
The main cast in this movie is Shailene Woodley who played Tami Oldham and Sam Claflin who played Richard Sharp.
The plot of the movie Adrift follows Tami Oldham and Richard Sharp, who set sail on a journey across the ocean in 1983. Their plan is to travel from Tahiti to San Diego but they are caught in one of the most catastrophic hurricanes in recorded history. Tami wakes up after the storm with Richard badly injured and the boat in ruins. With no hope of rescue, Tami must find the strength and determination to save herself and the only man she has ever loved. It is a story of survival, love, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Adrift is a great movie to watch because it is a critically acclaimed film that tells a powerful and emotional true story of survival and love. The performances by the lead actors, Shailene Woodley and Sam Claflin are highly praised and are often cited as the highlights of the film. The movie also features stunning visuals and breathtaking cinematography that capture the beauty and dangers of the ocean.
Additionally, the film deals with important themes such as perseverance, determination, and the power of the human spirit in the face of adversity. If you enjoy movies that are both visually stunning and emotionally powerful, then Adrift is a film that you should definitely watch.
People can watch the Adrift movie on Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Youtube Movies, Google Play Movies, Rakuten TV, Sky Movies, Roku TV and Vudu.
3. Kon-Tiki
The best drama sailing movie is Kon-Tiki. We rate this movie 8.4/10.
Kon-Tiki is 1hr 58 minutes in duration. It was released in August, 2012 and is directed by Espen Sandberg and Joachim Rønning. In 2013, it was Oscar-nominated for best foreign language film of the year.
Kon-Tiki is rated PG-13 due to the violence against sharks in the movie.
The main cast in this movie is Pål Sverre Hagen who played Thor Heyerdahl and Tobias Santelmann who played Knut Haugland.
The plot of the movie Kon-Tiki follows the true story of the 1947 journey of Norwegian explorer and ethnographer Thor Heyerdahl and his crew, who set out to cross the Pacific Ocean on a balsa wood raft called the Kon-Tiki to prove that ancient people could have made the trip. The film follows their journey which is filled with danger and adventure as they face storms, sharks, and other obstacles in their attempt to reach their destination. Along the way, they also make an important discovery that further supports Heyerdahl's theories about ancient ocean travel.
Kon-Tiki is a great movie to watch because it is generally considered to be a well-made and engaging film that tells an interesting and historically significant story. It received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike with many praising its strong performances, accurate depiction of the journey and breathtaking cinematography. It also won several awards and nominations, such as the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
People who are interested in historical dramas, adventure stories, and oceanic exploration tend to enjoy this movie.
People can watch the Kon-Tiki movie on Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Youtube Movies, Google Play Movies, Rakuten TV, Sky Movies, Roku TV, Microsoft Store, and Vudu.
4. Master And Commander: The Far Side of the World
The best period drama sailing movie is Master And Commander: The Far Side of the World. We rate this movie 9/10.
Master And Commander: The Far Side of the World is 2hr 18 minutes in duration. It was released in November, 2003 and is directed by Peter Weir. It was nominated for 10 Oscars and won best cinematography and best sound editing.
Master And Commander: The Far Side of the World is rated PG-13 due to the scenes of nudity and violence.
The main cast in this movie is Jack Aubrey played by Russell Crowe, Stephen Maturin played by Paul Bettany and Thomas Pullings played by James D'Arcy.
The plot of the movie Master And Commander: The Far Side of the World follows the story of Captain Jack Aubrey (played by Russell Crowe) of the British Royal Navy frigate HMS Surprise and the ship's surgeon Stephen Maturin (played by Paul Bettany) as they pursue a powerful French privateer ship, the Acheron, around the coasts of South America and into the dangerous waters of the Galápagos Islands. The ship's mission is to intercept and capture or destroy the enemy vessel but as the chase wears on, the crew of the Surprise faces challenges such as storms, shipwrecks, and battles, as well as the personal conflicts between Aubrey and Maturin. The film explores themes of friendship, duty, and leadership, as well as the harsh realities of war and the human cost of naval conflict.
Master And Commander: The Far Side of the World is a great movie to watch because of
- Historical accuracy: The film is set during the Napoleonic Wars and is based on the historical novels by Patrick O'Brian. The film is known for its accurate depiction of the time period and naval warfare
- Action and adventure: The film features exciting action sequences, including ship-to-ship battles, and also has a sense of adventure as the ship travels through different parts of the world.
- Cinematography: The film has beautiful cinematography and also won an Academy Award for Best Cinematography.
Overall, Master and Commanders: The Far Side of the World is considered a well-made and engaging film that offers a combination of action, adventure, and drama, making it a worthwhile watch for those who enjoy historical dramas and war films.
People can watch the Master And Commander: The Far Side of the World movie on Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Youtube Movies, Google Play Movies, Rakuten TV, Sky Movies, Roku TV, Microsoft Store, and Vudu
5. The Riddle Of The Sands
The best classic sailing movie is The Riddle Of The Sands. We rate this movie 6/10.
The Riddle Of The Sands is 1hr 42 minutes in duration. It was released in March, 1979 and is directed by Tony Maylam.
Riddle Of The Sand is rated PG with parental guidance suggested.
The main cast in this movie is Carruthers played by Michael York, Arthur Davies played by Simon MacCorkindale and Clara Dollmann played by Jenny Agutter.
The plot of the movie The Riddle Of The Sands follows the story of two British sailors, Carruthers (played by Michael York) and Davies (played by Simon MacCorkindale), who while sailing in the Baltic Sea, discover a German plot to invade England. They uncover the scheme while sailing in the Frisian Islands, where they come across a German ship and its crew who are conducting a military survey of the area.
Carruthers and Davies, who are initially dismissed as harmless amateur sailors become suspicious of the German's activities and decide to investigate further. They begin to uncover a plot by the Germans to invade England through the shallow waters of the Frisian Islands. As they dig deeper into the mystery, they find themselves in danger and must race against time to prevent the German invasion and warn the British government of the impending threat.
The film is a combination of espionage, adventure, and thriller and it was praised for its accurate depiction of the period, the action and the tension it creates.
The Riddle Of The Sands is a great movie to watch because:
- Suspenseful plot: The film features a suspenseful plot that keeps the audience engaged and on the edge of their seats as the characters uncover the German plot to invade England
- Accurate depiction of the period: The film is set in the early 20th century and is known for its accurate depiction of the period and its attention to historical detail
- Tension: The film creates a lot of tension as the characters race against time to prevent the German invasion and warn the British government of the impending threat
- Action and adventure: The film features exciting action sequences and a sense of adventure as the characters sail through the Frisian Islands and uncover the German plot
Overall, The Riddle of the Sands (1979) is considered a well-made and engaging film that offers a combination of action, adventure, and suspense, making it a worthwhile watch for those who enjoy espionage thrillers and historical dramas.
People can watch The Riddle Of The Sands movie on YouTube and Daily Motion.
6. Maidentrip
The best documentary sailing movie is Maidentrip. We rate this movie 8.2/10.
The Maidentrip is 1hr 22 minutes in duration. It was released in January, 2014 and is directed by Jillian Schlesinger. It won the best documentary feature at the Annapolis Film Festival.
Maidentrip is rated PG-13 with some minor strong language. The main cast in this movie is Laura Dekker, Kim Dekker, and Dick Dekker.
The plot of the movie Maidentrip follows the journey of 14-year-old Laura Dekker as she becomes the youngest person to sail solo around the world. The film documents her journey from the planning stages, through her departure, and her travels through various ports as well as the various challenges she faces along the way.
The film also explores Laura's backstory and motivations for undertaking such a dangerous and ambitious journey. It shows her life on her boat, Guppy, and the struggles she faces with loneliness, storms, and equipment failures. The film also highlights her interactions with other sailors and the support she receives from her family and friends.
Maidentrip is a coming-of-age story about a young girl who sets out to achieve her dream of sailing around the world alone. It is a story of determination, resilience and the desire to explore the unknown and push boundaries. The film was praised for its intimate portrayal of Laura's journey and for its beautiful cinematography which captures the stunning scenery and the vastness of the ocean.
The Maidentrip is a great movie to watch because:
- Inspirational: The film tells the story of a young girl who sets out to achieve her dream of sailing around the world alone, and her determination and resilience in the face of challenges are an inspiration to many
- Coming-of-age story: The film is a coming-of-age story, that documents the growth and maturity of a young person as she faces challenges and achieves her goal
- Adventure: The film documents a thrilling adventure, as Laura sails through different ports and faces different challenges and it's a great way to experience the adventure and the challenges of solo sailing
- Beautiful cinematography: The film has beautiful cinematography that captures the stunning scenery and the vastness of the ocean making it a visually stunning film
- Educational: The film provides an informative and educational look at the world of sailing and the challenges that come with it
- Personal story: The film is an intimate and personal story that provides a unique perspective on the challenges of solo sailing and the determination required to achieve a dream
Overall, Maidentrip is a well-made and inspiring film that offers a combination of adventure, personal growth and stunning visuals, making it a worthwhile watch for those who enjoy documentaries and adventure stories.
People can watch Maidentrip movie on Amazon Prime Video, Roku TV and Apple TV.
7. Dead Calm
The best thriller sailing movie is Dead Calm. We rate this movie 7.9/10.
Dead Calm is 1hr 36 minutes in duration. It was released in April, 1989 and is directed by Phillip Noyce. It won the AACTA award for best cinematography in 1989.
Dead Calm is rated 15A meaning it is suitable for people aged 15 and over. It has scenes of nudity, violence, and profanity.
The main cast in this movie is Rae Ingram played by Nicole Kidman, Hughie Warriner played by Billy Zane and John Ingram played by Sam Neill.
The plot of the movie Dead Calm revolves around a couple, John and Rae Ingram, who are sailing in the Pacific Ocean. They come across a ship that is drifting with no sign of life on board. They discover that the only survivor is a young man named Hughie Warriner, who tells them that the rest of the crew died from food poisoning. As the couple begins to suspect that Hughie may be lying, they find themselves in a fight for survival against a dangerous and unstable individual. The tension builds as the couple tries to stay alive while also trying to uncover the truth about what happened on the ship
Dead Calm is a great movie to watch because it is considered a classic psychological thriller and it is well-regarded for its intense and suspenseful story. The film is known for its tight pacing and atmosphere which keeps the audience on the edge of their seats throughout the film. The performances by the lead actors, Nicole Kidman, Sam Neill and Billy Zane are also highly praised.
Additionally, the film's cinematography, which captures the beauty and isolation of the open ocean is considered a highlight. If you enjoy psychological thrillers and suspenseful films, Dead Calm is a must-watch.
People can watch the Dead Calm movie on Amazon Prime Video, Roku TV, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store and YouTube Movies.
The Best Sailing Movies Summary
Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Sailing Movies
Below are the most commonly asked questions about the top sailing movies.
What Is The Best Overall Sailing Movie?
The best overall sailing movie is Master And Commander: The Far Side of the World. We rate this film 9/10.
What Is The Longest Top Sailing Movie?
The longest top sailing movie is Master And Commander: The Far Side of the World with a duration of 1 hour 22 minutes.
What Is The Shortest Top Sailing Movie?
The shortest top sailing movie is Maidentrip with a duration of 1 hour 22 minutes.
What Top Sailing Movies Are Based On A True Story?
The top sailing movies based on a true story are Maidentrip, Adrift and Kon-Tiki.
What Are The Genres Of The Top Sailing Movies?
The genres of the top sailing movies are thriller, romance, drama, period drama, and adventure.