We asked the whole SamBoat crew to pitch in for this piece and give us their all-time favourite sailing film. After much deliberation, here are our top ten movies about sailing. We hope that you will enjoy these epic odysseys on the sea.
We promise you that these films will not disappoint you!
Adrift (2018)
This film tells the dramatic story of Tami Oldham and Richard Sharp, a young sailing couple who decide to venture into the Pacific Ocean aboard a boat. This adventure turns into a struggle for survival when the ship gets hit by a category four hurricane. Don’t miss this film based on true events!
Who’s in it? Shailene Woodley, Sam Claflin, Jeffrey Thomas
Maidentrip (2013)
It tells the story of Laura Dekker, 14 years old Dutch girl, who decides to fulfil her dream of embarking on a solo adventure to sail around the world. The film shows us how this young girl struggles to comply with her plan and all the adversities she experienced during the 519 days alone on board her boat. It is a true and inspiring story.
Who’s in it? Dick Dekker, Kim Dekker, Laura Dekker
The perfect storm (2000)
This film will surprise you! It is about the story of captain Billy Tyne, an experienced fisherman, and his crew. The adventure begins when they decide to go fishing before the bad weather ruins the fishing season. What they don’t know is what they will face when they go outside the permitted perimeter.
Who’s in it? George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, John C. Reilly
The Finest Hours (2019)
This film tells the story of an event on the east coast of New England in 1952. A storm breaks up two oil tankers, putting their entire crew at risk. Four coast guards on board a lifeboat try to rescue the 30 sailors in unfavourable weather.
Who’s in it? Chris Pine, Casey Affleck, Ben Foster
All is lost (2013)
It is the story of a veteran sailor who embarks on an adventure in the Indian Ocean. Everything was going well until one morning he realised that his ship had been hit by a lost container floating nearby. But that’s not all! Several unexpected events will make him fight against death every minute.
Who’s in it? Robert Redford, Dyapa Gnaneshwar Reddy
Greyhound (2020)
This film tells the story of Commander Ernest Krause during World War II. Where he commanded 37 Allied ships across the Atlantic Ocean to bring supplies to the UK. Ernest Krause and his crew must fight against German U-boats to prevent them from being destroyed. This film will have you on the edge of your seat!
Who’s in it? Tom Hanks, Elisabeth Shue, Stephen Graham
The Mercy (2018)
This film tells the story of Donald Crowhurst, an amateur yachtsman who wants to take part in the Golden Globe Yacht race. A race where people compete alone and circumnavigate around the world. Donald Crowhurst faces many adversities along his way. This film is based on true events!
Who’s in it? Colin Firth, Eleanor Stagg, Rachel Weisz
Captain Phillips (2013)
This film tells the story of Captain Richard Phillips and his crew. Their ship was hijacked by Somali pirates while sailing in international waters. During three long days of hijacking, Captain Phillips is exposed to various adversities to save his crew. Don’t miss this story about the first case of an American ship being captured in 200 years.
Who’s in it? Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi, Barkhad Abdirahman
Dunkirk (2017)
The film tells us what happened in Operation Dynamo, during the Second World War. It was a complicated operation to rescue and evacuate the Allies from French territory. During this rescue, several sailors, along with their sailboats, helped rescue more than 200,000 French, British and Belgian soldiers. An inspiring story!
Who’s in it? Fionn Whitehead, Barry Keoghan, Mark Rylance
Styx (2018)
In this story, the main character, Rieke, plans an itinerary to the island of Ascension for her holidays. What she doesn’t know is that she will witness a damaged ship full of refugees sinking. She will try to rescue them and will face complicated situations to do so.
Who’s in it? Susanne Wolff, Gedion Oduor Wekesa, Kelvin Mutuku Ndinda
Now, you have some great movie ideas to enjoy while you are not at sea!
If you want to feel like you are part of a movie, rent a boat with SamBoat and follow the itinerary around the islands where Mamma Mia was filmed.
