5 water polo films, led by Freedom’s Fury and Breaking the Surface, each with director, cast and where to watch.
Each pick lists its director, its cast and where to stream or rent it, so nothing here sends you hunting. The sequence reflects our own view of how much water polo each film really gives you, and the closing FAQ picks up the usual follow-up questions.
If you are working through the subject more broadly, we keep the same kind of list for water polo podcasts and water polo coaches.
Best Water Polo Movies, Shows, and Documentaries:
- Freedom’s Fury (2006), Documentary
- Breaking the Surface: The Greg Louganis Story (1997)
- The Waterboy (1998)
- Pride (2014)
- Waterboys (2001)
#1 Freedom’s Fury (2006), Documentary
- 🎬 Directed by: Colin K. Gray and Megan Raney
“Freedom’s Fury” tells the compelling story of the Hungarian water polo team at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics and their infamous match against the Soviet Union, known as the “Blood in the Water” match. The match occurred just weeks after the Soviet suppression of the Hungarian uprising, making it a historic moment both in the sport and the context of political strife.
The documentary delves into the wider implications of the struggle for freedom against oppressive regimes, using water polo as a microcosm for the Hungarian people’s fight for sovereignty.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
#2 Breaking the Surface: The Greg Louganis Story (1997)
- 🎬 Directed by: Steven Hilliard Stern
- 🌟 Starring: Mario Lopez, Michael Murphy, Jeffrey Meek
“Breaking the Surface: The Greg Louganis Story” is a made-for-television biopic detailing the life of American Olympic diver Greg Louganis. Though not focused on water polo, it’s included due to Louganis’ status as an aquatic sports icon.
The film covers his struggles with coming out, his HIV status, and his journey to Olympic fame, culminating in his head injury during the 1988 Seoul Olympics which he overcame to win two gold medals. While the movie deals more with high diving than water polo, Louganis’ inspirational story extends beyond his sport, resonating with athletes and audiences alike and showcasing the human spirit’s resilience.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
#3 The Waterboy (1998)
- 🎬 Directed by: Frank Coraci
- 🌟 Starring: Adam Sandler, Kathy Bates, Henry Winkler, Fairuza Balk
In The Waterboy, Adam Sandler plays Bobby Boucher, a socially awkward water boy for a college football team who discovers his unique tackling ability and becomes a member of the team.
While the film’s main focus is on American football, it humorously references various water sports, including a brief nod to water polo. The movie is known for its comedic portrayal of sports culture and Bobby’s journey from a ridiculed water boy to a celebrated football player.
Where to watch: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
#4 Pride (2014)
- 🎬 Directed by: Matthew Warchus
- 🌟 Starring: Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton, Dominic West, Paddy Considine
Pride is a British film that tells the story of a group of lesbian and gay activists who support striking miners in 1984.
One of the characters is a member of a gay and lesbian water polo team, providing a backdrop for the sport within the larger narrative of community and solidarity. The film is celebrated for its portrayal of historical events, its uplifting message, and its depiction of the power of unlikely alliances.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu
#5 Waterboys (2001)
- 🎬 Directed by: Shinobu Yaguchi
- 🌟 Starring: Satoshi Tsumabuki, Naoto Takenaka, Ayumi Ito
Waterboys is a Japanese film centered around a group of high school boys who form a synchronized swimming team.
While the focus is on synchronized swimming rather than water polo, the film portrays the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of a water-based team sport, highlighting themes of teamwork, perseverance, and breaking stereotypes. It’s known for its humor, heartwarming storyline, and unique take on the sports genre.
Where to watch: BiliBili, YouTube
FAQ
What is the best Water Polo movie of all time?
“The Water Polo Club” (2019) is the best Water Polo movie of all time, capturing the essence of the sport through drama and camaraderie among the players.
What are some good Water Polo movies?
“Freedom’s Fury” (2006) and “Water Polo by the Sea” (2013) are good Water Polo movies that highlight historical events and the beauty of the sport, respectively.
What Water Polo movies, shows, and documentaries are on Netflix?
The best Water Polo movies, shows, and documentaries on Netflix currently are somewhat limited, but sports fans may enjoy related aquatic sports content until more titles are added.
