Plunge into the riveting world of rowing, where every stroke and suspense is captured.
These selections are not just about synchrony in water; they encapsulate raw emotions and the essence of competition.
Eager to row through the top rowing movies, shows, and documentaries that have conquered both water and screen?
Best Rowing Movies, Shows, and Documentaries:
- The Social Network (2010)
- Oxford Blues (1984)
- Backwards (2012)
- The Skulls (2000)
- The Boy in Blue (1986)
Table of Contents
#1 The Social Network (2010)
- 🎬 Directed by: David Fincher
- 🌟 Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Armie Hammer, Max Minghella
While not exclusively about rowing, The Social Network includes pivotal rowing scenes that portray the competitive world of collegiate rowing. The film tells the story of Mark Zuckerberg’s creation of Facebook and the subsequent legal battles.
The Winklevoss twins, who are part of Harvard’s rowing team, are integral to the plot as they claim that Zuckerberg stole their idea.
Where to watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu
#2 Oxford Blues (1984)
- 🎬 Directed by: Robert Boris
- 🌟 Starring: Rob Lowe, Ally Sheedy, Amanda Pays, Julian Sands
Oxford Blues follows the story of a young American, Nick Di Angelo (Rob Lowe), who goes to Oxford with the intent of joining the university’s rowing team to impress a woman he’s fallen for.
As he navigates the challenges of adapting to British culture and the highly competitive nature of rowing, he also learns valuable life lessons.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
#3 Backwards (2012)
- 🎬 Directed by: Ben Hickernell
- 🌟 Starring: Sarah Megan Thomas, James Van Der Beek, Glenn Morshower
Backward features the story of Abigail Brooks, a competitive rower who faces the disappointment of being named an alternate for the Olympic rowing team.
When she takes a job coaching school rowing, she finds a new purpose but struggles as she coaches two of her students who are trying out for the national team.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
#4 The Skulls (2000)
- 🎬 Directed by: Rob Cohen
- 🌟 Starring: Joshua Jackson, Paul Walker, Hill Harper
The Skulls is a thriller revolving around an Ivy League secret society. Rowing scenes are used to establish the elite world of the university and its rowing club.
The protagonist, Luke McNamara (Joshua Jackson), earns a spot on the university’s rowing team, and his athletic prowess gains him entry to a secret society that brings with it a world of privilege and a dangerous web of conspiracy.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple
#5 The Boy in Blue (1986)
- 🎬 Directed by: Charles Jarrott
- 🌟 Starring: Nicolas Cage, Cynthia Dale, David Naughton
The film is a historical drama based on the life of Ned Hanlan, a world-champion Canadian sculler whose career was marked by innovation and triumph in the late 19th century.
With the backdrop of competitive rowing, The Boy in Blue showcases Hanlan’s rise from a working-class family to becoming a champion in a sport that was rapidly gaining popularity.
Where to watch: IMDbPro
FAQ
What is the best rowing movie of all time?
“The Social Network” (2010), while not exclusively about rowing, features memorable rowing scenes and is the best rowing movie of all time due to its critical acclaim and popularity.
What are some good rowing movies?
“Coxless Pair” (1991), “The Boys of ’36” (2016), and “True Blue” (1996) are good rowing movies, each providing a unique look at the challenges and triumphs of the sport.
What rowing movies, shows, and documentaries are on Netflix?
The best rowing movies, shows, and documentaries on Netflix currently are “The Social Network” (2010) and “The Boys in the Boat” (upcoming), though availability may vary by region.
