Set sail on a cinematic sea adventure, where each wave and whisper of wind is your gateway to high seas heroics.
From heart-wrenching survival to maritime majesty, these flicks and docs navigate far beyond the horizon.
Anchored at home? Chart a course through the best sailing movies, shows, and documentaries that cut through the ocean’s roar!
Best Sailing Movies, Shows, and Documentaries:
- All Is Lost (2013)
- Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)
- Wind (1992)
- White Squall (1996)
- The Mercy (2017)
- Morning Light (2008) – Documentary
- Maidentrip (2013) – Documentary
- Deep Water (2006) – Documentary
- Kon-Tiki (2012)
- The Perfect Storm (2000)
Table of Contents
#1 All Is Lost (2013)
- 🎬 Directed by: J.C. Chandor
- 🌟 Starring: Robert Redford
In All Is Lost, acting legend Robert Redford delivers a tour-de-force performance as a lone sailor adrift at sea. After his sailboat is damaged by a collision with a shipping container, he is forced to face his mortality and the elements with minimal resources and no outside help.
The film offers an intense and visceral portrayal of survival and human resilience, underscored by the vast and unforgiving nature of the ocean. With almost no dialogue, Redford’s character captures the audience, drawing them into his solitary struggle against the odds.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Apple TV
#2 Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)
- 🎬 Directed by: Peter Weir
- 🌟 Starring: Russell Crowe, Paul Bettany
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World is an epic seafaring film based on Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey-Maturin series. Set during the Napoleonic Wars, the narrative follows Captain Jack Aubrey (Russell Crowe) and his ship’s surgeon Stephen Maturin (Paul Bettany) as they pursue a French war vessel around South America.
A blend of adventure, historical drama, and detailed nautical life, the movie captures the nuances of shipboard life and the tactical maneuvers of naval warfare. It’s praised for its stunning visuals, rich storytelling, and the deep friendship between the main characters.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
#3 Wind (1992)
- 🎬 Directed by: Carroll Ballard
- 🌟 Starring: Matthew Modine, Jennifer Grey, Cliff Robertson
Wind tells the story of an American sailing crew determined to win back the America’s Cup from the Australians. Led by skipper Will Parker (Matthew Modine), the team faces personal and collective challenges as they strive to build a faster boat and overcome their internal disputes.
The film dives into the competitive spirit of sailing and the obsession with winning, backed by spectacular scenes of yacht racing. Its portrayal of the determination and passion necessary for success on the water captures the essence of the sport.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu
#4 White Squall (1996)
- 🎬 Directed by: Ridley Scott
- 🌟 Starring: Jeff Bridges, Caroline Goodall, John Savage
White Squall is based on the true story of the Albatross, a ship which sank in 1961 due to a mysterious weather phenomenon known as a “white squall”. Jeff Bridges stars as the ship’s captain whose unorthodox teaching methods and character-building exercises are put to the ultimate test when tragedy strikes at sea.
The film combines the coming-of-age narrative of its young crew with the adrenaline of a disaster film, exploring themes of leadership, camaraderie, and survival.
Where to watch: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video
#5 The Mercy (2017)
- 🎬 Directed by: James Marsh
- 🌟 Starring: Colin Firth, Rachel Weisz
The Mercy recounts the true story of amateur sailor Donald Crowhurst (Colin Firth) and his ill-fated attempt to win the 1968 Sunday Times Golden Globe Race. The film examines Crowhurst’s struggle with isolation, challenge of integrity, and the increasing pressures as he grapples with the decision to continue or abandon his quest.
It’s a haunting narrative of human ambition, endurance, and the profound impact of the ocean’s solitude.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
#6 Morning Light (2008) – Documentary
- 🎬 Directed by: Mark Monroe
Morning Light is a documentary that follows a group of young sailors as they compete in the Transpacific Yacht Race aboard the sloop Morning Light. The film gives viewers an inside look at the preparation, skill, and teamwork involved in long-distance yacht racing, as well as the trials and tribulations faced by the team, made up of sailors all under the age of 21.
The documentary is notable for its behind-the-scenes exploration of the sport and the life lessons learned by the young crew through the demanding conditions of the open sea.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
#7 Maidentrip (2013) – Documentary
- 🎬 Directed by: Jillian Schlesinger
Maidentrip is a documentary about Laura Dekker, a 14-year-old Dutch sailor, and her extraordinary solo journey around the world aboard her sailboat named “Guppy”.
Filmed by Laura herself during the two-year voyage, the documentary offers an intimate portrayal of her adventures and the personal growth she experiences along her epic journey. The film celebrates the spirit of exploration, independence, and the coming-of-age story of an intrepid young woman charting her course.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
#8 Deep Water (2006) – Documentary
- 🎬 Directed by: Louise Osmond, Jerry Rothwell
Deep Water is a documentary that delves into the ill-fated 1968 Sunday Times Golden Globe Race, particularly focusing on the experiences of Donald Crowhurst, the same amateur sailor portrayed in the movie “The Mercy”.
The film combines archival footage and interviews to unravel the psychological impact of the race on Crowhurst as he faces insurmountable odds and isolation. A powerful exploration of the human psyche and the sometimes dark side of adventure and ambition, Deep Water is a sobering account of what can transpire when the quest for glory goes too far.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
#9 Kon-Tiki (2012)
- 🎬 Directed by: Joachim Rønning, Espen Sandberg
- 🌟 Starring: Pål Sverre Hagen, Anders Baasmo Christiansen
Kon-Tiki is a historical drama that recounts the legendary 1947 expedition by Thor Heyerdahl, who sailed across the Pacific Ocean on a balsa wood raft to prove his theories about early human migration.
This Norwegian film depicts the dangerous journey of the Kon-Tiki raft from Peru to Polynesia, showcasing the crew’s struggle against the elements and the unknown. With its gripping storytelling and stunning cinematography, the film highlights the daring and determination of explorers pushing the boundaries of human endeavor.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu
#10 The Perfect Storm (2000)
- 🎬 Directed by: Wolfgang Petersen
- 🌟 Starring: George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, Diane Lane
The Perfect Storm is a disaster drama based on the true story of Andrea Gail, a commercial fishing boat that was caught in the “Storm of the Century” in 1991. The film stars George Clooney as the vessel’s captain, Billy Tyne, and Mark Wahlberg as crew member Bobby Shatford, along with a talented ensemble cast.
It recreates the fateful conditions leading to the storm and the harrowing experiences faced by the crew as they fight for survival at sea. The movie is a tense and emotional depiction of the power of nature and the human spirit in times of crisis.
Where to watch: HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu
FAQ
What is the best sailing movie of all time?
“Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World” (2003) is the best sailing movie of all time, showcasing thrilling naval warfare and historical accuracy.
What are some good sailing movies?
“White Squall” (1996), “All Is Lost” (2013), “Wind” (1992), and “Maidentrip” (2013) are good sailing movies, offering adventure, drama, and true stories.
What sailing movies, shows, and documentaries are on Netflix?
The best sailing movies, shows, and documentaries on Netflix currently are “Maiden” (2019), “The Weekend Sailor” (2016), and “Chasing Bubbles” (2016).
