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Slice through the wake with the best water skiing films where every splash and speed is captured on camera.

From vintage vibes to the thrill of skis skimming the surface, these titles aren’t just for show.

Keen to dive into the top water skiing movies, shows, and documentaries that make waves in entertainment?

Best Water Skiing Movies, Shows, and Documentaries:

  1. The Great Gatsby (1974)
  2. On Golden Pond (1981)
  3. The Great Outdoors (1988)
  4. inFlight – The Waterski Fly Movie

#1 The Great Gatsby (1974)

  • 🎬 Directed by: Jack Clayton
  • 🌟 Starring: Robert Redford, Mia Farrow, Bruce Dern, Sam Waterston

“The Great Gatsby,” the classic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald is brought to life in a film that captures the decadence and excess of the roaring 1920s. While the film is not centered around water skiing, it features an iconic scene where the characters engage in the sport, which reflects the opulence and leisure of the upper classes during that era.

Grandiose parties and the tumultuous love story between Jay Gatsby (Robert Redford) and Daisy Buchanan (Mia Farrow) take center stage in this tale of American ambition, love, and tragedy.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Apple TV

#2 On Golden Pond (1981)

  • 🎬 Directed by: Mark Rydell
  • 🌟 Starring: Henry Fonda, Katharine Hepburn, Jane Fonda

“On Golden Pond” is a heartwarming drama that revolves around the Thayer family as they spend their summer on a lake in New England. The film subtly includes water skiing as one of the activities that the characters partake in, but the primary focus is on the complex and tender relationships between an aging couple, played by Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn, and their daughter, portrayed by Jane Fonda.

Themes of aging, family conflict, and reconciliation are explored against the serene backdrop of the lake, underscoring the passage of time and life’s changing seasons.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Apple TV

#3 The Great Outdoors (1988)

  • 🎬 Directed by: Howard Deutch
  • 🌟 Starring: Dan Aykroyd, John Candy, Stephanie Faracy, Annette Bening

The Great Outdoors is a comedy that follows the story of a Chicago man, Chet Ripley (John Candy), and his family as they vacation at a lakeside resort in Wisconsin. Their peace and quiet are interrupted when Chet’s obnoxious brother-in-law, Roman Craig (Dan Aykroyd), shows up uninvited with his family.

The film features hilarious mishaps and touching moments, including an iconic water-skiing scene. It’s a heartwarming tale about family bonding, the great outdoors, and the unpredictable nature of vacations.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, YouTube

#4 inFlight – The Waterski Fly Movie

InFlight – The Waterski Fly Movie is a specialized film focusing on the thrilling sport of waterski flying. While detailed information about the director and cast is not readily available, this documentary or film is known for showcasing the daring and skill involved in waterski flying, a niche but spectacular form of waterskiing.

Audiences can expect to see breathtaking stunts, in-depth looks into the techniques and equipment used, and possibly interviews or insights from experts and enthusiasts of the sport.

Where to watch: YouTube

FAQ

What is the best Water Skiing movie of all time?

“The Great Outdoors” (1988), featuring an iconic water skiing scene, is the best Water Skiing movie of all time, combining comedy with unforgettable water skiing mishaps.

What are some good Water Skiing movies?

“Water Skiing World Championships” and “Endless Summer II” are good Water Skiing movies that depict the excitement and skill of the sport through competitions and adventures.

What Water Skiing movies, shows, and documentaries are on Netflix?

The best Water Skiing movies, shows, and documentaries on Netflix currently are limited, but “Magnetic” is available, featuring thrilling water sports segments among various extreme sports.


Meet Rev, one of our dedicated team members who embodies the essence of sports passion. When he’s not immersed in the world of sports content creation, Rev is busy honing his skills in esports and exploring the great outdoors through activities like hiking and basketball.

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