Watch Instantly with | Rent | Buy |
Genre | Horror |
Format | Closed-captioned, NTSC, Widescreen, Dolby, Multiple Formats, Subtitled, Color |
Contributor | Alexandra Raach, Collin McMahon, Hans Horn, Cameron Richardson, Alfred Cuschieri, Kelly Wagner, Adam Kreutner, Niklaus Lange, David Mitchell, Susan May Pratt, Luca Gabaretta, Ali Hillis, Eric Dane, Wolfgang Raach, Richard Speight Jr., Mattea Gabarretta |
Language | English |
Runtime | 1 hour and 34 minutes |
When a group of friends fail to lower the ladder of their boat, they find themselves stranded in the surrounding waters and struggle to survive.
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Open water 2 : adrift, open water 2: adrift.
Directed by Hans Horn
A weekend cruise on a luxurious party yacht goes horribly wrong for a group of old high-school friends when they get stuck in the water many miles from shore and a happy reunion turns into a fight for survival.
Susan May Pratt Eric Dane Richard Speight Jr. Niklaus Lange Ali Hillis Cameron Richardson
Producers producers.
Dan Maag Philip Schulz-Deyle Hendrik Holler
Adam Kreutner David Mitchell
Kōji Suzuki
Nancy Nayor Kelly Wagner
Christian Lonk
Bernhard Jasper
Hendrik Holler
Stephan Barth
Visual effects visual effects.
Sebastian Faber
Wolfgang Raach
Gerd Baumann
Alexander Buck Emil Klotzsch Guido Zettier
Peter Rommel Productions Orange Pictures UFA Shotgun Pictures
Spoken languages.
French German Spanish English
10 jul 2006, 03 aug 2006, 09 aug 2006, 10 aug 2006, 18 aug 2006, 07 sep 2006, 28 sep 2006, 20 feb 2007, 27 jun 2007, 28 jul 2007, 28 feb 2007, 02 sep 2008, releases by country.
94 mins More at IMDb TMDb Report this page
Review by soupydoupyy ★★ 8
About 4 years ago I ran into my Aunt Linda at a family event. Naturally, I made the conversation about movies. "Have you seen any good ones lately?", I asked. Immediately she told me of a movie about people trapped in the ocean because they forgot to put the ladder down of their yacht. "It's a sequel to a big movie, but it doesn't really have anything to do with the first one", she said....."That's a good sign", I thought as I rolled my eyes. "Is it Open Water 2?" "Yes! You NEED TO SEE IT!" I said I would try and see it, without really wanting to. As the years went by my Aunt Linda would ask if I…
Review by neve ★
why did no one get on someone’s shoulders until 1 hour and 18 minutes into the film ??? like ??? that would be my first thought ???
Review by Olivia ★
the heteros have done it again
Review by Asim P. ★½
the sharks be like “ I think we’ll sit this one out”
Review by nyloraced ✨ ★★
All this nonsense because they forgot to put down a ladder?????
Review by alibrarianslib ★★ 1
This review may contain spoilers. I can handle the truth.
One of the chick's had a freaking life vest. My first thought is "Hmmmm, why don't we put the life vest on a dude and have a girl stand up on his back and grab the railing."
No one should have died.
Review by eva ★ 1
what the hell was the ending lmao
Review by joshrowley ★★ 3
Review by Claire Ginocchio ½
There is nothing terrifying about a bunch of idiots dying in the ocean merely because they are stupid.
Review by Blaze the Action Junkie ★★½
Promotions claim this film is based on actual events. This is false according to Google. The actual script is an adaptation of Koji Suzuki's short story Adrift, a piece of fiction. It matters little to me, most of the film's stress is centered on a mother stuck in the water just out of reach of her screaming baby, and true or not that made for a bit of a cringe-fest. I don't think I'd call the film bad for that fact, just kind of grating in a stressful thriller aspect. The acting and tension were solid for what the film is, but I thought the characters left a lot to be desired with how they were written in this one. The situation was also kind of dumb, as was the ending. Maybe if they had added sharks to the movie it could have been better..
2006 Ranked 2000’s Ranked Horror Ranked Horror in the 2000’s Ranked Open Sea Ranked
Review by mikey v ★★★
these type of movies r all i want to watch now they all suck so much i love it
Review by ✯ Miloš⑬ 💀↯ ★★★★
It's about a group of friends jumping into the water from their boat, forgetting to lower the ladder, realizing they're too far up, and getting stuck in the water many miles from shore.
I get that people found the characters annoying, but honestly, the idea of the movie is pretty exciting to see what will happen. I enjoy the atmosphere and the mid-2000s film editing, with the ending giving me goosebumps. It took me a moment to realize that the driver was played by Eric Dane, lol.
Overall, I think it's an exciting horror/thriller without any sharks, with solid acting and tons of enjoyable moments.
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Cast & crew.
Susan May Pratt
Richard Speight Jr.
Niklaus Lange
Cameron Richardson
© 2006 Orange Pictures/ Shotgun Pictures/ Peter Rommel Productions/ Universum Film
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Reviewed by: Jennie Kermode
When one reveals that one works as a film critic, people always say that it must be a wonderful job. Sometimes it's more of a public service. People like me go to see films like Adrift so that people like you don't have to.
Adrift is the story of a group of six former college friends who meet up to celebrate a birthday aboard a luxury yacht. Some miles out into the ocean, four of them decide to go for a swim. Young mother Amy declines, terrified of water after a traumatic incident in her childhood. In an attempt to cure her fear, loudmouth Zach grabs hold of her and dives overboard with her. As he forgets to let down the ladder before doing so, the six then find themselves stranded in the water, unable to get back aboard. And that's pretty much it.
With so many characters, we know from the start that they're not all going to make it, but the ways in which they manage to come to grief are almost as ridiculous as their inability to use the many simple methods available for regaining access to the boat (it would help if they were a little less stupid - letting the heaviest guy climb up something which he's already torn once is really imbecilic, as is throwing things away when they fail to be of use on the first attempt). One of them gives up and swims away, looking for help, much like several of the critics in my press screening. One cannot help but long for them to hurry up and drown and get it over with.
Aiming to fill the 90 odd minutes which will make this (at least look like) a feature film, the scriptwriters have the stranded characters engage in what might have been supposed to be soul-searching discussion, with awkward revelations and macho stand-offs aplenty, yet despite this almost all the characters are underdeveloped. Only Susan May Pratt convinces, as Amy, though Ali Hillis works impressively hard with the fewest lines of all. Cameron Richardson's Michelle is never allowed to be anything more than a dumb blonde, giving the impression that even the writers don't care about these people. It's difficult for anyone else to care when they do nothing but whine and pointlessly make their situation worse. If you can't find anything better to do with an hour and a half than watch this film, you might as well go and drown yourself.
Read more Adrift reviews:
Director: Hans Horn
Writer: Adam Kreutner, Collin McMahon
Starring: Susan May Pratt, Richard Speight Jr., Niklaus Lange, Ali Hills, Cameron Richardson, Eric Dane, Mattea Gabarretta
Runtime: 95 minutes
Country: Germany
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Water, water everywhere, and not a damn way to get home. That’s this week’s gallery theme: Movies where we see people trapped on the open seas, inspired by Adrift , starring Shailene Woodley and Sam Claflin as two young lovers whose boat is incapacitated after sailing directly into a catastrophic hurricane (and with Claflin’s character suffering from a life-threatening injury). Likewise, the movies in this gallery see heroes under immense pier pressure when their boats get hijacked, destroyed, or worse of all, disappeared all together.
Note: Because a lot of movies fall under this theme, we’re not including submarine movies ( Das Boot , Below , Black Sea ) or movies where the heroes can generally head home at any time ( Jaws , The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou ).
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In September, 1983, Tami Oldham Ashcraft and her fiance, Richard Sharp , were hired to take a 44-foot yacht on a 4,000-mile journey from Tahiti to San Diego. About halfway through their cross-Pacific journey, they ran into Hurricane Raymond, a tropical storm which had been building in power for a couple of weeks. They struggled to control the yacht in 145-knot winds, and Sharp was washed overboard, lost in the mountainous seas. Ashcraft had a head injury, and the yacht was badly damaged, but she managed to jerry-rig a sail and then navigated her way—manually, using a sextant and a watchover 1,500 miles to Hawaii. It took her an astonishing 41 days. She survived on peanut butter. In 2002, Ashcraft wrote a book about her experience, Red Sky in Mourning: A True Story of Love, Loss and Survival at Sea . “Adrift,” the film adaptation directed by Baltasar Kormákur , wears its heart on its sleeve. It’s not just a story of an incredible feat of survival. It’s also a love story, presented with the subtlety of a sledgehammer.
When Richard ( Sam Claflin ) and Tami ( Shailene Woodley ) meet in Tahiti, she’s working in a marina, a girl already somewhat “adrift” but not really worried about it yet, and he is a yacht-owner who wants to sail around the world. Their love story involves jumping off cliffs, random laughter, and a conversation about flowers. There’s not much substance to it, and the script (by Aaron Kandell , Jordan Kandell , David Branson Smith —apparently, there wasn’t one female writer in a 4,000-mile radius who contributed to this story of a woman alone at sea) is low on subtext. The two speak their feelings bluntly (“I sailed half the world to find you”), with music swelling up on cue. All of this is pretty standard stuff, and forgivable, really. Nobody’s looking for intricate relationship subtlety in a movie like this. What we’re waiting for is the storm.
The film starts with Tami lying injured in the interior of the yacht after the storm. The cabin is filled with water and debris. She staggers onto the deck, only to find Richard’s safety line dangling overboard. She thinks she sees Richard floating on a dinghy in the distance. Filled with determination to get to him, she mends the yacht as well as she can, pumping water out of the cabin, fixing the sail. She eventually makes it to the dinghy, and—with a superhuman effort, drags the injured Richard through the water back to the boat, and somehow (Kormákur doesn’t show us how) pulls him up the ladder onto the deck. His ribs are collapsed, his leg is badly wounded. Because this is a true story, we know Richard was swept off the boat, never to be seen again. So it’s not clear at first if they have decided to fictionalize the story, or if she is having some kind of sustained hallucination.
“Adrift” flips back and forth between their burgeoning romance on Tahiti and the increasingly dire situation after the storm, as Tami struggles to keep herself and Richard alive. It is she who makes the decision to turn north and try to reach Hawaii, as opposed to continuing on to San Diego. It is she who rations out the food. When problems arise, she has to figure out solutions. She hovers over maps, peers through the sextant, makes calculations, all while battling dehydration (and possibly a lingering concussion from her head injury). “Adrift” shares many similarities with “ All Is Lost ,” the 2013 film starring Robert Redford , with some crucial differences. Redford is the only person in “All Is Lost.” There is no dialogue. He doesn’t talk to himself, to let us in on his thought process. There is no “ Wilson ” like in “ Cast Away ,” a device allowing the stranded character to verbalize his feelings. “All Is Lost” takes place in a vast and eerie silence. We don’t know anything about the character, we don’t know why he’s out there alone, we don’t know his onshore life. All we do is see him try—step by gritty step—to survive another day. “Adrift” avoids many of the challenges “All Is Lost” faces head on.
Kormákur is drawn to stories about feats of survival (“ Everest ,” “The Deep”), and the sea and its storms feature strongly in his work (much of which takes place in his home country, Iceland). He’s on familiar turf. Cinematographer Robert Richardson , a frequent collaborator of Quentin Tarantino , Martin Scorsese and Oliver Stone , does tremendous work with “Adrift.” The frequent aerial shots of the tiny yacht surrounded by immense ocean are chilling: the frame looks almost existentially empty. There’s one dizzying scene in Tahiti where first Tami and then Richard leap off a cliff into a deep pool below, and it seems like Richardson must be perched out in mid-air beside the cliff (and when Richard jumps, the camera follows him all the way down). The sunsets ooze fiery colors, with the yacht in black silhouette in the foreground.
This must have been an extremely rigorous shoot for all involved, and Kormákur has maintained remarkable control over the images. Shots match, even as they’re filming out in open ocean: the weather, the sky, the height and dip of the waves in any given sequence, all maintain consistency. The storm, when it finally comes, is an extraordinary piece of filmmaking and effects. In an interview when her book came out, Tami Ashcraft was asked about whether or not the storm depicted in the film adaptation of “ The Perfect Storm ” was an accurate depiction of what such a storm is like. She replied, “There wasn’t enough spray and the wall of water was a little hokey.” There’s nothing hokey about the storm in “Adrift” ( Dadi Einarsson supervised the visual effects). As the yacht surfs up the side of a mountain of water, the entire background of the screen is filled with heaving ocean. There’s no sky in sight, just flailing waves the size of three-story buildings. And they clearly listened to Ashcraft, because the air is filled with spray, splashing against the camera. It’s chaos. The entire scene is a screaming nightmare come to life.
There’s minimal chemistry between the two actors, who aren’t given much to go on in terms of who these characters are. It’s hard to “buy into” the Great Love they’re “selling” here. But there’s a fascination in stories like these, stories like “ Touching the Void ” or “And I Alone Survived.” What human beings will do to survive, facing a Mother Nature who seems to have a vested interest in killing them, is, yes, awe-inspiring. It makes you think, “How would I face such challenges? Would I be as resourceful as Tami? Or would I give up?”
Sheila O’Malley received a BFA in Theatre from the University of Rhode Island and a Master’s in Acting from the Actors Studio MFA Program. Read her answers to our Movie Love Questionnaire here .
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REEL FACE: | REAL FACE: |
November 15, 1991 Simi Valley, California, USA | March 23, 1960 San Diego, California, USA |
June 27, 1986 Ipswich, Suffolk, England, UK | 1949 England, UK October 12, 1983, Pacific Ocean |
In researching Tami Oldham and the Adrift true story, we discovered that the real-life events depicted in the 2018 movie spanned the months of September, October and November 1983. 23-year-old Tami Oldham and her British fiancé, Richard Sharp (34), had been pleasure sailing his 36-foot sailboat, the Mayaluga, for the previous six months. They made the decision to accept a job delivering a 44-foot yacht, the Hazana, from Tahiti to San Diego where it would be received by a new owner. They had been less than three weeks into their 4,000-mile trip when Hurricane Raymond hit. -Chicago Tribune Top: The real Tami Oldham and fiancé Richard Sharp prior to the trip. Bottom: Shailene Woodley and Sam Claflin as Oldham and Sharp in the Adrift 2018 movie.
Yes. Tami and Richard knew a storm was coming, but they didn't know it would be that bad. They tried to outrun Hurricane Raymond by sailing north, battling 140 knot winds and 40-foot waves as they did their best to keep the yacht afloat. The relentless category 4 hurricane showed no signs of calming. It changed direction and stayed on their tail like a predator. -Mirror Online
No. In real life, as they continued to battle Hurricane Raymond on October 12, 1983, Richard Sharp sent his fiancée Tami below deck to rest. He used a safety line to tether himself to the yacht in an attempt to ride out the storm and keep the boat afloat. The yacht capsized and Tami hit her head when she was thrown against the cabin wall. The force of the blow knocked her out, and the last thing she can remember hearing was Sharp screaming, "Oh my God!" She didn't wake up for 27 hours, and when she did, she went above deck and discovered Richard's safety line hanging off the edge of the boat. Her fiancé was lost at sea. She would never see him again. -Chicago Tribune Tami Oldham remained unconscious for 27 hours after hitting her head when the boat capsized during the hurricane. The severe head injury is visible on Shailene Woodley's character in the 2018 movie. At first, the Adrift movie seems to unfold differently than the true story. Tami wakes up and finds an injured Richard floating in the water as he clings to a small overturned lifeboat that had fallen off the yacht. She gets him back to the yacht where she cares for his broken ribs and shattered leg as he reassures her that she can get them home, despite him describing himself as being "dead weight". However, paying close attention to the movie's trailer reveals a couple other clues to the likely reality of this situation. When Tami (Shailene Woodley) and Richard (Sam Claflin) are having dinner on his boat, he talks about the challenge of sailing and says that "you're either sleep deprived or seasick, and after a few days there's the hallucinations." This clue seems to foreshadow things to come. Coupled with Tami's bad head injury sustained during the storm, it's not hard to start wondering if Richard is merely a figment of Tami's imagination. Clues to this are also found in Tami's memoir Red Sky in Mourning . The Adrift movie's ending will undoubtedly reveal the answer. Tami's memoir , originally titled Red Sky in Mourning , provided the basis for the Adrift movie.
Yes. In her book Red Sky in Mourning: A True Story of Love, Loss, and Survival at Sea , she talks about hearing a voice, but not that of her lost-at-sea fiancé Richard Sharp. Instead, she described it as an "inner voice" that was audible to her externally three times. It's certainly possible that her head injury and blood loss caused her to believe that she was hearing such a voice. Others believe it was God speaking to her. "I needed guidance and the voice was a real phenomenon," says Tami. "Three times it was audible externally. I've asked the voice to come back, but I never heard from it again. ... The voice kept me on track. I just followed it." -Mirror Online
Yes. The Adrift movie true story reveals that nearly everything on the Hazana (pictured below) was broken and strewn about. The masts had snapped off, and like in the 2018 movie, the sails were waterlogged and floated nearby. The cabin was half-filled with water. The engine and radio were broken. The radio device used to indicate the boat's emergency position was down as well, and the electronic navigation system wasn't functional either. -Mirror Online Top: The real Hazana yacht in 1983 after the ordeal at sea. Bottom: Shailene Woodley and Sam Claflin on the movie's version of the yacht. The biggest noticeable difference is the ladder placement.
Fact-checking the Adrift movie reveals that after Hurricane Raymond struck and claimed the life of her fiancé Richard Sharp, Tami Oldham remained stranded at sea on the damaged yacht for 41 days. -Mirror Online
In 2003, she told the Chicago Tribune that she ate canned food and peanut butter, consuming everything from fruit cocktail to sardines.
With the yacht's navigation system broken by the storm, Tami used a sextant to help her find her way home. A sextant is a navigational instrument that can be used to measure the angle of the sun (or another astronomical object) above the horizon. "It saved my life," says Tami. She was then able to work out her latitude using nautical maps. To remember what got her home, Tami wears a triangular-shaped sextant pendant encrusted with a diamond. The only navigational instrument that wasn't broken during the hurricane was a sextant, which measures the angle of the sun (or other astronomical object) above the horizon. It saved her life. Being able to successfully navigate was only part of the challenge; she also needed to keep the yacht afloat and get it moving. She fashioned a pump to prevent the cabin down below from flooding and created a makeshift sail from a broken spinnaker pole and spare storm jib. She eventually managed to get the boat into a position where she could use currents that would hopefully take her to Hawaii. -Mirror Online
No. In the film, we see her using sutures to self-stitch the wound shut. "There were sutures on board," Tami wrote in her book, "but I couldn’t bring myself to sew my head shut." Instead, she drew the long wound together and adhered several large butterfly bandages as pus and blood oozed out.
Yes. Weak, starving, injured, and let down after mistakenly thinking she saw an island on the horizon, at one point during her journey Tami loaded a rifle that was on board and stuck it in her mouth. The internal voice she heard during her journey convinced her to stop. This intense moment is not depicted in the film. While exploring the Tami Oldham true story, we learned that it wasn't the only time her despair had led her to thoughts of suicide. -Mirror Online Tami dealt with years of grief by eventually writing her story down and penning the book Red Sky in Mourning: A True Story of Love, Loss, and Survival at Sea . She is pictured on the left more than a decade after the tragedy.
Tami navigated approximately 1,500 miles over a span of 41 days before reaching Hilo, Hawaii. As she approached the harbor, she saw a large ship on its way out. She shot off several flares before the 200+ foot vessel flashed its running lights and altered course. The ship pulled up alongside the Hazana. The crew lowered down coffee and someone tossed her an apple. They towed her inside the reef and a Coast Guard Auxiliary towed her the rest of the way. Similar to the Adrift movie's ending, as she pulled into the Big Island's Hilo Harbor, she cried tears of joy. -Mirror Online The Adrift movie ends similar to the real-life story.
Yes. When the boat capsized, she struck her head so hard that she couldn't read a book for the next six years. The words leapt off the page as she tried to focus on them. -Mirror Online
Yes. The tragedy she endured didn't stop her from continuing to enjoy sailing. She got right back into it. "I just love it," Tami told the Chicago Tribune . "I'm passionate about it. I kind of parallel [the hurricane] to being in a car accident. You get back in the car or, like they say, back on the horse." She went on to become a "100-ton licensed captain with more than 50,000 offshore miles" to her credit. Tami did struggle with grief and nightmares, and she spent the first eight years after the accident unable to heal. When she was able to read again, she began to deal with some of her feelings by writing her story down, eventually penning the book Red Sky in Mourning , which inspired the movie. She self-published the book in 1998, and it was later picked up by Hyperion Press and published widely in 2002. Tami says that she never went to counseling but wishes someone would have suggested it. "I definitely had some severe post-traumatic stress syndrome," she stated. "I really wish I had taken the time to do that." -Chicago Tribune Despite the tragedy, Tami never stopped sailing and became a 100-ton licensed captain. She is pictured here prior to the Adrift movie's 2018 release.
Yes. Ten years after losing fiancé Richard Sharp at sea and surviving the ordeal, Tami met a blue-eyed man at a dance. They married in 1994, had two children, and live on San Juan Island, Washington. Tragically, their 22-year-old daughter, Kelli Ashcraft, was taken from them in 2017 as the result of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.
Dive deeper into the Adrift true story by watching the Tami Oldham Ashcraft movie interview below.
Tami Oldham "Adrift" Interview |
Adrift Movie Trailer |
The best lost at sea movies of all time chart a course through the uncharted territories of human endurance, capturing the imagination with tales of survival, isolation, and the indomitable human spirit. Set against the vast, unforgiving expanse of the ocean, these films weave narratives that are as deep and poignant as the waters they traverse. They invite viewers into stories where the sea is more than just a setting—it's a character, challenging the protagonists in ways both terrifying and awe-inspiring.
Among these cinematic voyages, Cast Away stands out with its compelling portrayal of solitude and survival, anchored by Tom Hanks' unforgettable performance. Equally stirring, Adrift captivates with its harrowing true story of love and endurance against the merciless Pacific Ocean. These films, among others, beautifully navigate the tumultuous waters of hope, despair, and redemption, offering viewers an unforgettable journey into the heart of the human spirit.
This list wasn't cast adrift without direction; it was meticulously curated by a crew of movie experts who delved into the vast ocean of film to fish out the true pearls. From there, it was up to the watchers, those aficionados of the silver screen, to cast their votes and help steer this collection into the harbor of the must-watch, the best lost at sea movies of all time.
In this enthralling survival drama, director Robert Zemeckis captures the desperate struggle of Chuck Noland (played by Tom Hanks), a FedEx employee who gets stranded on a remote island after a plane crash. As the narrative unfolds, the audience bears witness to Chuck's intense emotional journey as he seeks to stay alive in an unforgiving environment – from his frantic attempts to signal rescue, to his bond with the enigmatic volleyball Wilson. The film's gripping blend of isolation and existentialism makes it a quintessential tale of being lost at sea.
Based on a harrowing true story, Adrift follows the lives of young couple Tami Oldham (Shailene Woodley) and Richard Sharp (Sam Claflin) as they embark on a sailing adventure across the Pacific Ocean. When they encounter a catastrophic hurricane, the pair must confront their own mortality and fight against all odds for survival. With its stunning visuals and exceptional performances, Adrift is a poignant and heart-wrenching take on love, loss, and resilience at sea.
James Cameron's epic disaster romance Titanic revisits the infamous sinking of the RMS Titanic, blending historical events with the fictional love story of upper-class Rose (Kate Winslet) and working-class Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio). The film's groundbreaking special effects and set design transport viewers into the heart of the disaster, while the compelling narrative keeps them hooked. Regarded as a cinematic masterpiece, Titanic remains a testament to the power of love amidst chaos and the indomitable human spirit.
Director Wolfgang Petersen brings Sebastian Junger's bestselling novel to life in The Perfect Storm , a thrilling drama about the ill-fated fishing vessel Andrea Gail and its crew during the “storm of the century.” Starring George Clooney and Mark Wahlberg, the film's relentless action and palpable tension make it a must-watch for fans of high-seas adventure. The gripping storyline, bolstered by a talented ensemble cast, ensures that The Perfect Storm is a stormy voyage worth taking.
Paul Greengrass' thrilling biographical drama, Captain Phillips , recounts the incredible true story of the 2009 Maersk Alabama hijacking – the first American cargo ship hijacking in over 200 years. Tom Hanks delivers a powerful performance as the titular character, whose resourcefulness and bravery in the face of danger make him an unlikely hero. With its gripping narrative, stellar performances, and intense action, Captain Phillips is an enthralling portrayal of survival and human resilience in the open sea.
Robert Redford delivers a tour de force performance in J.C. Chandor's minimalist drama All Is Lost , playing an unnamed man who becomes stranded at sea after his sailboat collides with a shipping container. With virtually no dialogue, the film relies heavily on Redford's emotive acting and Chandor's masterful storytelling to convey the protagonist's desperation, resourcefulness, and resilience in the face of insurmountable odds. All Is Lost stands as a testament to the power of cinema to tell a compelling, human story with the barest of elements.
Adapted from Yann Martel's novel, Ang Lee's visually stunning and spiritually resonant Life of Pi tells the extraordinary tale of Pi Patel (Suraj Sharma), a young Indian man who survives a shipwreck only to find himself sharing a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger. As they embark on a fantastical journey through a captivating oceanic world filled with wonder, peril, and self-discovery, Lee seamlessly weaves elements of magical realism, religion, and philosophy into an unforgettable cinematic experience. Life of Pi 's breathtaking visuals and profound themes make it an essential viewing for anyone seeking solace or enlightenment in a sea of uncertainty.
Ron Howard's visually striking and ambitious adaptation of Nathaniel Philbrick's nonfiction book, In the Heart of the Sea , delves into the harrowing true story that inspired Herman Melville's classic novel, Moby Dick . The film chronicles the brutal journey of the whaling ship Essex as it encounters a monstrous sperm whale, leaving the crew stranded in a merciless ocean with dwindling resources and a terrifying foe. With its stellar cast – including Chris Hemsworth star performance – and captivating storytelling, In the Heart of the Sea is a chilling and visceral tale of survival and bravery in the face of insurmountable challenges.
A seminal disaster film from the 1970s, The Poseidon Adventure follows the struggle for survival aboard the SS Poseidon after the luxury liner capsizes due to a massive tidal wave. Directed by Ronald Neame and starring an all-star ensemble cast – including Gene Hackman, Ernest Borgnine, and Shelley Winters – the film combines high-stakes action and gripping interpersonal drama, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. For fans of classic cinema and maritime thrillers, The Poseidon Adventure is a must-see.
Loosely based on actual events, Open Water follows a couple left stranded in shark-infested waters after their scuba-diving excursion mistakenly leaves them behind. The film's gritty, low-budget approach captures the raw intensity of their struggle for survival, creating an unsettling sense of claustrophobia and dread. Directed by Chris Kentis, Open Water is a nerve-wracking, nail-biting thriller that serves as a sobering reminder of the perils of venturing into the unknown.
Based on the incredible true story of the Coast Guard's daring rescue attempt during the 1952 New England nor'easter, The Finest Hours , directed by Craig Gillespie, captures the courageous efforts of four men who risked their lives to save more than 30 stranded sailors. Featuring an exceptional ensemble cast led by Chris Pine and Casey Affleck, this film expertly weaves together thrilling action sequences and poignant character moments to tell a timeless tale of heroism and sacrifice. The Finest Hours ' gripping narrative and emotional resonance make it an unforgettable maritime adventure.
Angelina Jolie's gripping biopic Unbroken tells the extraordinary true-story of Olympian and war hero Louis Zamperini (played by Jack O'Connell) and his unimaginable ordeal; from crashing into the Pacific Ocean during World War II to surviving 47 days adrift, only to be captured by the Japanese Navy. The film's powerful themes of perseverance, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit make it an inspiring and emotional watch. With its captivating narrative and standout performances, Unbroken is a compelling exploration of survival and redemption in the most trying of circumstances.
Phillip Noyce's suspenseful thriller Dead Calm follows a grieving couple, played by Sam Neill and Nicole Kidman, as they seek solace on a sailing trip, only to encounter a psychotic man (Billy Zane) who has left a trail of destruction in his wake. As tensions rise and allegiances shift, the characters battle for survival in an increasingly dangerous game of cat and mouse. Dead Calm 's intense atmosphere, strong performances, and unpredictable twists make it an unforgettable addition to the lost at sea genre.
In this chilling horror film, a salvage crew discovers the derelict ocean liner, SS Antonia Graza, and quickly becomes entangled in a web of supernatural terror. Directed by Steve Beck, Ghost Ship masterfully blends elements of maritime adventure and spine-tingling horror to create a uniquely terrifying experience. With its eerie atmosphere, tight pacing, and compelling story, Ghost Ship is perfect for those in search of a thrilling, ghostly adventure at sea.
The 2006 remake of the classic disaster film, Poseidon focuses on a group of passengers aboard a luxury cruise liner who must fight for their lives when the ship is capsized by a colossal wave. Directed by Wolfgang Petersen, who also helmed The Perfect Storm , this film boasts a talented ensemble cast and impressive special effects. Though the remake may not hold the same classic status as its predecessor, Poseidon still delivers high-stakes action and suspense, making it an enjoyable addition to the lost at sea genre.
The definitive cinematic adaptation of Herman Melville's classic novel, John Huston's 1956 film Moby Dick captures the obsessive quest of Captain Ahab (Gregory Peck) to seek vengeance on the great white whale that destroyed his ship and cost him his leg. With its stunning visuals, exceptional performances, and haunting score, this film dives deep into themes of obsession, revenge, and the unfathomable power of nature. Moby Dick is not only a timeless tale of maritime adventure but also a profound exploration of the human psyche.
Based on a true story, The Reef follows a group of friends whose sailing trip takes a horrifying turn when their boat capsizes, leaving them at the mercy of a man-eating great white shark. Directed by Andrew Traucki, the film utilizes real shark footage to create a truly unnerving and authentic experience. With its relentless tension and harrowing depiction of survival, The Reef is a gripping and intense addition to the lost at sea genre.
Ridley Scott's nautical drama White Squall tells the true story of a group of teenage boys who embark on a six-month educational sailing expedition in the Caribbean, only to be caught in a devastating storm that tests their courage and unity. With its rich character development, breathtaking visuals, and heart-pounding action sequences, White Squall is both a thrilling high-seas adventure and a moving coming-of-age story that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit.
In this gripping action-drama, Kevin Costner stars as a legendary Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer who takes on the challenge of training a young and reckless recruit, played by Ashton Kutcher. The film delves into the perilous world of search and rescue, showcasing the physical and emotional challenges faced by those sworn to protect lives at sea. Directed by Andrew Davis, The Guardian is an engaging and inspiring look at the sacrifices and bravery of those who risk it all in uncharted waters.
The inspiring true story of Thor Heyerdahl's daring 1947 expedition across the Pacific Ocean on a balsa wood raft comes to life in this award-winning film directed by Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg. With its engaging characters, stunning cinematography, and thrilling action, Kon-Tiki is both an exhilarating adventure and a testament to the power of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The film's rich historical context and captivating storytelling make it an essential viewing for fans of maritime cinema.
In this tense and visually striking survival thriller, a young surfer named Nancy (Blake Lively) finds herself stranded on a rock just 200 yards from shore with a great white shark circling her. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, The Shallows is a tightly-paced, edge-of-your-seat experience that expertly combines beautiful cinematography with nerve-wracking suspense. As Nancy battles against time, the elements, and a formidable predator, The Shallows delivers a thrilling and visceral tale of resilience and determination.
In Wolfgang Petersen's taut and claustrophobic thriller, a German U-boat crew faces the perils of World War II below the surface while struggling to maintain their sanity within the confined space of their submarine. As the crew members are pushed to their breaking point, The Boat explores the psychological toll of warfare and the bonds forged amid adversity. With its authentic portrayal of life aboard a U-boat and its engaging character dynamics, this film remains a compelling and unique entry in the lost at sea category.
This 1975 made-for-television horror film follows an investigation into the mysterious disappearance of ships and planes in the Bermuda Triangle. The survivors of a shipwreck are faced with supernatural occurrences and demonic forces that challenge their sanity and survival. With its eerie atmosphere and unique blend of horror and maritime adventure, Satan's Triangle remains a cult favorite for those seeking something beyond the typical lost at sea narrative.
In this mind-bending horror-thriller, a group of friends finds themselves trapped in a time loop while stranded on a seemingly abandoned ocean liner. Directed by Christopher Smith, Triangle combines elements of psychological horror and maritime adventure to create a haunting and disorienting cinematic experience. With its eerie atmosphere, complex narrative structure, and chilling twists, Triangle is an unconventional and unforgettable addition to the lost at sea genre.
Based on the harrowing true story of a near nuclear disaster aboard a Soviet submarine in 1961, K-19: The Widowmaker stars Harrison Ford and Liam Neeson as naval officers whose bravery and ingenuity are pushed to the limit in their desperate race against time. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, this suspenseful and emotionally charged film delves into themes of duty, honor, and the sacrifices made in the name of global security. With its gripping narrative, strong performances, and historical resonance, K-19: The Widowmaker is an engrossing addition to the lost at sea genre.
This inspiring documentary chronicles the remarkable journey of Laura Dekker, a 14-year-old sailor who sets out to become the youngest person ever to circumnavigate the globe solo. Directed by Jillian Schlesinger, Maidentrip captures the beauty, loneliness, and triumph of Dekker's incredible adventure with breathtaking cinematography and intimate personal footage. A testament to the power of determination and self-reliance, Maidentrip is a captivating and empowering look at the transformative potential of life at sea.
In this gripping submarine thriller directed by Kevin Macdonald, Jude Law stars as a down-on-his-luck submarine captain who assembles a misfit crew to search for a sunken Nazi submarine rumored to be filled with gold. As tensions rise and alliances crumble, the crew finds itself battling for survival in the depths of the Black Sea. Packed with intense action, suspense, and top-notch performances, Black Sea is a taut and thrilling addition to the lost at sea genre.
In this sequel to the chilling 2003 thriller, a group of friends on a yachting trip finds themselves stranded in shark-infested waters after neglecting to lower a ladder before diving into the ocean. As fear and desperation mount, the friends must confront their darkest fears and make life-altering decisions in their struggle for survival. Though lacking the raw intensity of its predecessor, Open Water 2: Adrift offers a suspenseful and nerve-wracking exploration of the human psyche in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Directed by Michael Goi, Mary tells the chilling story of a struggling family who buys an abandoned ship in the hopes of starting a new life, only to find that something sinister lurks within its depths. As the mysteries unfold and supernatural events occur, the film expertly weaves together elements of horror, suspense, and family drama to create a gripping and atmospheric maritime thriller. With its talented cast and eerie visuals, Mary offers a haunting journey into the heart of darkness at sea.
Directed by the master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock, this 1944 classic follows a group of survivors who find themselves confined to a small lifeboat after their ship is torpedoed during World War II. Hitchcock expertly manipulates the confined setting and tense character dynamics to create a suspenseful and engaging drama that explores themes of morality, survival, and the human capacity for cruelty and compassion in dire circumstances. A groundbreaking and thought-provoking entry in the lost at sea canon, Lifeboat remains an essential viewing for fans of the genre.
Based on Peter Benchley's bestselling novel, this suspenseful thriller follows a vacationing couple, played by Nick Nolte and Jacqueline Bisset, who uncover a shipwreck filled with valuable treasures and become entangled in a deadly game of greed and betrayal. Directed by Peter Yates, The Deep expertly blends underwater adventure, gripping suspense, and riveting character drama to create a thrilling high-stakes journey into the depths of human ambition and desire. With its memorable performances, lush cinematography, and pulse-pounding action, The Deep (1977) remains an enduring entry in the lost at sea genre.
This compelling biographical drama, directed by James Marsh, tells the tragic true story of amateur sailor Donald Crowhurst (played by Colin Firth), who attempted to circumnavigate the globe solo in an ill-fated 1968 race. The film expertly captures the psychological torment and isolation experienced by Crowhurst as he grapples with the consequences of his actions and the unforgiving power of the sea. Featuring standout performances and a poignant exploration of the human capacity for hope and despair, The Mercy offers a moving and sobering look at the darker side of the lost at sea narrative.
Based on a true story and directed by Dick Lowry, this made-for-television drama follows five young adults who embark on a sailing trip that goes awry when they are caught in a devastating storm, leaving them stranded at sea for weeks. As the desperate crew battles hunger, thirst, and their own mortality, the film delves into themes of friendship, resilience, and the power of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity. With its gripping narrative and heartfelt performances, Two Came Back offers an inspiring and emotional addition to the lost at sea genre.
Tobias Lindholm's tense and suspenseful drama A Hijacking follows the crew of a Danish cargo ship as they are taken hostage by Somali pirates, with the ship's cook serving as the primary focus of the story. As the tense negotiations between the ship owners and the pirates unfold, the film delves into themes of desperation, morality, and the human capacity for survival in extreme circumstances. A Hijacking 's realistic portrayal of modern-day piracy and its gripping narrative make it a must-watch addition to the lost at sea genre.
This classic 1937 adventure film, directed by Henry Hathaway, stars Gary Cooper and George Raft as two sailing buddies trying to thwart a brutal slave trader's nefarious plans. With its engaging characters, exciting narrative, and historical context, Souls at Sea offers an entertaining and action-packed look at maritime heroism in the age of sail. Its timeless themes of friendship, bravery, and justice make it a captivating entry in the lost at sea canon.
Based on a true story, Blue Miracle follows a group of orphans and their guardian as they enter a big fishing tournament in the hopes of saving their cash-strapped orphanage. Directed by Julio Quintana, the film focuses on the inspiring journey of the underdog team and their determination to overcome their circumstances. With its heartwarming story, strong performances, and uplifting message, Blue Miracle is a touching and uplifting tale of hope and perseverance at sea.
This critically acclaimed British drama, directed by Paul Wright, tells the haunting story of a young man who is the sole survivor of a fishing accident that claimed the lives of his brother and several other men from his close-knit community. As he grapples with guilt, grief, and ostracism, the film delves into themes of loss, redemption, and the isolating power of the sea. With its raw performances, moody atmosphere, and emotional resonance, For Those in Peril offers a poignant and thought-provoking addition to the lost at sea genre.
In this action-packed sci-fi horror film, a group of mercenaries who commandeer a luxury cruise ship finds themselves terrorized by a monstrous sea creature that begins picking them off one by one. Directed by Stephen Sommers, Deep Rising combines elements of adventure, horror, and humor to create an entertaining and thrilling high-seas escapade. For fans of creature features and maritime mayhem, Deep Rising delivers a rollicking and suspenseful journey into the unknown.
In this innovative and genre-defying survival horror film , a young woman named Jenn (Kiersey Clemons) becomes stranded on a remote island after a shipwreck, only to discover that she is not alone. As she faces off against a terrifying and mysterious creature, director J.D. Dillard masterfully blends elements of horror, adventure, and character-driven drama to create a unique and thrilling cinematic experience. With its strong performances, inventive storytelling, and chilling atmosphere, Sweetheart offers a fresh and engaging take on the lost at sea narrative.
This Icelandic drama, based on true events, tells the harrowing story of a fisherman who miraculously survives a shipwreck off the frigid coast of Iceland, swimming miles back to shore in the treacherous waters. Directed by Baltasar Kormákur, The Deep delves into themes of survival, the power of the human spirit, and the resilience of the human body in extreme conditions. With its gripping narrative, powerful performances, and stark cinematography, The Deep (2012) is a poignant and intense exploration of human endurance in the face of incredible odds.
In this high-octane sequel to the 1994 action hit Speed , Sandra Bullock reprises her role as Annie, who finds herself on a hijacked luxury cruise ship that is rigged to crash into an oil tanker. Directed by Jan de Bont, the film features thrilling stunts, non-stop action, and Willem Dafoe's formidable performance as the unhinged villain. Though it may not be as critically acclaimed as its predecessor, Speed 2: Cruise Control offers an entertaining and adrenaline-fueled adventure on the high seas.
In this atmospheric sci-fi thriller, a marine biology student aboard a fishing trawler encounters a mysterious and deadly creature lurking in the depths of the ocean. Directed by Neasa Hardiman, Sea Fever expertly blends elements of horror, suspense, and scientific intrigue to create a thought-provoking and chilling maritime adventure. With its strong performances, innovative storytelling, and eerie visuals, Sea Fever offers a unique and gripping take on the dangers lurking beneath the surface.
This animated adventure film follows a group of misfit marine creatures who band together to rescue their captured friend and bring him home from a sinister aquarium. Directed by Adam Bierman and Evan Tramel , The Sea Beast delivers a colorful, fun-filled, and heartwarming journey through an underwater world filled with humor, friendship, and action. With its vibrant animation, lovable characters, and engaging story, The Sea Beast is a delightful addition to the lost at sea genre for younger audiences.
In the middle of the ocean, no one can hear you scream.
Finding Fun in Michigan & Beyond
I’m a recreational sailor. I’ve been sailing on Saginaw Bay since I was a little kid. We started off sailing Snarks and Sunfish. Our family loved sailing movies, and we watched them all. In the early 1970s, my dad took advantage of a marketing campaign by Kool cigarettes where we could purchase a Snark with the white and green KOOL logo on the sail. We still have this old boat and manage to bring her out to play with from time to time. One of the things that irk me is the lack of movie entertainment that revolves around my favorite pastime. I’ve managed to collect a few examples of movies with sailboats here.
Sometimes you can find these sailing movies streaming on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Hulu.
The true story of a bunch of boys, a ship, and the sea.
The movie White Squall is based on the 1961 sinking of a brigantine named the Albatross—a two-masted sailing vessel with a fully square-rigged foremast—White Squall is an exciting tale of adventure, friendship, and tragedy. This sailing movie stars Jeff Bridges as Captain Christopher “Skipper” Sheldon, who takes his charges on an epic voyage around the world on the Albatross.
Along the way, the boys learn how to sail and how to work together as a team. They also develop life-long friendships and forge incredibly tight bonds that they can only get from being in such close quarters with each other.
But then tragedy strikes: A white squall appears out of nowhere, sending massive waves crashing down upon their beloved ship. With their lives on the line and all hope of survival seeming lost, Skipper urges his boys to keep fighting for their lives—and trust each other above all else, no matter what happens next.
Wind is a 1992 film directed by Carroll Ballard that follows Will Parker, played by Matthew Modine as he loses America’s Cup, the world’s biggest sailing prize, to the Australians and decides to form his own syndicate to win it back. Will hires Kate Bass, played by Jennifer Grey, to help him with his PR campaign.
The film co-stars Cliff Robertson as Morgan Weld, a businessman who offers to sponsor the team and pays for their yacht. Rounding out the cast is Jack Thompson as Michael “Brue” Brindley, a sailor who found success in racing and now manages an Australian team; Stellan Skarsgård as Bjorn Ericson, a Swedish sailor who sails for an American syndicate; and John McGlinn as Frank Hennessy, an Australian businessman who is investing in the Australian team.
All is Lost is one of the most harrowing survival stories ever committed to film, All is Lost is a minimalist exploration of a man’s struggle for survival in the face of adversity. In this case, “adversity” means “the Indian Ocean.”
The story begins with Robert Redford waking up halfway through a solo voyage across the Pacific. He finds that he has struck a floating shipping container, and his boat is filling with water.
Redford’s character is never given a name, but we do get to know him through his actions. He doesn’t panic when he discovers the leak; instead, he sets about repairing it as best he can. He rigs a jury-rigged sail to help him stay afloat while he waits out a storm. When the radio fails, there’s no bemoaning his fate; instead, he puts on his best poker face and keeps going. Each time he faces down yet another crisis and finds a solution, we learn more about him—and the stakes just keep getting higher.
A young couple on a yacht trip in the South Pacific encounters a damaged ship and its only living inhabitant. He is looking for a ride home, so he can return to his wife and kids. The captain is suspicious and refuses to take him on board. As the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that the stranger was responsible for slaughtering the other crew members and that his wife may not be waiting for him at all.
The director depicts this story in an original way, shot completely on a boat, as it sails through the Pacific Ocean. Although the story is fictitious, it still gives us some real sailing skills and challenges of open water navigation.
This movie Dead Calm stars Nicole Kidman, Sam Neill, and Billy Zane.
Morning Light is a documentary that follows the youngest crew ever to compete in the Transpac sailing race. All crew members were between 18 and 23. The film follows the development of the Morning Light sailing team, their six months of sea training, and finally, the weeklong race across the Pacific between Los Angeles to Honolulu.
The film follows the young sailors as they develop their teamwork and learn to navigate under pressure and in high winds. The film also gives viewers a glimpse of the athletes’ personal lives: one woman struggles to find childcare so she can attend training while several others struggle with homesickness or the physical and emotional toll of leaving their families behind for months at a time.
The young sailors operate under incredible pressure: they are working hard to impress their sponsors (who have provided them with $2 million worth of equipment), they have only six months to learn how to sail, and they are constantly being compared to more experienced crews. They also must contend with a strict coach who pushes them harder than they’ve ever been pushed before.
When you’re out on the open sea, you never know what fate may bring.
For Tami and Richard, it was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure—and one they’ll never forget.
Adrift is the true story of their journey to love and their battle with Hurricane Raymond in 1983, considered one of the most destructive storms ever recorded. Tami wakes up in the aftermath of the storm to find Richard seriously injured and their sailboat in shreds and sinking. Now, Tami must summon all her will and strength to save herself… and Richard, with no possibility of rescue.
Starring Shailene Woodley and Sam Claflin, Adrift is an incredible tale for anyone who’s ever felt like they were fighting against the world.
It’s not often that you can come away from a movie with a new appreciation for the world around you—but that’s precisely what happened when I watched Kon-Tiki!
The movie is based on an actual expedition led by Thor Heyerdahl, a famous Norwegian explorer, and ethnographer, in 1947. Thor theorized that South Americans had settled parts of the South Sea Islands, and he wanted to prove his point. So, after months of preparation, he and five other guys set sail from Peru on a balsa-wood raft. They planned to use natural elements (like stars and ocean currents) to navigate their way through the sea.
It sounds impossible, right? But they did it! And they didn’t even have modern equipment like GPS or maps—just a radio. It’s one of the most incredible things I’ve ever seen. You should watch this movie; it leaves you feeling inspired about what you can accomplish if you believe in your aspirations.
The documentary, Maidentrip , chronicles the two-year journey of Laura Dekker as she attempts to become the youngest person to sail around the world. The video, directed by Jillian Schlesinger, is a testament to the human spirit and what can be accomplished when one pursues one’s ambition and works hard to attain it.
Dekker is depicted as a free-spirited outsider who finds her utopia in a never-ending sea. She is shown spending time with friends, getting tattoos, and enjoying life on her boat. While she does occasionally use bad language in the video, it never interferes with her message that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to if you are willing to work hard and overcome obstacles that may arise along the way.
The Endurance tells the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s 1914-1916 journey to Antarctica, which is considered one of history’s greatest survival stories. Following the terrible death of legendary English polar explorer Robert Falcon Scott on his journey to the South Pole, Shackleton embarked on his third voyage.
Shackleton assembled a 27-man crew aboard his ship, Endurance, and set out in search of a new route across Antarctica from the Weddell Sea to the Ross Sea. The expedition was thwarted by ice near the Weddell Sea, and Endurance was trapped for nearly a year before being crushed by the ice and sinking. The men escaped with their lives onto the floes, where they remained for another five months before reaching Elephant Island. Five men stayed behind at the site of their camp as Shackleton sailed in a small boat with five others in search of help. He sailed 800 miles through dangerous seas to reach South Georgia Island, where he arranged for a rescue ship to save his stranded crew members. All 27 men survived this ordeal, which is considered an epic feat in polar exploration history.
Picture this: a gang of roving miscreants, with no licenses or insurance and an almost non-existent budget, is bound towards the most perilous seas on the planet.
This is almost the polar opposite of what you may have learned in your sailing classes. But for the crew of “Sea Gypsies: The Far Side of the World,” their story is one of adventure, courage, and determination.
In this heart-pounding documentary, a group of friends takes on the challenge of a lifetime: sailing from New York to Japan without any formal training, using only an old wooden boat that they built themselves.
“We knew it was crazy,” says Timmy Sniffles, one of the participants. “But we threw ourselves at it anyway.”
With three cameras on board to capture every moment and a host of experts who explain the dangers, they faced along the way, “Sea Gypsies” is a real-life thriller that will keep you glued to your seat.
Finbar Gittleman is a 75-year-old master sailor. He has a mythical position among sailors in Key West and the Caribbean after living a rough and perilous life at sea. As he returns to Havana, Cuba for the first time since Castro’s revolution, this is his narrative.
The Old Man and The Sea Return to Cuba : Finbar Gittleman takes you on an adventure of sailing, perseverance, and self-discovery.
In this video, Finbar recounts his life at sea and how he came to be in Florida. He also shares some of the hardships he faced along the way as he struggled to make a living in the harsh environment of Key West.
He then describes the day when he decided to sail back home – through the dangerous reefs of Cuba – with nothing but his old boat, a compass, and some provisions.
Featured on the Today Show and in the New York Times, this extraordinary narrative of amateur sailor Donald Crowhurst’s effort to solo around the world in the first race of its type, the 1968 Sunday Times Golden Globe Race, is told in “The Mercy.”
Crowhurst was an amateur sailor who dreamed of winning the race. Struggling with his business and family life, he decided to enter the race. He convinced a local businessman to support him and set about building a boat for the race.
The race was ill-fated from the start: one competitor died at sea and another disappeared without a trace. Crowhurst became increasingly unstable as he sailed around the world; radio transmissions from him became more erratic as he sailed on.
He finally returned to England, where he was declared the winner of the race due to his competitors’ fates. However, it was discovered that he had never made it past the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa and had falsified his log entries. He returned home in disgrace and committed suicide shortly after his return.
It’s not often that a story like this comes along. “ The Weekend Sailor ” is a documentary about Ramon Carln, a Mexican man who, in 1974, wins the first crewed around-the-world sailing race on his boat Sayula II. The race is now known as The Volvo Ocean Race, and it takes place every three years.
The reason this story is so captivating? Carln wasn’t your typical sailor. He had very little experience with sailing, and he won the race with a crew of family and friends.
The film follows Carln’s journey: from his humble beginnings as a young boy when he began to dream of being a sailor, to his later years when he competed in the race and then won it (overcoming many obstacles along the way). It’s an inspiring story of determination and drive that you’ll want to watch with your whole family!
Upper Thumb Boating and Sailing – Here is another wonderfully produced video from LIVE Huron. This one focuses on Huron County boating and sailing opportunities with some great shots of Caseville harbor and breakwall
Interview with Author Jacki Howard – I reached out to Jacki Howard to see what she has done since the book was published 10 years ago. She is still involved with the book, but life has moved on. Like so many in the Thumb region, we are distant cousins. While we have never personally met, we found common ground with our interest in the “Dying Sparlings” Here is our exchange.
Boat Names – Transom Charm – The boat name you select may not seem like an important thing, but most of us feel that selecting the right name for our boat is important.
A Kool Little Cigarette Sailboat – In 1971 KOOL Cigarettes ran a unique marketing campaign. Magazines around the country ran an ad that if you sent in $88 and one box end from a carton of Kool cigarettes that this fully functional sailboat would be shipped to your door.
Michigan Monday – Saginaw Poet Theodore Roethke – Regarded as one of the most accomplished and influential poets of his generation, Roethke won the Pulitzer Prize for poetry in 1954 for his book The Waking.
The Amazing Michigan Photography of Steven Donahue – Steven was born and grew up on his family farm near Port Hope. He moved away and started studying the arts, including photography, in Chicago. He was in the military during the Vietnam War and became an MP. Part of his job was to photograph deaths and burials. A job I’m sure was not pleasant.
Michael Hardy is the owner of Thumbwind Publications LLC. Michael was born in Michigan and grew up near Caseville. In 2009 he started this fun-loving site covering Michigan's Upper Thumb. Since then, he has authored a vast range of content and established a loyal base of 60,000 visitors per month.
3 thoughts on “ 13 of the best sailing movies, you can watch again and again ”.
Substitute “Captain Ron” for “All is lost” and I am all aboard.
Charlie St Cloud was a recent movie with some sailing focus.
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heck, just swimming while on the boat is anchored it's hard to get back on the boat. I think a harness really would be the only way. Make it near impossible to fall off rather then wonder how to get back aboard? I have seen a few old timers in smaller boats trailing lines behind them. Pretty sure my boat would start circling if it's motoring. but under sail? don't know!
boarding strap I keep a homemade 2" strap with 3 foot loops rigged on the stern of the boat. I can reach it from the water, and have used it to get back into the boat when kedging out an anchor.
That movie was painful to watch. Too many holes and leaps of logic for me to get into it. I know it would be difficult if not impossible to get back aboard a yacht that size without any tools...but they had plenty of tools. They had a knife, clothing, at least one PFD, several strong athletic men and several petit women who could have been hoisted to the rail. I know I know, they needed potential solutions to create some drama but I just couldn't stand to watch it in one sitting.
Oh yeah, I almost forgot they had an anchor. Well, there was at least one shot in the movie that showed an anchor rode in the water. That may have been a blooper.
Yea, it was not an Oscar worthy movie thats for sure, but I believe it was "based" on a true story? Have you ever tried jumping out of the water with nothing to push off of? Ain't easy, maybe for Phelps, but not me. Edit: All I could find about the truth of the story is yes, all the people on board jumped over before preparing the boarding ladder, all died, the rest of the movie was fiction. I would be curious how common that sort of thing happens though? Its not really my intention to debate the quality of the movie, the acting, the plot, etc etc...but to use it more as a topic of discussion related to ones safety aboard. It made me think more about how my wife and I conduct ourselves underway and the precautions we currently take and ones that maybe we should revisit?
Hostile waters.
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Open Water 2: Adrift: Directed by Hans Horn. With Susan May Pratt, Richard Speight Jr., Niklaus Lange, Ali Hillis. When a group of friends fail to lower the ladder of their boat, they find themselves stranded in the surrounding waters and struggle to survive.
Open Water 2: Adrift (also known simply as Adrift or Open Water 2) is a 2006 German English-language psychological horror thriller film [2] directed by Hans Horn [], starring Susan May Pratt, Eric Dane, Richard Speight, Jr., Niklaus Lange, Ali Hillis, and Cameron Richardson.The film was inspired by the short story Adrift by Japanese author Koji Suzuki, from which it took its original title ...
When a group of friends fail to lower the ladder of their boat, they find themselves stranded in the surrounding waters and struggle to survive. Amy, her husband James and their baby Sarah travel to Mexico to sail in the yacht of their reckless friend Dan with their common friends Zach and Lauren ...
Open Water 2: Adrift. Six long-time friends (Susan May Pratt, Richard Speight Jr., Niklaus Lange) try to stay afloat in the ocean after they forget to lower the ladder from a luxury yacht. Watch ...
Adrift (2006) Adrift is a 2006 survival thriller film directed by Hans Horn. The film was inspired by a short story of the same name by Japanese author Koji Suzuki, from which it took its title, but its promotional material claimed the film was based on actual events. The film is about a group of friends who go on a boating holiday, only to ...
With the baby alone in the boat and stranded in the open sea, they panic and their desperation lead them to a tragic fight for survival. "Open Water 2 Adrift" is another great movie about surviving in the ocean. The direction and the acting are superb, and the good screenplay has an ambiguous and confused conclusion.
When a group of friends fail to lower the ladder of their boat, they find themselves stranded in the surrounding waters and struggle to survive. Product details Aspect Ratio : 2.35:1
It's about a group of friends jumping into the water from their boat, forgetting to lower the ladder, realizing they're too far up, and getting stuck in the water many miles from shore. I get that people found the characters annoying, but honestly, the idea of the movie is pretty exciting to see what will happen.
A weekend cruise aboard a luxury yacht goes horribly awry for a group of old high school friends who forget to lower the ladder before they jump into the ocean for a swim. The boat proves impossible to climb, leaving them adrift, miles from shore. What started as a joyful reunion becomes a fight for survival. Thriller 2007 1 hr 34 min. 45%. R.
Adrift is the story of a group of six former college friends who meet up to celebrate a birthday aboard a luxury yacht. Some miles out into the ocean, four of them decide to go for a swim. Young mother Amy declines, terrified of water after a traumatic incident in her childhood. In an attempt to cure her fear, loudmouth Zach grabs hold of her ...
Set in 1983, the movie tells the story of Tami Oldham (played by Shailene Woodley) and Richard Sharp (Sam Claflin), a couple who sets out on a journey across the Pacific Ocean, only to end up sailing straight into a hurricane. Tami awakes in the aftermath of the storm to find their boat completely damaged and Richard badly injured. With no hope ...
24 Movies Trapped At Sea. Water, water everywhere, and not a damn way to get home. That's this week's gallery theme: Movies where we see people trapped on the open seas, inspired by Adrift, starring Shailene Woodley and Sam Claflin as two young lovers whose boat is incapacitated after sailing directly into a catastrophic hurricane (and with ...
Filled with determination to get to him, she mends the yacht as well as she can, pumping water out of the cabin, fixing the sail. She eventually makes it to the dinghy, and—with a superhuman effort, drags the injured Richard through the water back to the boat, and somehow (Kormákur doesn't show us how) pulls him up the ladder onto the deck.
In researching Tami Oldham and the Adrift true story, we discovered that the real-life events depicted in the 2018 movie spanned the months of September, October and November 1983. 23-year-old Tami Oldham and her British fiancé, Richard Sharp (34), had been pleasure sailing his 36-foot sailboat, the Mayaluga, for the previous six months.
With its relentless tension and harrowing depiction of survival, The Reef is a gripping and intense addition to the lost at sea genre. Released: 2010. Directed by: Andrew Traucki. Also ranks #30 on The Best Vacation Horror Movies, Ranked By Fans. Also ranks #27 on The Best Horror Movies About Deserted Islands.
Adrift (2017) on IMDb: Movies, TV, Celebs, and more... Okay, the premise isn't that bad: a group of six friends make a pleasure cruise on a yacht and when in the middle of the ocean they go for a swim, the last one stupidly jumps in the water without hanging down the ladder first, so they cannot get out off the water since the sides of this big expensive yacht are too high to climb.
White Squall (1999) The true story of a bunch of boys, a ship, and the sea. The movie White Squall is based on the 1961 sinking of a brigantine named the Albatross—a two-masted sailing vessel with a fully square-rigged foremast—White Squall is an exciting tale of adventure, friendship, and tragedy. This sailing movie stars Jeff Bridges as ...
Open Water 2 opens with the chilling tagline, "Based on true events". Meaning that somewhere, at some point, someone forgot to lower a ladder. If nothing else, this movie should serve as a cautionary tale that reminds people to lower the ladder before they jump off the boat. If just one life is saved, Open Water 2 will have been worthwhile.
Love. You can learn all the math in the 'verse, but you take. a boat to the sea you don't love, she'll shake you off just as sure as the turning of the worlds. Love keeps. her going when she oughta fall down, tells you she's hurting 'fore she keens.
Build 354a8eb (7815) A Hispanic family find hope in their extraordinary son named Sailboat when a personal gesture awakens a global desire. Armed with a "little guitar", Sailboat leads an offbeat cast into the miraculous story of the greatest secret never told.
Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre ... Based on the true story of two scuba divers accidentally stranded in shark infested waters after their tour boat has left. Director Chris ... 2006 1h 34m R. 5.2 (20K) Rate. When a group of friends fail to lower the ladder of their boat, they find themselves stranded ...
The movie is about six friends are swimming in the sea, the group realizes that Dan forgot to put the embarkation ladder and the freeboard makes impossible t...
Here's a fun thought: Sometimes in the Indo-Pacific, boats will become beached along islands with no one on the boat or the island. The common conclusion is that the person fell off the boat while the boats engine/sails kept it on its course. Imagine the dread of falling off one's boat and seeing it slowly disappear in the distance while you ...