Going Coastal with Your Cinema Selection

Whether you're lucky enough to live near the coastline or you plan your annual vacays in view of the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean, you'll probably spend most of your time outside, enjoying the sun, sand, and surf or participating in watery activities. That said, you're sure to want some downtime when the sun sets or seasonal storms hit the beaches; having a few fun movies on hand is a great way to pass the time. Here are some cinematic gems that fully embrace the coastal theme.

Jaws (1975)

When that duh-duh…duh-duh…duh-duh-duh-duh-duh-duh gets going, you know right away a giant shark is about to take a bite out of someone's boat. Is there any more quintessential coastal thriller than this movie about a murderous fish attacking the unsuspecting residents of Amity Island? Roy Scheider shines as an out-of-his-depth local sheriff, while Richard Dreyfuss cavorts with zany glee and Robert Shaw simmers with barely-contained malice toward the titular shark.

Splash (1984)

This rom-com starring Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah pairs the two at their peak as they navigate an ill-fated relationship torn between land and sea. With only a few days before she has to return to her watery home, the stakes are very real. She'll have to convince him to come with her before scientists can nab her and subject her to experimentation. Eugene Levy is at his neurotic best as a fanatic who is hell-bent on proving mermaids actually exist.

Blue Crush (2002)

Surfer girls have all the fun in this lush drama set against the backdrop of Maui's incredible waves. Kate Bosworth stars as a talented surfer trying to balance a job, caring for her younger sister, and training for the upcoming Pipe Masters competition, all while coping with fear brought on by a past accident. Notable supporting cast member include a pensive Michelle Rodriguez and whole lotta Billabong product placement.

Baywatch (2017)

A bronzed Zac Efron and Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson are reason enough for a viewing of this farce on beach lifeguard culture (based on the equally ridiculous TV show of the same name). The plot—slapdash criminal conspiracy the lifeguards must thwart—is certainly secondary to the beautiful beach bodies on screen, but this franchise knows enough to poke fun at its own tropes, making for a silly outing with just enough genuine laughter to carry you through.

Moana (2016)

If you're seeking family-friendly fare, you can't go wrong with this recent Disney addition. In order to save her island home, Moana must journey across the seas, with the reluctant help of demigod Maui, to return the heart of Te Fiti to the goddess herself. With songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda and an empowering story that includes a fresh take on who can be a hero, this one is sure to be fun for the whole family.

In Conclusion

So even if you can't make it to the beach, you can still enjoy coastal themes on the screen with the films listed above. Make some popcorn, light a sea scented candle, and drift into oceanic themes!