20 Best Boating Movies and Shows to Watch on Streaming Services
Whether you’re a boating enthusiast looking for inspiration, a landlubber seeking an adventure on the open seas, or just in the mood for a gripping maritime story, there’s no shortage of boating-themed films and TV shows to dive into. These picks span from thrilling action-packed dramas to tranquil ocean documentaries, giving you a wide range of boating experiences to enjoy from the comfort of your couch.
Here’s a roundup of 20 best boating movies and shows available on popular streaming services, complete with details on where to watch, pricing, and highlights of each.
1. Captain Phillips
Streaming on: Netflix
Price: Netflix subscription ($6.99/month with ads, $15.49/month ad-free)
Specs: Based on the true story of Captain Richard Phillips and the 2009 Maersk Alabama hijacking by Somali pirates, this thriller starring Tom Hanks is an edge-of-your-seat viewing. The film provides insight into both the harrowing challenges at sea and intense personal bravery.
2. The Perfect Storm
Streaming on: Hulu
Price: Hulu subscription ($7.99/month with ads, $14.99/month ad-free)
Specs: This action-packed drama starring George Clooney and Mark Wahlberg tells the story of commercial fishermen who are caught in a once-in-a-lifetime storm. The special effects bring the powerful and terrifying force of nature to life.
3. Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World
Streaming on: Prime Video
Price: Prime Video subscription ($14.99/month)
Specs: Starring Russell Crowe, this historical naval epic set during the Napoleonic Wars delivers intense sea battles and a gripping adventure across the open ocean.
4. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Streaming on: Disney+
Price: Disney+ subscription ($7.99/month with ads, $13.99/month ad-free)
Specs: A swashbuckling classic, this is the first in the Pirates of the Caribbean series and introduces Johnny Depp’s iconic Captain Jack Sparrow. Filled with pirate lore, ship battles, and adventure, it’s a must-watch for boat lovers.
5. All Is Lost
Streaming on: Peacock
Price: Peacock subscription ($5.99/month with ads, $11.99/month ad-free)
Specs: Robert Redford stars as a lone sailor stranded in the Indian Ocean after his boat is damaged. This nearly wordless film is an intense survival tale that highlights the mental and physical endurance needed at sea.
6. White Squall
Streaming on: Prime Video
Price: Prime Video subscription ($14.99/month)
Specs: Directed by Ridley Scott, this film tells the true story of a group of high school boys on an educational sailing trip. It’s a gripping tale of youth, leadership, and tragedy at sea.
7. Deadliest Catch
Streaming on: Discovery+
Price: Discovery+ subscription ($4.99/month with ads, $6.99/month ad-free)
Specs: This long-running reality show follows Alaskan crab fishermen as they brave treacherous waters in pursuit of their lucrative catch. It’s a raw look at the dangers of working on the open sea.
8. Adrift
Streaming on: Netflix
Price: Netflix subscription ($6.99/month with ads, $15.49/month ad-free)
Specs: Based on a true story, this film stars Shailene Woodley as a woman who must navigate the Pacific Ocean alone after a hurricane leaves her and her partner stranded. It’s a harrowing survival tale and a test of resilience.
9. In the Heart of the Sea
Streaming on: Hulu
Price: Hulu subscription ($7.99/month with ads, $14.99/month ad-free)
Specs: Directed by Ron Howard, this film recounts the story that inspired Moby-Dick. A whaling ship’s crew is stranded at sea after an attack by a giant whale. It’s an epic tale of survival against the odds.
10. Moana
Streaming on: Disney+
Price: Disney+ subscription ($7.99/month with ads, $13.99/month ad-free)
Specs: This animated Disney film follows the journey of Moana, a Polynesian girl who sets sail to save her island and find her destiny. Featuring stunning ocean visuals and an empowering story, it’s a family-friendly boating adventure.
11. Wind
Streaming on: Prime Video
Price: Prime Video subscription ($14.99/month)
Specs: This 1992 film takes viewers into the competitive world of America’s Cup sailing. With stunning sailing sequences and a compelling storyline, it’s a must-see for anyone fascinated by competitive boating.
12. Kon-Tiki
Streaming on: Hulu
Price: Hulu subscription ($7.99/month with ads, $14.99/month ad-free)
Specs: Based on the real-life 1947 expedition, this film follows Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl as he sails a raft across the Pacific Ocean. It’s an adventurous and historic seafaring journey.
13. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
Streaming on: Disney+
Price: Disney+ subscription ($7.99/month with ads, $13.99/month ad-free)
Specs: Directed by Wes Anderson, this quirky comedy follows oceanographer Steve Zissou (Bill Murray) as he hunts a mythical shark. It’s a whimsical and humorous take on seafaring adventures.
14. A Perfect Planet: Oceans
Streaming on: Apple TV+
Price: Apple TV+ subscription ($9.99/month)
Specs: Part of the A Perfect Planet series narrated by David Attenborough, this episode delves into the oceans, showcasing the beauty and complexity of marine ecosystems and the life that thrives within them.
15. Maiden
Streaming on: Netflix
Price: Netflix subscription ($6.99/month with ads, $15.49/month ad-free)
Specs: This documentary tells the story of Tracy Edwards, who led the first all-female crew to sail in the Whitbread Round the World Race. It’s an inspiring tale of courage, perseverance, and breaking barriers in a male-dominated world.
16. Moby Dick
Streaming on: Peacock
Price: Peacock subscription ($5.99/month with ads, $11.99/month ad-free)
Specs: This adaptation of Herman Melville’s classic novel stars Patrick Stewart as Captain Ahab. It’s a gripping tale of obsession and revenge on the high seas.
17. The Meg
Streaming on: Max
Price: Max subscription ($9.99/month with ads, $15.99/month ad-free)
Specs: This thriller about a deep-sea rescue mission pits Jason Statham against a massive prehistoric shark. It’s a fun and thrilling ride for those who enjoy their boating movies with a bit of monster action.
18. Chasing Mavericks
Streaming on: Disney+
Price: Disney+ subscription ($7.99/month with ads, $13.99/month ad-free)
Specs: This biographical drama tells the story of surfing legend Jay Moriarity and his quest to ride one of the biggest waves on Earth. While focused on surfing, it captures the thrill of life on the water.
19. Open Water
Streaming on: Hulu
Price: Hulu subscription ($7.99/month with ads, $14.99/month ad-free)
Specs: Based on a true story, this horror-thriller is about a couple stranded in shark-infested waters after being accidentally left behind during a scuba diving trip. It’s a chilling tale of survival.
20. Below Deck
Streaming on: Peacock
Price: Peacock subscription ($5.99/month with ads, $11.99/month ad-free)
Specs: This reality TV series follows the crew of a luxury yacht as they navigate the demands of high-paying charter guests while managing their lives on board. It offers a peek into the world of superyachts and the personalities that keep them running.
Choosing Your Streaming Service
If you’re an avid boating fan, subscribing to multiple streaming services could be worth the investment, given the variety of boating-related content spread across platforms. Below is a quick comparison of popular services mentioned:
- Netflix: $6.99 (ads) – $15.49/month (ad-free)
- Hulu: $7.99 (ads) – $14.99/month (ad-free)
- Disney+: $7.99 (ads) – $13.99/month (ad-free)
- Prime Video: $14.99/month
- Peacock: $5.99 (ads) – $11.99/month (ad-free)
- Max: $9.99 (ads) – $15.99/month (ad-free)
- Discovery+: $4.99 (ads) – $6.99/month (ad-free)
- Apple TV+: $9.99/month
Each service offers unique boating-related content, so choosing the right one depends on your preferences and budget. Whether you’re into thrilling sea adventures or relaxing documentaries, there’s something here for every type of boating enthusiast!
Happy Boating!
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