- The best movies are capable of transporting viewers worlds away, and beach movies do it quite well.
- These films are full of sunshine, sand, tropical breezes, bright aqua waters, and gorgeous resorts.
- No matter the genre or storyline, the best beach movies feature irresistible scenery, making you want to catch the next flight to paradise.
Few forms of entertainment inspire wanderlust quite like a great beach movie. These films have a way of transporting you mind and soul to a tropical, laidback paradise. Through shots of crystal-clear water, sun-soaked coastlines, and exotic scenery, they make us yearn for warmth, sun, and sea. No matter their premise, beach movies capture the feeling of escape better than almost any other genre. Even when the stories are filled with chaos, heartbreak, or adventure, the scenery remains ultra dreamy.
The best of these summer movies use their beachy backdrop to create a mood. They remind you of salty air, slow-paced island life, and the simple joy of being near the ocean. Some lean into fantasy and far-off destinations, while others feature relatable people simply moving through life in their beach town community. No matter your taste, there seems to be something universally appealing about watching stories unfold by the sea. Check out these movies that will have you tossing swimwear and sunscreen into the nearest bag. We’re practically browsing flights already!
“Forgetting Sarah Marshall” (2008)
- Director: Nicholas Stoller
- Cast: Jason Segel, Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis and Russell Brand
- Filming Locations: Hawaii and California
After a painful breakup, a heartbroken composer begrudgingly travels to Hawaii to clear his head, only to run into his ex and her handsome new boyfriend at the same resort. What follows is a mix of awkward encounters, emotional healing, and unexpected romance. The film blends top-notch comedy with a surprisingly heartfelt story, set against a gorgeous Hawaiian backdrop. Only a handful of scenes in this movie are lacking true Hawaiian vibes. Much of the action unfolds on Oahu, featuring lush resorts, beach-side restaurants, golden shores, and sparkling blue waters.
“Blue Crush”(2002)
- Director: John Stockwell
- Cast: Kate Bosworth, Michelle Rodriguez, Sanoe Lake and Mika Boorem
- Filming Locations: Hawaii and California
This surf drama follows a determined young woman chasing her dream of competing in a major surfing competition. It captures the intensity and beauty of surf culture. Shot on Oahu’s North Shore, it features breathtaking waves, bright sunny beaches, and vibrant island life. Though the film is not praised for its plot, the scenery alone is enough to make you want to grab a surfboard.
“50 First Dates” (2004)
- Director: Peter Segal
- Cast: Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, Rob Schneider, Sean Astin, and Dan Aykroyd
- Filming Locations: Hawaii and California
A man falls for a woman with short-term memory loss, forcing him to win her heart over again every day. Their unconventional romance is both funny and touching. Set in Hawaii, the story includes plenty of laid-back island charm. With shots of sandy beaches and scenic coastal drives, this movie is as much a love letter to Hawaii as it is a romantic comedy.
“Mamma Mia!” (2008)
- Director: Phyllida Lloyd
- Cast: Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski, Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan, Dominic Cooper, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård, and Julie Walters
- Filming Locations: Greece, California, England, and Morocco
This musical follows a young bride-to-be searching for her father among three men from her mother’s past. Set to ABBA’s greatest hits, it’s a joyful, high-energy, story of love and family. The film is set on a fictional Greek island, featuring real-life stunning locations like Skopelos and Skiathos. Crystal-clear waters and whitewashed buildings create a quintessential, Mediterranean, postcard-perfect setting.
“The Blue Lagoon” (1980)
- Director: Randal Kleiser
- Cast: Brooke Shields and Christopher Atkins
- Filming Locations: Fiji, Malta, Jamaica, and Vanuatu
Two children stranded on a deserted island grow up together, forming a deep bond as they survive in isolation. The film primarily explores a coming-of-age innocence alongside nature. The movie takes place almost entirely in a remote tropical paradise. Filmed in the South Pacific’s Fiji and Vanuatu, the scenery is non-stop turquoise lagoons, lush greenery, and pristine beaches.
“Just Go with It” (2011)
- Director: Dennis Dugan
- Cast: Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston
- Filming Locations: Hawaii and California
A plastic surgeon convinces his assistant to pose as his ex-wife during a Hawaiian getaway, leading to comedic chaos and romance. The film is filled with hilarious misunderstandings set against Hawaii’s beaches, ocean views, and high-end resorts. It’s a breezy comedy set in paradise!
“The Beach” (2000)
- Director: Danny Boyle
- Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tilda Swinton, Virginie Ledoyen, Guillaume Canet
- Filming Locations: Thailand (Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Leh island, Phuket, Krabi province, Khao Yai National Park)
“The Beach” follows a young backpacker who travels to Thailand in search of adventure and discovers a hidden map to a seemingly idyllic island paradise. Unable to resist the promise of an untouched utopia, he sets out to find the secretive, off-grid community. The film blends exotic adventure with psychological drama. Indeed, portions of this movie are quite dark. However, because it was filmed in multiple areas of Thailand, the gorgeous scenery is not to be missed.
“Moana” (2016)
- Directors: John Musker and Ron Clements
- Cast: Nia Vardalos, Richard Dreyfuss, Alexis Georgoulis, Rachel Dratch, Harland Williams and Alistair McGowan
- Setting: Polynesia
A young girl sets sail on a journey to save her island and discover her true identity. Along the way, she teams up with a demigod and faces plenty of Disney-esque challenges. The film celebrates Polynesian culture and storytelling. Its oceans, beaches, and islands are beautifully animated.
“Lilo & Stitch” (2002)
- Directors: Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois
- Cast: Daveigh Chase, Chris Sanders, Tia Carrere, Ving Rhames, and David Ogden Stiers
- Setting: Hawaii
A young Hawaiian girl adopts a mischievous alien, leading to weird and heartwarming moments with an emphasis on family and true friendship. Set in Hawaii, the film showcases local culture and traditions. Animation this good has us yearning for beaches and warm, inviting landscapes. And the setting is essentially a main character in its own right.
“Ticket to Paradise” (2022)
- Director: Ol Parker
- Cast: George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Kaitlyn Dever, Billie Lourd, Maxime Bouttier, and Lucas Bravo
- Filming Locations: Australia, Indonesia, and California
A divorced couple travels to Bali to stop their daughter from making a bad decision. Along the way, they rediscover their own connection. As audiences are met with romance, humor, and second chances, they also enjoy the pretty beaches of Australia and Indonesia. And because the two are on a sort of vacation themselves, the setting is pure vacay inspiration.
“North Shore” (1987)
- Director: William Phelps
- Cast: Matt Adler, Nia Peeples, John Philbin, Gerry Lopez, and Gregory Harrison
- Filming Locations: California and Hawaii
A young surfer travels to Hawaii to prove himself on the legendary mega waves of the North Shore. It’s ultimately a journey of growth and determination, alongside authentic surf culture and competition. Filmed on Hawaii’s North Shore, it features huge, powerful waves and dramatic coastlines. Life among the waves is the heart of the story.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Courtesy of Sony Pictures Releasing.