The best beach movies of all time

The best beach movies of all time

It’s summer. And while going to the beach in this current climate might not be possible, there are plenty of movie options to fill that void. Whether drama, comedy or action, beach/ocean/lake movies are summer staples.

Here’s a look at some of the better ones through the years. 

“Gidget” (1959)

“Gidget” Lawrence, no matter who played her, has become synonymous with beach culture entertainment, whether on television or film. In this case, Sandra Dee stars as the bubbly, fun-leaving surfer girl who was a ray of sunshine for everybody she came in contact with. This movie spawned various sequels, TV series and spinoffs that can still be enjoyed today.

“Blue Hawaii” (1961)

While many Elvis Presley fans don’t consider this one of The King’s better films, it’s still a fun-loving romp and musical romantic comedy that is pretty enjoyable. While the Elvis die-hards might not have rank this movie too high.

“Beach Blanket Bingo” (1965)

Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello were king and queen of the 1960s beach movies, and this might be their most popular. It was an innocent time. Hanging in the sand, catching some rays and some waves. Plus, there’s the music — the title track and “I Think You Think.” There really was not a care back then, when it always seemed like a day at the beach.

“The Endless Summer” (1966)

Considered the most detailed and influential surf films ever, it essentially introduced the world to the surf culture, documenting the lives of surfers Mike Hynson and Robert August, who traveled the world looking for that “perfect wave.” The movie is also highly acclaimed for its photography and the way it captured the relationship between man and the water — specifically the waves. 

“Jaws” (1975)

Not exactly an uplifting beach theme of a movie. Maybe because a mayor like Amity’s Larry Vaughn failed to heed the advice of knowledgeable officials (sound like someone American’s might know?) and keep people off the beach because of a shark in the water. One would think some of those same people would learn that it’s not always safe to go in the water.

“Jaws 2” (1978)

One would think the folks — or at least teenagers — on Amity Island would have learned their lesson from 1975. That was not the case, and another great white was on the loose, terrorizing the sailing-crazed and irritating Chief Brody (Roy Scheider). And, once again, Mayor Vaughn refused to keep his citizens and visitors from taking to the beach. How did that guy keep getting elected?

“Weekend at Bernie’s” (1989)

What can be more fun than hanging with a dead Bernie Lomax (Terry Kiser) at a Hamptons beach house? For Larry (Andrew McCarthy) and Richard (Jonathan Silverman), it became a chore, and, really a way to stay alive. However, it was all a silly good time that audiences actually ate up in bulk. Bernie’s time on the boat is highly entertaining.