Swimming is a sport that has captured the hearts of millions around the world, whether it's the adrenaline rush of competing in the Olympics, fifty laps before work to get your daily workout in, or the thrill of swimming against the elements in open water. Over the years, cinema has paid tribute to the art of swimming, bringing the pool and the open seas to life on the big screen. So we’ve put together a collection of must-see films which showcase swimming.
The Best Swimming Movies of All Time
Featuring captivating stories, star-studded casts, and unforgettable aquatic adventures. From the English Channel to war-torn Syria, from the Olympics to high school pools, these films explore the human spirit's determination, love for the water, and the challenges that come with it.
The Swimming Pool (1969) - La Piscine
We begin our journey with The Swimming Pool, a French film directed by Jean-Luc Godard and starring Alain Delon and Romy Schneider. This captivating film explores a love triangle set against the backdrop of a luxurious swimming pool in the South of France. The tension between the characters rises as the clear waters of the pool mirror the hidden depths of their desires. While not a traditional swimming movie, its stunning visuals and underwater scenes make it a unique addition to our list.
The Swimmer (1968)
Starring Burt Lancaster in one of his most memorable roles, The Swimmer is a surreal and thought-provoking alternative to traditional swimming films. The story follows Ned Merrill as he embarks on a journey to swim across his neighbours' pools, symbolising his personal struggles and the passage of time. Lancaster's performance and the film's unique perspective on suburban life make it a must-watch for those seeking a different take on swimming in cinema.
Swimfan (2002)
Swimfan is a thriller that explores the darker side of swimming. The movie revolves around a high school swimmer named Ben, played by Jesse Bradford, whose life takes a nightmarish turn when he becomes the object of obsession for a teenage girl, played by Erika Christensen. While the film primarily focuses on the psychological thriller aspect, swimming plays a central role in the storyline, creating a high-stakes backdrop for the unfolding drama.
Swimming Upstream (2003)
Swimming Upstream is a heartwarming sports drama based on the true story of Australian swimmer Tony Fingleton. Set in the 1950s, the film follows Tony, played by Jesse Spencer, as he strives to become a professional swimmer while facing adversity at home. The film explores Tony's determination to rise above his challenging circumstances and fulfil his swimming dreams.
The Swimmers (2022)
The Swimmers is set in war-torn Syria. Directed by Adam Ammar and starring young sisters Hala and Ola Alyan, this short film provides a unique perspective on the plight of refugees who must cross a treacherous river to escape their war-torn homeland. The film's underwater sequences are both visually striking and emotionally powerful, shedding light on the struggles of those who risk it all for a chance at a better life.
The Abyss (1989)
James Cameron's The Abyss takes us to the depths of the ocean, exploring the challenges of deep-sea diving and the mysteries of the underwater world. While not primarily a swimming movie, the film's stunning underwater visuals and compelling storyline make it a must-see for fans of aquatic adventures. The movie's central characters, played by Ed Harris and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, navigate a massive underwater trench and encounter strange and awe-inspiring underwater creatures.
Life of Pi (2012)
While not a swimming movie in the traditional sense, Ang Lee's Oscar-winning adaptation of Life of Pi deserves a mention for its stunning aquatic scenes. The film follows the journey of Pi, a young Indian man who survives a shipwreck and finds himself stranded on a lifeboat in the Pacific Ocean with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. The film's incredible visuals, philosophical themes, and the relationship between Pi and the tiger make it a memorable cinematic experience.
The Impossible (2012)
The Impossible is a gripping film based on the true story of a family's survival during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. While swimming takes a backseat to the harrowing scenes of survival, the film's portrayal of the overwhelming power of water and the human instinct to persevere in the face of disaster is both moving and unforgettable. Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor deliver powerful performances as the parents fight to reunite with their children.
Open Water (2003)
Open Water is a chilling and suspenseful film that explores the nightmare scenario of being left behind in the open ocean during a scuba diving trip. The movie is based on true events and follows a couple who must fight for their lives when they are accidentally left behind by their diving group. The film's realistic portrayal of the dangers of open water and the characters' desperate struggle for survival makes it a must-watch for those seeking a different kind of swimming movie.
The Guardian (2006)
Directed by Andrew Davis and starring Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher, The Guardian offers a glimpse into the world of the U.S. Coast Guard's elite rescue swimmers. Costner plays a veteran swimmer who becomes a mentor to a young recruit, played by Kutcher. The film combines thrilling water rescue scenes with a focus on the mentor-mentee relationship, making it a powerful and emotional experience.
Pride (2007)
Pride tells the inspiring true story of Jim Ellis, played by Terrence Howard, who coaches an African-American swim team in 1970s Philadelphia. The film explores the challenges and prejudices the team faces as they strive to become competitive swimmers. Ellis's determination to create opportunities for these young athletes and the camaraderie that develops among the team members make for a heartwarming and uplifting sports movie.
The Perfect Storm (2000)
Based on the true story of the Andrea Gail fishing boat, The Perfect Storm takes viewers into the treacherous waters of the North Atlantic during a massive tropical storm. While the film primarily focuses on the challenges faced by fishermen, the intense maritime scenes and the power of the sea are awe-inspiring. George Clooney and Mark Wahlberg lead the cast in this gripping tale of survival against the elements.
Touch the Wall (2014)
Touch the Wall is a documentary that follows the journey of two young American swimmers, Missy Franklin and Kara Lynn Joyce, as they pursue their dreams of competing in the Olympic Games. The film offers a behind-the-scenes look at the dedication, hard work, and sacrifices required to excel in the world of competitive swimming. It provides a unique perspective on the lives of elite athletes and the challenges they face on their journey to the Olympic Trials and, ultimately, the London Olympics.
The River Why (2010)
The River Why is a coming-of-age film that explores the life of a young man named Gus, played by Zach Gilford, who decides to leave his busy life behind and pursue his love for fishing and the great outdoors. While not a traditional swimming movie, it captures the tranquillity and beauty of rivers and streams, offering a unique perspective on the connection between humans and water. The film's themes of self-discovery and the pursuit of one's passions resonate with viewers.
The Shallows (2016)
The Shallows is a thrilling survival film that combines elements of a shark attack movie with a gripping tale of perseverance. Blake Lively stars as Nancy Adams, a surfer who finds herself stranded on a rock in shark-infested waters. The film's intense water scenes and Lively's powerful performance make it a pulse-pounding experience that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
On a Clear Day (2005)
In On a Clear Day, Frank Redmond, played by Peter Mullan, embarks on an extraordinary journey to swim the English Channel after losing his job. This heartwarming film explores themes of redemption, self-discovery, and the power of determination. As Frank trains and prepares for his 30-mile swim, he not only seeks to prove himself as a better swimmer but also mends his strained relationships, ultimately finding a sense of purpose in his swimming career.
The Water Diviner (2014)
The Water Diviner marks Russell Crowe's directorial debut and tells the story of an Australian farmer who travels to war-torn Turkey after World War I to search for his three missing sons. The film features powerful scenes set around water sources, including the iconic Gallipoli battlefield. Crowe's performance, coupled with the film's exploration of the impact of war on individuals and families, makes it a moving and thought-provoking film.
Million Dollar Mermaid (1952)
Esther Williams was a champion swimmer turned Hollywood actress who starred in a series of aqua-musicals in the 1940s and 1950s. Her biography Million Dollar Mermaid features elaborate synchronised swimming scenes and underwater choreography. These films are beloved for their dazzling water ballet sequences and Williams's aquatic prowess.
Finding Nemo (2003)
Pixar's Finding Nemo is a beloved animated film that takes viewers on an underwater adventure with a cast of fish characters. While the film primarily follows the journey of Marlin, a clownfish searching for his lost son, Nemo, it offers a delightful and visually stunning portrayal of life in the ocean. The film's themes of family, friendship, and the power of determination resonate with audiences of all ages.
Titanic (1997)
James Cameron's epic romance Titanic may not be a swimming movie in the traditional sense, but the film's unforgettable scenes of the ill-fated ship's sinking and the characters' struggles in the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean are etched into cinematic history. The love story between Jack, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, and Rose, played by Kate Winslet, unfolds against the backdrop of one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history. The film's stunning visuals, star-studded cast, and timeless love story have made it a cinematic masterpiece.
Phelps vs. Shark: Great Gold vs. Great White (2017)
While not a traditional movie, this television special featuring Olympic swimming legend Michael Phelps deserves a mention. In a one-of-a-kind event, Phelps races a computer-simulated great white shark to determine who is the fastest swimmer. The special combines science, sports, and the thrill of competition in a unique and entertaining format.
From heart-warming sports dramas to thrilling survival tales, from animated underwater adventures to thought-provoking explorations of the human spirit, the world of swimming movies offers a diverse and captivating range of stories. Whether you're a fan of competitive swimming, open water adventures, or simply enjoy the beauty of aquatic scenes on the big screen, there's something for everyone in this genre.
So, the next time you're planning a movie night, consider one of these cinematic gems that celebrate the power of the human spirit and the beauty of the water that surrounds us. Whether it's a true story of triumph or a fictional journey through uncharted waters, these swimming movies are sure to leave you feeling entertained.