We’ve compiled a list of movies that every swimming fanatic will want to watch! Whether they’re comedies or thrillers, these movies are stories that share stories with swim-related themes. Some are true life challenges or adventures while others are pure fantasy or fiction.
We simply hope you find this list interesting and useful for making choices for movie night!
In 2007, a movie entitled Pride was made, featuring the life story of Jim Ellis – a determined swim coach with the vision of forming the city’s first African-American swim team to compete in the state championship meet. The underlying theme of the movie is the importance of never giving up and working hard to find success. The film was nominated for an ESPY Award in 2007 for ‘Best Sports Movie’ and was also nominated for two Image Awards in 2008 for ‘Outstanding Actor’ and ‘Outstanding Directing’.
In 2005, the movie On A Clear Day debuted, featuring the true story of Frank Redmond. 55-year-old Redmond was unemployed and in need of direction. He needed something extraordinary to happen in his life, so he challenged himself to swim the English Channel. Accomplishing this helped Redmond to test his endurance to tackle his inner demons and rebuild his confidence.
In 2002, the movie Swimfan debuted as a teen thriller about a high school senior whose performance on his swim team attracts the attention of scouts from Stanford University as well as the attention of a femme fatale who threatens everything he’s worked for.
In 2006, the movie The Guardian debuted. The story of the top rescue swimmer in the U.S. Coast Guard who is asked to take charge of the training of the next generation of coast guard swimmers captured some attention but not as much as the star who portrayed this role – Kevin Costner.
In 1968, Burt Lancaster starred in a movie entitled The Swimmer. The story features the life a middle-aged man who visits on old friend and makes the decision to swim his way home. He goes from pool to pool. As he works his way home he shares stories of his life experiences with those around the pools.
In 1953, Dangerous When Wet was released. This light-hearted musical comedy is one the entire family can enjoy together because it tells the story of Katie Higgins. Katie enters a contest to become the first to swim the English Channel.
In 1993, a film from New Zealand entitled Alex debuted telling an “against all odds” story of a teen who dreams of qualifying for the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, Italy. She juggles intensive swim training as well as several life challenges.
In 1984, Splash was released featuring a fantastical swimmer: a mermaid. This is another swimming story that benefitted from star power in the roles portrayed by Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah.
Swimming Upstream debuted in 2005 telling the true story of Tony Fingleton who overcomes some family challenges with his extraordinary swimming talent.
In 2009, a movie entitled Against the Current was released featuring the story of a man struggling with a tragic past who enlists two friends to help him swim the length of the Hudson River.
In 2008, The Swimsuit Issue, a movie about a bunch of aging athletes who decide to form the first Swedish all male synchronized swimming team, is released.
In 2006, a movie entitled Agua was released that featured thirty four year old Goyo, a former open water swimming champion.
The Big Bad Swim was also released In 2006, telling the story of a group of Connecticut locals who enroll in an adult-education beginner’s swim class.
Children of Glory also enjoyed a 2006 release. This is the story of the face off between the Hungarian water polo team against the Russians which became known as one of the bloodiest matches in the sport’s history.
Red Wood Pigeon, a 1989 release, is the story of a water-polo player who loses his memory during a water-polo match.
Heart: The Marilyn Bell Story was released for television in 2001, featuring the true story of Marilyn Bell, a Canadian teenager who, in 1954, became the first person to swim across Lake Ontario.
Breaking the Surface: The Greg Louganis Story, debuted in 1997. This movie shares the tough times Greg Louganis had on his way to becoming one of the world’s top Olympic divers.
Dawn!, a 1979 release, is a movie about the Australian 3 Time Olympic Gold Medalist swimmer Dawn Fraser.
Sea People, released in 1999, is a made for TV movie about a dramatic fantasy about a teenage girl who wants to swim the English Channel.
Swim Team was released in 1979 and is about a new swimming coach is hired to break a team’s seven-year losing streak.
Lastly, while not a movie about great swimmers, Jaws – released in 1975 – is a movie featuring water. The movie has practically become a cult classic and launched the career of the most sought-after director in Hollywood – Steven Speilberg.
Little Otter Swim School’s team members are passionate about teaching kids to swim and be safe as they enjoy the water. Learn more about what makes Little Otter different.
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