Top Coastal Movies & TV Shows
By Annabel Wickham
Experience the allure of the coast with these captivating movies and television shows that will transport you to sun-drenched shores, swampy sea-fronts, and tropical getaways. From the charm of quaint seaside towns to the excitement of beachside adventures, these films and series offer the perfect escape into coastal bliss.
Whether you’re returning from a day at the beach or simply daydreaming at your desk, our curated list of top coastal movies and shows is sure to ignite your wanderlust, so grab your sunscreen and sunglasses, and get ready to be swept away by the fantasy of coastal living.
Movies:
Point Break (1991) - A story of thrill-seeking from sky-diving to surfing to thievery that unfolds in the beautiful streets and beaches of Southern California.
Mama Mia (2008) - A classic romantic comedy that will make you want to hop in your car and drive straight to the beach singing all the way there.
Castaway (2000) - After a dramatic plane crash, Chuck finds himself on a deserted island. The film focuses on his desperation and attempts to return home but that doesn’t make the location any less beautiful.
The Endless Summer (1966) - Regardless of your surfing capabilities, this movie will want to make you jump on a board immediately.
Float (2023) - After a near-death experience, a woman becomes drawn to a lifeguard who saved her as well as the water she was once afraid of.
Dear John (2010) - Follow the relationship of John and Savannah as their romance takes place over several years due to John’s deployment, but their love is always alive and ignited at the beach.
Nights in Rodanthe (2008) - The coast is a place of retreat in this movie, but once that sense of safety is upended, the two characters find themselves deeply in love.
The Lighthouse (2019) - This black and white psychological thriller follows two lighthouse keepers’ lives at a remote and peculiar island.
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004) - Both funny and adventurous, this quirky Wes Anderson film focuses on an oceanographer and his crew seeking revenge on a shark.
Manchester By The Sea (2016) - A fishing-village marries one individuals’ past with his present after he is left with news that changes his whole life.
Peanut Butter Falcon (2019) - After running away from a nursing home to pursue his dream of becoming a pro wrestler, a man who has Down syndrome befriends an outlaw who becomes his coach and ally. Set in the marsh and waters of the east coast, this movie takes the cake for coastal vibes all around.
The Banshees of Inisherin (2022) - In this story set in a fictional island in Ireland, a man’s determination to suddenly end a friendship leads to drastic consequences.
Luca (2021) - A lighthearted yet inspiring animated story set in a small Italian village, where we follow a young mermaid’s summer on land building relationships and making memories.
Moana (2016) - An adventurous young girl sails out on an aquatic mission to save her people that requires bravery and a chance to discover her true identity.
TV Shows:
Outer Banks (2020) - This drama-filled TV show is the ideal watch if you are looking for something easy to binge. Follow along as the characters spend their days at the beach, on their boats, and searching for treasure while navigating high-school drama.
Big Little Lies (2017) - There’s nothing better than a beach town sprinkled with a little murder. Witness the perfect lives of the upper-middle-class mothers unravel as their deepest darkest secrets come to light.
The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022) - A coming-of-age story that highlights love, friendship, and maturity at Cousins Beach.
White Lotus (2021) - Follow the lives of guests and employees at the stunning White Lotus resort over the course of a week.
Bloodline (2015) - This thrilling series tails a family as their dark secrets begin to cause chaos within every aspect of their lives and cause tears in their relationships.
Ozark (2017) - After a sudden move to Lake Ozark, a disconnected family is caught in the mix with a Mexican drug lord, forcing them to rekindle their broken relationships.
Bel-Air (2022) - A modern take on the classic The Fresh Prince of Bel Air with stunning sets and views of Los Angeles.
Our Flag Means Death (2022) - This American period-drama follows the adventures of a gentleman’s decision to become a pirate and sail the seven seas.
We hope our curated list has inspired you to dream of sandy shores and ocean breezes, even if just for a little while. So, whenever you need a mental getaway, remember the coast is just a play button away.
Is there a movie or TV show that screams coastal to you that you just can’t believe we left out? Let us know here! Filling out this form will enter you into a giveaway where one lucky winner will receive a $10 bindl gift card. Enjoy your journey to the seaside!