January 4, 2024 Orca Blog

10 must-see films about the sea

Lovers of cinema and the bewitching call of the sea, if you're feeling the nostalgia of the big blue and looking for cinematic ideas to get away from it all, Orca Retail has just what you need!

Set sail on a cinematic voyage with this selection of 10 7th art classics, dedicated to the vast expanses and mysteries of the ocean.

Whether you're looking for thrilling adventures or moving stories on the high seas, these films are here to satisfy the longings for the open seas of young and old alike!

Moby Dick

Year of release: 1956
Country of origin: United States
Genre: Drama
Director: John Huston
IMDB rating : 7.3/10
Synopsis: Inspired by Herman Melville's classic, "Moby Dick" follows Captain Ahab in his obsessive quest for the white whale that marked his destiny. A timeless drama exploring madness and revenge on the high seas.

The Little Bather

The little bather

Year of release: 1968
Country of origin:France
Genre: Comedy
Director: Robert Dhéry
IMDB rating : 6.6/10
Synopsis: Inventor André Castagnier finds his life turned upside down when his prototype boat, "Le Petit Baigneur", becomes an unexpected success. This French comedy starring Louis de Funès takes viewers on a hilarious and touching adventure.

Jaws

Year of release: 1975
Country of origin: United States
Genre: Thriller, Horror
Director: Steven Spielberg
IMDB rating : 8.1/10
Synopsis: A great white shark terrorizes the Amity Island resort. The chief of police, an oceanographer and a fisherman embark on a dangerous mission to track him down. A classic of nautical suspense.

The Big Blue Bus

The Big Blue

Year of release: 1988
Country of origin: France
Genre: Adventure, Drama
Director: Luc Besson
IMDB rating : 7.5/10
Synopsis: Two freedivers, rivals since childhood, embark on a quest to reach the depths of the sea. A visual and emotional exploration of the oceans.

Waterworld

Year of release: 1995
Country of origin: United States
Genre: Adventure, Action, Sci-Fi
Director: Kevin Reynolds
IMDB rating : 6.3/10
Synopsis: In a post-apocalyptic future, "Waterworld" offers total immersion in a devastated aquatic world. Watch for Kevin Costner navigating this unique landscape, offering spectacular action scenes and all the fun of 90s movies.

Master and Commander: On the other side of the world

Master and Commander

Year of release: 2003
Country of origin: United States, Australia
Genre: Adventure, Drama, War
Director: Peter Weir
IMDB rating : 7.5/10
Synopsis: Captain Jack Aubrey tracks an enemy ship across the oceans during the Napoleonic Wars, offering an epic adventure at sea and an accurate historical reconstruction. Dive into the Napoleonic Wars on the high seas with Russell Crowe!

Aquatic Life

Aquatic life

Year of release: 2004
Country of origin: United States
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Drama
Director: Wes Anderson
IMDB rating : 7.2/10
Synopsis: La Vie Aquatique takes you on the eccentric adventures of the oceanographic team "Team Zissou". Between mutinies, pirate attacks and encounters with sea creatures, this comedy offers an adventure as chaotic as it is poetic.

The Odyssey of Pi

pi's odyssey

Year of release: 2012
Country of origin: United States
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
Director: Ang Lee
IMDB rating : 7.9/10
Synopsis: The Odyssey of Pi is an exceptional visual and emotional exploration. Follow Pi Patel on an extraordinary adventure after a cargo ship sinks, sharing his lifeboat with a Bengal tiger.

Captain Phillips

Year of release: 2013
Country of origin: United States
Genre: Biography, Drama, Thriller
Director: Paul Greengrass
IMDB rating : 7.8/10
Synopsis: Based on true events, the film recounts the capture of Captain Richard Phillips by Somali pirates, and played by Tom Hanks. Palpable tension and exceptional performances make this story a captivating maritime experience.

Moana (Vaiana)

Moana

Year of release: 2016
Country of origin: United States
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Directors: Ron Clements, John Musker
IMDB rating : 7.6/10
Synopsis:"Moana," also known as "Vaiana" in France, follows the story of a brave young girl who embarks on a daring journey to save her people. Accompanied by the demigod Maui, Moana/Vaiana crosses the ocean and discovers her own destiny linked to the sea. This Disney musical animation offers an epic adventure and inspiring lessons about connecting with the ocean and finding your own identity.