Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- hopeful
- uplifting
- sincere
- family movie night
- inspirational viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly found a heartfelt and inspirational true story diminished by formulaic Hollywood sentimentality and an overly conventional script.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Bethany must relearn everyday tasks and return to competitive surfing after losing an arm in a shark attack.
Bethany maintains her Christian faith and draws on it alongside family and friends while recovering.
Hawaiian beaches, surf conditions, and dynamic water sequences frame Bethany's physical challenge and return to the ocean.
Cheri and Tom Hamilton, Bethany's siblings, and her friends help her adjust to life after the attack.
Films like Soul Surfer, and why
McFarland, USA
shared true-story sports drama, determined young protagonist, family support, and uplifting comeback narrative
The Rookie
shared inspirational sports drama, adolescent perseverance, faith, and emotionally accessible family storytelling
Eddie the Eagle
shared biographical sports drama centered on resilience, mentorship, and overcoming physical limitations
The Miracle Worker
shared family-oriented true-story drama about disability, courage, and supportive relationships
Movie Details
- Director
- Sean McNamara
- Release Date
- 2011-04-08
- Runtime
- 112 min
- Rating
- 7.0 / 10 (1281)
Cast
- AnnaSophia Robb
- Helen Hunt
- Dennis Quaid
- Carrie Underwood
- Kevin Sorbo
- Ross Thomas
- Chris Brochu
- Lorraine Nicholson
- Jeremy Sumpter
- Sonya Balmores
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Plex
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Soul Surfer about?
- A teenage Hawaiian surfing champion rebuilds her life and athletic dreams after a shark attack costs her an arm.
- What is Soul Surfer like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Soul Surfer as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Soul Surfer violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Soul Surfer as mild.
- What did critics think of Soul Surfer?
- Critics broadly found a heartfelt and inspirational true story diminished by formulaic Hollywood sentimentality and an overly conventional script.
- Which films are like Soul Surfer?
- Films with a similar feel include McFarland, USA, The Rookie, Eddie the Eagle, and The Miracle Worker.
- How long is Soul Surfer?
- Soul Surfer runs 112 minutes.
- Where can I watch Soul Surfer?
- In United States, Soul Surfer streams on Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads.
