Chasing Mavericks
A determined Santa Cruz teenager trains with a guarded surfing legend to face the colossal Mavericks break and discover the deeper meaning of courage.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- inspirational
- earnest
- warm
- family movie night
- sports movie marathon
What critics said
Critics generally found the film sweet and modest but undermined by an unconvincing, formulaic script and a lack of energy.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Frosty Hesson trains fifteen-year-old Jay Moriarity to face the Mavericks break while their friendship transforms both men.
Jay's effort to survive one of the world's largest waves becomes a defining personal quest rather than merely a surfing feat.
The plot foregrounds Jay's training under Frosty and the escalating preparation required to confront Mavericks.
The Mavericks sequence uses expansive, frightening imagery to convey the wave's immense physical power.
Films like Chasing Mavericks, and why
Soul Surfer
inspirational sports drama centered on mentorship, perseverance, and an extraordinary physical challenge
McFarland, USA
true-story sports drama with a determined young protagonist, supportive mentors, and uplifting emotional stakes
The Karate Kid
coming-of-age sports drama built around dedication, mentorship, and overcoming intimidating obstacles
Eddie the Eagle
earnest biographical sports film combining personal resilience, family relationships, and spectacular athletic achievement
Movie Details
- Directors
- Curtis Hanson, Michael Apted
- Release Date
- 2012-10-25
- Runtime
- 116 min
- Rating
- 7.0 / 10 (607)
Cast
- Gerard Butler
- Jonny Weston
- Elisabeth Shue
- Abigail Spencer
- Leven Rambin
- Peter Mel
- Zach Wormhoudt
- Devin Crittenden
- Taylor Handley
- Cooper Timberline
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Cinemax Amazon Channel, Cinemax Apple TV channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- 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 Chasing Mavericks about?
- A determined Santa Cruz teenager trains with a guarded surfing legend to face the colossal Mavericks break and discover the deeper meaning of courage.
- What is Chasing Mavericks like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Chasing Mavericks as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Chasing Mavericks violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Chasing Mavericks.
- What did critics think of Chasing Mavericks?
- Critics generally found the film sweet and modest but undermined by an unconvincing, formulaic script and a lack of energy.
- Which films are like Chasing Mavericks?
- Films with a similar feel include Soul Surfer, McFarland, USA, The Karate Kid, and Eddie the Eagle.
- How long is Chasing Mavericks?
- Chasing Mavericks runs 116 minutes.
- Where can I watch Chasing Mavericks?
- In United States, Chasing Mavericks streams on Cinemax Amazon Channel, Cinemax Apple TV channel.
