Chasing Mavericks

Play trailer

Chasing Mavericks

PG

2012

1h 55m

Drama

Adventure

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

32%

Tomatometer

81 Reviews

70%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

When 15-year-old surfing phenomenon Jay Moriarty discovers that the mythic Mavericks surf break, one of the biggest waves on Earth, actually exists near his California home, he becomes determined to conquer it. Jay enlists the aid of local surfing legend Frosty Hesson to train him to ride the Mavericks and live to tell about it. As Jay and Frosty carry on their quest to achieve the impossible, they develop a unique friendship that transforms both their lives.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Stream Now

Critics Consensus

It's sweet, gentle, and affably modest, but Chasing Mavericks is ultimately pulled under by an unconvincing script and a puzzling lack of energy.

Read Critics Reviews

Charlotte O'Sullivan

London Evening Standard

07/05/2013

2/5

Like waves beating on a shore, the guff just keeps on coming.

Go to Full Review

Henry Barnes

Guardian

07/04/2013

2/5

The script's a drowner, the acting's awash. Again and again Butler returns to the sea. He just about survives the buffeting.

Go to Full Review

Robbie Collin

Daily Telegraph (UK)

07/04/2013

1/5

[A] neap tide of mush.

Go to Full Review

Kip Mooney

College Movie Review

09/18/2021

B-

Not only beautiful to watch, but also occasionally inspirational.

Go to Full Review

Brian D. Johnson

Maclean's Magazine

07/31/2019

The surf footage is astounding, especially at the climax of the story's quest. But the story itself lacks juice. The movie seems designed purely as an inspirational monument to its young hero, and it comes across as hagiography.

Go to Full Review

Sarah Gopaul

Digital Journal

10/22/2018

Riding 30-foot waves is testing your luck, regardless of your skill level. But watching the skillful manipulate the swells and currents is awe-inspiring. Chasing Mavericks is a beautiful picture about dedication in all aspects of life.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

D M

@JoeyBidunce Feb 3

A true story made into a fantastic movie. Great acting, decent script- steller music. And Butler, Shue, and Spencer are very good actors.

See more

Ulrik S

07/17/2024

This is one of the best movies I have ever seen. The actors was perfect for the role they played and the move shocked my heart for a weird reason, but the movie was so beautiful.

See more

Dylan K

06/02/2024

All time favorite. The acting, the true story telling, all very well done with respect to the family. Top 3 surf movies of all time.

See more

Joshua T

01/11/2024

I watch this movie today and I was like not expecting it to be as good I just wanted something to watch in this movie actually was better than I expected the actors in it were phenomenal and now I would like to watch this again with my wife probably up there and I knew favorite movie

See more

SkyRo P

@TheMovieSearch 01/02/2024

#MovieReview #Disneyplus #TrueStory #LiveLikeJay #ChasingMavericks Chasing Mavericks, originally a Fox movie now available on Disney+, is a must-watch film that deserves your attention. Based on a true story, this movie showcases Gerard Butler in an early role, portraying a teacher figure in a compelling manner. The narrative follows a fatherless child who perseveres against all odds to achieve his dreams, making for a heartwarming and inspiring story. I appreciate Disney's efforts in bringing such hidden gems to light, allowing audiences to enjoy and appreciate these lesser-known films. The authenticity of the water scenes, using real water instead of relying heavily on CGI, adds a level of realism to the film that enhances the viewing experience. Chasing Mavericks is a captivating movie that offers a mix of drama, inspiration, and genuine emotion. It's a great addition to the Disney franchise and definitely worth a watch for those seeking an uplifting and impactful story. Give this film a chance, and you won't be disappointed.

See more

Marlene A

11/08/2023

I get why lots of critics call it cheesy, it is! The 3 stars go for the waves and because it's based on a real person. I would bet it's just loosely based on a real story. The scenes with Frosty's wife acting like an angel were so..... so.... well, cheesy. Overall it was entertaining.

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

Curtis Hanson

Director

Michael Apted

Director

Gerard Butler

Frosty Hesson

Jonny Weston

Jay Moriarty

Elisabeth Shue

Christy Moriarty

Abigail Spencer

Brenda Hesson

Big Miracle

74%

64%

Big Miracle

Watchlist

Life of Pi

86%

84%

Life of Pi

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Life of Pi

Max

37%

70%

Max

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Max

Wonderstruck

68%

55%

Wonderstruck

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Wonderstruck

I Am David

39%

83%

I Am David

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

Synopsis

When 15-year-old surfing phenomenon Jay Moriarty discovers that the mythic Mavericks surf break, one of the biggest waves on Earth, actually exists near his California home, he becomes determined to conquer it. Jay enlists the aid of local surfing legend Frosty Hesson to train him to ride the Mavericks and live to tell about it. As Jay and Frosty carry on their quest to achieve the impossible, they develop a unique friendship that transforms both their lives.

Director: Curtis Hanson, Michael Apted
Producer: Curtis Hanson, Mark Johnson, Brandon Hooper, Jim Meenaghan
Screenwriter: Kario Salem
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Production Co: Gran Via, Deuce Three Prods.
Rating: PG (Thematic Elements|Some Perilous Action)
Genre: Drama, Adventure
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 26, 2012, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 1, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $6.0M
Runtime: 1h 55m
Sound Mix: Datasat, Dolby, SDDS

Most Popular at Home Now