More Sailing Adventures Ahead
True Spirit is a new movie about Jessica Watson, one of the youngest people ever to sail around the world solo. It is a true-story that displays how difficult Jessica’s journey was and how much determination she had.
If you’ve finished streaming this one and are looking for alternative movies though – fret not! We’ve combed through the archives and saved you the hassle with our top 10 picks.
Of course for all the movies we’ve reviewed, we’ve also added a handy link so you can check out our full review.
So without further ado, we present 10 movies to check out when you’ve finished watching True Spirit!
Adrift (2018)
Similarities- Near Death Experience
The true story of a young couple taking on a huge sailing trip that get caught in a terrible hurricane. Ultimately, it is a story of survival. It has truth, romance, danger, and a great cast.
This is one of the most recent movies on this list, and thus is the first one that comes to mind when we think about similar movies. It is definitely more mature, dramatic, sad, and heart-wrenching.
If you’re looking for an equally gut-wrenching and heart-wrenching sailing film, this is it.
Racing Around the World Alone (2010)
Similarities- Solo Sail Around the World
A brief film documentary about a competition involving 30 competitors who are all trying to sail around the world the fastest. It contains the highlights of their journeys.
Racing Around the World Alone provides a glimpse into the world of solo sailing and the many challenges that come with it. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in sailing, adventure, and the human spirit.
This film is a very fast-paced look at the many difficulties that solo sailors face. Although it could have been made a little bit better and a little longer, it is still definitely worth watching, especially if you are a sailing enthusiast.
Maidentrip (2013)
Similarities- Solo Sail Around the World
Laura Dekker set sail two years after Jessica Watson, and is the current record holder (at the time of writing this article) for the youngest person to sail around the world. This is her documentary.
Just like in True Spirit, it displays how much courage and determination a young woman can possess. A must watch if you are interested in female accomplishments, authenticity, and true stories of bravery.
Kon-Tiki (2012)
Similarities- Determination
Another true sailing film a little bit similar to True Spirit is Kon-Tiki.
Kon-Tiki was a legendary Norwegian raft expedition from South America to the Polynesian Islands that happened in 1947. This is the theatrical version of that story.
This film is one of the most adventurous on this list. It is very well made and even got an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language Film of the Year. This is actually Norway’s most expensive film ever produced, and it shows.
Red Dot on the Ocean: The Matt Rutherford Story (2014)
Similarities- Determination & Inspiration
Matt Rutherford was the only person to ever sail solo non-stop around the Americas. He was a rowdy teenager that struggled with drugs and following the law, but he had big dreams of exploring.
Sailing helps him turn his life around. This film shows how strong people are capable of making a future themselves when their situation seems hopeless.
This is really similar to True Spirit in terms of overcoming personal difficulties. Like Jessica Watson, Matt Rutherford’s bravery is truly admirable and full of inspiration.
The Mercy (2018)
Similarities- Solo Sail & Big Stakes
The Mercy is about Donald Crowhurst, a novice sailor who tries to sail around the world in a yacht by himself. But he sets up huge stakes for himself in the process, not only risking his life but also his reasons for living—if he doesn’t complete the journey, he will lose everything.
This one has a bit more drama than some of the other movies on this list, but the drama, like many good stories, stems from a lot of truth. This story is a difficult one to film; it is heavy with emotion and a truly fascinating biography of a man with too much weight on his shoulders.
Deep Water (2006)
Similarities- Solo Sail & Big Stakes
Not to be confused with the 2022 psychological thriller with the same name, 2006’s Deep Water is another adaptation (rather, a documentary) of Donald Crowhurst’s story: A novice sailor attempts to sail solo around the world in a yacht. But he sets up huge stakes for himself in the process, not only risking his life but also his reasons for living—if he doesn’t complete the journey, he will lose everything.
Donald Crowhurst’s life was really intriguing. Many people have been in similar situations as he was, but they usually haven’t involved a pledge to sail solo around the world and are thus not quite as interesting as this man’s life was. It is no wonder that there is still some long-standing fascination surrounding him.
You might be wondering what would be better to watch: Deep Water or The Mercy? Both have their pros and cons. If you are looking for something more factual with real footage, definitely go with Deep Water. But if you want something a bit more theatrical, The Mercy fits the bill.
Chasing Bubbles (2016)
Similarities- Inspiration
A true documentary about Alex Rust, an American who abandons his life as a stock trader for one full of adventure at sea. He starts sailing with the help of a “Sailing for Dummies” book and then sails around the world for several years.
This documentary is very well made and equally entertaining. The title fits. It is incredibly inspiring, and that inspiration spreads to the audience, who will feel like they can do anything they set their mind to after watching it.
Aside from the sailing interest, it is a compelling and authentic depiction of what it really looks like when someone gives up their day job and follows their dreams or simply seeks life-altering adventure.
The Dove (1974)
Similarities- Determination, Inspiration, & Depression
The Dove is about 16-year-old Robin Lee Graham, an American boy with dreams of sailing around the world alone. On his journey, he finds the adventure he seeks and the love of his life, too.
The Dove is another good solo sailing film, and like Jessica, Robin also gets a bit depressed when no wind leaves him sitting at sea. It is adventurous, entertaining, inspiring, and romantic.
This is an all-around heart warming story of adventure, motivation, and willpower. It displays Robin’s valor, bravery, and unflinching spirit as he embarks on a heroic quest to realize his ambition of sailing across the globe by himself. The movie is a celebration of the human spirit and a motivational story for anybody who wants to go on their own trip.
White Squall (1996)
Similarities- Inspiration & Near-Death Experience
In White Squall, a group of students sign up to learn sailing and travel the world. They get more than they anticipated when they suddenly encounter a terrible storm: a white squall.
Their story is comprised of danger, humor, friendship, survival, discipline, and growth. It is a little-known tale worthy of a remake.
While not a solo sailing story, this one is still very good and is a bit similar to True Spirit. It is underrated, has a superb cast, and we definitely recommend giving it a try.
So there we have it, our 10 movie picks to keep you busy after watching True Spirit on Netflix.
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!