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Soul Surfer

2011·Movie
1h 52min·PG
IMDb7.0Metacritic537.2Rotten Tomatoes45%75%

Where to watch

Netflix

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

What's your score?

Your score

Soul Surfer fingerprint

High energy, big heart, no humor.

Energy

Thrilling and spectacular

  • Adrenaline7
  • Spectacle7
  • Tension6

Heart

Uplifting and cathartic

Much of it is about growing up and family.

  • Hopefulness9
  • Catharsis9
  • Pathos8

Humor

Serious throughout

  • Wit & Wordplay2
  • Dark Humor2
  • Situational Comedy1

World

Everyday modern life, a real life story, and sports

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • World Immersion8
  • Dialogue Centrality7
  • Rewatchability7

Craft

Standout characters and performances

  • Character Depth9
  • Acting8
  • Direction7

Style

Functional look and sound

  • Cinematography7
  • Editing7
  • Music Composition7

Who it's for

AdultsFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalKidsPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyPure EscapismThought-Provoking

Skip it if

You want something to laugh at

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Feel Good moviesMotivational movies

Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

When you come back from a loss, beat the odds, and never say never, you find a champion.

The true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, through her sheer determination and unwavering faith.
Shark Attack SurvivalFaith and DeterminationTeen SurferTrue StorySports ComebackFamily SupportInspirationalOvercoming OddsContemporary Setting

Crew

Directed by:
Sean McNamara, Gregory J. Barnett, Hope Garrison
Written by:
Sean McNamara, Sean McNamara, Michael Berk
Produced by:
Sean McNamara, Douglas Schwartz, Tiffany Hofstetter
Composed by:
Marco Beltrami, Julia Michels

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about Soul Surfer

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Soul Surfer legally?

Netflix

Soul Surfer is included with a subscription to Netflix in the United States. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is Soul Surfer worth watching?

60
DecentGoodWatch score

Opinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 60/100 (IMDb 7, Rotten Tomatoes 45%, and Metacritic 53). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is Soul Surfer rated?

PGViolence

It's rated PG in the United States. Content advisories: violence.

How long is Soul Surfer?

1 h 52 min

Soul Surfer runs 1 h 52 min.

Is Soul Surfer based on a true story?

Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.

Do critics and audiences agree on Soul Surfer?

Critics49
Audiences72

Not quite. Audiences rate Soul Surfer higher (72) than critics (49). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.

Was Soul Surfer a box office hit?

Budget$18 million
Box office$47 million

Yes. It cost about $18 million to make and earned $47 million worldwide, 2.6 times its budget.

What language is Soul Surfer in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in United States.

In how many countries can I watch Soul Surfer?

81AEALARATAUBABEBGBHBOBRBYBZCA+67

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Soul Surfer in 81 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does Soul Surfer use?

Good ParentsI Want My Mommy!Ominous Latin ChantingAlliterative TitleBlood Is Squicker in WaterShe's Back!Homeschooled KidsTalent DoubleCatapult NightmareAdaptational Angst UpgradeRevengeReal-Person Epilogueand 38 more

TV Tropes lists 50 storytelling tropes for Soul Surfer, including Good Parents, I Want My Mommy!, Ominous Latin Chanting.