4 Best Lost-at-sea Movies

A list of the best lost-at-sea movies streaming on Hulu, Disney Plus, and Amazon right now.

Swiss Family Robinson (1960)

The Swiss Family Robinson excels as a castaway film by showcasing practical ingenuity and family unity in action; from their remarkable treehouse engineering to their clever use of island resources. The film transforms survival challenges into engaging adventures, making resilience and adaptation feel both aspirational and entertaining. This film is a legend for many reasons, some also indeed problematic.

The Blue Lagoon (1980)

A visually stunning film from the early 1980s, this film tells the tale of two children marooned on a tropical island. As they grow into adulthood, their story explores the innocence of youth, the discovery of love, and the harmony between humans and nature. Despite mixed reviews, its lush setting and romanticized portrayal of island life have made it a classic in the genre.

Castaway (2000)

This gripping tale of survival follows Tom Hanks as a FedEx employee stranded on a remote island after a plane crash. His journey of self-reliance, ingenuity, and emotional transformation, highlighted by his friendship with a volleyball named “Wilson,” makes it a deeply human and inspiring story of resilience. Hanks’ performance is universally acclaimed, embodying the sheer isolation and psychological toll of being alone.

Triangle of Sadness (2022)

And for an honorable mention, consider Triangle of Sadness (2022)—the most wacky and weird lost-at-sea movie you could dream up. With absurd twists, sardonic humor, and Lord of the Flies-like chaos, it stands out as one of the most bizarre and thought-provoking island films ever made.