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The 7 Best Shark Documentaries Every Surfer Should See

Originally posted on SURFER | By Jason Lock | Last updated Apr 19, 2025 1:00 AM ET

Sharks and surfers have a storied relationship. On the one hand, there's a deep understanding that we're entering a shark's habitat. On the other, a shark incident will send shock waves through a community.

But as incidents become the mainstream media's way of making mindless villains of sharks, there's also an audience who want to understand, educate and delve into the science behind sharks.

There are thousands of documentaries about the relationship between surfers and sharks all across the internet. Here, we've collated a few of the best, ones that tell a story, provide insight and are well researched, offering a human approach to storytelling.

Surrounded: Island of the Sharks

The story of Reunion Island, a small island off the coast of Madagascar that has been subject to shark incidents for decades. The number of fatal incidents could not be ignored, and surfing was officially banned in the area. This documentary takes a scientific approach to what's happening and offers a few explanations. What's clear is locals deep-rooted love for their home, an understanding that sharks are wild animals, little blame, but a want to see change. It has a run-time of 33 minutes, and the full documentary is on YouTube.

Save This Shark

Somehow, this documentary flew a bit under the radar on the global release path. Three-time world champ Mick Fanning teams up with legendary surf filmmaker Taylor Steele and National Geographic on a trip across the globe to talk with shark experts about what we can do to save certain species from extinction. Mick also goes on a bit of a personal journey, having famously had a run-in with a shark during a live broadcast at J-Bay in 2015. Mick takes a stoic approach through the documentary, eager to learn and maybe helps him move past the incident that's been seen by millions of people across the world.

The Call: Featuring Mike Coots

At just 11 minutes long, this is one of the shorter documentaries on the list. Mike Coots is a surfer and bodyboarder who lost his leg to a shark at the age of 18. But the incident only deepened Mike's connection with the ocean, and he now spends his time advocating for sharks. He also photographs all types of sharks and has focussed on demystifying the mainstream media's obsession with them. This documentary is worth 11 minutes of your time.

Shark Vs Surfer

Released in 2020, Shark Vs Surfer is a bit of an over-dramatized version of surfers' relationship with sharks. But the human aspect of it all is what makes this documentary stand out. Brazilian surfer, Marjorie Mariano, shares her story after her best friend was murdered in Hawaii—and how she honored her memory with a New Year's Eve surf. It was then Marjorie was hit by a shark, almost losing her leg in the process. There are similar accounts all over the globe, and shines a bit more of a light on the impact sharks have on surfers. Shark Vs Surfer's downside is the undertone of sharks portrayed as spiteful antagonists. But take it for what it is, and it's a compelling hour or so.

Shark BeachWith Chris Hemsworth

In case you didn't know, Aussie-born Chris Hemsworth's a keen surfer, having grown up surfing around Phillip Island. This documentary was first aired in 2021 and sees Thor on a mission to understand the science of shark behaviours. It's particularly poignant after a rise of attacks across the east coast of Australia. Chris also takes a peep at the latest shark preventative measures. We've come a long way since zebra-striped wetsuits.

Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable

The story of Bethany Hamilton is well documented, but this documentary really tells Beth's whole story. More than just shark attack survivor, Bethany surfed 40-foot Jaws in 2016 and is one of the greatest surfers on the planet with a fierce competitive drive. Filmmaker Aaron Liber has a real and raw connection with Bethany, curating never-before-seen footage of Bethany, weaving together a compelling narrative with visually striking documentary.

Sharkwater Extinction

This is not a surf and shark documentary but a compelling and crazy story. Filmmaker Rob Stewart uncovers the illegal shark fishing industry—a multi-billion-dollar business that's led by crime organizations, who, in some cases, put pressure on government bodies to do their dirty work. It's a gripping watch, one that goes from Rob seeking understanding to fighting for his life.