Incredible Free Diving Movies to Watch Now

Freediving films explore the depths of the ocean and the limits of human endurance, offering a unique cinematic experience. Whether you're looking for a freediving classic from the 80s or breathtaking footage from today's technologies, there's something for every diver-cinephile... These captivating works plunge viewers into a silent, mysterious world, where underwater beauty mingles with the intensity of competition and personal quest. Whether immersive documentaries or dramatic stories inspired by real events, these movies highlight the extreme discipline and passion of freediving. Here is a must-see selection for those who want to discover the magic and challenges of freediving through striking images and inspiring stories...

The Big Blue (1988)

Also known under its French title of Le Grand Bleu, this 80’s freediving movie is loosely based on the tense and competitive friendship between renowned free divers Jacques Mayol and Enzo Maiorca. We follow these friends/rivals from the 60s to the 80s in an epic of palpable tension. The visual and acoustic aesthetics of this cult film are breathtaking (particularly in its use of colour and music), and there are some fabulous underwater shots (admirable for the technology used at the time). The 100% eighties freediving suits used in the film are also worth a look. Although based on the true story of the two freedivers, The Big Blue develops a largely fictional plot, notably the love story between two of the main characters. Above all, The Big Blue is director Luc Besson's magnificent declaration of love for the ocean and freedom. Expect to be moved and captivated by this world of diving, and by the remarkable performances of Jean Reno, Rosanna Arquette and Jean-Marc Barr.

One Breath Around the World (2019)

This calming 12 minute long underwater journey offers breathtaking visuals… One Breath Around the World gives a peaceful look at free diving legend Guillaume Néry’s journey under the waters of the world, filmed by free diver, filmmaker and Néry’s wife, Julie Gautier. Watch from a distance and take in the emptiness and openness of these underwater expanses, as well as following Néry close up, as if you’re swimming along with him… this aquatic exploration, and the latest in Néry and Gautier’s free diving film series, takes film making and freediving to new levels. A fascinating look at underwater spaces and at how the human body moves in the calm water, One Breath Around the World is a mesmerising aquatic adventure. Watch as Néry gracefully propels himself between rocks, glides past sharks, scrambles across reefs and swims under the surface of ice. A fantastic look at light and movement, this short piece of visual art is not to be missed for lovers of diving, performance or just people wanting to watch something calming.

Narcose (2013)

Another fantastic piece of work by the famous freediving film making team of Guillaume Néry and Julie Gautier is the short film, Narcose. Written and directed by Gautier, this film focuses on ideas about nitrogen narcosis, also known as ‘raptures of the deep,’ which affects all freedivers, most noticeably when diving deeper than 30 meters. This narcosis, varying in effect depending on the dive and diver, produces effects on the body and mind such as creating feelings of euphoria (or adversely of anxiety), dizziness, loss of concentration and even hallucinations, memory loss and unconsciousness – it can also sometimes prove fatal. With this in mind, Gautier sets out to show the inner journey of a free diver, in a way that seeks to present the conflicts and chaos inflicted upon the mind of the diver by this state of narcosis. Blurring the lines between what is real and what is imagined, due to this state of ‘drunkness of the depths’, Gautier shows us, through her surrealist short film, scenes based on her husband, Néry’s personal nitrogen narcosis experiences.

Dolphin Man (2017)

Dolphin Man is a 2017 documentary film directed by Lefteris Charitos. This stunning documentary about famous French free diver, Jacques Mayol, is a must-see free diving film. A highly acclaimed documentary, Dolphin Man should be on every free diving fan’s to-watch list, looking in depth at the life and legacy of the legend himself (if you watch this, you may also want to watch The Big Blue, as Jean-Marc Barr who plays him in The Big Blue, also narrates this film). A touching portrait of a world-famous sports figure, we meet the people closest to this record-breaking free diver, and hear about the late great figure’s fascinating life through them. The first free diver to dive to 100 metres, Mayol’s achievements are remembered in this film, through the use of archive footage and interviews with other free diving champions whom he inspired. Dolphin Man received praise for its beautiful cinematography and its poignant portrayal of Jacques Mayol's life. It has been appreciated for bringing attention to the sport of free diving and highlighting the environmental and existential themes related to the ocean.

Ocean Men: Extreme Dive (2001)

Starring Cuban free diver, Pipin Ferreras and Italian free diver, Umberto Pelizzari, this stunning documentary shows just what it is to be a free diving champion above and below the water’s surface. This inspiring documentary is a must-see film for lovers of the sport, as well as of the ocean, with some stunning underwater shots that will make you want to dive into the water that you are watching. Ocean Men: Extreme Dives gives a fascinating glimpse into the life of a free diver, in terms of training, preparation and competitions. The addition of voiceover from these champion divers, only adds to this documentary’s inspirational message. After the history of humankind’s relationship with the sea is explored, and the personal histories of these two divers are given, we’re then given a visual feast – as we watch these two free diving legends explore caverns and wrecks, and watch as they attempt to record free dives. This inspiring documentary shows a free diver's journey and the phenomenal amounts of strength, preparation and endurance that are needed to descend to such depths.

The Deepest Breath (2023)

This 2023 documentary features Italian champion Alessia Zecchini, motivated by her quest to set a new freediving world record. This poignant masterpiece, available on Netflix, explores the fascinating but perilous world of deep-sea freediving. Directed by Laura McGann, the film follows the intertwined journeys of two elite athletes, a daring diver and a dedicated safety diver, as they push the limits of human endurance and emotional connection. Through breathtaking footage and moving personal accounts, In the Deepest Depths plunges viewers into the depths of the ocean while tackling universal themes such as passion, sacrifice and the relentless quest for self-fulfilment. The documentary highlights the dangers inherent in this extreme sport, while celebrating the beauty and serenity divers find beneath the surface, offering a profound reflection on the fragility of life and the strength of the human spirit. In this captivating documentary, made up of archive footage, interviews and a number of reconstructions, viewers are asked what drives these men and women to risk their lives and push back the limits of human endurance in search of new records.

For more cinematic adventures...

If you want to continue or extend your list of adventure sports to watch, you'll find a good number of articles on our blog about masterpieces combining sports and cinema. If you like surfing, make sure you don't miss this list of the best surfing films ever made!

And if you're more into climbing or mountaineering, we invite you to enjoy our list of the best rock climbing films.