Rotten Tomatoes
Cancel Movies Tv shows RT App News Showtimes

Chasing Mavericks

Play trailer Poster for Chasing Mavericks PG 2012 1h 55m Drama Adventure Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
32% Tomatometer 81 Reviews 70% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
When 15-year-old surfing phenomenon Jay Moriarty (Jonny Weston) discovers that the mythic Mavericks surf break, one of the biggest waves on Earth, actually exists near his California home, he becomes determined to conquer it. Jay enlists the aid of local surfing legend Frosty Hesson (Gerard Butler) to train him to ride the Mavericks and live to tell about it. As Jay and Frosty carry on their quest to achieve the impossible, they develop a unique friendship that transforms both their lives.
Watch on Fandango at Home Stream Now

Where to Watch

Chasing Mavericks

Chasing Mavericks

What to Know

Critics Consensus

It's sweet, gentle, and affably modest, but Chasing Mavericks is ultimately pulled under by an unconvincing script and a puzzling lack of energy.

Read Critics Reviews

Critics Reviews

View More
Charlotte O'Sullivan London Evening Standard 07/05/2013
2/5
Like waves beating on a shore, the guff just keeps on coming. Go to Full Review
Henry Barnes Guardian 07/04/2013
2/5
The script's a drowner, the acting's awash. Again and again Butler returns to the sea. He just about survives the buffeting. Go to Full Review
Robbie Collin Daily Telegraph (UK) 07/04/2013
1/5
[A] neap tide of mush. Go to Full Review
Kip Mooney College Movie Review 09/18/2021
B-
Not only beautiful to watch, but also occasionally inspirational. Go to Full Review
Brian D. Johnson Maclean's Magazine 07/31/2019
The surf footage is astounding, especially at the climax of the story's quest. But the story itself lacks juice. The movie seems designed purely as an inspirational monument to its young hero, and it comes across as hagiography. Go to Full Review
Sarah Gopaul Digital Journal 10/22/2018
Riding 30-foot waves is testing your luck, regardless of your skill level. But watching the skillful manipulate the swells and currents is awe-inspiring. Chasing Mavericks is a beautiful picture about dedication in all aspects of life. Go to Full Review
Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View More
Ulrik S 07/17/2024 This is one of the best movies I have ever seen. The actors was perfect for the role they played and the move shocked my heart for a weird reason, but the movie was so beautiful. See more Dylan K 06/02/2024 All time favorite. The acting, the true story telling, all very well done with respect to the family. Top 3 surf movies of all time. See more Joshua T 01/11/2024 I watch this movie today and I was like not expecting it to be as good I just wanted something to watch in this movie actually was better than I expected the actors in it were phenomenal and now I would like to watch this again with my wife probably up there and I knew favorite movie See more SkyRo P @TheMovieSearch 01/02/2024 #MovieReview #Disneyplus #TrueStory #LiveLikeJay #ChasingMavericks Chasing Mavericks, originally a Fox movie now available on Disney+, is a must-watch film that deserves your attention. Based on a true story, this movie showcases Gerard Butler in an early role, portraying a teacher figure in a compelling manner. The narrative follows a fatherless child who perseveres against all odds to achieve his dreams, making for a heartwarming and inspiring story. I appreciate Disney's efforts in bringing such hidden gems to light, allowing audiences to enjoy and appreciate these lesser-known films. The authenticity of the water scenes, using real water instead of relying heavily on CGI, adds a level of realism to the film that enhances the viewing experience. Chasing Mavericks is a captivating movie that offers a mix of drama, inspiration, and genuine emotion. It's a great addition to the Disney franchise and definitely worth a watch for those seeking an uplifting and impactful story. Give this film a chance, and you won't be disappointed. See more Marlene A 11/08/2023 I get why lots of critics call it cheesy, it is! The 3 stars go for the waves and because it's based on a real person. I would bet it's just loosely based on a real story. The scenes with Frosty's wife acting like an angel were so..... so.... well, cheesy. Overall it was entertaining. See more Emilliano Jr S 07/19/2023 I thought that this was better than Soul Surfer. See more Read all reviews
Chasing Mavericks

My Rating

Read More Read Less POST RATING WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW
Big Miracle 74% 64% Big Miracle Watchlist Life of Pi 86% 84% Life of Pi Watchlist TRAILER for Life of Pi Max 37% 70% Max Watchlist TRAILER for Max Wonderstruck 68% 55% Wonderstruck Watchlist TRAILER for Wonderstruck I Am David 39% 83% I Am David Watchlist Discover more movies and TV shows. View More

Movie Info

Synopsis When 15-year-old surfing phenomenon Jay Moriarty (Jonny Weston) discovers that the mythic Mavericks surf break, one of the biggest waves on Earth, actually exists near his California home, he becomes determined to conquer it. Jay enlists the aid of local surfing legend Frosty Hesson (Gerard Butler) to train him to ride the Mavericks and live to tell about it. As Jay and Frosty carry on their quest to achieve the impossible, they develop a unique friendship that transforms both their lives.
Director
Curtis Hanson, Michael Apted
Producer
Curtis Hanson, Mark Johnson, Brandon Hooper, Jim Meenaghan
Screenwriter
Kario Salem
Distributor
20th Century Fox
Production Co
Gran Via, Deuce Three Prods.
Rating
PG (Thematic Elements|Some Perilous Action)
Genre
Drama, Adventure
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 26, 2012, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 1, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA)
$6.0M
Runtime
1h 55m
Sound Mix
Datasat, Dolby, SDDS
Most Popular at Home Now