There is always excitement when a new Pixar movie is released so fans are understandably looking forward to this summer’s Luca which will make its debut on Disney+ on June 17. The movie is set on the Italian Riviera and tells the story of a young boy who forms a friendship with another boy who is actually a sea monster disguised as a human.

The movie looks like the perfect family-friendly summer adventure set in a beautiful seaside location. For fans who are especially excited about Luca‘s ocean-set story, there are a lot of other great movies that can also address those aquatic cravings.

10 Jaws (1975)

While Jaws is certainly not as family-friendly as what Luca seems to be promising, one cannot make a list of ocean adventure movies without its inclusion. It is the perfect summer horror movie that depicts the fun vibe of a beach community while also making audiences afraid to go in the water.

Remarkably, even after all these years, Jaws holds up as a horror movie. The shark is still one of the most terrifying movie monsters of all time. And while it is too intense for younger audiences, Steven Spielberg infuses it with that fun magic he’s known for.

9 Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)

Atlantic: The Lost Empire is certainly one of the most overlooked Disney movies of the 21st century. While it failed with critics and audiences upon its initial release, many have since discovered it and hailed it as a pretty fun animated adventure.

The movie follows a ragtag group of explorers who set out to find the fabled lost city of Atlantis. The result is maybe not as memorable or emotionally impactful as some of Disney’s classics, but it is still an enjoyable ride for all ages.

SCREENRANT VIDEO OF THE DAY

8 The Life Aquatic (2004)

Wes Anderson certainly has a distinct and recognizable style to his movies, but he manages to tell a variety of stories. In The Life Aquatic, Anderson takes to the ocean in this comedy about an oceanographer who embarks on a mission to kill the shark that ate his friend.

See also  Married At First Sight: Why Johnny & Bao's Relationship Might Not Last

Like many of Anderson’s movies, it features an all-star cast who help bring the unusual characters to life with Steve Zissou being one of his best characters. It features that signature dry wit of all Anderson’s projects along with a lot of heart.

7 Aquaman (2018)

While he used to be a bit of a laughing stock, Jason Momoa managed to make Aquaman cool in the DCEU. His first solo movie not only allows him to step into the spotlight as a hero but also introduces the amazing world beneath the surface of the water.

The movie embraces the fun and campy comic-book energy in a glorious way making it the most purely enjoyable movie of the DCEU. But it is the world-building of the underwater society that is the most interesting and makes for some great action sequences.

6 Lilo & Stitch (2002)

Yet another Disney movie that often flies under the radar, Lilo & Stitch is a heart-warming story of an unusual friendship, much like the one promised in Luca. It follows a young girl living in Hawaii who befriends a chaotic alien who is being hunted by its creator.

As to be expected with Disney movies, Lilo & Stitch has a sweet and sometimes heartbreaking emotional core. However, around it is a very fun, silly, and entertaining story of friendship as this wild alien learns about life in Hawaii.

5 Mamma Mia! (2008)

Mamma Mia! is one of many movies of the 21st century that was cashed in on nostalgia for beloved music of past generations. While it might seem a bit gimmicky, this romantic-comedy musical set to the hits of Abba allows itself to have a good time.

See also  Avengers: Endgame - Would Smart Hulk Beat Thanos In A Fight?

The music is obviously quite catchy and it helps that it is being performed by a very likable cast of characters. And the beautiful setting for the movie on a Greek island just adds to the fun-loving and warm atmosphere of the story.

4 Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl (2003)

There was a time when the idea of making a movie out of a theme park ride seemed ridiculous. But much to everyone’s surprise, Pirates of the Caribbean turned out to be a wildly fun summer adventure with one of the most unique movie heroes in recent memory.

Headlined by the eccentric and hilarious Captain Jack Sparrow, this adventure of the high seas featured sword fights, naval battles, and sea monsters. While the franchise got a little out of hand, this first movie remains a terrific blockbuster.

3 Finding Nemo (2003)

As it turns out, Luca is not the first time Pixar has had some fun with an ocean setting. Finding Nemo is a hilarious and heartwarming movie that explores the life of all the creatures who live under the sea.

It follows an overly protective clownfish who sets out on a dangerous journey when his son is taken out of the ocean by a human. Pixar really excels at building these fun societies outside of the human world and Finding Nemo delivers a lot of laughs and thrills in their world.

2 Moana (2016)

One of the best Disney animated movies in recent years, Moana is a beautiful and entertaining family-friendly ride. It is set in Ancient Polynesia and follows the titular young girl who dreams of heading out on the ocean like her ancestors in order to reverse a curse.

See also  Dexter Season 8 & Ending Criticized By Original Showrunner

The movie features some great songs that became instant Disney classics. It also features a very fun performance by Dwayne Johnson as Maui, the demigod. It is a perfect movie for the whole family and a story that is set to continue on Disney+.

1 The Little Mermaid (1989)

With Luca exploring the story of a creature from the sea trying to fit in above the surface, it’s hard not to think of this Disney classic. The Little Mermaid follows the sea princess Ariel who tires of her life under the sea and dreams of walking above the surface of the water.

The movie helped launch the Disney Renaissance period and features everything fans would want from a Disney animated movie. There is a touching love story, a great villain, and some very memorable songs. It stands as one of the best Disney movies of all time.

Next10 Actors That Are Immediately Associated With A Franchise

About The Author


Colin McCormick
(2027 Articles Published)

Colin McCormick is a Senior Writer with Screen Rant and has been a proud member of the team since 2019. In addition to his work as Screen Rant, Colin is also a writer of News, Feature and Review pieces at Game Rant. Colin has had a long passion and obsession with movies going back to the first time he saw The Lion King in theaters. Along with movies, Colin stays up-to-date on the latest must-see TV shows. While he loves to find interesting projects in any kind of genre, he has a special movie of crime stories that are infused with a little dark humor much like the work of his favorite author, Elmore Leonard.

More From Colin McCormick