From moments of leisure and relaxation to scenes of tension and drama, swimming pools have provided filmmakers with a versatile and visually captivating setting for various stories. The shimmering waters and the unique atmosphere of poolside locales have been used to enhance narratives in creative and unexpected ways. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best movies that take place in or around pools, capturing the essence of these aquatic settings and the stories they help unfold.
- “The Graduate” (1967): Directed by Mike Nichols, “The Graduate” is a classic coming-of-age film that features an iconic pool scene. Starring Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft, the pool becomes a symbolic space where tensions and desires come to a head, reflecting the uncertainty and complexity of the characters’ relationships.
- “Caddyshack” (1980): This sports comedy, directed by Harold Ramis, is set against the backdrop of an upscale golf club, complete with an extravagant swimming pool. The pool becomes the center of chaos and humor as characters navigate eccentricity, comedy, and a mischievous gopher.
- “The Sandlot” (1993): Directed by David M. Evans, “The Sandlot” is a nostalgic coming-of-age film that revolves around a group of kids playing baseball. The neighborhood pool serves as a refreshing oasis during hot summer days, becoming a backdrop for friendship, adventure, and youthful escapades.
- “Let the Right One In” (2008): This Swedish horror film, directed by Tomas Alfredson, features a haunting pool scene where the supernatural elements of the story are unveiled. The tension and atmosphere created around the pool enhance the film’s eerie and atmospheric narrative.
- “The Swimmer” (1968): Based on a short story by John Cheever, “The Swimmer” follows Burt Lancaster as he decides to swim across his affluent suburban neighborhood by using a series of swimming pools. This surreal and symbolic journey becomes a powerful exploration of suburban life and personal revelation.
- “Million Dollar Mermaid” (1952): Starring Esther Williams, this musical biopic tells the story of Annette Kellerman, a professional swimmer and early film star. With dazzling aquatic performances and impressive synchronized swimming sequences, the film showcases the beauty and athleticism of swimming in a pool.
- “It Follows” (2014): Directed by David Robert Mitchell, “It Follows” is a psychological horror film that uses a swimming pool in a chilling and symbolic manner. The pool scene becomes a tense and atmospheric setting, adding to the film’s eerie and suspenseful tone.
- “Boogie Nights” (1997): Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, “Boogie Nights” takes viewers into the glamorous and sometimes seedy world of the 1970s porn industry. A pool party scene serves as a vibrant backdrop for the film’s exploration of excess, decadence, and the consequences of the characters’ choices.
- “Swimming Pool” (2003): Directed by François Ozon, “Swimming Pool” is a psychological thriller that unfolds around a secluded villa with a pool in the South of France. The pool becomes a metaphor for the simmering tensions and mysteries between two women, played by Charlotte Rampling and Ludivine Sagnier.
- “Spring Breakers” (2012): Directed by Harmony Korine, “Spring Breakers” takes the pool party scene to the extreme. The film, featuring a group of college girls who get involved in criminal activities during spring break, uses the pool as a setting for excess, hedonism, and a visual feast of colors and atmosphere.
Whether serving as a symbol of luxury and leisure or becoming the backdrop for tension and revelation, pools have played a significant role in shaping the narratives of these films. From iconic moments to atmospheric settings, the best movies set in and around pools offer a diverse range of stories that highlight the versatility and visual allure of aquatic environments. Dive into the world of these cinematic gems, where the shimmering waters add depth and resonance to the narratives they help unfold.