Film|Movies

What's the Greatest Hawaii Movie of All Time?

Ranker Film
Updated January 22, 2025 21 items
Ranked By
1.3K votes
305 voters
Voting Rules
Movies must be set in Hawaii, as opposed to simply filmed in Hawaii. Vote up the best movies with Hawaii as a focal point.

Basking in the allure of balmy breezes and crystal-clear waters, an array of Hawaii movies have graced the silver screen over time. These films beautifully showcase the aloha spirit, melding it with captivating plots that range from tender love stories to gripping action adventures. As varied as the archipelago itself are these best Hawaiian movies, each painting a vibrant cinematic world of culture, characters, landscapes, and spirit intrinsic to this Pacific paradise. 

Films set in Hawaii often bask in its tropical backdrop while interweaving tales that mirror its wide mix of cultures and ideologies. The islands become more than just picturesque locales; they shape characters' lives and influence their decisions. The Descendants, for instance, is no ordinary family drama—it's a poignant exploration of heritage, loss, and reconciliation against the backdrop of Oahu’s breathtaking scenery. With every frame, viewers feel the pulse of Hawaiian life underlining the story's depth. Similarly unforgettable comes 50 First Dates, weaving romance and comedy into a tale set in Oahu’s charming Windward side. This film effortlessly elicits laughter even as it tackles themes around memory loss - serving up both heartfelt moments and comedic relief amid lush island scenes. 

Then there's Forgetting Sarah Marshall - yet another romantic comedy that masterfully leverages Maui’s tranquil allure to help heal heartbreaks while sparking new love interests. It paints an authentic picture of a visitor’s experience navigating through personal turmoil along idyllic beaches and high-end resorts. 

Celebrated as some of the best Hawaiian movies, these films offer refined entertainment steeped in cultural nuances prevalent within these serene islands. Each film allows viewers to virtually tour seductive landscapes while immersing themselves in narratives reflecting Hawaiian values or challenges seen from different perspectives - be it a local's or a tourist's. Thus, the best Hawaiian movies artfully blend storytelling with lush tropical panoramics, leaving viewers with an indelible impression of this paradise while quenching their thirst for high-grade cinema. 

Most divisive: Battleship
Over 300 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Very Best Movies About Hawaii
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