The Surfer (1986): cast, story & where to watch
1986 · Film · ★ 5

Released in 1986, The Surfer is a thriller and crime film directed by Frank Shields, running about 90 minutes.
What it’s about. Sam Barlow is a Vietnam veteran who runs a small store that caters to surfers in this action thriller. When his best friend is murdered, Sam takes on the mobsters to avenge the death. With the help of a beautiful blonde, Sam uncovers a sex scandal involving a high-ranking government official. Also implicated are a sadistic soldier of fortune and a corrupt cop who tries to impede the investigation.
Who’s in it. The Surfer stars Gary Day as Sam, Gosia Dobrowolska as Gina, Rod Mullinar as Hagan and Tony Barry as Calhoun, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 5.0/10, The Surfer has proved divisive with audiences.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Surfer page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Surfer tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, Pulp Fiction, Parasite and Fight Club.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Surfer (1986)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Surfer change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is The Surfer worth watching?
- The Surfer holds an audience score of 5.0 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy thriller and crime. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in The Surfer?
- The Surfer stars Gary Day, Gosia Dobrowolska, Rod Mullinar, Tony Barry and Gerard MacGuire.
- When was The Surfer released?
- The Surfer was released in 1986, with a runtime of about 90 minutes.
