I'm having a difficult time shifting my mind back to work mode as it keeps drifting towards the islands. This doesn't help me with the massive pile of emails that need attention, the meetings that keep popping up on my calendar and the money I need to make to pay my vacation credit card bills next month.
But let's go with it a little as I started thinking about the Top 10 beach movies of all time. This is not a scientific list nor a very complete one, however, these are the ones that sprang to mind and I will gladly accept suggestions.
Top 10 Beach Movies (or simply movies where a beach is involved in the story):
10)Summer Rental - This was a John Candy movie that should have been funnier that it turned out to be. 
9)Splash - I saw this one as a kid, and I'm not sure how it holds up now, but this is where Tom Hanks finds a mermaid in Darryl Hannah, which begs the question about just how good is a mermaid because I don't care how nice her face or her boobs look, the bottom part of her is a fish.
8) After The Sunset - This was a semi-decent heist flick, but the reason it really shines is Salma Hayek who dons a lot of form-fitting beach attire that is very distracting to the overall plot yet worth it.
7)Revenge of the Nerds 2: Nerds in Paradise - Couldn't hold a candle to the first film, but there were a few laughs along the way and at the beach.
6)Blue Crush - Watch this movie for some good surfing scenes, some awful dialogue and to witness Kate Bosworth looking the best she will ever look as she actually weighed more than 100 lbs in this flick. 
5)Endless Summer - This was released in the 60s and helped propel surfing into more of the mainstream as the movie follows a couple of surfers from California around the world in search of waves. 
4)The Beach - This book was much better than the movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio, but the beach itself was stunning.
3)One Crazy Summer - An early 80s John Cusack classic that also features Demi Moore pre-plastic surgery AND playing the guitar.
2)Riding Giants - This was an excellent surfing documentary that came out a few years ago and one that I would highly recommend whether you like surfing or not. 
1) Fast Times at Ridgemont High - More of a high school movie, but Sean Penn's Jeff Spicolli does catch some killer waves in his pot-addled mind. Aloha Mr. Hand. 
-BDS
It does you no good to wallow in beach memories now. lol
I have seen a few of these, but only have the soundtrack to "The Beach" but never saw the movie. Strange. One of mY "I have to do this before I die" things is surfing. I better get on that pretty soon.
I guess you're not into Jaws as a beach movie??
ok maybe not...
Jlee - So true. And I've always felt like trying to surf as well, but have never really had the chance. As long as there's no sharks around, I'm willing to try.
Nobich - See above comment. Ha. But you're right as I would consider Jaws as a possibility and in that case, it would have to be near the top. The orginal - not all the crappy sequels. I loathe sharks and wish they would all be wiped off the Earth.
I loved Splash! Your comment on the fin made me laugh.
What about Back to the Beach with Frankie and Annette haha?
I loathed the movie The Beach ughhh.
Son of the Beach? Okay that was more a series but funny!!!!
Your list is appropriate to your theme of "can't leave the beach". A few years ago, Jeff Clarke came to the Newport Film Festival with Riding Giants. I help with transportation, and his assistant kept calling to delay his departure arrangements. We are right on the ocean here in New England, and there was a storm off-shore, the waves were great! Took him 2 days to leave! You are not alone!
Anonymous - It might be funny, but it still raises a damn good question in my mind.
Miss Ash - I thought about Back to the Beach, but couldn't quite go there. It was the only one of those I actually saw and that was years ago. The Beach wasn't very good. But the beach was awesome.
Robert - I know what you're talking about, but I never saw it. If we open it up to TV, Baywatch would factor in somewhere along the way.
Linda - That's a pretty cool story all the way around. I wish I knew how to surf, but the waves are pretty sparse in Austin.
As with nobich, my immediate thought was "BDS! What about Jaws???" But then I'm a scary movie freak so... Glad you're back, even as I wish for you that you could have stayed.
They have the checkered Vans in stock at the skate board shop here!
Its a shame Bowsorth felt pressure (real or imagined) to lose more weight. She was damn sweet in Blue Crush.
One Crazy Summer was effing hilarious. I love that movie.
Bostonpobble - I appreciate the thoughts & I knew I was missing a big one when I made the list & Jaws was it.
Girlbehind - If you're looking for an early Xmas gift for me, then go pick those puppies up immediately. Ha.
Idig - I completely agree, and it's been all downhill since then. I watched Blue Crush on vacation last week, and it just reminded me of her salad days.
WhatIgot - You better believe it. Bobcat Goldwait is also in it and that ugly-ass dog. What a cast.
I can't believe you forgot Point Break.
Can't believe it...
Dammit - you are so right. That one would make the Top 5 for sure. Good call.