22. White Squall (1996)
Based on the real-life tragedy of the brigantine Albatross, which sank on May 2, 1961, the film follows a group of young men on a school-sponsored sailing trip led by their captain, “Skipper,” Dr. Sheldon (Jeff Bridges). When the ship is devastated by a sudden windstorm—the titular “white squall”—the boys’ survival hinges on the critical lessons they’ve learned throughout their journey. White Squall doesn’t chart any new or particularly thrilling cinematic waters, but its earnestness and emotional pull make it easy to get swept away.
