Buzz
Countless compilations highlight various themes or scenarios in cinema, but I was amazed to find that no one had ever curated a list centered around swimming pools. Deciding to take on the challenge, I aimed to avoid films where pools were the central focus. Without further delay, here are 10 movies featuring unforgettable swimming pool scenes. Feel free to share your favorite pool moments from films in the comments below.
10. Harold and Maude 1971, Bud Cort and Ruth Gordon
This remarkable film follows Harold, a 19-year-old played by Bud Cort, who forms an unlikely bond with Maude, a woman in her late 70s portrayed by Ruth Gordon. Harold repeatedly stages fake suicides to capture his mother’s attention. In this particular scene, his mother swims past him, oblivious to his latest dramatic act.
Interesting Fact: Harold and Maude ranks 45th on the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 Funniest Movies of all time and has also been adapted into a Broadway play.
9. Mommy Dearest 1981, Faye Dunaway as Joan Crawford
Faye Dunaway’s exaggerated portrayal of Joan Crawford shines in this pool scene, where she effortlessly defeats her daughter in a swimming race and taunts her with the line, “You lost again.” Her anger flares when her daughter responds with youthful frustration.
Interesting Fact: Joan Crawford once remarked in a 1970s interview that Faye Dunaway was the only young actress with the potential to become a true star. However, Dunaway’s career suffered after Mommy Dearest, and she later expressed regret for taking on the role.
8. National Lampoon’s Vacation 1983, Chevy Chase and Christie Brinkley
This iconic pool scene features Chevy Chase and the stunning Christie Brinkley, whom he encounters multiple times during his vacation. Their skinny-dipping moment, which begins around two-thirds into the clip, remains unforgettable.
Interesting Fact: Brinkley never actually appeared nude in the film, despite reports that the producers hoped she would. Recently, Christie Brinkley and Chevy Chase recreated this iconic pool scene for a DirecTV commercial.
7. Fast Times at Ridgemont High 1982, Phoebe Cates and Judge Reinhold
This film has appeared in Mytour lists three times: Top 15 Movies about High School, Top 10 Badass Druggies in Movies, and Top 15 Iconic Teen Movies. Its inclusion here is inevitable. The famous pool scene begins when Reinhold’s character, Brad, returns home and heads to the bathroom after a grueling day at Captain Hook’s Fish and Chips. Phoebe Cates then captures his attention through the bathroom window.
Interesting Fact: Phoebe Cates was hesitant to film her topless pool scene, fearing that neighbors might be watching from nearby rooftops. While not as historic as Shakespeare’s birthplace, the house used for the scene can be viewed via Google Street Maps here, thanks to the address provided on Wikipedia.
6. Meet The Parents 2000, Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro
This hilarious pool scene features Gaylord Focker, played by Ben Stiller, struggling during a pool volleyball game. In his desperate attempt to impress his girlfriend’s parents and their friends, he overexerts himself and accidentally spikes the ball into the bride-to-be’s face.
Interesting Fact: Jim Carrey was initially considered for the lead role and even contributed to the screenplay, including the idea of naming the main character ‘Focker.’ The MPAA only approved the name after the filmmakers proved it was an actual surname.
5. Back to School 1986, Rodney Dangerfield
This comedy is a must-watch for Rodney Dangerfield fans, packed with his signature one-liners. In this pool scene, Dangerfield’s character, Thornton Melon, performs his legendary “Triple Lindy.”
Interesting Fact: While the movie was primarily filmed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, referred to as Grand Lakes University in the film, the swim stadium scenes were shot at a Country Club in the City of Industry, located about 25 miles southeast of Hollywood, California.
4. Bathing Beauty 1944, Esther Williams
No list of memorable swimming pool movies is complete without Esther Williams. This iconic water ballet scene is what most people remember her for, and it marked her first leading role.
Interesting Fact: Originally titled “The Co-Ed” with Red Skelton as the lead, MGM executives reworked the film after seeing the initial cut. They shifted focus to Esther Williams, renaming it “Bathing Beauty” to highlight her performance.
3. The Graduate 1967, Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft
This is not just a great pool scene but also a classic film moment. The scene begins with “Sound of Silence” (around the midpoint of the clip) and continues through the second Simon & Garfunkel song, “April Come She Will,” as Benjamin (Dustin Hoffman) floats on a raft, gazing up at the Robinsons.
Interesting Fact: The “Taft Hotel” scenes were shot at the historic Ambassador Hotel, the same location where U.S. Senator and Presidential candidate Robert Kennedy was assassinated less than six months after the film’s release.
2. Caddy Shack 1980, Bill Murray
Mention Baby Ruth candy bars and swimming pools in the same sentence, and if you don’t crack a smile, you’ve either never seen this movie or lack a sense of humor. This scene includes a brief two-second moment of nudity.
Interesting Fact: The iconic pool scene was filmed at Plantation Country Club in Plantation, Florida, and was inspired by a real-life event from the high school days of Brian Doyle-Murray, one of the film’s writers.
1. It’s a Wonderful Life 1946, James Stewart and Donna Reed
“Did you know there’s a swimming pool beneath this floor? And did you know that button behind you opens it up? And did you also know George Bailey is dancing right over that crack?”
Interesting Fact: The swimming pool featured in this iconic scene is at Beverly Hills High School and remains in use today. Director Frank Capra offered a $25 bonus to any teenager willing to jump into the pool on cue during the climactic moment.
+ Something’s Got to Give 1962, Marilyn Monroe
A previous list titled “Top 10 Great Movies That Were Never Finished” showcased the first 10 minutes of this incomplete film. This clip highlights the now-famous swimming pool scene, shot just before Monroe was fired, leading to the movie’s cancellation. Monroe passed away a few months after this raw studio footage was recorded.
Notable Omissions: The Thrill of It All, The Last Picture Show, Cocoon, Drowning By Numbers
