BETHANY HAMILTON: UNSTOPPABLE
A God-glorifying surf story of faith, hope, and perseverance.
Should You Watch It?
Yes. BETHANY HAMILTON: UNSTOPPABLE is an action-packed documentary about a world-renowned surfer who lost her left arm in a shark attack and learned to surf with one arm. Over six years, it follows Bethany’s challenges with fame, competition, marriage, motherhood, and perseverance.
The film’s greatest strength is its clear testimony of faith. Bethany attributes her success to God, Bible verses are read and referenced, people pray before surfing, marriage is uplifted, and pregnancy is seen as a gift from God. Her down-to-earth personality and strong work ethic make the story especially encouraging.
There is only minor content to consider, including an OMG profanity and bikini imagery. For a family looking for a hopeful, God-glorifying documentary, this is worth watching together.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESBethany Hamilton tells her own story, beginning with footage from before the shark attack that took her left arm and continuing through the years afterward. She describes the attack, her recovery, and the demanding process of learning to surf and compete again.
Along the way, Bethany meets other surfer-amputees, faces the pressures of fame, and approaches each new challenge with strength, hope, and faith in God.
Is It Any Good?
Four stars means this is an excellent documentary, and UNSTOPPABLE earns that rating. Bethany’s honest story, likeable personality, and strong work ethic draw viewers in from the beginning.
The action is substantial, with footage of surfing and crystal blue waves adding beauty and energy. The documentary also presents Bethany’s faith and perseverance in a compelling way. It is an inspiring, God-glorifying film for audiences of all ages.
The Worldview
UNSTOPPABLE presents a very strong Christian moral worldview. Bethany attributes her success and the peace she experienced after the shark attack to God. Bible verses are read and referenced, people pray before surfing, marriage is uplifted and praised, and pregnancy is seen as a gift from God.
The documentary exalts faith, hope, perseverance, hard work, and strength in the face of setbacks. It also shows Bethany refusing to define herself by disability, instead seeing herself as an athlete whose talent is surfing. Her story presents resilience not as self-sufficiency, but as something sustained with God’s help.
The film’s central message aligns closely with the biblical call to trust God through difficulty. Scripture promises that “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Dominant Worldview and Other Worldview Content/Elements
Very strong Christian moral worldview where woman in this documentary about her attributes all her success to God, marriage is uplifted and praised, people pray before surfing, Bible verses are read and referenced in interviews, and pregnancy is seen as a gift from God
Foul Language
An OMG profanity is said once or twice
Violence
Woman surfer talks about shark attack that took her left arm, and people fall off surfboards into raging waters
Sex
No sex
Nudity
No explicit or naturalistic nudity, but women wear bikinis on the beach and while surfing
Alcohol Use
No alcohol use; Smoking and or Drug Use or Abuse: No smoking or drugs;
Miscellaneous Immorality
Nothing else objectionable.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
Bethany faces major challenges with strength and hope. Where do you need perseverance, and how can you seek God’s help there?
Romans 5:3–5 · James 1:2–4The documentary shows people praying before surfing. What does it mean to acknowledge God before an activity or challenge?
Proverbs 3:5–6 · Colossians 3:17Bethany’s story includes marriage and children. How does Scripture describe marriage and children as gifts?
Genesis 2:18 · Psalm 127:3Bethany gives God credit for her success. What gifts has God given you, and how can you use them faithfully?
1 Corinthians 4:7 · 1 Peter 4:10The Final Word
Bethany Hamilton’s story is beautiful, substantial, and full of faith, hope, and perseverance. With only minor content concerns, UNSTOPPABLE is an excellent choice for families and viewers of all ages. WORTH THE TRIP.
