Back to the Beach

Back to the Beach

Year: 1987

Runtime: 92 min

Language: English

Director: Lyndall Hobbs

ComedyMusical

Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello, a couple accustomed to a relaxed life, move to California seeking a change of pace. There, they unexpectedly find themselves immersed in the exciting and evolving beach scene, encountering new friends and experiences along the way. The film captures the spirit of the California coast and the changing times.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Back to the Beach yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Back to the Beach (1987)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Back to the Beach (1987). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Contemporary, with flashbacks to the 1960s

The film takes place in contemporary times while also alluding to the explosive surf culture of the 1960s. This era was marked by famed surf contests and youth-centered entertainment, showcasing vibrant music and fashion. As the characters navigate their modern lives, the lingering impact of their past experiences creates a compelling juxtaposition between then and now.

Location

Southern California, Hawaii, Los Angeles, Daddy O's

Southern California is renowned for its beautiful beaches and vibrant surfing culture, where legends like Frankie thrived in the 60s. Hawaii, known for its stunning landscapes and surf spots, becomes the destination for the family vacation. Los Angeles serves as a nostalgic backdrop, filled with reminders of past glories and family connections, particularly for Frankie and Annette. Daddy O's is a lively beachfront club that captures the essence of surf culture and nostalgia.

🏄 Surfing 🌴 Beach 🌊 Ocean

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:10

Main Characters – Back to the Beach (1987)

Meet the key characters of Back to the Beach (1987), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Bobby (Demian Slade)

Bobby is a 14-year-old who embodies the rebellious spirit of adolescence, often at odds with his parents. His leather attire and piercings signify his struggle for identity against the backdrop of his family's past. Throughout the film, he learns to navigate his relationships and the influence of his father's legacy.

👦 Teenager 🎸 Rebellious 🤘 Family

Frankie (Frankie Avalon)

Frankie is a once-famous surfer who now grapples with the mundane life of a car salesman. His nostalgia for the past often puts a strain on his marriage as he yearns to reconnect with his surf idol days. Despite his challenges, he ultimately discovers courage and rekindles his passion for surfing.

🏄‍♂️ Surfer 🥇 Nostalgic ❤️ Family Man

Annette (Annette Funicello)

Annette is a former Mouseketeer who channels her frustrations into her shopping and social life. Initially struggling with feelings of jealousy and insecurity regarding her husband’s past, she ultimately seeks to reconnect and build a deeper bond with him. Her character evolves as she embraces her own passions.

👩‍🎤 Singer 💍 Jealousy ❤️ Supportive

Sandi (Lori Loughlin)

Sandi is Frankie and Annette's 20-year-old daughter who is living with her surfer boyfriend without her parents knowing. Her chaotic life becomes a focal point for familial tension, yet she struggles to balance independence with her parents' expectations. Sandi ultimately shows growth as she navigates her own relationships.

👩 Young Adult 💑 Romance 🎉 Independent

Michael (Tommy Hinkley)

Michael is Sandi’s surfer boyfriend, who initially causes tension between the family. His charm and surfer lifestyle challenge Frankie's views but also reveal deeper connections to family legacy. Michael's character adds complexity to the family dynamics and surf culture.

🌊 Surfer 💖 Romantic Interest 🏄‍♂️ Adventurous

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:10

Major Themes – Back to the Beach (1987)

Explore the central themes of Back to the Beach (1987), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Relationships

The film explores complex familial relationships, especially between parents and their rebellious teenagers. It delves into themes of love, jealousy, and reconciliation, as Frankie and Annette confront their past and present struggles. Through the dynamics between the family and their friends, the story reveals how love can endure the tests of time, despite misunderstandings.

🏄‍♂️ Courage

Frankie's journey signifies the theme of courage, both in surfing and in facing personal fears. His reluctance to surf stems from past trauma, yet he finds strength as he confronts his history head-on. This theme resonates with the younger characters as they also navigate their challenges, emphasizing the importance of overcoming fears to reconnect with passions.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:10

Unlock the Full Story of Back to the Beach

Don't stop at just watching — explore Back to the Beach in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Back to the Beach is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Back to the Beach Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Back to the Beach, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Back to the Beach Summary

Back to the Beach Timeline

Track the full timeline of Back to the Beach with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Back to the Beach Timeline

More About Back to the Beach

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Back to the Beach: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Back to the Beach

Similar Movies to Back to the Beach

Discover movies like Back to the Beach that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.