Surf's Up (2007)

"Surf's Up" (2007) is an animated mockumentary that follows Cody Maverick, a determined but naive surfing penguin from Shiverpool, Antarctica, as he chases his dream of becoming a professional surfer and emulating his legendary idol, Big Z. The film humorously documents Cody's journey to the Penguin World Surfing Championship on Pen Gu Island, where he learns that success isn't just about winning, and that true fulfillment lies in friendship, self-discovery, and the pure joy of riding the waves. With a star-studded voice cast including Shia LaBeouf, Jeff Bridges, and Zooey Deschanel, "Surf's Up" delivers a lighthearted and heartwarming story about pursuing passions while staying true to oneself. "Surf's Up" earns its place on a list of the best Chris Buck movies not solely because of its critical acclaim and commercial success, but primarily due to Buck's directorial vision and his contribution to its unique animation style and narrative approach. While Buck shared directorial duties with Ash Brannon, his influence is evident in the film's strong emotional core and its exploration of themes like mentorship and finding purpose. Its mockumentary style was an innovative choice for animation at the time, and Buck's involvement ensured the film maintained a balance of humor and heart, making it a memorable and significant entry in his filmography.