Superyachts in Film: The Glamorous Stars Behind the Scenes
Superyachts have long been synonymous with luxury, wealth, and the high life. It’s no wonder that Hollywood directors often turn to these floating palaces to portray scenes of extravagance and opulence on screen.
Whether used as the ultimate getaway vehicle, a backdrop for romantic interludes, or the setting for wild, over-the-top parties, superyachts bring energy, drama, and a sense of indulgence to any movie. Their presence adds instant glamour and excitement—making them an uncredited star in many films.
What many don’t realize is that these stunning yachts are often privately owned and available for charter. Through experienced yacht charter brokers, movie fans and luxury seekers alike can actually rent the same yachts featured on the big screen.
Let’s take a closer look at two superyachts that made memorable appearances in popular films.
M3 in The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
The 147-foot motor yacht M3 (formerly known as Lady M) built for Coco Chanel starred in Martin Scorsese’s blockbuster The Wolf of Wall Street. Renamed Naomi in the film, the yacht played a key role in showcasing the over-the-top lifestyle of stockbroker Jordan Belfort, portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio.
Originally built for fashion icon Coco Chanel, M3 features:
Accommodation for 10 guests across 5 luxurious staterooms
An Owner’s suite, VIP suite, two double cabins, and a twin
Elegant interiors and expansive deck spaces
In one of the film’s most iconic scenes, a wild party breaks out on the yacht—complete with “raining fun coupons” (cash being thrown around the deck). Later in the story, the yacht dramatically sinks in a Mediterranean storm, echoing a real-life incident involving the actual Jordan Belfort in 1997.
And yes—you can charter M3 for your own (less chaotic) luxury experience.
SARASTAR in Murder Mystery (2019)
In the 2019 Netflix comedy Murder Mystery, starring Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler, the sleek and modern SARASTAR serves as the setting for a high-society murder investigation.
This 197-foot Italian-built superyacht was the floating mansion of a billionaire in the film—and the scene of the crime. Throughout the movie, the couple finds themselves caught in a glamorous, Agatha Christie-style whodunit aboard this stunning vessel.
Highlights of SARASTAR include:
Space for 12 guests in 6 staterooms, including an Owner’s suite and five doubles
A versatile foredeck that doubles as a helipad, dance floor, or sun deck
A garage full of water toys and tenders—perfect for real-life adventure
SARASTAR is also available for charter, offering an unforgettable experience of luxury and intrigue.
WHITE KNIGHT in The Bourne Identity (2002)
In The Bourne Identity, WHITE KNIGHT was featured in flashback scenes of Jason Bourne aboard a luxury yacht before he is shot and cast into the sea. Built in 1985, this classic superyacht was meticulously maintained and once available for charter in Greece before becoming a private vessel.
KISMET in Six Underground (2019)
The 312-foot KISMET, built in 2014 and owned by billionaire Shad Khan, appears in Netflix’s Six Underground during a lavish party scene and as the dramatic location for the film’s explosive finale. With five decks and the capacity to host up to 270 guests for events, KISMET is a floating palace featuring two-story video walls and endless luxury amenities.
PARSIFAL III in Below Deck Sailing Yacht (2020)
Fans of the Below Deck franchise will recognize PARSIFAL III, the 177-foot sailing superyacht featured in the Ionian Sea of Greece during the spinoff series Below Deck Sailing Yacht. With accommodation for 12 guests in 6 staterooms, she’s the perfect blend of sailing performance and luxury.
WALLPOWER 118 in Island (2005)
Futuristic in both design and speed, the WALLYPOWER 118 was the escape vessel in The Island, carrying Scarlett Johansson and Ewan McGregor into freedom. Capable of speeds up to 65 knots, this sleek yacht turned heads both on-screen and off, putting Wally Yachts on the map for audiences everywhere. She features 3 cabins for 6 guests.
THUMPER in Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie (2016)
Featured in a scene off the glamorous coast of Cannes, the Sunseeker Thumper hosted stars Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley for a quick champagne cruise. At 131 feet, Thumper offers five elegant cabins and was awarded the World Superyacht Award in 2015.
USHER in Entourage (2015)
The opening party scene in Entourage unfolds aboard the 154-foot USHER, capturing the lavish lifestyle of Hollywood’s elite. With five staterooms, a Jacuzzi, and sleek American craftsmanship, USHER delivers the ultimate luxury yacht party experience.
HELIOS 2 in Syriana (2005)
HELIOS 2 portrayed the extravagant lifestyle of a Middle Eastern prince in Syriana, starring George Clooney and Matt Damon. Built in 2002 and refurbished in 2006, she accommodates up to 12 guests and perfectly reflects royal sophistication at sea.
HAIDA 1929 in Mamma Mia! (2008)
The classic 233-foot HAIDA 1929 was used during the iconic Mamma Mia! sequence for the song Money, Money, Money. She provides a glimpse into 1930s-era cruising and remains one of the oldest active superyachts in the world.
PLANET NINE in Tenet (2020)
In Christopher Nolan’s sci-fi epic Tenet, the 240-foot PLANET NINE was transformed into the floating fortress of villain Andrei Sator. The yacht was filmed off the Italian Amalfi Coast although her script location was Vietnam. Built in 2018 at the Admiral shipyard, she features a helipad, military aesthetic, and even a prop rocket launcher—proving that yachts can be sinister too.
TAIPAIN III in Rush Hour 2 (2001)
The Italian-built TAIPAN III, built in 1981, brought old-world charm to Rush Hour 2. Outfitted with water toys, four decks, and antique interiors, she’s a blend of traditional luxury and modern fun—complete with a Jacuzzi and all the extras.
ATESSA in Overboard (1987)
The 130-foot superyacht ATESSA, known as S.S. Immaculata in the 1987 romantic comedy Overboard, played a pivotal role in portraying the divide between wealth and simplicity. Starring Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, the film follows a wealthy heiress who, after losing her memory, experiences life from the other side of the yacht rail. ATESSA symbolized her opulent pre-amnesia lifestyle—complete with a dedicated crew and high-end luxuries.
She also made a second on-screen appearance in the 1993 drama Indecent Proposal, starring Demi Moore and Woody Harrelson. In both films, ATESSA was generously lent by her private owner, showcasing her cinematic appeal and classic superyacht design.
While ATESSA is now privately owned, she remains a beloved example of vintage luxury on the water and a memorable fixture in yacht-themed cinema.
R. RENDEZVOUS in Donnie Brasco (1992)
In the critically acclaimed crime drama Donnie Brasco, starring Johnny Depp and Al Pacino, the yacht known as “Left Hand” on screen is, in real life, the 111-foot R. RENDEZVOUS. Built in 1992, this classic yacht played a subtle but significant role in the film’s portrayal of the mafia lifestyle.
While not as ostentatious as some modern superyachts, R. RENDEZVOUS offered an authentic look at a refined, private world of luxury that complemented the film’s gritty, undercover narrative. Her real-world design includes sleek lines and a comfortable layout that still appeals to yachting purists.
SOLANDGE in Successeion (2018)
One of the most striking yachts to appear on television, the 280-foot SOLANDGE was featured in the Season 2 finale of HBO’s Succession. Built by the renowned German shipyard Lürssen, this floating palace is a true showstopper—perfectly suited to reflect the Roy family’s massive wealth and corporate drama.
Key features of SOLANDGE include:
A panoramic upper deck with a beach club, dance floor, DJ station, and full-service bar
Accommodation for up to 12 guests in an Owner’s suite and 8 luxurious staterooms
Opulent interior design with a focus on art, comfort, and privacy
Filmed off the coast of Croatia, this yacht added a bold dose of elegance, tension, and indulgence to one of the series’ most climactic episodes. SOLANDGE is also available for charter, offering an elite yachting experience straight out of a TV drama.
No list is complete without mentioning 007 aka: James Bond and the yachts used in his movies. It is well known the Bond movies showcase high-end luxury yachts and vehicles attributed to a fast-paced lifestyle.
FAIREY HUNTRESS in From Russia With Love (1963)
Some of the yachts were small but powerful and had an impact in the films. Sean Connery played Bond in “From Russia with Love” where there is an iconic yacht chase as he and the Bond girl Tatiana Romanova travel to Venice. It is a small boat, Fairey Huntress, but they make a spectacular escape.
GLASTRON GT150 in Live and Let Die (1973)
In 1973 another small boat chase made headline in the movie “Live and Let Die”. Here Roger Moore as James Bond careens through the everglades aboard Glastron GT150 and makes a 120 foot leap over the sheriff’s car.
KINGDOM 5KR in Never Say Never Again (1983)
“Never Say Never Again” used the yacht Kingdom 5KR as the floating base, named Flying Saucer, of the evil Mr. Blofeld. A superyacht indeed at 282 feet in length, it was built in 1980 and at the time was the 8th largest superyacht. Maybe more commonly known as once owned by ex US President Trump, it is now owned by Prince Al-Waleed. This yacht has everything on her five decks from a disco, cinema, a helipad, pool with a water jet, 11 ultra-luxurious suites and houses a crew of 48.
NORTHERN CROSS in Goldeneye (1995)
Pierce Brosnan plays James Bond in 1995’s “Goldeneye”. The yacht Northern Cross was used to portray the residence of the assassin Xenia and Bond is out to save the world from a terror plot. This lair of the villain was named Manticore in the movie. They filmed most of her scenes off Monaco. The yacht is 141 feet and accommodates her guests of up to 12 in 6 luxurious suites.
M3 in Casino Royale (2006)
“Casino Royale” featured the M3, a luxury Sunseeker Predator 108 foot built in 2003 as the Villain’s floating lair and filming on location in the Bahamas. . Her four staterooms accommodate up to eight in an Owner’s suite, VIP and two twins.
Spirit 54 starred in “Casino Royale” with Daniel Craig and Eva Green in 2006, presenting herself with dignity as a classically elegant unique sailing yacht. The sailing yacht Spirit was featured heavily in this Bond movie and was the first yacht to sail up Venice’s Grand Canal in over 300 years. She was custom built for the movie by British contemporary yacht builders. During the yachts filming in Venice, the rigging had to be taken down ten times to fit under the various bridges. She has two staterooms aboard.
Sunseeker Sovereign 17 in Quantum of Solace (2008)
Shortly after, in 2008, James used a small yacht, an original (vintage) Sunseeker Sovereign 17 in the Bond movie “Quantum of Solace. The scene takes Bond to Mathis’s villa in Italy. a Sunseeker Superhawk 43 is also featured in a chase scene in Panama.
ARIA I (ex: Regina) in Skyfall (2012)
James Bond takes to the water aboard a yacht once again for “Skyfall”. This time he is in a neo-classical steel-hulled schooner of 183-Feet, Turkish built, now named Aria I. In the movie, James sails the yacht referred to as ‘Chimera’ to Hasshia Island, the villain’s island, in the East China Sea. There are five staterooms aboard; two Owner’s suites, two double staterooms, and two twin cabins for a total of twelve guests. Today she sails on charter in the Greek isles and flies the Greek flag.
SPIRIT 46 in No Time To Die (2021)
Here is a sneak peak of the new James Bond movie, “No Time To Die”, using Spirit 46. The soon to be released film will feature the classic wooden-hulled sailing yacht Spirit 46. We will see James behind the helm sailing off the coast of Jamaica, in style.
Superyachts have played star roles in many a movie and TV show. They range from the villain’s vessel to the play toy of millionaires. They have been depicted and seen as the ultimate in luxury and style symbolizing wealth and status.
Charter a Yacht Seen on the Big Screen
Well, we all can’t all own them, but we can charter them. These Movie producers certainly did as all are for hire around the globe. “Rent The Yacht, Own The Feeling” as Valef Yachts says. These yachts aren’t just props—they’re real, charter-ready vessels available to those who want to live out their cinematic dreams. Whether you’re inspired by scenes of high-seas adventure, luxurious leisure, or Hollywood-style romance, you can rent a superyacht that has been part of movie magic.
Ready to step into the spotlight?
Explore our fleet of luxury charter yachts and make your own film-worthy memories.
