The Whale Nation Watchlist
So you loved the wonder of Whale Nation and you’re keen for more? We’ve picked out five fab marine-focused films for you to dive into next!
good.film
a year ago
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If seeing Whale Nation gave you a taste for the salty splendour of the underwater world (and its enormous residents) then you might be waiting with baited breath for your next marine screen fix. But with an ocean of content, there’s a plank-TON of options out there!
Never fear, landlubbers. We’ve rounded up five fantastic films that will deepen your appreciation for our big blue world - some fictional, and some you won’t believe are real. They’re all available on streaming now, so if Whale Nation meant something to you, go ahead and add these to your Watchlist. You won’t be disappointed.
Blackfish
This critically acclaimed documentary focuses on SeaWorld and the story of Tilikum, a male orca who was involved in the deaths of multiple trainers. But rather than play into the grossly misleading idea that these are “killer” whales, the filmmakers go deeper, asking what drives our human desire to use these animals as entertainment?
Raising vital questions about the ethics of keeping orcas in captivity, and the impact it has on their physical and mental well-being, the documentary proved such a flashpoint that it spawned a new namesake for media that sparks change: “The Blackfish Effect.” It’s one of the best examples of genuine social impact entertainment, and a powerful viewing experience.
Blackfish is available to stream free on Beamafilm, and is also on Netflix, Stan, and DocPlay.
Whale Rider
The only fictional film on our list, Whale Rider is that rare combo of poignant and powerful that’s also perfect to watch with family. It tells the story of Paikea, a twelve-year-old Māori girl who defies tradition to fulfil her birthright as a tribal chief. Like her all-male forebears, ‘Pai’ is determined to be a leader; a ‘whale rider’ of Polynesian mythology. So what if she’s a girl?
A genuinely great female empowerment film, Whale Rider is culturally authentic too, depicting the deep connection between ocean life and Māori culture. And it’s brought to life by an extraordinary and emotional performance from total newbie Keisha Castle-Hughes (spoiler alert: yes, she does literally ride a whale). So good was Keisha in the role, she landed a shock Oscar nomination at just 13 - making her the youngest ever Best Actress nominee at the time.
Whale Rider is available to stream free on SBS On Demand.
Mission Blue
It’s now 10 years old, but this Netflix documentary with a mission to “inspire action to restore the ocean” has lost none of its power. Front & centre is American marine biologist Dr. Sylvia Earle, whose groundbreaking achievements as an oceanographer (and lifelong seafarer) are both inspiring and hopeful. And even better, her ‘office’ is absolutely stunning to gaze at.
The film depicts the enormous harm that humans have inflicted on our seas, from ocean dumping to overfishing. But Mission Blue had a huge positive impact, igniting public support for Earle’s passion project: a global network of marine protected areas she likes to call "Hope Spots". It’s the kind of film that refills your cup in the hope of preserving our oceans for future generations.
Mission Blue is available on Netflix.
My Octopus Teacher
Okay, so we realise octopuses (or octopi, if you prefer) aren’t exactly whales. But if you haven’t caught it, this Oscar-winning doco is absolutely worth its place next to the other leviathans of the sea on your TV screen. My Octopus Teacher is a heartwarmer, telling the story of free diver Craig Foster and the unlikely friendship he forms with an octopus in a South African kelp forest.
Yes, really - “a friendship” is not an overstatement. And the film offers more than just a unique look at the incredible intelligence and adaptability of octopuses (although it’s superb at that). It’s also an important treatise on mental health, highlighting Foster’s struggle with depression, and how this extraordinary and unlikely connection helped him rediscover his own life.
My Octopus Teacher is available on Netflix.
Chasing Coral
There ain’t any whales without oceans, and if the wider impact on the ocean world is an issue that means a lot to you, you’ll want to catch this outstanding Sundance winner. A visual stunner, this Netflix doc from Exposure Labs (a social impact film studio) captures the alarming effects of climate change on coral reefs, which are vital ecosystems for marine life.
Put together from over 500 hours of underwater footage, the film follows a team of coral scientists and photographers on an epic adventure to capture our changing oceans. And while the bleaching of coral reefs might sound bleak, there is still enormous hope for these eye-popping wonders. It’s a film that puts the importance of marine conservation in bold.
Chasing Coral is available on Netflix.
Like we said, all of these ocean-loving films are ready & waiting to be added to your Watchlist right now. If you haven’t tried using your Watchlist yet, it’s easy - just sign into your good.film account, click any of the links above, and click ‘Watch later’. Before you know it, your Watchlist will be more inviting than a cool blue sea on a hot summer’s day. So dive in and hit play!
