Must see films for marine mammal enthusiasts.

Virginie Wyss
Jan 20
3 min read

Updated: Sep 2

At the start of 2025, I asked myself a simple but profound question: How can I better help the ocean and marine mammals?

As a biologist and ocean lover, I believe that art is one of the most powerful ways to raise awareness. Images and stories can touch our hearts in ways that statistics and data sometimes cannot. They inspire us, move us, and remind us of our deep connection to the sea.

In this article, I share a non-exhaustive list of films, books, and documentaries about whales, dolphins, and the ocean that have deeply moved me and changed how I see my food, my habits, and the world. Some of these films are difficult to watch, others are magical and poetic—but each of them has something essential to teach us.

And before diving into the list, let me highlight a special project very close to my heart…

Latitude of Change – A Film from Our Glacialis Expedition

🎥 “Latitude of Change” by Richard Mardensand Arnaud Conne.

Available for free streaming on TV5 Monde.

This 52-minute documentary tells the story of our Glacialis scientific expedition, where four world citizens (and our beloved cat Chicha!) sailed on a 13-meter boat, the Atlas, from the Azores to Greenland to study marine life.

This film is not only about whales and the ocean—it is about showing that we can all be agents of change. It exists thanks to the support of 250 people who believed in us. My hope is that it will inspire you to follow your dreams and help protect the oceans.

Books That Change Perspectives

📖 Le 5ème rêve (The Fifth Dream) by Patrice Van Eersel.

This book, unfortunately only available in French, is one of the most beautiful works I’ve read about marine mammals. It explores stories about dolphins, orcas, and “ambassador dolphins,” blending research and spiritual reflection to open our minds to other forms of consciousness.

Films About Dolphins and Orcas in Captivity

The Cove (2009) – Directed by former Flipper trainer Ric O’Barry, this award-winning documentary exposes the dolphin hunts in Taiji, Japan, and raises urgent questions about captivity. Heart-wrenching but necessary.
Blackfish (2013) – A powerful investigation into the captivity of orcas at SeaWorld, exploring ethical concerns and the consequences for both animals and humans. Available on Netflix.

Films About Ocean Conservationists

Paul Watson – A Life for the Oceans (2019) (ARTE)A fascinating portrait of the founder of Sea Shepherd. Whether or not you agree with his methods, his dedication to marine life is undeniable and deeply moving.
Mission Blue (2015) – Oceanographer Sylvia Earle’s passionate call to protect the ocean. Streaming on Netflix.
A Life Among Whales (2006) – Dr. Roger Payne’s groundbreaking research on whale songs and his tireless fight against whaling.

Films About the Beauty and Intelligence of Ocean Life

My Octopus Teacher (2020) – An intimate story of resilience and interspecies friendship, where filmmaker Craig Foster bonds with an octopus during a year of underwater exploration. Netflix.
Dolphin Tale (2011) – A family-friendly movie about the true story of Winter the dolphin in rehabilitation.
Free Willy (1993) – A childhood classic that opened the hearts of millions to orcas.
Finding Nemo (2003) – An animated treasure that still carries a beautiful message about marine life.

More Beautiful Resources

Blue Planet (BBC) – Stunningly filmed, these documentaries reveal the wonders of the ocean with breathtaking imagery.
“Sur le Front” by Hugo Clément – Short, accessible documentaries tackling urgent environmental issues, including the ocean.

Conclusion

Every film, book, or documentary is a doorway into a deeper relationship with the ocean. Some open our eyes to the cruelty of captivity, others show us the resilience and intelligence of marine life, and still others inspire us to dream, act, and protect.

🌊 Observe, learn, share—together we can protect the whales, dolphins, and all the life of the sea.

Now, I’d love to hear from you: Which films, documentaries, or books about the ocean have touched you the most? What would you recommend to fellow ocean lovers?