10 best ocean-themed documentaries

The ocean is an incredibly diverse place, and there are many amazing stories to be told about its inhabitants, ecosystems, and impact on our world. From documentaries about the beauty and wonder of marine life to explorations of the challenges facing our oceans, there is no shortage of fascinating content to discover.

If your next trip to the ocean seems too far away, you will find below a selection of great ocean-themed documentaries to get your fix of seawater without living your home!

BBC's Blue Planet & Blue Planet II

These two landmark series from the BBC explore the diverse and stunning creatures that inhabit our oceans in multiple episodes, from coral reefs to coastal areas. With breathtaking visuals and expert storytelling by Sir David Attenborough, Blue Planet is a must-watch for anyone interested in marine life. Some of the images in this series are truly incredible and will stay with you long after you have watched it. Special mention to my personal favorite: the episode about Deep seas will blow your mind!

Mission Blue

This documentary follows renowned oceanographer Sylvia Earle as she works to protect and preserve the world's oceans. From exploring the depths of the sea to lobbying world leaders, Mission Blue is an inspiring look at the power of activism, as well as a sneak peek into the life of this incredible lady.

Chasing Coral

Coral reefs are some of the most vital ecosystems in the world, but they are also under threat from climate change. Chasing Coral follows a team of scientists and photographers as they document the devastating impact of coral bleaching and work to raise awareness of this urgent issue.

Blackfish

This gripping documentary tells the story of Tilikum, a captive orca that killed several trainers during its time at SeaWorld. Through interviews with former trainers and experts, Blackfish examines the ethics of keeping marine mammals in captivity (with a clear stance that it is wrong). While this might not be for everyone as some of the footage can be shocking, this is a very emotional film. Check out the trailer here.

A Plastic Ocean

Plastic pollution is one of the biggest environmental challenges facing our oceans today. This is an issue that is very dear to us here at ProShotCase and was one of the reasons behind our decision to support The Ocean Cleanup. A Plastic Ocean explores the devastating impact of plastic on marine life and the environment and highlights potential solutions for this urgent problem.

My Octopus Teacher

This heartwarming documentary tells the story of filmmaker Craig Foster's unique friendship with an octopus in a kelp forest off the coast of South Africa. Through beautiful visuals and great storytelling, My Octopus Teacher offers a new perspective on the intelligence and complexity of these fascinating creatures but also is a truly beautiful story about how humans and underwater creatures can bond.

Sharkwater

Sharks are often misunderstood and feared, but they play a critical role in maintaining the health of our oceans. Sharkwater follows late filmmaker and conservationist Rob Stewart as he works to dispel myths about sharks and raise awareness of their importance. This is also a critical look at the shark finning industry and how the demand drives shark overfishing.

The Last Ocean

The Ross Sea in Antarctica is one of the last pristine marine ecosystems in the world, but it is under threat from fishing and other activities. The Last Ocean explores the importance of protecting this unique and fragile ecosystem, as well as life in icy waters.

Racing Extinction

This visually amazing documentary highlights the many threats facing our planet, from climate change to habitat destruction to the illegal wildlife trade. With a focus on ocean conservation, Racing Extinction offers a compelling call to action and a message of hope to work toward a more sustainable future.

Planet Ocean

From the producers of the acclaimed film Home, Planet Ocean takes viewers on a journey to explore the majesty and complexity of the ocean. With a focus on conservation, this documentary offers beautiful images of marine life and oceans all over the world.

As a bonus, a non-documentary if you need an underwater thrill: the movie “Thirteen Lives” is based on the Thal Luang cave rescue in Thailand in 2018. During heavy rains, 12 boys and their sports coach became trapped in an underwater cave system because of flash floods. This movie is a recollection of the epic rescue plan that followed, involving cave diving and days and days of work underwater in extremely challenging conditions.

Do you have any other favorite ocean-themed movies? Let us know in the comments below!