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Movies like The Whale That Swam to London (2006)

The best movies like The Whale That Swam to London (2006) are 4 Little Girls (1997), Seven Up! (1964) and Charles Darwin and the Tree of Life (2009). If The Whale That Swam to London hooked you with its documentary and tv movie, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.

Quick picks

  1. 4 Little Girls (1997)

    On September 15, 1963, a bomb destroyed a black church in Birmingham, Alabama, killing four young girls who were there for Sunday school. It was a crime that shocked the nation--and a defining moment in the history of the civil-rights movement. Spike Lee re-examines the full story of the bombing, including a revealing interview with former Alabama Governor George Wallace.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  2. Seven Up! (1964)

    A group of British children aged 7 from widely ranging backgrounds are interviewed about a range of subjects. The filmmakers plan to re-interview them at 7 year intervals to track how their lives and attitudes change as they age.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  3. Charles Darwin and the Tree of Life (2009)

    Darwin's great insight – that life has evolved over millions of years by natural selection – has been the cornerstone of all David Attenborough’s natural history series. In this documentary, he takes us on a deeply personal journey which reflects his own life and the way he came to understand Darwin’s theory.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  4. Interstellar: Nolan's Odyssey (2014)

    A look behind the lens of Christopher Nolan's space epic.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  5. Louis Theroux: Twilight of the Porn Stars (2012)

    In 1997, Louis Theroux made a documentary about the world of male porn performers in Los Angeles. 15 years later, he returns to find a business struggling with the deluge of free porn on the internet. Louis revisits some of the original programme's contributors as well as meeting the latest crop of porn performers dreaming of porn stardom.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

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  6. The Godfather Family: A Look Inside (1990)

    A documentary on the making of the three Godfather films, with interviews and recollections from the film makers and cast. This feature also includes the original screen tests of some of the actors for "The Godfather" film, and some candid moments on the set of "The Godfather: Part III."

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  7. Shark Whisperer (2025)

    Marine conservationist and social media activist Ocean Ramsey fearlessly swims with sharks in this documentary about her risky mission to protect them.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  8. Puff: Wonders of the Reef (2021)

    A baby pufferfish travels through a wondrous microworld full of fantastical creatures as he searches for a home on the Great Barrier Reef.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  9. Deep Blue (2003)

    Deep Blue is a major documentary feature film shot by the BBC Natural History Unit. An epic cinematic rollercoaster ride for all ages, Deep Blue uses amazing footage to tell us the story of our oceans and the life they support.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

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  10. Blackfish (2013)

    Notorious killer whale Tilikum is responsible for the deaths of three individuals, including a top killer whale trainer. Blackfish shows the sometimes devastating consequences of keeping such intelligent and sentient creatures in captivity.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  11. Wolves Up Close with Bertie Gregory (2026)

    Reconnecting with a pack of wolves he has followed for seven years, Bertie sets out to capture one of the Arctic's most dangerous and rarely filmed hunts: wolves taking on a bull moose, prey roughly ten times their size. Led by Kona, a striking white breeding male, the pack faces a critical winter as dwindling food supplies, an encroaching rival wolf and an aging leader threaten its survival.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  12. Deliver Us from Evil (2006)

    Documentary filmmaker Amy Berg investigates the life of 30-year pedophile Father Oliver O'Grady and exposes the corruption inside the Catholic Church that allowed him to abuse countless children. Victims' stories and a disturbing interview with O'Grady offer a view into the troubled mind of the spiritual leader who moved from parish to parish gaining trust ... all the while betraying so many.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  13. My Octopus Teacher (2020)

    After years of swimming every day in the freezing ocean at the tip of Africa, Craig Foster meets an unlikely teacher: a young octopus who displays remarkable curiosity. Visiting her den and tracking her movements for months on end he eventually wins the animal’s trust and they develop a never-before-seen bond between human and wild animal.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Absolute CinemaMovies like this
  14. Racing Extinction (2015)

    An unlikely team of activists and innovators hatches a bold mission to save endangered species.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  15. One Life (2011)

    One Life captures unprecedented and beautiful sequences of animal behaviour guaranteed to bring you closer to nature than ever before, as well as a second disc packed full of never before seen extras including an exclusive making of featurette narrated by Daniel Craig.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  16. Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D) (2026)

    Captured during Billie Eilish's sold-out world tour, a concert experience from one of the most celebrated and successful artists of her generation, presented in immersive 3D.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Absolute CinemaMovies like this
  17. Born to Be Wild (2011)

    Born to Be Wild observes various orphaned jungle animals and their day-to-day behavioural interactions with the individuals who rescue them and raise them to adulthood. The film unfurls in two separate geographic spheres. Half of it takes place in the rain forests of Borneo, where celebrated primatologist Dr. Birute Galdikas assists baby orangutans; the other half takes place on the arid savannahs of Kenya, where zoologist Dame Daphne Sheldrick works with baby elephant calves.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  18. Earth (2007)

    An epic story of adventure, starring some of the most magnificent and courageous creatures alive, awaits you in EARTH. Disneynature brings you a remarkable story of three animal families on a journey across our planet – polar bears, elephants and humpback whales.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  19. Elephant (2020)

    Disneynature’s Elephant follows African elephant Shani and her spirited son Jomo as their herd make an epic journey hundreds of miles across the vast Kalahari Desert. Led by their great matriarch, Gaia, the family faces brutal heat, dwindling resources and persistent predators, as they follow in their ancestors’ footsteps on a quest to reach a lush, green paradise.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  20. African Cats (2011)

    African Cats captures the real-life love, humor and determination of the majestic kings of the savanna. The story features Mara, an endearing lion cub who strives to grow up with her mother’s strength, spirit and wisdom; Sita, a fearless cheetah and single mother of five mischievous newborns; and Fang, a proud leader of the pride who must defend his family from a once banished lion.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  21. Secrets of the King Cobra (2010)

    A new scientific expedition follows the King Cobra into the wild for the first time.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  22. Sharks of Lost Island (2013)

    A team of explorers set out to explore the sea and land of the remote Pitcairn Islands

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  23. China's Secret Monkey Kingdom (2021)

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  24. Wildlife on the Edge 2: Bears (2025)

    Narrated by actor Tim Daly, the show looks at the dilemma of Black Bears living so close Los Angeles. Film features homeowners Brian and Rick who are dealing with Bears swimming in their pool; and features state Fish and Wildlife Officers.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  25. National Parks Exploration Series: The Black Hills and The Badlands - Gateway to the West (2012)

    Nestled in the heart of America s great plains are contrasting tastes of a sacred land that beckons the visitor to enter the nation's mysterious and glorious West. A land of soaring pinnacles, deep canyons, hidden caves, national monuments and countless wildlife sanctuaries. It is also the place of the inglorious death of famed gunslinger, Wild Bill Hickok and the most sacred spot for the Lakota Sioux. Enjoy breathtaking aerial views and amazing tours with park rangers. Discover the wonder and awe of these contrasting spectacles of the West, one soaring, rich in forest and water and other barren and deeply eroded, which are brought to together by a shared geology and history. They are the Gateway to the Great American West. They are the Black Hills and the Badlands.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  26. Kingdom of the Apes: Battle Lines (2014)

    Gorillas and Chimpanzees struggle for power and dominance within their clans.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  27. Man Among Cheetahs (2017)

    A wildlife filmmaker tries to keep up with a Cheetah mom determined to keep her cubs alive.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  28. Metamorphosis 2024 (2024)

    METAMORPHOSIS brought to you by Tanuj Samaddar FRSA in collaboration with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Art of Health Zim and Ardent Creative addressing issues on mental health faced by the youths today. The video series is a series focusing on mental health issues faced by the youths in general. The series will include individual episodes on a separate subtopic on mental health issue released on a monthly basis. The production has been done in collaboration with the Art of Health Zimbabwe by Tanuj Samaddar FRSA.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  29. Salt in their Veins (2024)

    This short film focuses on the Bajo of Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, highlighting their strong bond with the sea and the challenges small-scale fishing communities face. Impacted by overfishing, pollution, and biodiversity loss, they are struggling to survive.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  30. Deepsea Challenge 3D (2014)

    Described as being a film about determination, danger and the ocean’s greatest depths, James Cameron's "Deepsea Challenge 3D" tells the story of Cameron’s journey to fulfill his boyhood dream of becoming an explorer. The movie offers a unique insight into Cameron's world as he makes that dream reality – and makes history – by becoming the first person to travel solo to the deepest point on the planet.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

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Frequently asked questions

What are the best movies like The Whale That Swam to London?

The closest matches to The Whale That Swam to London are 4 Little Girls (1997), Seven Up! (1964) and Charles Darwin and the Tree of Life (2009). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.

What should I watch after The Whale That Swam to London?

Start with 4 Little Girls (1997), the closest match to The Whale That Swam to London.

What is the highest-rated movie like The Whale That Swam to London?

My Octopus Teacher (2020), rated 7.9/10 by 1,115 TMDB users.

What is the newest movie like The Whale That Swam to London?

Wolves Up Close with Bertie Gregory (2026) is the most recent release on this list.

Are there English movies like The Whale That Swam to London?

Yes: 4 Little Girls (1997), Seven Up! (1964) and Charles Darwin and the Tree of Life (2009).

How are movies similar to The Whale That Swam to London chosen?

First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside The Whale That Swam to London, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.

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