Movies like Whale Song (1989)
The best movies like Whale Song (1989) are The Love Nest (1923), Blackfish (2013) and The Snail and the Whale (2020). If Whale Song hooked you, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedBlackfish (2013)7.8/10 from 1,230 votes
- NewestShark Whisperer (2025)Released 2025
The Love Nest (1923)
In an attempt to forget his lost sweetheart, Buster takes a long trip at sea where he boards a whaling ship with a strict captain.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBlackfish (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
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Snail and the Whale (2020)
A half hour animated film for all the family based on the much-loved book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. The Snail and the Whale is the much loved classic that shows us a restless young snail who has ambitions to travel the world. The other snails think she should stay put, but she puts out a call for a “Lift wanted around the world”. Eventually her call is answered by a great big grey-blue humpback whale! She sets off with him across the seas. On their journey the snail and the whale discover towering icebergs and far-off lands, fiery mountains and golden sands. The snail is delighted by the wonderful world around her, until she realises how small it makes her feel.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisHawaiian Holiday (1937)
Mickey, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto experience all that Hawaii has to offer. Donald tries hula dancing, Pluto explores the beach and Goofy takes up surfing!
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisA Turtle's Tale: Sammy's Adventures (2010)
Born on a Baja, California beach in 1959, new hatchling Sammy races across the beach to the ocean while avoiding being caught by seagulls and crabs. Thus begins Sammy's incredible fifty-year ocean journey where he overcomes obstacles, both natural and man-made, while trying to fulfill his dream of travelling around the world. Along the way he meets his best friend, a fellow turtle named Ray, and never forgets about Shelly, a turtle he saved that first day on the beach and the one he's always loved.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisCiao Alberto (2021)
With his best friend Luca away at school, Alberto is enjoying his new life in Portorosso working alongside Massimo—the imposing, tattooed, one-armed fisherman of few words—who's quite possibly the coolest human in the entire world as far as Alberto is concerned. He wants more than anything to impress his mentor, but it's easier said than done.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisFree Willy 3: The Rescue (1997)
Willy the whale is back, this time threatened by illegal whalers making money off sushi. Jesse, now 16, has taken a job on an orca-researching ship, along with old friend Randolph and a sarcastic scientist, Drew. On the whaler's ship is captain John Wesley and his son, Max, who isn't really pleased about his father's job, but doesn't have the gut to say so. Along the way, Willy reunites with Jesse.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisJonah: A VeggieTales Movie (2002)
Get ready as Bob the Tomato, Larry the Cucumber and the rest of the Veggies set sail on a whale of an adventure in Big Idea's first full-length, 3-D animated feature film. This is the story of Jonah and the Whale as you've never seen it before - a story where we learn that one of the best gifts you can give - or get - is a second chance.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMarcel the Shell with Shoes On (2022)
Marcel is an adorable one-inch-tall shell who ekes out a colorful existence with his grandmother Connie and their pet lint, Alan. Once part of a sprawling community of shells, they now live alone as the sole survivors of a mysterious tragedy. When a documentarian discovers them amongst the clutter of his Airbnb, his resulting short film brings Marcel millions of passionate fans, as well as unprecedented dangers and a new hope at finding his long-lost family.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisOceans (2010)
An ecological drama/documentary, filmed throughout the globe. Part thriller, part meditation on the vanishing wonders of the sub-aquatic world.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisOrca (1977)
After witnessing the killing of his mate and offspring at the hands of a reckless Irish captain, a vengeful killer whale rampages through the fisherman's Newfoundland harbor. Under pressure from the villagers, the captain, a female marine biologist, and an Indigenous tribalist venture after the great beast, who will meet them on its own turf.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAquaman: Heroines of Atlantis (2019)
Amber Heard and Nicole Kidman discuss their characters Mera and Atlanna.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisTerra das Canções de Ninar (1933)
A baby is transported to Lullaby Land, where pacifiers grow on trees, diapers, bottles, and potty chairs march on parade, and the gingham dog comes to life. He wanders into the "keep out" cave, full of things like scissors, knives, and fountain pens that are not for baby and begins smashing watches with hammers and playing with giant matches. The matches chase after him; baby escapes by riding a bar of soap across a pond, but the smoke from the matches turns into boogey-men. The benevolent sandman, dressed as a wizard, spots baby hiding and works his magic, bringing us back to the real nursery.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisShark 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
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisFree Willy 2: The Adventure Home (1995)
Jesse becomes reunited with Willy three years after the whale's jump to freedom as the teenager tries to rescue the killer whale and other orcas from an oil spill.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
SnoozefestMovies like thisPluto's Surprise Package (1949)
Pluto tries to bring in the mail, which gets more difficult when a package sprouts legs and tries to go swimming. Between the wandering turtle and the wind blowing the other mail around, Pluto's got quite a task ahead. And it's not made easier when both the letters and the turtle go off a large cliff.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBig Miracle (2012)
A small-town news reporter and a Greenpeace volunteer enlist the help of rival superpowers to save three majestic gray whales trapped under the ice of the Arctic Circle.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisTerror in a Texas Town (1958)
Armed with a harpoon, a Swedish whaler is out for revenge after the death of his father. A greedy oil man trying to buy up the Swede's land might be the guilty party.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDeep 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
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGertie the Dinosaur (1914)
Although not the first feature-length animated film, as is sometimes thought, it was the first cartoon to feature a character with an appealing personality. The appearance of a true character distinguished it from earlier animated "trick films", such as those of Blackton and Cohl, and makes it the predecessor to later popular cartoons such as those by Walt Disney. The film was also the first to be created using keyframe animation.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMaa Guruvu Bharathiraja Ki Jathakam Cheppadam Kuda Telusu (2023)
Telugu Film Director Vamsy, reminisces about his early days as an Assistant Director Working at "Seethakoka Chilaka" sets with his Mentor Bharathi Raja and how he made a Unique Trailer Cut for the Film.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
Idi Bhimanjaneyudi Story (2023)
Telugu Film Director Vamsy Shares the Story of Actor Rajanala.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
Ilayaraja garitho aa Raathri Prayaanam (2024)
Telugu Film Director Vamsy Expresse his Train Journey with Music Direcor Ilayaraja.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986)
When a huge alien probe enters the galaxy and begins to vaporize Earth's oceans, Kirk and his crew must travel back in time in order to bring back whales and save the planet.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSwinging Safari (2018)
1975: A 200-ton blue whale gets washed up on a local beach and the kids think it’s the biggest thing that’s ever happened in Australia. Behind closed doors, the Mums and Dads of a quiet suburban street are going to celebrate in their own special way, by joining the sexual revolution and throwing a wife-swapping key party. And like the rotting whale, it’s all about to go spectacularly wrong.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
SnoozefestMovies like thisUntold Odyssey: Reindeer Wrangling (2011)
A lyrical and haunting portrait of reindeer herding in the twilight expanses of the Lappish wilderness.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
Elaine May's Mikey and Nicky (2019)
Documentary on the making of the film featuring interviews with distributor Julian Schlossberg and actor Joyce Van Patten.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
Disney Presents: Main Street Electrical Parade - Farewell Season (1996)
Catch the spark after dark at Disneyland Park. And say farewell to one of the Magic Kingdom's most celebrated traditions - The Main Street Electrical Parade. Where else, but in The Main Street Electrical Parade, could you see an illuminated 40-foot-long fire-breathing dragon? And hear the energy of its legendary melody one last time? It's unforgettable after-dark magic that will glow in your heart long after the last float has disappeared.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
SnoozefestMovies like thisGlowing in the Dark (1997)
Set against a backdrop of spectacular neon footage of Vancouver, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas, the film is an illuminating exploration into the vibrant history and contemporary use of neon. The movement, power, and raw exuberance of neon is revealed through a fascinating demonstration of how neon is made, a montage of notable neon installations and commentary from a colorful array of neon experts.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
Arizona Sheepdog (1955)
Arizona Sheepdog is a documentary film that was originally released to theaters by Buena Vista Distribution on May 25, 1955 as a double-bill with Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Whale Song?
The closest matches to Whale Song are The Love Nest (1923), Blackfish (2013) and The Snail and the Whale (2020). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Whale Song?
Start with The Love Nest (1923), the closest match to Whale Song.
What is the highest-rated movie like Whale Song?
Blackfish (2013), rated 7.8/10 by 1,230 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Whale Song?
Shark Whisperer (2025) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Whale Song?
Yes: The Love Nest (1923), Blackfish (2013) and The Snail and the Whale (2020).
How are movies similar to Whale Song chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Whale Song, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.