These are the 20 highest rated ocean themed documentaries released from 1985 to 2025. The ranking is based on viewer ratings (primarily IMDb scores and Rotten Tomatoes audience scores).
Sir David Attenborough’s latest film Ocean (2025) is amazing and in a few years will no doubt top the list.
Photo: Ocean Bank Images
1. Blue Planet II (2017) – BBC Natural History Unit; Narrated by David Attenborough
Theme: Marine life and ocean exploration (Global Oceans). User Rating: IMDb 9.3/10[1]. This BBC documentary series is a stunning deep-sea follow-up to the original Blue Planet. It features groundbreaking underwater cinematography across 39 countries, revealing new species and behaviors in vivid detail[1]. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough with a sweeping score by Hans Zimmer, Blue Planet II captivated audiences worldwide and even spurred real-world action against plastic pollution (the “Blue Planet Effect”)[2]. (Streaming on BBC iPlayer, Discovery+ and other platforms)
2. The Blue Planet (2001) – Alastair Fothergill (Series Producer); Narrated by David Attenborough
Theme: Marine life and ocean ecosystems (Global Oceans). User Rating: IMDb 9.0/10[3]. A pioneering ocean documentary series by the BBC, The Blue Planet was the first comprehensive TV series on Earth’s oceans[4]. It took five years to film, capturing never-before-seen marine behaviors with revolutionary underwater photography[5]. Narrated by Attenborough, the series won multiple Emmy and BAFTA awards[6] and inspired a new generation of ocean documentaries with its awe-inspiring footage of whales, deep-sea creatures, and coral reef life[7][8]. (Streaming on BBC iPlayer, Discovery+ and other platforms)
3. Wild Pacific (South Pacific) (2009) – BBC Natural History Unit; Prod./Dir. by Huw Cordey & Jonathan Clay; Narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch (UK)
Theme: Marine biodiversity and island ecosystems (Pacific Ocean). User Rating: IMDb 8.7/10 (approx.)[9]. This six-part BBC series explores the vast Pacific Ocean, from coral atolls to the open sea, showcasing the unique wildlife of isolated islands. Wild Pacific features breathtaking high-definition visuals of Pacific marine life – from whale migrations to volcanic island reefs – and highlights the challenges of survival in one of the world’s largest ocean habitats. Its gorgeous cinematography and insightful narration (by actor Benedict Cumberbatch in the UK version) earned it high praise from nature documentary fans. (Originally aired on BBC Two; availability on streaming may vary)
4. Great Barrier Reef with David Attenborough (2015) – Mike Slee (Director); Presented by David Attenborough
Theme: Coral reef ecology and conservation (Great Barrier Reef, Australia). User Rating: IMDb 8.6/10 (approx.)[10]. In this immersive mini-series, Attenborough revisits Australia’s Great Barrier Reef to examine its rich marine life and the environmental threats it faces. Cutting-edge technology (including a high-tech research submersible) allows Attenborough to bring viewers up-close to coral spawning, reef-building processes, and deep reef creatures. The series offers an insightful look at the reef’s history and its uncertain future under climate change, all delivered in Attenborough’s engaging storytelling style. (Originally aired on BBC; available on documentary streaming services)
5. The Cove (2009) – Directed by Louie Psihoyos
Theme: Wildlife crime and marine conservation (dolphin hunting in Japan). User Rating: IMDb 8.4/10; Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score 94%[11]. The Cove is a gripping investigative documentary that exposes the secret dolphin slaughter in Taiji, Japan. Blending espionage-thriller tactics with passionate advocacy, the film uses hidden cameras and daring night operations to reveal the brutal killing of dolphins[12]. It won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature and is lauded as a suspenseful and impeccably crafted call to action[13][11]. The film’s powerful impact led to international outrage and policy changes regarding dolphin hunting[14]. (Available on Amazon Prime Video and other platforms)
6. Racing Extinction (2015) – Directed by Louie Psihoyos
Theme: Mass extinction and ocean/environmental threats (Climate change, pollution, wildlife trade). User Rating: IMDb 8.2/10[15]. From the director of The Cove, this documentary assembles a team of activists and inventors on a mission to reveal how human activities are driving species towards extinction. Racing Extinction uses undercover footage and stunning visuals (such as projecting endangered animal images onto public buildings) to highlight issues like ocean acidification, coral bleaching, and the illegal wildlife trade. With its mix of hidden-camera exposés and beautiful nature shots, the film is “devastating and beautiful”, delivering an urgent message about the need to protect our planet’s biodiversity[16]. (Available on Discovery+ and rental platforms)
7. Seaspiracy (2021) – Directed by Ali Tabrizi
Theme: Industrial fishing impacts and marine environmental issues. User Rating: IMDb ~8.1/10[17][18]. A viral Netflix documentary, Seaspiracy examines the global fishing industry’s dark secrets – from overfishing and bycatch to habitat destruction and slavery at sea. Through startling statistics and undercover footage, filmmaker Ali Tabrizi challenges the notion of “sustainable fishing,” suggesting that industrial fishing is irreparably harming ocean ecosystems. The film resonated strongly with viewers (holding an IMDb score around 8.1 and sparking debate online[17][18]) and has been praised for raising awareness, although it also generated discussion among scientists about some controversial claims[19]. (Streaming on Netflix)
8. My Octopus Teacher (2020) – Directed by Pippa Ehrlich & James Reed
Theme: Human–nature connection and marine life (behavior of an octopus). User Rating: IMDb ~8.1/10; Rotten Tomatoes Audience 91%[20]. An Academy Award-winning Netflix documentary, My Octopus Teacher chronicles the extraordinary bond between a filmmaker and a wild common octopus in a South African kelp forest. The film is an intimate, heartwarming portrait of curiosity and trust between human and cephalopod, featuring gorgeous underwater cinematography. Viewers have lauded it as “beautiful, moving, and unforgettable”, often finding themselves emotionally moved by the octopus’s intelligence and the life lessons it imparts[21][20]. (Streaming on Netflix)
9. Blackfish (2013) – Directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite
Theme: Marine animal welfare (orcas in captivity). User Rating: IMDb 8.1/10; Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score ~90%[22]. Blackfish is a hard-hitting documentary that investigates the plight of Tilikum, a captive orca involved in trainer fatalities at SeaWorld. Using shocking footage and insider interviews, the film illustrates how keeping orcas in theme-park tanks leads to psychological trauma and aggression[23][24]. Emotional and eye-opening, it grabbed audiences’ heartstrings and dramatically shifted public perception of marine parks[25]. The documentary’s impact was so profound that SeaWorld faced a public backlash and ultimately ended its orca breeding program. (Available on Amazon Prime Video, CNN, and other services)
10. Chasing Coral (2017) – Directed by Jeff Orlowski
Theme: Coral reefs and climate change (coral bleaching crisis). User Rating: IMDb 8.0/10[26]. This award-winning Netflix documentary captures the tragic disappearance of the world’s coral reefs due to warming ocean temperatures[27]. The film follows a team of divers, scientists, and photographers inventing new time-lapse cameras to document mass coral bleaching events. The beautifully shot footage allows viewers to witness reefs losing color and life in real-time – a haunting visual of climate change’s impact[28]. Chasing Coral won the Sundance Audience Award for U.S. Documentary, and it energizes viewers to take action in caring for our oceans[28]. (Streaming on Netflix)
11. Mission Blue (2014) – Directed by Robert Nixon & Fisher Stevens
Theme: Ocean conservation and exploration (Sylvia Earle’s life and “Hope Spots”). User Rating: IMDb 7.9/10[29]. Mission Blue follows legendary marine biologist Dr. Sylvia Earle – affectionately called “Her Deepness” – on her lifelong quest to protect the ocean[30]. Part biography and part call-to-arms, the film highlights Earle’s pioneering work (from deep-sea dives in submersibles to leading research on marine algae) and her campaign to establish marine protected areas known as “Hope Spots”[31]. It also confronts threats like pollution, overfishing, and climate change head-on[32]. The documentary is “a superb…fascinating watch,” showcasing an inspiring life dedicated to saving the seas[30]. (Streaming on Netflix)
12. A Plastic Ocean (2016) – Directed by Craig Leeson
Theme: Plastic pollution in the oceans. User Rating: IMDb 7.9/10[33]. This globe-spanning documentary reveals the devastating extent of plastic pollution in our oceans. Journalist Craig Leeson, searching for blue whales, instead finds oceans littered with plastic waste, prompting a deep investigation into its sources and impacts[34][35]. With footage from 20 locations around the world, A Plastic Ocean shows wildlife harmed by plastic and microplastics entering the food chain. Featuring insights from experts (like Dr. Sylvia Earle and Sir David Attenborough[34]), the film ends with an urgent call for reducing single-use plastics and innovating sustainable alternatives. (Available on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video)
13. Sharkwater (2006) – Directed by Rob Stewart
Theme: Shark conservation and illegal shark finning. User Rating: IMDb 7.8/10[36]. In this influential documentary, filmmaker and biologist Rob Stewart sets out to dispel the fearsome image of sharks and expose the rampant shark fin trade. Sharkwater combines gorgeous underwater encounters with hammerheads and whale sharks with undercover footage of illegal finning operations, illustrating how tens of millions of sharks are killed each year for their fins. The film’s passionate advocacy helped spark a global movement to protect sharks; viewers praised it for its eye-opening content and compelling argument that sharks are vital to ocean health (not villains of the sea)[36]. (Available on Amazon Prime Video, Tubi)
14. Maiden (2018) – Directed by Alex Holmes
Theme: Ocean sailing and human achievement (first all-female crew in Whitbread round-the-world race). User Rating: IMDb 7.8/10[37]. This inspiring documentary tells the story of Tracy Edwards and the crew of Maiden, the first all-women team to compete in the grueling 1989–1990 Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race. Maiden blends exhilarating archival footage of giant ocean swells with intimate interviews, highlighting the sexism and skepticism the women faced and ultimately overcame. The film celebrates not just a sailing triumph but also a breakthrough in women’s sports – an “exhilarating…engrossing” journey that won awards and captured audience admiration[38][39]. (Available on Amazon Prime Video)*
15. Deep Water (2006) – Directed by Louise Osmond & Jerry Rothwell
Theme: Maritime adventure and tragedy (single-handed round-the-world yacht race). User Rating: IMDb 7.8/10[40]. Deep Water chronicles the harrowing true story of Donald Crowhurst, an amateur sailor who entered the 1968 Sunday Times Golden Globe solo circumnavigation race. Through archival footage and diary excerpts, the film builds a tense narrative of Crowhurst’s ill-fated voyage as he faces technical troubles, isolation, and mounting psychological pressure in the vast ocean. Praised for its storytelling, Deep Water is as gripping as a thriller – a “mesmerizing, haunting” study of ambition and despair on the high seas that resonates even with those who have never set foot on a boat. (Available on streaming via CuriosityStream, Amazon Video)
16. Riding Giants (2004) – Directed by Stacy Peralta
Theme: Big-wave surfing culture and history. User Rating: IMDb 7.8/10[41]. This exhilarating documentary takes viewers into the world of big-wave surfers who challenge the ocean’s most monstrous swells. Starting from surfing’s origins, Riding Giants profiles pioneers like Greg Noll and contemporary legends like Laird Hamilton as they ride towering waves at infamous breaks (Waimea Bay, Mavericks, Teahupo’o). The film combines spectacular surf footage with engaging storytelling, making it accessible and thrilling even to non-surfers. With its “breathtaking” visuals and energetic pace[41], Riding Giants has become a favorite in the sports doc genre and showcases the ocean’s power and allure. (Available on digital rental platforms)
17. Oceans (2009) – Directed by Jacques Perrin & Jacques Cluzaud
Theme: General marine wildlife and habitats (global ocean life). User Rating: IMDb 7.7/10[42]. Oceans (by the team behind Winged Migration) is a feature-length French documentary that offers an awe-inspiring journey through Earth’s five oceans. It presents an array of marine creatures – from breaching whales and surfing dolphins to bioluminescent deep-sea fish – filmed with stunning clarity. While a family-friendly film in tone, Oceans doesn’t shy away from showing human impacts like pollution and overfishing. Narrated by Pierce Brosnan in the English version, it has been praised for its “extraordinary visuals” and sweeping scope, providing a meditative look at the beauty and fragility of marine life[42]. (Available on Disney+ as part of the Disneynature series)
18. The Deepest Breath (2023) – Directed by Laura McGann
Theme: Extreme sports and human-ocean connection (free-diving). User Rating: IMDb 7.7/10[43]. A recent Netflix hit, The Deepest Breath delves into the thrilling – and perilous – world of competitive free-diving. The documentary follows champion diver Alessia Zecchini and expert safety diver Stephen Keenan on their intersecting quests to break depth records on a single breath. With heart-pounding underwater cinematography, it immerses viewers in the intense physical and emotional challenges of free-diving. Critics have called it “stunning” and deeply moving, as it showcases the breathtaking beauty of the ocean’s depths alongside a poignant story of passion and risk[44]. (Streaming on Netflix)
19. March of the Penguins (2005) – Directed by Luc Jacquet
Theme: Animal behavior and life cycle (emperor penguins in Antarctica). User Rating: IMDb 7.5/10[45]. This Oscar-winning documentary became a pop-culture phenomenon, bringing the heroic story of emperor penguins to theaters worldwide. Narrated in English by Morgan Freeman, March of the Penguins documents the arduous annual journey of penguins in Antarctica as they march inland to breed and then brave the brutal winter to protect their eggs and chicks. The film’s intimate footage of penguin families persevering through blizzards captured hearts globally. Described as one of the most “beautiful documentaries in recent memory,” it sparked a renewed appreciation for the resilience of wildlife in extreme conditions[46]. (Previously on Warner Bros./National Geographic; now available on DVD and digital platforms)
20. Sharkwater Extinction (2018) – Directed by Rob Stewart
Theme: Shark conservation and illegal fishing (sequel/update). User Rating: IMDb 7.5/10[47]. In this powerful follow-up to Sharkwater, filmmaker Rob Stewart continues his crusade to expose the multi-billion-dollar illegal shark fin industry. Sharkwater Extinction goes further, revealing how shark products make their way into everyday consumer goods and the corruption enabling overfishing[48][49]. The documentary is given added poignancy by the fact that Stewart tragically died during its production, and the film was completed in his honor[50][51]. Urgent and compelling, it educates viewers on the ongoing threats to shark species and has inspired many to support shark conservation efforts. (Streaming on Amazon Prime Video and Tubi)
Comparison Table: Top 20 Ocean-Themed Documentaries (1985–2025)
The table below summarizes the ranked documentaries by title, release year, average user rating (IMDb score out of 10), and primary theme:
| Rank | Documentary Title | Year | Avg. User Rating | Primary Theme/Focus |
| 1 | Blue Planet II | 2017 | 9.3/10 (IMDb)[1] | Marine life, global ocean exploration |
| 2 | The Blue Planet | 2001 | 9.0/10 (IMDb)[3] | Marine life, ocean ecosystem overview |
| 3 | Wild Pacific (South Pacific) | 2009 | ~8.7/10 (IMDb) | Pacific marine biodiversity, islands |
| 4 | Great Barrier Reef (Attenborough) | 2015 | ~8.6/10 (IMDb) | Coral reef ecology and conservation |
| 5 | The Cove | 2009 | 8.4/10 (IMDb)[11] | Dolphin hunting exposé, conservation |
| 6 | Racing Extinction | 2015 | 8.2/10 (IMDb)[15] | Mass extinction, climate change |
| 7 | Seaspiracy | 2021 | ~8.1/10 (IMDb)[17] | Industrial fishing impact, ocean ethics |
| 8 | My Octopus Teacher | 2020 | 8.1/10 (IMDb) | Human–wildlife connection, marine life |
| 9 | Blackfish | 2013 | 8.1/10 (IMDb)[52] | Orcas in captivity, animal welfare |
| 10 | Chasing Coral | 2017 | 8.0/10 (IMDb)[26] | Coral reefs & climate change |
| 11 | Mission Blue | 2014 | 7.9/10 (IMDb)[29] | Ocean conservation (Sylvia Earle story) |
| 12 | A Plastic Ocean | 2016 | 7.9/10 (IMDb)[33] | Plastic pollution in oceans |
| 13 | Sharkwater | 2006 | 7.8/10 (IMDb)[36] | Shark finning and conservation |
| 14 | Maiden | 2018 | 7.8/10 (IMDb)[37] | Sailing, first all-female crew race |
| 15 | Deep Water | 2006 | 7.8/10 (IMDb)[40] | Solo yacht race tragedy, adventure |
| 16 | Riding Giants | 2004 | 7.8/10 (IMDb)[41] | Big-wave surfing history |
| 17 | Oceans | 2009 | 7.7/10 (IMDb)[42] | General ocean wildlife (global) |
| 18 | The Deepest Breath | 2023 | 7.7/10 (IMDb)[43] | Free-diving, extreme sports |
| 19 | March of the Penguins | 2005 | 7.5/10 (IMDb)[45] | Emperor penguin life cycle |
| 20 | Sharkwater Extinction | 2018 | 7.5/10 (IMDb)[47] | Shark conservation (finning sequel) |
Each of these documentaries offers a unique window into our oceans – from the majesty of marine wildlife to the urgent issues threatening ocean health – as reflected in their outstanding user reviews and ratings. By watching these films, audiences can gain insight into the beauty of the blue planet and the critical need to conserve it for future generations.
Sources: The above information and ratings are drawn from IMDb user data, Rotten Tomatoes audience scores, and documentary reviews[1][3][11][22][27][50], as cited throughout. Each documentary’s entry includes specific references supporting the ratings and notable details provided. Enjoy diving into these ocean adventures!
[1] [3] 100 best miniseries of all time | 93.1 Coast Country
https://931coast.com/100-best-miniseries-of-all-time/
[2] [4] [6] [7] [8] [32] [48] [49] [51] 15 Amazing Ocean Documentaries You Must Watch
https://www.marineinsight.com/know-more/15-amazing-ocean-documentaries-you-must-watch/
[5] [30] [31] [50] Best Ocean Documentaries | Blue Planet Aquarium
https://www.blueplanetaquarium.com/blog/10-of-the-best-ocean-documentaries-to-stream-at-home/
[9] Wild Pacific (TV Mini Series 2009– ) – IMDb
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1458521/
[10] Great Barrier Reef with David Attenborough (TV Mini Series … – IMDb
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5329344/ratings/
[11] These Are the 20 Best Documentary Films of All Time – 24/7 Wall St.
https://247wallst.com/special-report/2023/12/05/discover-best-documentary-films-all-time/
[12] [23] [24] [25] 6 (More) top ranking documentaries with a conscience to watch on Netflix | 1 Million Women
https://www.1millionwomen.com.au/blog/6-more-documentaries-watch-netflix/
[13] 100 Best Nature Documentaries of All Time | Rotten Tomatoes
https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/best-nature-documentaries/
[14] 8 Documentaries With Amazing Rotten Tomatoes Scores That …
https://www.ranker.com/list/popular-documentaries-with-bad-rotten-tomatoes-scores/henry-adams
[15] Racing Extinction (2015) – Ratings – IMDb
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1618448/ratings/
[16] 2020 Archive – Wonderfest – Bay Area Beacon of Science
https://wonderfest.org/category/event/archives/2020-archive/
[17] Seaspiracy – Grokipedia
https://grokipedia.com/page/Seaspiracy
[18] The controversial claims of “Seaspiracy” – Pipe Dream
https://www.bupipedream.com/ac/auto-draft-1125/121534/
[19] Kiss the Ground (2020) – IMDb
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8618654/
[20] My Octopus Teacher | Rotten Tomatoes
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/my_octopus_teacher
[21] [US] My Octopus Teacher (2020) : A must add documentary to your …
[22] Movies to Stream at Home (2025) | Rotten Tomatoes
[26] Chasing Coral (2017) – IMDb
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6333054/
[27] [28] The 25 Best Documentaries on Netflix, According to Critics – Newsweek
https://www.newsweek.com/25-best-documentaries-netflix-according-critics-1563777
[29] Mission Blue (2014) – IMDb
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2004304/
[33] A Plastic Ocean (2016) – IMDb
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5203824/
[34] A Plastic Ocean (2016) – FAQ – IMDb
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5203824/faq/
[35] A Plastic Ocean streaming: where to watch online? – JustWatch
https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/a-plastic-ocean
[36] Sharkwater (2006) – IMDb
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0856008/
[37] Maiden (2018) – IMDb
https://s.media-imdb.com/title/tt8879946/
[38] Film Review: ‘Maiden’ – IMDb
https://www.imdb.com/news/ni62216410/?ref_=nmnw_art_plk
[39] Awards – Maiden (2018) – IMDb
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8879946/awards/
[40] Sailing documentaries – IMDb
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls062119669/
[41] The best surfing movies ranked by IMDb ratings
https://indopurejoy.com/the-best-surfing-movies-ranked-by-imdb-ratings/
[42] Oceans 2009 | Kinoafisha
https://www.kinoafisha.info/en/movies/7597806/
[43] The Deepest Breath (2023) – Ratings – IMDb
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt24132732/ratings/
[44] The Deepest Breath – Netflix Documentary – Where To Watch
https://www.tvinsider.com/show/the-deepest-breath/
[45] March of the Penguins (2005) – IMDb
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0428803/
[46] March of the Penguins (2005) – User reviews – IMDb
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0428803/reviews/
[47] Sharkwater Extinction (2018) – IMDb
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6026818/
[52] Blackfish (2013) – IMDb