15 Must-See Dolphin Movies That Will Make You Smile!

When it comes to dolphins, t The Rise of the Sea” (2014) – In this sequel to the popular film, Sawyer and Winter team up once again to rescue a baby dolphin named Hope who was separated from her family in the ocean. They work together to find a way to help her return home and reunite with her pod.

5. “Bottle Shock” (2008) – This film tells the true story of the Chateau Montelena Winery, which won the Judgment of Paris wine competition in 1976 against some of France’s finest wines. A key factor in their success was a unique blend of Chardonnay grapes that were accidentally contaminated by dolphin urine!

6. “Flipper” (1963) – This classic television show follows the adventures of a young boy and his pet dolphin, Flipper. The pair go on exciting underwater escapades, solving mysteries and helping those in need.

7. “The Dolphin Man” (2010) – This documentary tells the story of Ric O’Barry, a former dolphin trainer who dedicated his life to freeing captive dolphins and advocating for their protection. He is best known for training the five dolphins that played the role of Flipper in the TV show.

These movies offer a mix of adventure, heartwarming moments, and education about these incredible creatures. Enjoy watching!

1. Flipper ( 1996 )

Kick-off our collection of top dolphin films with “Flipper”. The story revolves around Sandy Ricks, a disheartened young lad from Chicago whose parents are going through a tough divorce. To help him escape his troubles, his mother arranges a getaway to his uncle Porter in the Florida Keys. Initially, he’s grumpy and bitter due to family issues. However, things change when he meets an exuberant dolphin named Flipper and a local girl named Kim. This is where their exciting journey unfolds.

2. Dolphin Tale ( 2011 )

The movie Dolphin Tale tells the tale of a young boy named Sawyer, who plays a crucial role in rescuing a dolphin named Winter. One fateful day, Winter sustained severe injuries to her tail when she became trapped in a crab trap, and was subsequently rescued by the Florida coastline before being taken to Clearwater Marine Aquarium for care. A bond develops between Sawyer and this injured marine mammal, prompting him to rally those around him to assist in any way they can. In his determination to help, Sawyer designs a replacement prosthetic tail for Winter.

An interesting tidbit: Dolphin Tale is inspired by real events. Back in 2006, a dolphin was discovered entangled in a crab trap net off the coast of Clearwater, Florida. The marine aquarium team swiftly intervened and freed this unfortunate dolphin, transporting it back to their facility for care.

3. Dolphin Tale 2 ( 2014 )

finding a companion for Winter so she could stay at the Clearwater Marine Hospital. The USDA regulations state that dolphins cannot live alone, which is why they went in search of a new friend for Winter. They discovered a young dolphin named Hope who surprisingly appeared out of nowhere.

The movie clearly emphasizes themes such as loyalty, friendship, and determination. It’s an enjoyable, action-packed film featuring cherished characters from the initial installment.

4. The Cove ( 2009 )

The Cove” is a revealing documentary film that focuses on the disputed global trade of capturing dolphins, primarily in the Taiji district of Japan. Activist Ric O’Barry, who had trained dolphins for performances, teamed up with filmmaker Louis Psihoyos to expose the staggering number of dolphin deaths. The movie suggests that the method of dolphin hunting in Japan transcends basic needs and acceptable conduct.

5. Dolphin Reef ( 2018 )

Dolphin Reef: A Family Adventure Told by Natalie Portman”

This documentary film centers around a young bottlenose dolphin named Echo, who must learn to stand on his own feet. His mother, Kumu, is there to guide him in locating food as they journey towards their Coral Reef home. Through the nurturing and survival skills passed down by Kumu, Echo thrives in the ocean. This film is a compelling watch for anyone fascinated by dolphins, as it underscores the significance of teamwork and collaboration for survival.

6. Dolphin Island ( 2021 )

The film “Dolphin Island” is a heartwarming family drama centered around a teenage girl named Annabel Coleridge, who resides with her grandpa on a tranquil Caribbean island. Annabel’s unique friend happens to be Mitzy, a friendly dolphin that she holds dear.

Despite the fact that Annabel was content on the island, her world shifted dramatically when her maternal grandparents arrived with an attorney, intending to take her back to New York by claiming it was in her best interest. Now, Annabel and her friends are brainstorming a solution for her to remain on the island.

7. Dolphin Boy ( 2011 )

Drama Documentary Film – Dolphin Boy

The film, Dolphin Boy, revolves around a teenager named Morad, hailing from an Arab community situated in the northern region of Israel. Following a traumatic assault, Morad distances himself from human interaction, falls silent, and ceases to speak.

To aid him, Morad’s father escorts Morad to encounter dolphins in Eilat along the Red Sea coast. Interaction with these marine mammals offers therapeutic benefits for Morad, yet he resists returning. The film serves as an illustration of the destructive potential humans have towards one another and nature’s inherent healing properties.

8. Eye of the Dolphin ( 2006 )

After the passing of her mother, 14-year-old Alyssa resides with her grandmother. Subsequently expelled from school, she’s relocated to live with her previously unknown father. Struggling to adapt to this fresh environment, Alyssa embarks on an exciting journey when she uncovers her ability to converse with dolphins.

9. The Day of the Dolphin ( 1973 )

As a fervent admirer, let me tell you about “The Day of the Dolphin,” a gripping sci-fi thriller movie adapted from a novel bearing the same title. The narrative revolves around a marine biologist duo, Jake and Maggie Terrell, who engage in an extraordinary endeavor – teaching dolphins to converse with humans. However, their world turns upside down when two of these intelligent creatures are abducted, sparking an investigation. As the plot thickens, it is uncovered that a sinister plot to assassinate the President of the United States exists. With time running out, Jake and Maggie embark on a daring mission to retrieve their beloved dolphins, free them, and ensure they experience freedom once more before it’s all too late.

10. Barbie Dolphin Magic (2017)

In the animated film titled “Barbie Dolphin Magic,” we follow the thrilling journey of Barbie and her siblings. One day, Barbie travels to an island where Ken is working as an intern. However, during her stay on this island, she discovers a unique dolphin named Emerald who is a gemstone dolphin, and she finds him trapped in a cove.

Barbie teams up with her fresh companion, Isla, to thwart a villain’s schemes. However, their journey takes an unexpected turn when Isla discloses her true identity. They collaborate to rescue Emerald, enabling him to reconnect with his loved ones. Although it’s an animated film, it offers enjoyable viewing for younger spectators.

11. Dolphin Kick ( 2019 )

In this captivating film, we follow the heartwarming journey of a family adventure centered around two brothers, one named Luke, and their unique friendship with a spirited dolphin called Echo. As they endeavor to return Echo to his pod, they encounter opposition from fishermen who are not in favor of their plan. Amidst this struggle, young Luke, still grieving the unexpected loss of his mother, discovers solace and the strength to begin anew by aiding Echo in reuniting with his kind, ultimately finding inner peace and the courage to continue living.

12. Ace Ventura Pet Detective ( 1994 )

As a cinephile, I must say that “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective” is a hilarious film centered around our quirky protagonist, Ace himself – a renowned animal sleuth. When the beloved Miami Dolphins mascot, Snowflake, a bottlenose dolphin, goes missing, Ace is brought in to crack the case. The story unfolds as Ace navigates through a series of comical misadventures, even getting into scrapes with the local law enforcement. However, our intrepid detective never gives up and eventually uncovers the villains behind Snowflake’s disappearance and saves the day! This movie is an entertaining ride following one of Ace Ventura’s thrilling escapades as he solves another mystery in his career as a pet detective.

13. Free Willy ( 1993 )

The final three films on this list don’t focus on dolphins but are well-known within the realm of aquatic animal movies. These were also films I often wanted to watch as a child, and now I’m sharing them with you. The initial movie is “Free Willy.” This film is based on real events and centers around Jesse, an orphaned boy who forms a bond with a captive orca whale named Willy. Tragically, Willy has been taken away from his family and now resides in an amusement park.

In a twist of events, it was discovered that the park’s proprietor harbored malicious plans involving Willy, aiming to claim insurance money. Yet, the profound bond between Jessie and Willy ultimately proved crucial in rescuing this magnificent orca whale. A movie that will leave you both touched and exhilarated, it’s definitely worth watching.

14. Free Willy 2 ( 1995 )

The story that follows is a continuation of the film we’ve previously discussed. Now a teen, Jesse resides with his adoptive family following the passing of his birth mother. On a vacation with his little sibling, an astonishing event transpires: Jesse runs into Willy, who now roams the ocean freely.

But if an accident leads to an immediate danger for Willy and other orcas due to an oil spill, Jesse and his companions must take all necessary actions to protect these whales. It’s just as touching as the original story.

15. Free Willy 3 ( 1997 )

In the latest chapter of this beloved film series, I find myself at sixteen, embarking on a new adventure aboard a research vessel. My trusty companion Randolph is by my side, and we’re joined by the oceanographer Drew. Our path crosses with an illicit whaling duo, John and his son Max, who seems disapproving of his father’s line of work. A soothing harmonica melody catches the attention of a mysterious stranger named Willy.

Jesse and his group successfully persuade the whalers to halt their inhumane and unlawful activity, ensuring the safety of Willy and his entire pod. Additionally, we are privileged to observe the birth of Willy’s offspring. This compelling tale promises an exciting journey that will undoubtedly touch your soul.

2025-06-09 00:45