To close out Shark Week last month, Rotten Tomatoes released an article ranking the best shark movies, according to their “freshness.” Among the top 10 are two of Rob Stewart’s films: Sharkwater and Sharkwater Extinction. To celebrate the lasting impact of these movies, we’ve compiled our own list of ocean documentaries. Whether you’re looking for a crash course in marine conservation, or a film to inspire change in your own life, there’s something on here for everyone. The best part: these films can all be watched for free!
Phillip Waller didn’t plan to film a documentary on sharks. He started out making a movie on his photographer and daredevil friend, Jimmy Hall. Inspired by Jimmy’s love for sharks, Waller pivoted his focus to make a shark advocacy film instead. Soon, he uncovers the startling truth of the shark finning trade and the crucial role these creatures play in maintaining marine harmony. The documentary is available to watch in full on Vimeo.
For millions of years, sharks have survived every environmental curveball thrown at them, all thanks to their ability to adapt. Emmy-winning marine cinematographer Andy Casagrande dives into the history of the great white shark in this film. Unlike countless other shark movies, this documentary celebrates these remarkable predators instead of vilifying them. Watch the full film on Tubi.
There’s something remarkable about the Ross Sea: it is the last known body of water with an untouched ecosystem. A range of species roam freely and the food chain is intact. However, this natural balance is soon disrupted. The sea is targeted by fishers for its rich population of Antarctic toothfish. The fish is then sold to expensive restaurants that only a fraction of people can afford. Ecologist David Ainley teams up with the New Zealand government to stop the exploitation of the sea before it’s too late. The full film can be watched on Tubi.
For trailers, photos, reviews and more, check out the Showtimes and tribute.ca pages.
One of Rob Stewart’s conservation films, Revolution focuses on our oceans in addition to our global ecosystem. Although there are countless threats against our environment such as carbon emissions, deforestation, and ocean acidification, Rob Stewart does not give up hope. Over the course of this documentary, he travels the world, speaks to experts, and participates in protests. Most importantly, he emphasizes the importance of education and taking a stand. Watch the full documentary on Waterbear.
For trailers, photos, reviews and more, check out the Showtimes and tribute.ca pages.
What would our lives be like if every fish on Earth was wiped out? This could very well be our reality if we continue our overfishing practices. In this film, environmental journalist Charles Clover reveals the truth behind our fishing habits and how we need to take action before it’s too late. Watch the whole documentary on Waterbear.
For trailers, photos, reviews and more, check out the Showtimes and tribute.ca pages.
The very first of Rob Stewart’s conservation films, Sharkwater documents the horrors of the shark fin trade. The story does not end there. Instead of strictly creating an exposé, Stewart fights for change. He teams up with marine conservationist Paul Watson and discovers the vital role sharks play in our world, exposing the dangers they face. You can watch the movie in full on Waterbear.
For trailers, photos, reviews and more, check out the Showtimes and tribute.ca pages.
Directed by Lesley Chilcott, this film chronicles the life of Sea Shepherd Conservation Society founder and fierce marine conservationist, Paul Watson. Unsatisfied with Greenpeace’s approach to their missions, Watson left the foundation in favor of hands-on activism, even if it meant being labelled a criminal. “If our oceans die, we die with it,” Watson says in the movie. Watch the whole documentary on Waterbear.
For trailers, photos, reviews and more, check out the Showtimes and tribute.ca pages.
Marine life is not exclusive to fish, mammals, and turtles. In fact, the backbone of our underwater ecosystem is coral. Unfortunately, our reefs are dying. Due to the rising water temperatures, the coral undergoes a phenomenon called bleaching. When coral bleaching occurs, they are stripped down to their skeleton and organisms cannot survive on their surface. The documentary team, comprised of researchers, divers, and photographers, capture the harrowing effects of climate change on our coral reefs. Watch the full film on YouTube.
For trailers, photos, reviews and more, check out the Showtimes and tribute.ca pages.
This list concludes with Sharkwater Extinction, Rob Stewart’s final movie. This film recaps the progress that has been made since the first Sharkwater’s release back in 2006. Shark finning has been banned in a number of countries but the slaughter continues. Sharks are ending up as a byproduct in pet food and their liver oil used in cosmetics. The fight for sharks is never ending and Sharkwater Extinction proves that, although there is still much to be done, we should not lose hope. The whole film can be watched on Waterbear.
For trailers, photos, reviews and more, check out the Showtimes and tribute.ca pages. ~Claudia Minardi
