Octopuses have long fascinated filmmakers and audiences alike with their intelligence, mysterious nature, and unique abilities. This curated list of films not only entertains but also educates viewers about the incredible world of octopuses. From documentaries to animated features, each film brings something special to the table, making it a must-watch for anyone intrigued by these enigmatic creatures of the deep.

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954)
Description: This classic adventure film features a giant squid attack, showcasing the power and mystery of the deep sea, including creatures like octopuses.
Fact: The film was one of the first to use underwater cinematography extensively, pushing the boundaries of special effects for its time.


The Abyss (1989)
Description: In this sci-fi thriller, a deep-sea exploration team encounters an alien intelligence, which manifests through a water-based creature resembling an octopus, exploring themes of communication and understanding.
Fact: The film used real underwater filming techniques, making the octopus-like creature's scenes particularly challenging to shoot.


DeepStar Six (1989)
Description: Although primarily about a sea monster, the film includes scenes with an octopus-like creature, adding to the underwater horror theme.
Fact: The film was one of several underwater horror movies released in the late '80s, competing with "The Abyss" and "Leviathan."


The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
Description: While not exclusively about octopuses, this film features a memorable scene where Walter Mitty encounters an octopus in Iceland, symbolizing his journey of self-discovery.
Fact: The octopus scene was improvised, adding an element of surprise and wonder to the film.


The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)
Description: While focusing on a team of oceanographers, the film includes scenes with various sea creatures, including an octopus, in its whimsical portrayal of marine life.
Fact: The film was inspired by Jacques Cousteau's documentaries, blending reality with Wes Anderson's unique storytelling style.


Finding Dory (2016)
Description: In this animated adventure, Dory, the forgetful fish, searches for her family, encountering a clever octopus named Hank along the way, showcasing the intelligence of octopuses in a fun, family-friendly narrative.
Fact: The character of Hank was designed to be a mimic octopus, known for its ability to impersonate other sea creatures.


My Octopus Teacher (2020)
Description: This documentary follows a filmmaker who forms an unlikely bond with an octopus living in a South African kelp forest, exploring themes of friendship, nature, and personal growth.
Fact: The film won the Best Documentary Feature at the 93rd Academy Awards, highlighting the unique relationship between man and marine life.


The Octopus (2014)
Description: This short film delves into the life of an octopus, capturing its daily activities and interactions with its environment, offering a rare glimpse into the life of this intelligent invertebrate.
Fact: The film was shot entirely underwater, requiring specialized equipment to capture the octopus's natural behavior.


Octopus (2000)
Description: This B-movie features a giant, genetically altered octopus that wreaks havoc on a U.S. Navy submarine, providing a campy yet entertaining take on the theme.
Fact: The film was shot in Bulgaria, using a combination of practical effects and CGI to bring the octopus to life.


The Octopus: A Story of California (1915)
Description: Based on Frank Norris's novel, this silent film explores the conflict between farmers and the railroad, with the octopus symbolizing the railroad's monopolistic grip on the land.
Fact: This film is one of the earliest adaptations of a literary work to use the octopus as a metaphor for corporate power.
