This curated collection of family-friendly films about dolphins offers a delightful escape into the world of these intelligent and playful marine creatures. Each movie in this list not only entertains but also educates, fostering a deeper appreciation for marine life and the importance of conservation. Perfect for family movie nights, these films provide joy, laughter, and valuable lessons for viewers of all ages.

Free Willy (1993)
Description: Although primarily about an orca, the themes of friendship, freedom, and the bond between humans and marine mammals make it a fitting addition to this list.
Fact: The film's success led to three sequels and inspired many children to learn about and care for marine life.


Flipper (1996)
Description: A remake of the classic TV series, this film follows a young boy who befriends a wild dolphin named Flipper, teaching him about responsibility and the beauty of nature.
Fact: The film features real dolphins, with the main dolphin, Flipper, being played by several trained dolphins. The movie also inspired a short-lived TV series revival.


Zeus and Roxanne (1997)
Description: This film centers on the unlikely friendship between a dog named Zeus and a dolphin named Roxanne, highlighting themes of friendship and overcoming differences.
Fact: The movie was filmed in the Bahamas, providing a beautiful backdrop for the story of interspecies friendship.


The Cove (2009)
Description: Although more of a documentary, this film addresses the darker side of dolphin interactions with humans, focusing on the annual dolphin hunt in Taiji, Japan, making it an important watch for older children and adults.
Fact: "The Cove" won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, highlighting its impact on global awareness of dolphin conservation.


Dolphin Tale (2011)
Description: This heartwarming film tells the true story of Winter, a dolphin who loses her tail in a crab trap and learns to swim again with the help of a prosthetic tail. It's an inspiring tale of resilience and human kindness.
Fact: The film was shot at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where Winter, the real dolphin, still lives. The movie's success led to a sequel, "Dolphin Tale


Dolphin Kick (2019)
Description: A young girl with a passion for swimming befriends a dolphin, which helps her overcome her fears and pursue her dreams in this uplifting story.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life stories of children with disabilities finding solace and strength through their connection with dolphins.


The Day of the Dolphin (1973)
Description: While not strictly a family film, this movie involves dolphins being trained to communicate with humans, exploring themes of intelligence and ethics in animal research.
Fact: The film was nominated for two Academy Awards for its sound and special effects, showcasing the advanced technology of the time.


Island of the Lost Dolphins (2014)
Description: This documentary follows a group of scientists as they study a unique population of dolphins in the Solomon Islands, offering insights into their social structures and behaviors.
Fact: The film was produced by National Geographic and provides an educational look at dolphin conservation efforts.


A Dolphin's Tale (2011)
Description: Another film inspired by Winter the dolphin, this one focuses on her journey from rescue to rehabilitation, emphasizing themes of perseverance and community support.
Fact: The movie features real-life footage of Winter, blending documentary elements with a fictional narrative.


Dolphin Reef (2020)
Description: Part of Disney's Nature series, this film explores the life of a young bottlenose dolphin named Echo, showcasing the vibrant underwater world and the importance of family in the animal kingdom.
Fact: The film uses advanced underwater cinematography to capture the beauty of the coral reef ecosystem.
