Skip to main content

Can’t make it to the beach? Stream these 5 must-watch ocean documentaries on Netflix and Amazon

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Couldn’t get to the beach this year? You’re not alone. The pandemic may have once again wrecked travel plans, so it’s time for Plan B. If you find yourself in a place with less sun and sand than you had hoped for, maybe a movie will help. Turn up the heat and change into something more beach-y. Mix up a tall umbrella drink and spread out that beach blanket. These five ocean documentaries will take you to the water and inspire your imagination.

Mission Blue

https://www.netflix.com/title/70308278 

All Audiences (great for families)

Follow legendary American marine biologist, oceanographer, and National Geographic explorer-in-residence Dr. Sylvia Earle on her quest to save our oceans. Mission Blue documents Dr. Earle’s work to create a worldwide network of marine sanctuaries. Amid the backdrop of the 2010, Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, led a global coalition of environmental leaders working to protect “hope spots” around the world. 

This feature length documentary reveals the importance and fragility of the ocean environment, the rising threats to its health, and the institutional changes that could protect it. It also delivers a message of clarity and hope, that there is a workable way to protect the natural systems on which all life depends. Streaming on Netflix.

End of the Line

https://www.amazon.com/End-Line-Ted-Danson/dp/B003F8OQUY  

TV-PG (best for teens and adults)

Inspired by the book The End of the Line: How Overfishing Is Changing the World We Live in and What We Eat by journalist Charles Clover, this Rupert Murray documentary examines the overharvesting of wild ocean fish, and its devastating effects on worldwide fish populations. He suggests that strong action must be taken soon to allow the fisheries to recover.

Interviews with fish farmers, commercial fishermen, government policy makers, and consumers are woven together with scientific data from marine biologists to build a narrative of urgent need. Although the film does not promote a vegetarian agenda, it does suggest that consumer appetites are part of the problem, along with fishing practices, and government regulation. Viewer discretion is advised for sensitive viewers due to fish processing footage. Streaming on Amazon.

The Blue Planet: A Natural History of the Oceans

https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Planet-Seas-of-Life/dp/B000MVJHOM 

TV-G (great for all ages)

This eight part BBC docu series, hosted by Sir David Attenborough, is the first ever comprehensive series on the natural history of the world’s oceans. It took five years to film in nearly 200 different locations, with the assistance and guidance of marine scientists all over the world. Spectacular underwater videography captures numerous creatures and many behaviors that had never before been filmed, including some that were previously unknown to science.

Each 50 minute installment explores a different aspect of ocean life. Although the series debuted two decades ago, it has aged very well. It uses vivid imagery of amazing creatures, and excellent narration to tell the story of the world’s oceans. Streaming on Amazon.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Sushi: The Global Catch

https://www.amazon.com/Sushi-Global-Catch-Mark-Hall/dp/B01LAQP5CA

Not Rated (best for teens and adults)

Watch as the once inexpensive Japanese street delicacy gains global prominence as adventurous food lovers in Brazil, China, Poland, the United States, and points in between develop a palate for raw fish. As Sushi gains popularity, bluefin tuna is threatened by overfishing to satisfy the market. Sushi: The Global Catch examines the spread of the popular cuisine, its consequences in the marine ecosystem, and the possibilities of redirection to save the species.

It’s a lot of ground to cover in just over an hour, but this densely packed documentary takes it in stride. Without pushing the panic button, the film gives viewers a strong sense of the gravity of the issue along with actionable ways to improve the status quo. Streaming on Amazon.

Turtle: The Incredible Journey

https://www.amazon.com/Turtle-Incredible-Journey-Miranda-Richardson/dp/B0067XO8LG

Not Rated (good for kids and families) 

Follow a young loggerhead turtle along the same path her ancestors traveled to adulthood. After hatching from her egg on a Florida beach, she embarks on an epic journey gliding along the Gulf Stream to the far north, around the North Atlantic, down to the coast of Africa, and back across the ocean to the very beach where her life began. Along the way, learn of the dangers that stand in her way, and why only one in 10,000 sea turtles survive to adulthood. 

In Turtle: The Incredible Journey, the journey and the cinematography are both incredible. Even if the narration is a tad melodramatic, this film is worth a watch for the sheer beauty and fascinating subject. 

Even if you’re away from the ocean, you can stay connected. Learning more about aquatic life, and our daily impact on it, can be both entertaining and inspiring. For a great selection of streaming ocean movies Netflix and Amazon are a great place to start. When you finally get back to the beach, you’ll be able to enjoy it with a deeper appreciation.

Editors' Recommendations

Mark Wolfe
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Mark Wolfe is a freelance writer who specializes in garden, landscaping, and home improvement. After two decades in the…
4 gorgeous colors that go with teal for home design that isn’t tacky
There are plenty of fantastic color combos to pair with this hue
teal front door of small white cottage

Teal is a quirky color. As an unconventional hue to introduce to your palette, teal offers charm and personality to liven up a drab space. However, teal can be a tricky color to execute effectively in home design. A common challenge is finding the right hues to pair with teal to create a color palette that isn’t tacky.

Thankfully, there are plenty of wonderful colors that go with teal if you know what to look for.

Read more
7 things designers say everyone gets wrong about rustic farmhouse style
Expert tips to avoid kitsch and instead curate a sophisticated design
Rustic farmhouse dining room with a dog

Rustic farmhouse design has been incredibly popular for quite a while now. And while some predict that the trend is on its way out, the aesthetic still dominates both cozy apartments and spacious homes. To get the lowdown on rustic farmhouse interior design, we spoke to Saloni Ingle, an interior design architect at Nitido Design, and Anna Franklin, an interior designer at Stone House Collective. Here’s what the two experts said everyone gets wrong about the design style.

Assuming rustic can’t be sophisticated
There’s a specific image that comes to mind when people picture a rustic farmhouse home. “People often assume that a rustic farmhouse design is all burlap, roosters, and quirky decor that only belongs in rural or country homes,” Franklin said.

Read more
Is a shower niche a good idea? Consider these things before your bathroom renovation
We'll help you figure out if a shower niche is the right design idea for your space
Shower head next to shower niche

When it comes to renovating your bathroom, every detail counts. One element that often sparks debate among homeowners is the inclusion of a shower niche. Is it worth the investment? Will it enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your space?

Before you make a decision, let's dig into the world of shower niches to weigh the pros and cons. We'll also give you some amazing shower niche design ideas that will make your shower space pop.

Read more