Blackfish

PG-13

Released Jul 19, 2013

1h 23m

Documentary

List

99%

134 Reviews

Tomatometer

90%

25,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

The story of Tilikum, a captive killer whale that has taken the lives of several people, underscores problems within the sea-park industry, man's relationship to nature, and how little has been learned about these highly intelligent mammals.

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Critics Consensus

Blackfish is an aggressive, impassioned documentary that will change the way you look at performance killer whales.

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lolDDOSS

Great documentary about orcas. and humans too

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

04/11/24

Full Review

Jeff M

While walking through the St. Louis Zoo recently, my mind kept coming back to this wonderful documentary about the controversial captivity of killer whales used in theme parks, particularly Sea World. And looking into the eyes of the animals we passed, I found my heart breaking just a little. This film has forever altered my feelings about animal confinement for human enjoyment, and that's the mark of a powerful movie. The story of an orca named Tilicum, who ended up killing three people, including a whale trainer, is one I will never forget. And the interviews with witnesses and experts are not only informative but often heartrending. I'm an animal lover, not necessarily an animal LOVER, but this documentary gave me a new appreciation and even respect for the creatures around us and how humans often exploit them.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/17/24

Full Review

Sander d

This documentary gives an insight on what goes on in parks witch killer whales. It really focuses on the negative. But that is also part of having shows with animals.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

08/22/23

Full Review

brittany h

Blackfish was really eye opening and informative. Being from Florida and going to Sea World as a child, it hit a little more home, I remember going to those shows and when the baby Shamu was born- very heartbreaking to see the dark side of it all.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/12/23

Full Review

Chief B

Heartbreaking is all I can say.. And I mean hestbreaking how they use and kidnap these magnificent beings to perform tricks for a crowd.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

06/06/23

Full Review

Keith N

This documentary will pull on your heartstrings until they violently snap. It is absolutely gut-wrenching at times, and trying to keep from bursting into tears is a futile effort for most. It will make you sympathize with the orcas in captivity as well as all the people injured or killed by them. There are truly no winners in this horrible situation. All cetaceans belong in the wild. They are not meant to be held captive under inhumane conditions. My heart breaks for the individuals involved and the orcas alike. They are all truly victims in this tragedy. Nobody with a conscience can justify supporting Sea World after seeing this documentary. It was absolutely outstanding.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/06/22

Full Review

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Gabriela Cowperthwaite

Director

Tilikum

Self

John Hargrove

Self

Samantha Berg

Self

Mark Simmons

Self

Kim Ashdown

Self

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Roxana Hadadi

Punch Drunk Critics

You won't forget Cowperthwaite's documentary, and you shouldn't.

Rated: 4.5/5

Jan 9, 2017

Full Review

Anthony Quinn

Independent (UK)

Save the whale? After watching this documentary about the mistreatment of killer whales, you'll never mock that sentiment again.

Rated: 4/5

Jan 1, 2014

Full Review

Joshua Rothkopf

Time Out

A troubling expos of Sea World's hazardous entertainment trade.

Rated: 4/5

Jan 1, 2014

Full Review

Danielle Solzman

Solzy at the Movies

That Blackfish led SeaWorld to phase out both orca breeding and performances speaks to how we should view the film's legacy over ten years later.

Rated: 4.5/5

Dec 31, 2023

Full Review

Keith Garlington

Keith & the Movies

It often gives definitive statements about ambiguous events, and it does try to frame opinions as facts. But it also gave me a greater appreciation for these incredible animals and it challenged my past apathy towards their plight.

Rated: 3.5/5

Aug 19, 2022

Full Review

Gem Seddon

SFX Magazine

This story is one that continues to make waves – should animals be kept in captivity for our entertainment? – making this a must-see Netflix documentary.

Feb 3, 2022

Full Review

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Synopsis

The story of Tilikum, a captive killer whale that has taken the lives of several people, underscores problems within the sea-park industry, man's relationship to nature, and how little has been learned about these highly intelligent mammals.

Director: Gabriela Cowperthwaite
Producer: Judy Bart, Erica Kahn
Screenwriter: Gabriela Cowperthwaite, Eli B. Despres, Tim Zimmerman
Distributor: Magnolia Pictures
Production Co: Manny O Productions, CNN Films
Rating: PG-13 (Mature Thematic Elements|Disturbing Violent Images)
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 19, 2013, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 26, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $2.1M
Runtime: 1h 23m

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