The Whale (2011): cast, story & where to watch

2011 · Film · ★ 6

The Whale poster

Released in 2011, The Whale is a documentary film directed by Michael Parfit, running about 89 minutes. “Friendship is bigger than we know.” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. The true story of a young, wild killer whale - an orca - nicknamed Luna, who lost contact with his family on the coast of British Columbia and turned up alone in a narrow stretch of sea between mountains, a place called Nootka Sound.

Who’s in it. The Whale stars Ryan Reynolds as Narrator.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.0/10, The Whale has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Whale page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Whale tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch The Whale (2011)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Whale change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is The Whale worth watching?
The Whale holds an audience score of 6.0 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy documentary. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
Who stars in The Whale?
The Whale stars Ryan Reynolds.
When was The Whale released?
The Whale was released in 2011, with a runtime of about 89 minutes.