The Search for Michael Rockefeller (2011): cast, story & where to watch

2011 · Film · ★ 4.5

The Search for Michael Rockefeller poster

Released in 2011, The Search for Michael Rockefeller is a documentary film directed by Fraser Clarke Heston, running about 90 minutes. “A missing scion, a lost film, a dark secret.” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. The disappearance of Michael Rockefeller is one of the enduring unsolved mysteries of the 20th Century. In 1961, Michael Rockefeller left on a voyage down the cannibal coast of New Guinea in a trading canoe. Several miles off shore, heavy seas swamped his craft. After a night adrift, Rockefeller set out to swim for the distant shore, leaving his companion with the fateful words: "I think I can make it..." He was never seen again. Or was he?

How it landed. With an audience score of 4.5/10, The Search for Michael Rockefeller has proved divisive with audiences.

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

If you liked it. Fans of The Search for Michael Rockefeller 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 Search for Michael Rockefeller (2011)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Search for Michael Rockefeller change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is The Search for Michael Rockefeller worth watching?
The Search for Michael Rockefeller holds an audience score of 4.5 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy documentary. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
When was The Search for Michael Rockefeller released?
The Search for Michael Rockefeller was released in 2011, with a runtime of about 90 minutes.