The Cove

PG-13

Released Jul 31, 2009

1h 34m

Documentary

List

95%

Tomatometer

133 Reviews

94%

Audience Score

25,000+ Ratings

In Taiji, Japan, local fishermen hide a gruesome secret: the capture and slaughter of dolphins. Activist Ric O'Barry, who trained dolphins for the "Flipper" TV series, joins forces with filmmaker Louis Psihoyos and the Ocean Preservation Society to expose the brutal practice, risking life and limb in the process.

Read More

Read Less

Watch on Peacock

Stream Now

Peacock

Prime Video

Hulu

Apple TV

Watch The Cove with a subscription on Hulu, rent on Prime Video, Apple TV, or buy on Prime Video, Apple TV.

Critics Consensus

Though decidedly one-sided, The Cove is an impeccably crafted, suspenseful expose of the covert slaughter of dolphins in Japan.

Read Critics Reviews

Ben Kenigsberg

Time Out

Rated: 2/5

Nov 18, 2011

Full Review

S. James Snyder

Time Out

Rated: 4/5

Nov 17, 2011

Full Review

Christine Champ

Film.com

The Cove does what every great documentary with a cause should: It educates, entertains, and inspires audiences to take action.

Rated: A-

May 6, 2011

Full Review

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Though the thriller aspects work to create an unexpected level of suspense, what is shown in the film delivers the cause’s most powerful blow.

Rated: 4/4

Aug 28, 2023

Full Review

Tom Meek

Cambridge Day

Disturbing beyond its graphic nature namely because of the widespread complicity in the town and unwavering cruelty.

Rated: 3.5/4

Jun 11, 2020

Full Review

Felicia Feaster

Charleston City Paper

In this thriller-doc, the entertainment value of a heist flick combines with the merits of a cause.

Jan 24, 2020

Full Review

Read all reviews

Simon R

Who knew the reality of the captive dolphin industry? I didn't. This shows you the truth and brutality without shoving the horrors in your face in an uncomfortable way. It was captivating viewing and I a rooting for these people are dedicate so much energy into changing the lives of these incredible animals.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/16/23

Full Review

Thomas M

The best documentary movie ever made!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/26/22

Full Review

Audience Member

How and why exactly do we select what we want to eat, and is it really worth digesting? That's something to ponder about really considerably after watching this daring/thrilling, thought-provoking documentary that contributes to the stirring discussion originated from "Food, Inc." except this is more of a personal mission at peaked activism when presenting their efforts on screen while exposing the heads. Though some knowledgeable degrees are effectively dated, but the main point remains strong as well saddening that ignorance tend to think wrongly about, above questioned credibility upon both sides. (B+)

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/17/23

Full Review

J L

The same old predictable story. I've seen so many like this on lifetime, and they are about the same theme. The ending was good though.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

07/28/21

Full Review

mike v

The Cove is a 2009 American documentary film directed by Louie Psihoyos which analyzes and questions dolphin hunting practices in Japan 🐬 It's good 🙂 I'd recommend it if you like this genre 👍🏼 SHALLOW WATER. DEEP SECRET.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

It's pretty extraordinary. Highlight was the Japanese representative saying fishing stock appears to be decreasing as whales and dolphins are eating too many fish. I mean, amazing. Anyway, yeah this is grim viewing and very hard to defend. An impressive and necessary documentary but I think a Japan are a law unto themselves when it comes to this matter. Real shame.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/28/23

Full Review

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

Louie Psihoyos

Director

Hayden Panettiere

Self

Isabel Lucas

Self

Louie Psihoyos

Self

Richard O'Barry

Self

Paul Watson

Self

Show Less Cast & Crew

Show More Cast & Crew

The Dissident

96%

82%

The Dissident

TRAILER

for The Dissident

Blackfish

99%

90%

Blackfish

Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos

81%

80%

Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos

King Leopold's Ghost

91%

64%

King Leopold's Ghost

Bigger, Stronger, Faster

96%

81%

Bigger, Stronger, Faster

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

Watch Online: Pulp Fiction, Jaws, Wedding Crashers and More Certified Fresh Movies on Netflix and Amazon Prime

Awards Tour: Writers Guild Winners Announced!

Critics Consensus: Funny People Is Ambitious But Uneven

View more photos

Synopsis

In Taiji, Japan, local fishermen hide a gruesome secret: the capture and slaughter of dolphins. Activist Ric O'Barry, who trained dolphins for the "Flipper" TV series, joins forces with filmmaker Louis Psihoyos and the Ocean Preservation Society to expose the brutal practice, risking life and limb in the process.

Director: Louie Psihoyos
Producer: Paula Dupré Pesmen, Fisher Stevens
Screenwriter: Mark Monroe
Distributor: Roadside Attractions
Production Co: Diamond Docs
Rating: PG-13 (Disturbing Content)
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 31, 2009, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 20, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $869.7K
Runtime: 1h 34m

Most Popular at Home Now