Recommended from age 6. Foster child abandoned; attempt to kill the orca.
Reason translated with AI from our Spanish original.
Good to know
- Death or separation
- Someone loved dies or disappears, often a parent.
High confidence
High confidence · All three models agree and know the movie well.
Where to watch
UK
Included with subscription
Rent
US
Rent
Spain
Availability as of 18 October 2026. Data from JustWatch. Streaming data and logos: JustWatch.
Top cast
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Jason James Richter (opens in a new tab) Jesse -
Keiko (opens in a new tab) Willy -
Lori Petty (opens in a new tab) Rae Lindley -
August Schellenberg (opens in a new tab) Randolph Johnson -
Michael Madsen (opens in a new tab) Glen Greenwood -
Jayne Atkinson (opens in a new tab) Annie Greenwood
Directed by: Simon Wincer (opens in a new tab)
Cast and photos: TMDB.
TMDb user score
What it’s about
When maladjusted orphan Jesse vandalizes a theme park, he is placed with foster parents and must work at the park to make amends. There he meets Willy, a young Orca whale who has been separated from his family. Sensing kinship, they form a bond and, with the help of kindly whale trainer Rae Lindley, develop a routine of tricks. However, greedy park owner Dial soon catches wind of the duo and makes plans to profit from them.
If your child is sensitive
If they get scared: under 7, a cuddle or a pause helps more than explaining it isn’t real. From 8, explaining does work.
Source: Joanne Cantor’s research (summary at Kids First) (opens in a new tab)
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This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Streaming data: JustWatch.