The Cove (2009)
Kernel Score: 87% · 661 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Documentary
Released: 2009-07-31
Runtime: 92 minutes
Where to watch The Cove
- Stream: Philo, Fandor
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla, The Roku Channel, Fandango at Home, Plex
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
The Cove tells the amazing true story of how an elite team of individuals, films makers and free divers embarked on a covert mission to penetrate the hidden cove in Japan, shining light on a dark and deadly secret. The shocking discoveries were only the tip of the iceberg.
The Cove parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that this PG-13 documentary exposes the mass killing of dolphins in a hidden Japanese cove.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Contains graphic real footage of dolphin slaughter described as brutal and harrowing.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Cove
If you liked The Cove, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Blackfish (2013) — 88%
- We Are Legion: The Story of the Hacktivists (2012) — 78%
- Koyaanisqatsi (1983) — 86%
- Deliver Us from Evil (2006) — 79%
- The Big Blue (1988) — 82%
- It's a SpongeBob Christmas! (2012) — 76%
Director
Louie Psihoyos
Cast
- Hayden Panettiere as Self
- Joe Chisholm as Self
- Mandy-Rae Cruikshank as Self
- Charles Hambleton as Self
- Simon Hutchins as Self
- Kirk Krack as Self
- Isabel Lucas as Self
- Richard O'Barry as Self
- Roger Payne as Self
- John Potter as Self
The Cove FAQ
Is The Cove good?
The Cove has an 87% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 661 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Cove?
In the US you can stream The Cove on Philo and Fandor, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla, The Roku Channel, Fandango at Home and Plex and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Cove OK for kids?
The Cove is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that this PG-13 documentary exposes the mass killing of dolphins in a hidden Japanese cove.
What movies are like The Cove?
If you liked The Cove, try Blackfish, We Are Legion: The Story of the Hacktivists, Koyaanisqatsi and Deliver Us from Evil.