Whale Rider (2003)
Kernel Score: 80% · 438 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Drama, Family
Released: 2003-01-30
Runtime: 101 minutes
Where to watch Whale Rider
- Stream: Fubo, Philo, AMC+, Sundance Now
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla, Fawesome, Shout! Factory TV, YouTube Free
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A contemporary story of love, rejection, and triumph as a young Maori girl fights to fulfill a destiny her grandfather refuses to recognize.
Whale Rider parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Whale Rider is a PG-13 family drama about a young Maori girl fighting to fulfill her destiny against her grandfather's wishes.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Whale Rider
If you liked Whale Rider, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Big Fish (2003) — 87%
- The Way Home (2002) — 88%
- The Shack (2017) — 83%
- Walkabout (1971) — 82%
- Men of Honor (2000) — 85%
- Finding Nemo (2003) — 86%
- Once Were Warriors (1994) — 82%
- The Poseidon Adventure (1972) — 77%
Director
Cast
- Keisha Castle-Hughes as Paikea Apirana
- Rawiri Paratene as Koro
- Vicky Haughton as Nanny Flowers
- Cliff Curtis as Porourangi
- Grant Roa as Uncle Rawiri
- Mana Taumaunu as Hemi
- Rachel House as Shilo
- Taungaroa Emile as Willie
- Tammy Davis as Dog
- Mabel Wharekawa as Maka
Whale Rider FAQ
Is Whale Rider good?
Whale Rider has an 80% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 438 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Whale Rider?
In the US you can stream Whale Rider on Fubo, Philo, AMC+ and Sundance Now, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla, Fawesome, Shout! Factory TV and YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Whale Rider OK for kids?
Whale Rider is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Whale Rider is a PG-13 family drama about a young Maori girl fighting to fulfill her destiny against her grandfather's wishes.
What movies are like Whale Rider?
If you liked Whale Rider, try Big Fish, The Way Home, The Shack and Walkabout.