How long is My Octopus Teacher?

My Octopus Teacher runs 85 min and was released in 2020.

My Octopus Teacher (2020)

Documentary

Feel-Good Epic85 min2020

TMDB7.91,087On 1 watchlist here

Stream itif you want a soulful, beautifully photographed meditation on the intelligence of the natural world.

A visually stunning and emotionally resonant bond between man and nature that feels both intimate and grand. It is a soul-stirring film that encourages a deeper connection with the natural world, earning its widespread acclaim and Academy Award.

What My Octopus Teacher is like, and who it is for

What it is like to watch

Watching this documentary is a meditative and visually arresting experience. The pace is patient, mimicking the rhythm of the tides, while the underwater cinematography captures the kelp forest with an ethereal, almost alien quality. It feels intensely intimate, focusing on a single relationship that transforms from scientific curiosity into deep, quiet awe. The intensity comes not from action, but from the fragile connection between species.

Who it is for, and who should skip it

This is perfect for those who appreciate nature films that lean into philosophy and emotion rather than just raw facts. It will likely frustrate viewers who prefer a more objective, traditional scientific approach or those who find human-centric narratives in nature documentaries a bit self-indulgent. An honest caveat is that the film focuses heavily on the narrator's personal journey, which some may find slightly melodramatic.

The right evening for it

It suits a quiet, reflective evening when you want to feel a sense of wonder without leaving your sofa. It is ideal for winding down after a stressful week to reconnect with a sense of perspective and empathy.

Written by our AI from the facts on this page. It has opinions; it has not watched it.

If you like this, try

Grizzly Man (2005)
the same obsessive, personal focus on a specific species in the wild
Kedi (2016)
the same gentle, observational bond between humans and non-human animals

Suggested by our AI for what they share with this one. Linked titles have a page here; the rest are worth a search on the browse page.

What it is about

After years of swimming every day in the freezing ocean at the tip of Africa, Craig Foster meets an unlikely teacher: a young octopus who displays remarkable curiosity. Visiting her den and tracking her movements for months on end he eventually wins the animal’s trust and they develop a never-before-seen bond between human and wild animal.

Trailer

More clips

Trailer · My Octopus Teacher Trailer | CPH:DOX 2020

Stills

Images from TMDB.

Questions people ask

Is My Octopus Teacher a feel-good documentary?: Yes. On Watchlist Boosted it is tagged Feel-Good, with a epic streak. A visually stunning and emotionally resonant bond between man and nature that feels both intimate and grand. It is a soul-stirring film that encourages a deeper connection with the natural world, earning its widespread acclaim and Academy Award.
How long is My Octopus Teacher?: My Octopus Teacher runs 85 min and was released in 2020.
Is My Octopus Teacher worth watching?: Stream it: if you want a soulful, beautifully photographed meditation on the intelligence of the natural world. TMDB users rate it 7.9 out of 10 from 1,087 votes.

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