Chasing Coral

Chasing Coral

movie

U, 2017, Documentary

WISE
78%

WISE Score

100

Avg. Tomatometer

Stunning underwater doc about dying coral reefs—beautiful, heartbreaking, and a wake-up call your kids need to see.

IMDb8
RT Critics100%
MC86
Common Sense Media
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Screenwise Verdict

This is the nature documentary you actually want your kids to watch—not just pretty fish, but real science, real stakes, and real emotion.

The underwater footage is legitimately breathtaking (the time-lapse sequences alone are worth it), and the team's dedication is inspiring without being cheesy. Yes, it's about climate change, and yes, it's sad, but it's not hopeless. The filmmakers strike a rare balance: they show the crisis honestly while modeling what passionate, persistent people can accomplish.

The 'watchability' factor is solid for a documentary. It's 2017 so still feels current, the visuals are stunning enough to hold attention, and the 93-minute runtime doesn't overstay its welcome. That said, this isn't background viewing—it requires engagement and will spark conversations you need to be ready for.

Perfect for families who want to raise environmentally-conscious kids without just lecturing them. Let the coral do the talking.

Age Fit

Best for ages 9-17. Younger kids might struggle with the pacing and emotional weight; older teens will appreciate the sophisticated science and activism angle. Adults will ugly-cry.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
82

Documentary presents environmental crisis with earnest, hopeful tone. Team models cooperation and dedication to scientific mission. Emotionally affecting without being manipulative—shows real grief over coral loss but channels it into action. Pacing is measured and contemplative, suitable for thoughtful viewing.

Imaginative
78

Stunning underwater cinematography reveals a hidden world most viewers will never see. The innovative time-lapse photography approach is genuinely creative problem-solving on display. Invites curiosity about marine biology and climate science, though it's observational rather than interactive—you're watching discovery rather than doing it yourself.

Safe
75

Common Sense Media rates it 9+, which tracks. No violence, nudity, or profanity. The 'unsafe' element is emotional: watching coral bleach and die is genuinely sad and could distress sensitive kids. Climate anxiety is real, and this documentary doesn't sugarcoat the crisis. Not scary in a traditional sense, but the existential weight might be heavy for younger viewers.

Enriching
88

Exceptional educational value. Teaches marine biology, climate science, and environmental activism through compelling storytelling. Perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 86 Metacritic signal quality. Builds empathy for ecosystems and models scientific persistence. The takeaway—individual action matters, but systemic change is needed—is sophisticated and age-appropriate for upper elementary and beyond.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Absolutely gorgeous cinematography that makes you fall in love with coral reefs before showing what we're losing
  • Teaches real science and problem-solving—the team literally invents new camera tech to capture coral bleaching in time-lapse
  • Models environmental activism without being preachy: these are regular people who care deeply and take action
  • Perfect conversation starter about climate change that's accessible for upper elementary without talking down to teens
  • 93-minute runtime is manageable and the pacing keeps you engaged without being frenetic
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What to Watch For

  • The coral death sequences are genuinely sad—expect questions and possibly tears from sensitive kids
  • Climate anxiety is real: some kids may feel overwhelmed by the scale of the problem, so be ready to discuss what your family can do
  • This isn't light entertainment—it's a purposeful documentary that demands attention and will spark serious conversations

Conversation Starters

  • "What surprised you most about coral reefs? Did you know they were alive like that?"
  • "The team had to invent new cameras to show what was happening. When have you had to solve a problem in a creative way?"
  • "How did watching the coral bleach make you feel? What do you think we can do about climate change?"
  • "Why do you think it took so much work to get people to care about coral reefs? What makes people pay attention to problems?"

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