Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sea creatures face nature's dangers in stunning docu.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
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Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Sea Lions of the Galapagos
What's the Story?
Actor Brendan Fraser narrates the documentary SEA LIONS OF THE GALAPAGOS, which follows Leo, a baby sea lion (aka "pup") as he learns to navigate his world and grows into a large male, known as a bull or beachmaster. Viewers see the beauty of the Pacific Ocean's Galapagos Islands from above, on land, and under the water as they learn about the sea lions' lifestyle and the predators they have to watch out for, as well as the islands' other inhabitants.
Is It Any Good?
This nature documentary follows the winning formula of many other Disneynature films: gorgeous cinematography, epic storytelling, and a memorable celebrity voice-over. In this case, Fraser ably lends his baritone to Sea Lions of the Galapagos, which follows Leo for more than a decade as he grows to become a strong, brave "bull." The movie personifies Leo and gives him an emotional narrative arc for maximum human understanding.
The biggest job of these documentaries, beyond following and capturing the lives of creatures over the course of years, would seem to lie in the editing, turning what must be mountains of footage into a logical, compelling story. Sea Lions is successful, and Leo's hero's journey has moments of tenderness, tension, joy, and beauty. What's somewhat missing here are the humans who spent the decade filming Leo—but that's what the film's companion piece, Guardians of the Galapagos, is for.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what they learned from watching Sea Lions of the Galapagos. What did you already know? Where could you go for more information?
What do you think of Disney's choice to make two films from this material—one about the animals, and another about the humans documenting the animals? Could they have worked together in one documentary? How would this have changed Sea Lions?
The main sea lion "character" of this film is given a name, as is his mother. Does this, and the idea that their relationships might parallel our own human connections, help you relate to the animals?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : April 22, 2025
- Cast : Brendan Fraser
- Director : Hugh Wilson
- Studio : Disney+
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Animals ( Ocean Creatures , Wild Animals ) , STEM
- Run time : 83 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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