Playing with Sharks

Playing with Sharks

PG-13 2021 · 95 min · ★ 7.6 · Documentary

Valerie Taylor is a shark fanatic and an Australian icon – a marine maverick who forged her way as a fearless diver, cinematographer and conservationist. She filmed the real sharks for Jaws and famously wore a chainmail suit, using herself as shark bait, changing our scientific understanding of sharks forever.

Directed by Sally Aitken · Written by Sally Aitken

Your Rating

Where to Watch

Streaming

Disney Plus

Cast

Make it a double feature

3h 19m together

Both from Sally Aitken.

More from Sally AitkenSee all →

Hot Potato: The Story of The WigglesHot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles · 2023
Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles
★ 8.12023
MovieDocumentary
Hot Potato is a backstage pass to the global phenomenon, The Wiggles. The documentary chronicles the story of three preschool teachers, Anthony, Murray and Greg, and their friend Jeff, as they triumph over the odds to become one of the most successful children’s acts of all time.
Warrior Empire: The Mughals of IndiaWarrior Empire: The Mughals of India · 2006
Warrior Empire: The Mughals of India
★ 8.02006
MovieDocumentaryHistory
WARRIOR EMPIRE: THE MUGHALS is a sweeping, in-depth portrait of India's most colorful, violent, and majestic era. From 1526 to 1858, this dynasty of nomadic warriors indulged their appetite for territorial expansion, spreading their rule throughout the Indian subcontinent. Though they conquered their kingdom with crushing brutality, the Mughals were also brilliant technological innovators and masters of art and architecture. This program offers lush, detailed images of Mughal accomplishments such as the glorious Taj Mahal, palaces, forts, water systems, elaborate gardens, and richly crafted artwork. Step-by-step scientific recreations of advanced Mughal metallurgy and weaponry show the meticulous production of chain mail armor for a battalion of elephants, lethally flexible composite bows, rocketry, and swordsmith techniques passed down through the generations, and still alive today.
Colonial HouseColonial House · 2004
Colonial House
★ 8.02004
SeriesDocumentaryReality
Two dozen modern-day time travelers find out the hard way what early American colonial life was really like when they take up residence in Colonial House. The colonists negotiate personal and communal challenges as they deal with the demoralizing weather, rustic living conditions and backbreaking labor.
Every Little ThingEvery Little Thing · 2025
Every Little Thing
★ 7.32025
MovieDocumentary
Amid the glamour of Hollywood, Los Angeles, a woman finds herself on a transformative journey as she nurtures wounded hummingbirds, unraveling a visually captivating and magical tale of love, fragility, healing, and the delicate beauty in tiny acts of greatness.
Au bonheur des dames, l'invention du grand magasinAu bonheur des dames, l'invention du grand magasin · 2011
Au bonheur des dames, l'invention du grand magasin
★ 7.02011
MovieDocumentary
Getting Frank GehryGetting Frank Gehry · 2015
Getting Frank Gehry
★ 7.02015
MovieDocumentary
Drawing on a life's work defined by controversial and ground-breaking ideas, the world's greatest architect has inaugurated his first Australian building - and debate still rages over whether it is eyesore or icon. Our film follows the drama as Gehry'Äôs vision for this commission is realized.
The Pacific: In The Wake of Captain CookThe Pacific: In The Wake of Captain Cook · 2018
The Pacific: In The Wake of Captain Cook
★ 7.02018
SeriesDocumentary
History is taking to the seas and walking in the footsteps of Captain James Cook. 250 years after Cook began his epic exploration of the Pacific, Sam Neill (Jurassic Park, The Piano) journeys in his wake uncovering stories that resonate from those times on both sides of the beach. Sam begins with a disclaimer – he is merely an actor – but the story of Cook, and the impact he has had on the Pacific in the 250 years since his first voyage, has always fascinated him.
Shark Beach with Chris HemsworthShark Beach with Chris Hemsworth · 2021
Shark Beach with Chris Hemsworth
★ 6.62021
MovieDocumentaryTV Movie
Chris Hemsworth has a real passion for sharks. The Hollywood star talks to experts to find out more about the apex predators of the oceans.
David Stratton: A Cinematic LifeDavid Stratton: A Cinematic Life · 2017
David Stratton: A Cinematic Life
★ 4.62017
MovieDocumentary
A compelling personal journey with David Stratton, as he relates the fascinating development of our cinema history. David guides us from his boyhood cinema experience of Australia in England, where he saw the first images of this strange and exotic landscape via the medium of film, to his migration to Australia as a ‘ten pound pom’ in 1963 and onto his present day reflections on the iconic themes that run through our cinematic legacy. All of this reflects a passionate engagement in a uniquely Australian medium. Parallel and at the heart of the series is the story of an industry whose growing pains David has witnessed over a lifetime. Alongside David, the protagonists of this history are the giants of Australian cinema – both behind the camera and in front of it.
Frank Gehry: The Architect Says "Why Can't I?"Frank Gehry: The Architect Says "Why Can't I?" · 2015
Frank Gehry: The Architect Says "Why Can't I?"
2015
MovieDocumentary
A fascinating look at the colorful career of architect Frank Gehry who despite being well into his eighties remains one of the world's most celebrated and famously provocative creative forces. From the iconic Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao to LA's Walt Disney Concert Hall, Gehry's buildings both intrigue and ignite. For Frank, rules are there to be broken. Alan Yentob explores Gehry's remarkable journey from poor outsider in Toronto to global 'starchitect' and follows the construction of a characteristically audacious new Gehry building in Sydney - his first in Australia.
Nolan: The Man and the MythNolan: The Man and the Myth · 2018
Nolan: The Man and the Myth
2018
MovieDocumentary
Sidney Nolan is one of Australia's greatest artists. His iconic images are treasures of the Australian visual language. This film explores the artist and the man from his early years to his extraordinary international career.
Inconceivable: The Secret Business of Breeding HumansInconceivable: The Secret Business of Breeding Humans · 2022
Inconceivable: The Secret Business of Breeding Humans
2022
MovieDocumentary
Journalist Sarah Dingle goes on a journey where she digs through hospital files, chases leads, and takes a DNA test to uncover the truth about who made her and how, but the discoveries are more disturbing the deeper she delves.
Hummingbirds of HollywoodHummingbirds of Hollywood · 2025
Hummingbirds of Hollywood
2025
MovieDocumentary
Amid the glamour of Hollywood, a woman finds herself on a transformative journey as she nurtures wounded hummingbirds, unraveling a visually captivating tale of love, fragility, healing, and the delicate beauty in profound acts of kindness. Meet Terry Masear, a retired UCLA professor who rescues the hummingbirds that descend on Los Angeles every spring in a seasonal frenzy of breeding. Wounded hummingbirds find their way to Masear as her mobile hotline rings off the hook from callers who find them and require her expertise. Among Masear’s diminutive patients are Cactus, Jimmy, Wasabi, Alexa, and Mikhail, whose lives are brought into sharp focus through breathtaking, beautifully detailed photography. The compassion and empathy that Masear shows her Lilliputian charges serves as a lesson to us all — the delicate beauty in profound acts of kindness.
Books That Made UsBooks That Made Us · 2021
Books That Made Us
2021
SeriesDocumentary
Claudia Karvan embarks on a literary journey to celebrate our love of books, meet some of our most beloved and brilliant writers, and explore our Australian identity through the place, its people and the power of our stories.
David Stratton's Stories of Australian CinemaDavid Stratton's Stories of Australian Cinema · 2017
David Stratton's Stories of Australian Cinema
2017
SeriesDocumentary
Revered critic David Stratton tells the glorious story of Australian cinema, focusing in on the films that capture the nation’s true nature with candour, emotion and humour.
The PoolThe Pool · 2019
The Pool
2019
SeriesDocumentary
Pools are a defining part of our national identity. Evoking deep nostalgia and childhood memories, this two-part documentary takes a look at the Australian identity through the prism of the pool.

More Like This

Deep BlueDeep Blue · 2003
Deep Blue
★ 6.92003
MovieDocumentary
Deep Blue is a major documentary feature film shot by the BBC Natural History Unit. An epic cinematic rollercoaster ride for all ages, Deep Blue uses amazing footage to tell us the story of our oceans and the life they support.
Deepsea Challenge 3DDeepsea Challenge 3D · 2014
Deepsea Challenge 3D
★ 6.62014
MovieDocumentary
Described as being a film about determination, danger and the ocean’s greatest depths, James Cameron's "Deepsea Challenge 3D" tells the story of Cameron’s journey to fulfill his boyhood dream of becoming an explorer. The movie offers a unique insight into Cameron's world as he makes that dream reality – and makes history – by becoming the first person to travel solo to the deepest point on the planet.
The Deepest BreathThe Deepest Breath · 2023
The Deepest Breath
★ 7.62023
MovieDocumentary
Bonded by their love of freediving, a record-setting champion and a heroic safety diver try to make history with a remarkable feat, ready to risk it all.
Under the Sea 3DUnder the Sea 3D · 2009
Under the Sea 3D
★ 7.02009
MovieDocumentary
Imagine a world of incredible color and beauty. Of crabs wearing jellyfish for hats. Of fish disguised as frogs, stones and shag carpets. Of a kaleidoscope of life dancing and weaving, floating and darting in an underwater wonderland. Now, go explore it! Howard Hall and his filmmaking team, who brought you Deep Sea and Into the Deep, take you into tropical waters alive with adventure: the Great Barrier Reef and other South Pacific realms. Narrated by Jim Carrey and featuring astonishing camerawork, this amazing film brings you face to fin with Nature's marvels, from the terrible grandeur (and terrible teeth) of a Great White to the comic antics of a lovestruck cuttlefish. Excitement and fun run deep Under the Sea!
Kon-TikiKon-Tiki · 1950
Kon-Tiki
★ 7.41950
MovieDocumentaryAdventure
"Kon-Tiki" was the name of a wooden raft used by six Scandinavian scientists, led by Thor Heyerdahl, to make a 101-day journey from South America to the Polynesian Islands. The purpose of the expedition was to prove Heyerdal's theory that the Polynesian Islands were populated from the east- specifically Peru- rather than from the west (Asia) as had been the theory for hundreds of years. Heyerdahl made a study of the winds and tides in the Pacific, and by simulating conditions as closely as possible to those he theorized the Peruvians encountered, set out on the voyage.

More on Disney+See all →

Toy Story 5Toy Story 5 · 2026
Toy Story 5
★ 8.32026
MovieAnimationFamily
When Bonnie receives a Lilypad tablet as a gift and becomes obsessed, Buzz, Woody, Jessie and the rest of the gang's jobs become exponentially harder when they have to go head to head with the all-new threat to playtime.
Zootopia 2Zootopia 2 · 2025
Zootopia 2
★ 7.72025
MovieAnimationAdventure
After cracking the biggest case in Zootopia's history, rookie cops Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde find themselves on the twisting trail of a great mystery when Gary De'Snake arrives and turns the animal metropolis upside down. To crack the case, Judy and Nick must go undercover to unexpected new parts of town, where their growing partnership is tested like never before.
Avengers: Infinity WarAvengers: Infinity War · 2018
Avengers: Infinity War
★ 8.22018
MovieAdventureAction
As the Avengers and their allies have continued to protect the world from threats too large for any one hero to handle, a new danger has emerged from the cosmic shadows: Thanos. A despot of intergalactic infamy, his goal is to collect all six Infinity Stones, artifacts of unimaginable power, and use them to inflict his twisted will on all of reality. Everything the Avengers have fought for has led up to this moment - the fate of Earth and existence itself has never been more uncertain.
Avengers: EndgameAvengers: Endgame · 2019
Avengers: Endgame
★ 8.22019
MovieAdventureScience Fiction
After the devastating events of Avengers: Infinity War, the universe is in ruins due to the efforts of the Mad Titan, Thanos. With the help of remaining allies, the Avengers must assemble once more in order to undo Thanos' actions and restore order to the universe once and for all, no matter what consequences may be in store.
The Nightmare Before ChristmasThe Nightmare Before Christmas · 1993
The Nightmare Before Christmas
★ 7.81993
MovieFantasyAnimation
Tired of scaring humans every October 31 with the same old bag of tricks, Jack Skellington, the spindly king of Halloween Town, kidnaps Santa Claus and plans to deliver shrunken heads and other ghoulish gifts to children on Christmas morning. But as Christmas approaches, Jack's rag-doll girlfriend, Sally, tries to foil his misguided plans.
Avatar: Fire and AshAvatar: Fire and Ash · 2025
Avatar: Fire and Ash
★ 7.62025
MovieScience FictionAdventure
In the wake of the devastating war against the RDA and the loss of their eldest son, Jake Sully and Neytiri face a new threat on Pandora: the Ash People, a violent and power-hungry Na'vi tribe led by the ruthless Varang. Jake's family must fight for their survival and the future of Pandora in a conflict that pushes them to their emotional and physical limits.
The Mandalorian and GroguThe Mandalorian and Grogu · 2026
The Mandalorian and Grogu
★ 7.52026
MovieActionAdventure
The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they have enlisted the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin and his young apprentice Grogu.
Spider-Man: No Way HomeSpider-Man: No Way Home · 2021
Spider-Man: No Way Home
★ 7.92021
MovieActionAdventure
Peter Parker is unmasked and no longer able to separate his normal life from the high-stakes of being a super-hero. When he asks for help from Doctor Strange the stakes become even more dangerous, forcing him to discover what it truly means to be Spider-Man.
CocoCoco · 2017
Coco
★ 8.22017
MovieFamilyAnimation
Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector, and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel's family history.
The AvengersThe Avengers · 2012
The Avengers
★ 8.12012
MovieScience FictionAction
When an unexpected enemy emerges and threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins!
AvatarAvatar · 2009
Avatar
★ 7.62009
MovieScience FictionAction
In the 22nd century, a paraplegic Marine is dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission, but becomes torn between following orders and protecting an alien civilization.
Inside OutInside Out · 2015
Inside Out
★ 7.92015
MovieAnimationFamily
When 11-year-old Riley moves to a new city, her Emotions team up to help her through the transition. Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness work together, but when Joy and Sadness get lost, they must journey through unfamiliar places to get back home.
Deadpool & WolverineDeadpool & Wolverine · 2024
Deadpool & Wolverine
★ 7.62024
MovieActionComedy
A listless Wade Wilson toils away in civilian life with his days as the morally flexible mercenary, Deadpool, behind him. But when his homeworld faces an existential threat, Wade must reluctantly suit-up again with an even more reluctant Wolverine.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-VerseSpider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse · 2023
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
★ 8.32023
MovieAnimationAction
After reuniting with Gwen Stacy, Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters the Spider Society, a team of Spider-People charged with protecting the Multiverse's very existence. But when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders and must set out on his own to save those he loves most.
Iron Man 2Iron Man 2 · 2010
Iron Man 2
★ 6.92010
MovieAdventureAction
With the world now aware of his dual life as the armored superhero Iron Man, billionaire inventor Tony Stark faces pressure from the government, the press and the public to share his technology with the military. Unwilling to let go of his invention, Stark, with Pepper Potts and James 'Rhodey' Rhodes at his side, must forge new alliances – and confront powerful enemies.
Toy Story 2Toy Story 2 · 1999
Toy Story 2
★ 7.61999
MovieAnimationComedy
Andy heads off to Cowboy Camp, leaving his toys to their own devices. Things shift into high gear when an obsessive toy collector named Al McWhiggen, owner of Al's Toy Barn kidnaps Woody. Andy's toys mount a daring rescue mission, Buzz Lightyear meets his match and Woody has to decide where he and his heart truly belong.
The Devil Wears Prada 2The Devil Wears Prada 2 · 2026
The Devil Wears Prada 2
★ 7.02026
MovieComedyDrama
Andy Sachs returns to Runway as Miranda Priestly navigates a new media landscape and Runway's position within. The duo reconnect with former assistant Emily Charlton, now the head of a luxury brand that possesses funding which could ensure Runway's survival.
Inside Out 2Inside Out 2 · 2024
Inside Out 2
★ 7.52024
MovieAnimationAdventure
Teenager Riley's mind headquarters is undergoing a sudden demolition to make room for something entirely unexpected: new Emotions! Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust, who’ve long been running a successful operation by all accounts, aren’t sure how to feel when Anxiety shows up. And it looks like she’s not alone.
Turning RedTurning Red · 2022
Turning Red
★ 7.32022
MovieAnimationFamily
Thirteen-year-old Mei is experiencing the awkwardness of being a teenager with a twist – when she gets too excited, she transforms into a giant red panda.
Avengers: Age of UltronAvengers: Age of Ultron · 2015
Avengers: Age of Ultron
★ 7.32015
MovieActionAdventure
When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes are put to the ultimate test as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance. As the villainous Ultron emerges, it is up to The Avengers to stop him from enacting his terrible plans, and soon uneasy alliances and unexpected action pave the way for an epic and unique global adventure.

Rate this film

Your ratings make Midnight smarter