Free Willy (1993)

When maladjusted orphan Jesse vandalizes a theme park, he is placed with foster parents and must work at the park to make amends. There he meets Willy, a young Orca whale who has been separated from his family. Sensing kinship, they form a bond and, with the help of kindly whale trainer Rae Lindley, develop a routine of tricks. However, greedy park owner Dial soon catches wind of the duo and makes plans to profit from them.

Genres: Family, Adventure, Drama

What to watch after Free Willy

• Piglet's Big Movie (2003) — Same feel: uplifting, feel-good
• Lassie (1994) — Same feel: uplifting, emotional
• Andre (1994) — Same feel: uplifting, feel-good
• Casper (1995) — Same feel: emotional, feel-good
• Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (2022)
• Mighty Joe Young (1998) — Same feel: emotional, feel-good