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A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough

A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough

202690 minPGMidcredits score: 99th percentile of all films
Directors
Callum Webster, James Reed
Starring
David Attenborough

Veteran naturalist Sir David Attenborough tells the story of a remarkable group of gorillas, from his first encounter in the '70s to the present day.

Where to watch

Where can I watch A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough streaming on Netflix.

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Highlights

What stands out about A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough?

A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough earns 7 badges, led by Top 1% of films and Universally Loved.

  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough worth watching?

A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough's Midcredits score is the 99th percentile of all films, from 10K ratings across 4 sources. 90% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

99th percentile

Better received than 99% of films

97th percentile among Documentary98th percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)97th
Approval (how many liked it)98th

81 /100

97th percentile of all films

93rd percentile among Documentary96th percentile among 2020s

Rating distribution

Most people land high, with a thin tail of low scores from those it didn't reach.

90% liked it

98th percentile of all films

97th percentile among Documentary97th percentile among 2020s
90% rated it 7–1010% rated it 1–6

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 1 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

92nd percentile

10K ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Documentary93rd percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 9% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Fans praised

  • Attenborough's deeply personal, emotionally vulnerable narration
  • gorgeous cinematography of Rwandan mountain gorillas
  • heartwarming generational family story of the Pablo group

What stands out

Acting95

Attenborough's voice cracking with genuine emotion

Dialogue95

Attenborough's weathered, unhurried cadence and personal reflections

Emotional impact90

chest-heavy feeling from Attenborough's tender personal memoir

Atmosphere90

immersion in misty Rwandan mountains and intimate gorilla world

Characters88

gorillas given distinct personalities like Pablo, Gicurasi, Ubwuzu

Cinematography85

intimate drone footage and rare close-ups of gorilla behavior

Pacing85

tight 77-minute runtime with gripping start-to-finish flow

Plot and story80

half-century lineage from 1978 encounter to present-day descendants

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • US vs non-US even

Watch experience

What is A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Feel-good: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something warm that leaves you smiling.

It is gentle, takes its time and leaves you feeling good. Skip it when you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Patience.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
WarmContemplativeBittersweet
Heaviest: late
Register
WarmTender · 13% of filmsAwestruck · 1% of films: Wonder at something vast or marvelous.
Told as
Nonlinear · 6% of films: Events shown out of chronological order.Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneAttenborough presents the gorilla family's story with reverence and genuine personal warmth, a documentary that means what it says.
The rideThe documentary is consistently warm and contemplative, with a gentle bittersweetness as it reflects on Attenborough's age and the passage of time for the gorillas.
StructureIntercuts 1978 archival footage of Attenborough's first meeting with baby gorilla Pablo with present-day revisits of his descendants, deliberately leaping across decades.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

The answer rests on this: Feel-goodHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves a warm awe for the gorillas, belief that conservation can succeed, and affection for Attenborough's decades-long bond with them.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22% (this title)

No archetype fits — true of 22% of films: ensemble pieces, satire, slice-of-life.

Why this archetypeA nature documentary following one gorilla family across generations rather than a scripted narrative; Booker's archetypes do not fit its form.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfLegacySociety
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9% (this title): Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4% (this title)
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% (this title) · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Society

Legacy · 4% of filmsNature · 2% of filmsFamily bonds
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe documentary traces the lineage of a single gorilla family across generations, intertwining Attenborough's own legacy as a narrator with the continuing story of the gorillas and their conservation.
StanceThe film celebrates the endurance of a gorilla family and the conservation efforts surrounding them, with Attenborough and the gorilla lineage as dual focal points.

The world

ContemporaryWildernessRealistic
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score · Richard Collins, Patrick Jonsson
SettingThe Virunga mountains in Rwanda, spanning from 1978 to the present day.
MusicThe score supports the warm and reflective tone without overwhelming the natural footage or Attenborough's narration.

Content guide

Is A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough okay for kids?

PG

A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough is rated PG. As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (100/100), sexual content at mild (22/100), language at minimal (0/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (0/100) and frightening material at severe (100/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 20 other countries
  • UKPG
  • CanadaPG
  • AustraliaPG
  • Germany6
  • IrelandPG
  • New ZealandPG
  • South Korea12
  • Brazil10
  • Belgium9
  • Denmark7
  • FinlandK-7
  • IndiaU/A 7+
  • Netherlands9
  • PRPG
  • SingaporePG
  • South Africa10-12PG
  • Spain7
  • Sweden7
  • Türkiye10+
  • VIPG
Overall
Intense · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Severe
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Sex & Nudity
Mild
too few votes to rank (3 votes)
Profanity
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (2 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Severe
too few votes to rank (1 vote)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (8 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough?

Cast

David Attenborough
as Self

Crew

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Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

All 11 share its story type: nature documentary. Those cards say what else they share.

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