In 2013, Netflix released the acclaimed documentary Blackfish, which shed light on the mistreatment of orca whales in captivity. The film became a cultural phenomenon and raised awareness of the plight of these animals.
However, in 2021, Netflix removed Blackfish from its streaming platform without explanation. This has left many people wondering why Netflix decided to remove the movie.
The most likely reason for Netflix’s decision is that it was concerned about potential legal ramifications. In the film, SeaWorld and its owners were portrayed in a negative light and accused of mistreating orcas.
SeaWorld threatened legal action against Netflix unless it removed the documentary. While it is unclear whether any such legal action was actually taken, it is possible that Netflix felt compelled to take down Blackfish to avoid any potential litigation.
Another factor that may have played a role in Netflix’s decision is that the documentary was getting old. The film was released almost 8 years ago and some of its information may be outdated or inaccurate. This could have been seen as a liability for Netflix if viewers started questioning the accuracy of what they were watching.
Finally, there may also have been an element of business strategy at play here. It is possible that Netflix wanted to make room for more recent documentaries on animal rights issues such as The Cove and An Inconvenient Truth. By removing Blackfish, they could make room for newer films that would draw more attention from viewers.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, it is unclear why Netflix decided to remove Blackfish from its streaming service but there are several possible explanations that could explain this decision. It could have been due to potential legal repercussions or because the documentary was outdated and no longer relevant to viewers. Additionally, it could also have been part of a larger business strategy where Netflix wanted to make room for more recent films on animal rights issues.