

Becoming Cousteau
“The extraordinary life of the ocean's great protector.”
Synopsis
Adventurer, filmmaker, inventor, author, unlikely celebrity and conservationist: For over four decades, Jacques-Yves Cousteau and his explorations under the ocean became synonymous with a love of science and the natural world. As he learned to protect the environment, he brought the whole world with him, sounding alarms more than 50 years ago about the warming seas and our planet’s vulnerability. In BECOMING COUSTEAU, from National Geographic Documentary Films, two-time Academy Award®-nominated filmmaker Liz Garbus takes an inside look at Cousteau and his life, his iconic films and inventions, and the experiences that made him the 20th century’s most unique and renowned environmental voice — and the man who inspired generations to protect the Earth.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Official TrailerOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2021-11-17
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Jacques-Yves Cousteau
Self (archive footage)
Philippe Cousteau
Self (archive footage)
Jean-Michel Cousteau
Self (archive footage)
Francine Cousteau
Self (voice) (archive audio)
Pierre-Yves Cousteau
Self (archive footage)
Diane Cousteau
Self (archive footage)
Albert Falco
Self (archive footage)
Louis Malle
Self (archive footage)
David L. Wolper
Self (voice) (archive sound)
John Soh
Self (voice) (archive sound)
Carol Burnett
Self (archive footage)
Deborah Norville
Self (archive footage)
Jacques Renoir
Self (voice) (archive sound)
Yves Paccalet
Self (voice) (archive sound)
Fidel Castro
Self (archive footage)
Vincent Cassel
(voice)
Release History & Theatrical Window
Streaming Window: 33 DaysToronto International Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
October 22, 2021
Wide Cinema Exhibition
November 24, 2021
VOD & Digital Platforms
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
Undisclosed
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$244K
Total global ticket sales
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Liz Garbus
- Screenplay & Story
- Mark Monroe, Pax Wassermann
- Original Score
- Danny Bensi, Saunder Jurriaans
- Original Title
- Becoming Cousteau
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- French, English
- Runtime
- 1h 34m
- Worldwide Gross
- $244K
- Production Studios
- National Geographic, The Cousteau Society, Story Syndicate, Ace Content, Diamond Docs, National Geographic Documentary Films
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Liz Garbus
Mark Monroe, Pax Wassermann
Danny Bensi, Saunder Jurriaans
Pax Wassermann
Carolyn Bernstein, Mridu Chandra, Ryan Harrington, Julie Gaither, Dan Cogan
Department Leadership Roster
Mridu Chandra
Producer
Pax Wassermann
Editor
Dan Cogan
Producer
Liz Garbus
Producer
Evan Hayes
Producer
Liz Garbus
Director
Mark Monroe
Writer
Pax Wassermann
Writer
Danny Bensi
Original Music Composer
Saunder Jurriaans
Original Music Composer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
PG-13: Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.
International Certification Matrix
Interdit aux moins de 12 ans — 12+ only.
12 Accompanied — Under 12s must be accompanied by an adult.
Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Becoming Cousteau.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Becoming Cousteau.
***Documentar***
Nature-Documentary
Auto-filled from Letterboxd lists
MNR
Hulu - Documentary Movies
Curated list of Documentary on Hulu (US). Updated frequently. Last updated October 14, 2026.
Live-Action Movies
Live-action movies I have seen at some point in my life.
Produced by National Geographic
Similar Titles to Becoming Cousteau
Movies sharing stylistic DNA, tone, and thematic storytelling
More Like Becoming Cousteau
Recommended titles matching themes, cast, and genres.












Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming Cousteau
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Becoming Cousteau about?
Adventurer, filmmaker, inventor, author, unlikely celebrity and conservationist: For over four decades, Jacques-Yves Cousteau and his explorations under the ocean became synonymous with a love of science and the natural world. As he learned to protect the environment, he brought the whole world with him, sounding alarms more than 50 years ago about the warming seas and our planet’s vulnerability. In BECOMING COUSTEAU, from National Geographic Documentary Films, two-time Academy Award®-nominated filmmaker Liz Garbus takes an inside look at Cousteau and his life, his iconic films and inventions, and the experiences that made him the 20th century’s most unique and renowned environmental voice — and the man who inspired generations to protect the Earth.
Who directed Becoming Cousteau?
Becoming Cousteau was directed by Liz Garbus.
Who stars in Becoming Cousteau?
The principal cast of Becoming Cousteau includes Jacques-Yves Cousteau, Philippe Cousteau, Jean-Michel Cousteau, Francine Cousteau, Pierre-Yves Cousteau.
When was Becoming Cousteau released and how long is it?
Becoming Cousteau was released in 2021 with a total runtime of 1h 34m.
How much did Becoming Cousteau make at the box office?
Becoming Cousteau grossed $244K in worldwide ticket sales.
Who composed the musical score for Becoming Cousteau?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Becoming Cousteau was composed by Danny Bensi, Saunder Jurriaans.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Becoming Cousteau?
Becoming Cousteau holds official age classifications: FR: 12 (Interdit aux moins de 12 ans — 12+ only.); GB: 12A (12 Accompanied — Under 12s must be accompanied by an adult.); US: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.).
















