Shark Tale (2004)
A fast-talking fish, a vegetarian shark, and one enormous lie collide in DreamWorks' star-studded underwater comedy.
Shark Tale - Movie Information
- Original Title: Shark Tale
- Release Year: 2004
- Directed by: Bibo Bergeron, Rob Letterman et al.
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Animation, Action, Comedy, Family
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 20, 2004 (Australia - G), October 1, 2004 (United States - PG), October 1, 2004 (Canada - R), October 15, 2004 (United Kingdom - U), October 14, 2004 (Germany - 0), October 13, 2004 (France), November 19, 2004 (India), September 20, 2004 (New Zealand), October 8, 2004 (Brazil), October 8, 2004 (Mexico - B), February 25, 2005 (Italy), October 8, 2004 (Spain - APTA), January 7, 2005 (South Korea - All), April 29, 2005 (China)
- Alternative Titles: Priča o ajkulama (RS), Köpəkbalığı Hekayəsi (AZ), El espanta tiburones (CL), 鯊膽大話王 (HK), 鲨鱼故事 (CN), Istoriya s akuli (BG), Grosse Haie - Kleine Fische (CH), Haaiensnaaier (NL)
- Production Companies: DreamWorks Animation
- Production Countries: United States of America
Shark Tale - Plot
Oscar is a small fish whose big aspirations often get him into trouble. Meanwhile, Lenny is a great white shark with a surprising secret that no sea creature would guess: He's a vegetarian. When a lie turns Oscar into an improbable hero and Lenny becomes an outcast, the two form an unlikely friendship.
Shark Tale - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the underwater world of Shark Tale come to life:
Behind every little fish is a great white lie.
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Shark Tale - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Bibo Bergeron
- Rob Letterman
- Vicky Jenson
Main Cast
- Will Smith
- Robert De Niro
- Renée Zellweger
- Jack Black
- Angelina Jolie
- Ziggy Marley
- Martin Scorsese
- David P. Smith
- Doug E. Doug
- Michael Imperioli
Writers
- Rob Letterman
- Michael J. Wilson
- Lona Williams
Producers
- Bill Damaschke
- Janet Healy
- Allison Lyon Segan
Shark Tale - FAQs
What is Shark Tale about?
Shark Tale follows Oscar, a fast-talking small fish who stumbles into fame after being mistakenly credited with killing a shark. Meanwhile, Lenny, a gentle great white with a vegetarian secret, gets cast out by his mob-boss father. The two unlikely outcasts team up in a fun, fast-paced underwater comedy.
Is Lenny really a vegetarian shark in Shark Tale?
Yes! Lenny, voiced by Jack Black, is a great white shark who refuses to eat other fish — a scandalous secret in the shark world. His vegetarianism is the heart of his character arc, driving him into exile from his mob-boss father Don Lino and ultimately into an unlikely friendship with Oscar.
Where can you stream Shark Tale right now?
Shark Tale is currently available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It's not included in a subscription service at this time, but renting it is quick and affordable across all major digital platforms.
Does Oscar's lie spiral out of control in Shark Tale?
Absolutely. Oscar's small fib — claiming he killed a shark — snowballs into a full-blown celebrity persona as the “Sharkslayer.” The deeper he gets into the lie, the more his friendships, his relationship with Angie, and his own identity are put at risk. It's the classic comedy of a little fish in way too deep.
Who are the main voice actors in Shark Tale?
The cast is packed with big names. Will Smith leads as Oscar, with Jack Black as Lenny, Robert De Niro as mob boss Don Lino, Angelina Jolie as the seductive Lola, and Renée Zellweger as Oscar's loyal friend Angie. Martin Scorsese and Peter Falk also lend their voices to memorable supporting roles.
Is Shark Tale appropriate for young children?
Shark Tale is rated PG, so it's generally fine for kids, though parents of very young children may want to watch alongside them. The film features some mild action, mob-style humor, and a few adult pop-culture references that will fly over little ones' heads but entertain the grown-ups in the room.
How was Shark Tale received by critics?
Critics were divided. Shark Tale earned a modest 36% on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers finding it flashy and energetic but lacking the emotional depth of DreamWorks' best work. Audiences were warmer, and the film was a genuine box office hit, grossing over $367 million worldwide against a $75 million budget.
Was Shark Tale nominated for any major awards?
Yes — Shark Tale earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature at the 77th Oscars, competing against The Incredibles and Shrek 2. While it didn't take home the trophy, the nomination was a recognition of its technical achievement and the sheer star power packed into its voice cast.
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