The film, produced in association with the Census of Marine Life, explores the marine species of Earth's five oceans and reflects on the negative aspects of human activity on the environment, with Perrin (Pierce Brosnan in English) providing narration.

[6] In North America, the film was produced by Disneynature and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, who cut 20 minutes mostly depicting violent massacres of sea animals (recreated through visual effects) in order to aim it at a younger audience.

The scene cuts to the Galápagos where a clan of marine iguanas and horseshoe crabs wander.

Later at the coast of South Africa, a hungry mob of common dolphins, gannets, bronze whaler sharks, and brydes whales hunt sardines.

In deeper water, a humpback whale and her calf start to flipper slap, spyhop, and breach.

The hunting sea lions are returning home, but some are eaten by a great white shark and a killer whale.

Then a bunch of spinner dolphins, yellowfin tuna, and manta rays swim for a long time.

The documentary was produced in collaboration with scientists from the Census of Marine Life and employed technologies including stabilized cameras for rough seas, an electric mini-helicopter to approach and film marine animals without noise, and submerged cameras both towed and on poles over the side of vessels, resulting in film of over 200 species at more than 50 global locations.

[9] Demi Lovato and Joe Jonas recorded a special duet for Disney's North American release titled, "Make a Wave".

The documentary was accompanied by a score composed by Bruno Coulais, performed by the Paris Philharmonic Orchestra.

[11] Its consensus states: "Oceans adds another visually stunning chapter to the Disney Nature library".

[13] However, the film was overshadowed by its competition with The Back-Up Plan and The Losers as well as continued success from How to Train Your Dragon and Date Night.

[15] The film was released by Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment on Blu-ray Disc and DVD on October 19, 2010.