''Free Willy'' is a media franchise from

Warner Bros. Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (commonly known as Warner Bros. or abbreviated as WB) is an American film and entertainment studio headquartered at the Warner Bros. Studios complex in Burbank, California, and a subsidiary of Warner Bros. D ...

that started with the 1993 film ''

Free Willy ''Free Willy'' is a 1993 American family drama film, directed by Simon Wincer, produced by Lauren Shuler Donner and Jennie Lew Tugend, written by Keith A. Walker and Corey Blechman from a story by Walker and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures ...

'' that went on to become a sleeper hit at the box office. The original series primarily follows a street kid named Jesse who befriends an

Orca The orca or killer whale (''Orcinus orca'') is a toothed whale belonging to the oceanic dolphin family, of which it is the largest member. It is the only Extant taxon, extant species in the genus ''Orcinus'' and is recognizable by its black ...

named Willy and eventually develops a strong connection. While trying to juggle his newly found life, he and Willy are challenged with overcoming or defeating various hazards to the ocean or Willy himself including corporate greed, hunters, poachers and oil disasters. Following the success of ''Free Willy'', it was followed by an animated series, two sequels and a direct-to-video reboot.

Films

''Free Willy'' (1993)

A delinquent orphan named Jesse is forced to clean up graffiti at the Northwest Adventure Park as part of his probation while staying with new foster parents. There, he becomes attached to a captive killer whale, the film's eponymous "Willy", until he discovers a secret from the park's greedy owner that threatens their friendship.

''Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home'' (1995)

Two years after setting him free, Jesse reunites with Willy during a camping trip in the

San Juan Islands The San Juan Islands are an archipelago in the Pacific Northwest of the United States between the U.S. state of Washington and Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The San Juan Islands are part of Washington state, and form the core of ...

with the Greenwoods and newly-discovered half-brother named Elvis as the teenager tries to help Willy and his siblings Luna and Littlespot return to their mother Catspaw after an oil spill separated them in addition to endangering Luna.

''Free Willy 3: The Rescue'' (1997)

Jesse now works with his old friend Randolph at an orca institute where he tracks down Willy and his mate Nicky, and also teams up with Max to stop the latter's father from hunting the whales.

''Free Willy: Escape from Pirate's Cove'' (2010)

Kirra discovers a baby killer whale washed ashore in the lagoon near her grandfather's rundown seaside

amusement park An amusement park is a park that features various attractions, such as rides and games, as well as other events for entertainment purposes. A theme park is a type of amusement park that bases its structures and attractions around a central ...

South Africa South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa (RSA), is the southernmost country in Africa. It is bounded to the south by of coastline that stretch along the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans; to the north by the neighbouring countri ...

. She names the orca Willy and embarks on a quest to lead him back to his pod before he's sold.

Television

''Free Willy'' (1994–1995)

Cast and crew

Cast

Crew

Reception

Box office performance

Critical and public response

References

External links

* * * * {{Warner Bros. franchises Film series introduced in 1993 Adventure film series Children's film series English-language films Film franchises American film series Fictional orcas Amusement parks in fiction Warner Bros. films Warner Bros. Pictures franchises