My Top 10 Favorite Nature Documentaries
When I was a kid, I was only allowed to watch TV after 5:00PM. There were no cartoons on then, but there were always a wide variety of nature shows and documentaries on! Consequently, I grew up watching documentaries like action movies. I still prefer documentaries to this day. My friends may think its odd, but I am a real nerd for documentaries! So, if you are looking for any new suggestions for something to sit down and listen to while learning about fascinating animals in incredible locations, THIS IS IT!
01
Chasing Coral
This documentary changed my life. It opened myself up to the climate crisis! I was really young and had no clue to what extent global warming affected the earth already. This film opened my eyes and recently had the opportunity to speak to the director of the film, Jeff Orlowski, and it was extremely interesting. Not only does the film unmask the affects of global warming in the tropics, but it also exposes the challenges of the filming process which is so unique to their film and I loved it so much!
02
Chasing Ice
Not surprisingly, Chasing Ice is on this list too. It was directed by Jeff Orlowski as well, as has many similarities to Chasing Coral. It covers the impacts of global warming on the arctic regions. It features unbelievable time-lapses showing the melting of ice. Similar to Chasing Coral, it also unmasks the filming process and the challenges that go along with filming in some of the most unique and traitorous environments.
03
The Disney nature series
Disney Nature has a series of films covering a variety of animals like Bears, Monkeys, Elephants, and more. I have watched all of these films and I could not recommend them enough. They follow a family of a certain species and discover their daily lives, and include both their wins and losses. It is beautifully made and I especially like it because the film covers an interesting storyline with the narrator narrating the animal’s thoughts and feelings as well as educating viewers about the species.
04
Born to be wild
This film covers two dedicated animal preservationists. Daphne Sheldrick has created an elephant sanctuary in Kenya, while Dr. Biruté Mary Galdikas has set up an orphanage for orangutans in Borneo. In both cases, the young animals have been left alone after their parents were killed, by either poachers or similar human incursions into their natural habitats.
05
March of the PENGUINS
This documentary uncovers the unique lives of penguins in the arctic at the end of each Antarctic summer, the emperor penguins of the South Pole journey to their traditional breeding grounds. The journey across frozen tundra proves to be the simplest part of the ritual, as after the egg is hatched, the female must delicately transfer it to the male and make her way back to the distant sea to nourish herself and bring back food to her newborn chick.
06
blue planet
This critically acclaimed series dives deep into the marine environment of Planet Earth. It is narrated by David Attenborough, so you know it’s good! The film travels from various coasts to the poles to examine watery denizens ranging from the gigantic blue whale to microscopic coral polyps.
07
Our planet
This documentary explores the planet’s natural beauty through an examination of how climate change impacts all living creatures. Yet another documentary with David Attenborough, so trust me when I say this is a must-see film!
08
Planet earth
This documentary features dazzling imagery that features footage of some of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders; from the oceans to the deserts to the polar ice caps.
09
Jane
I’m not sure if this really counts as a nature documentary, but regardless I have to include it because this film covers Jane Goodall and her journey as a conservationist-turned-activist. It is extremely inspiring and Jane Goodall is such an amazing person. I recommend this to anyone who wants a spark of motivation.
10
David ATTENBOROUGH: A life on our planet
In this documentary, David Attenborough recounts his life, and the evolutionary history of life on Earth, to grieve the loss of wild places and offer a vision for the future.