Every once in a while, we come across those days when instead of sticking to movies, we feel like learning about the wonders of our incredible planet. Away from the twists and plots of mind-bending fictional stories, watching the beautiful nature and finding out what efforts need to be made to preserve it is sure to put our minds in a positive mood.
It is on such occasions that nature documentaries make for the ideal binge-watch material. But with so much variety available online, picking the most informational and non-boring documentaries can be slightly challenging.
Unsplash | There are a number of nature documentaries on streaming platforms that cover mesmerizing scenic views
Well, not anymore! Popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, and others have a hand-picked selection of such documentaries in their collections, and all you have to do is make your choice. To help you get started, here are a few suggestions.
Our Planet (2019)
Narrated by David Attenborough, this Netflix documentary boasts of breathtaking cinematography and explores huge expanses of nature. Our Planet shows the broad ecosystems of the earth and explores over 50 different countries for variation.
Virunga (2014)
The series was named after Virunga National Park in Congo which is home to an endangered group of mountain gorillas. The documentary is available on Netflix and when filming the series, the team has done its best to protect the environment.
Read – Leonardo DiCaprio’s thoughts on Netflix documentary Virunga
Blue Planet II (2017)
Blue planet is another nature documentary that focuses on the life under the seas. Narrated by David Attenborough, its prequel, Blue Planet I” is the recipient of two Emmys for its cinematography and music composition. The second part too has explored humanity’s relationship with Mother Earth and the seas beautifully.
BBC America / Collider | Blue Planet II, a BBC documentary, focuses on humanity’s relationship with the life under the seas
My Octopus Teacher (2020)
This documentary covers the journey of an explorer through the discovery and unique relationship with an Octopus. Craig Foster, the explorer on whom it’s based, has expressed through the documentary how he has started appreciating his life more and built a strong bond with nature.
Chasing Coral (2017)
Directed by Jeff Orlowski, who also directed a documentary named Chasing Ice in the year 2012, this documentary throws light on the effects of carbon dioxide and other harmful gases on the reefs. It also shows the impact of global warming on the environment.
The year Earth Changed (2021)
This one, narrated by David Attenborough, reflects on the past year when the environment got hugely affected by the pandemic.
Read – Environmental effects of the pandemic and potential strategies for sustainability
David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet (2020)
This documentary is narrated by David Attenborough as he examines how drastically the world has been changing over the past few years. He believes that human beings must have a good and deeper relationship with nature for the betterment of their own future generations.
Netflix | David Attenborough in a still from the Netflix documentary, A Life on Our Planet
Wrapping it up
Nature documentaries have the power to grab your attention and make it stable at one point. You can’t help but realize how beautiful and incredible Mother Nature is once you give such a documentary your time and heart. Hope the list in this article can give you some awesome ideas for the best nature documentaries.
