47 Essential Animal Documentaries
47 titles
- 1
The Last LionsMovie · 2011 · 88m · DocumentaryIn Botswana's Okavango Delta, an outcast lioness and her two cubs must struggle for survival against numerous dangers. Their only hope is to reach Duba Island, offering them an uncertain future. The story unfolds in one of the few remaining wild habitats for lions. With shrinking territory and growing hunting pressure, lions – including this mother and her cubs – are facing extinction.IMDb 8.2TMDB 7.2 - 2
Bears: Spy in the WoodsMovie · 2004 · 52mSir David Attenborough and his team journey around the world to film intimate encounters with polar bears, grizzlies, pandas, and other remarkable types of bears.IMDb 7.9TMDB 8.0 - 3
SNLMovie · 2005 · 80m · Documentary, FamilyEach year, thousands of emperor penguins undertake an incredible journey to Antarctica to raise their families. They walk tirelessly, day and night, for 70 miles across the coldest, driest, and darkest continent on Earth. This true story is filled with humor and excitement. Stunning photography reveals the breathtaking beauty and intense drama of these devoted parents who, battling harsh winter conditions, take turns protecting their eggs and foraging for food. Predators and storms threaten them, but the well-being of their chicks drives them forward. Join them on their journey to adventure!IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.1 - 4
Ocean's DeadliestMovie · 2007 · 90mIn his final documentary, wildlife expert Steve Irwin, known as "The Crocodile Hunter," joins forces with oceanographer Philippe Cousteau to investigate the most dangerous marine animals inhabiting the waters off Australia's Gold Coast and the Great Barrier Reef.IMDb 8.1TMDB 6.8 - 5
Jaguars: Brazil's Super CatsMovie · 2016 · 51m - 6
Fabulous FrogsMovie · 2014 · 60mSir David Attenborough explores the fascinating lives of frogs in this film. Using firsthand stories, new scientific discoveries, and advanced technology, he reveals the remarkable diversity of these colorful creatures. The film showcases frogs from across the globe, highlighting their unique anatomy, appearances, and behaviors. Their incredible adaptations and survival strategies have made them the most successful amphibians today.IMDb 8.4TMDB 8.3 - 7
ChimpanzeeMovie · 2012 · 78m · DocumentaryThis nature documentary follows a family of chimpanzees in the rain forests of Ivory Coast and Uganda. We experience the world through Oscar, a young chimp, as he navigates life in the African jungle – a journey filled with humor, emotion, and hardship. After a devastating event separates him from his mother, Oscar must learn to survive alone in the challenging environment. Eventually, he finds refuge with an older chimp who offers him protection.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.0 - 8
The Glacier FoxMovie · 1978 · 116mDirector Koreyoshi Kurahara follows Flep and Leila, two foxes in Hokkaido, Japan, through a year of challenges. The island's long winters and brief summers shape their lives. After Flep wins a fight for Leila's affection, they become mates and have five cubs. As their family grows, they face threats from humans – including farms and snowmobiles – and the harsh winter weather. The foxes experience both successes and losses, demonstrating that survival in this unforgiving environment depends on strength.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.8 - 9
The Secret LeopardsMovie · 2010 · 60mJonathan Scott tells the remarkable story of the leopard, the only major cat thriving across much of the globe while other big cats face decline. Focusing on leopard mothers and their cubs in East Africa, the film explores the natural traits that have made them such successful survivors. Surprisingly, it reveals leopards are often living undetected on farms and even in urban areas throughout Africa and Asia.IMDb 7.8TMDB 5.2 - 10
Cheetahs Against All OddsMovie · 2009 · 50mIn the Serengeti, cheetahs face a constant struggle for survival. Mothers must abandon their cubs to hunt, leaving them vulnerable to larger predators and even scavengers. This story follows two cheetah mothers as they fight to protect their young amidst relentless danger. Their lives fluctuate between hope and hardship, battling for advantage and striving for success against overwhelming odds.IMDb 9.8 - 11
BlackfishMovie · 2013 · 83m · DocumentaryBlackfish examines the troubling effects of keeping highly intelligent and emotional animals like killer whales in captivity. The documentary focuses on Tilikum, a notorious orca who has been involved in the deaths of three people, including a trainer. It reveals the sometimes tragic consequences of this practice.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.8 - 12
Wild OceanMovie · 2008 · 45mWild Ocean offers a breathtaking, large-screen look at one of nature's most impressive migrations. Experience an underwater feeding frenzy teeming with dolphins, sharks, whales, gannets, seals, and billions of fish. Filmed along the Wild Coast of South Africa, this documentary highlights the animals that rely on human protection and the local community's work to conserve this vital ecosystem. Hope endures on the Wild Coast, where the African continent meets the ocean.IMDb 6.6TMDB 7.5 - 13
Africa's Fishing LeopardsMovie · 2015 · 60mDavid Attenborough narrates the intimate story of a leopard mother and her two cubs as they navigate the challenges of Botswana's wilderness. This close-knit family faces fierce competition for survival from lions, wild dogs, and hyenas. To secure their future, they must learn a vital new skill: fishing. This is an epic family drama captured over 18 months by local cameraman Brad Bestelink, offering a rare look into the hidden lives of these secretive big cats.IMDb 8.4 - 14
Born to Be WildMovie · 2011 · 40m · Documentary, AdventureBorn to Be Wild follows orphaned jungle animals as they grow up under the care of the people who rescue them. The film is set in two different locations: the rainforests of Borneo, where Dr. Birute Galdikas helps baby orangutans, and the savannahs of Kenya, where zoologist Dame Daphne Sheldrick works with baby elephant calves.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.0 - 15
Last Day of the DinosaursMovie · 2010 · 66mLast Day of the Dinosaurs, a 2010 Discovery Channel documentary, examines the extinction of the dinosaurs. The film presents the Alvarez hypothesis as the primary explanation for this event.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.4 - 16
Where Oceans CollideMovie · 2018 · 45mCentral America is home to incredible wildlife, from colorful parrots that live in volcanoes to massive whale sharks and powerful colonies of tropical ants. - 17
Ghost of the MountainsMovie · 2017 · 78mA Disneynature filmmaking team journeys to the mountains of China to find and film the rare snow leopard. They face harsh weather and difficult landscapes as they explore the world's highest plateau.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.0 - 18
Attenborough's Paradise BirdsMovie · 2015 · 59mDavid Attenborough explores the captivating history of birds of paradise, detailing how these stunning creatures have fascinated explorers, naturalists, artists, filmmakers, and members of royalty alike.IMDb 8.5TMDB 8.1 - 19
Monkey KingdomMovie · 2015 · 81m · DocumentaryIn the dense jungles of South Asia, a mother monkey and her infant face a challenging life within the Temple Troop. This lively community of monkeys navigates a complex social order while living in ancient ruins. They must fight to survive.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.0 - 20
BearsMovie · 2014 · 78m · DocumentaryAlastair Fothergill and Keith Scholey document a year in the lives of Sky, an Alaskan brown bear, and her cubs, Scout and Amber. The film follows the family from their awakening after winter hibernation. Throughout the year, they rely on each other to find food and avoid dangers, particularly from other bears. While their lives are full of adventure, survival depends on staying together as a family.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.4 - 21
Antarctica: A Year on IceMovie · 2013 · 92m · Drama, Adventure, DocumentaryAnthony Powell's documentary uses breathtaking time-lapse footage of Antarctica to showcase life there throughout the year at McMurdo and Scott Base. It's a powerful celebration of the icy continent and its vast skies.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.3 - 22
Puerto Rico: Island of EnchantmentMovie · 2017David Attenborough explores the captivating yet fragile wildlife of a Caribbean island. Dedicated conservationists are working to protect the island's most endangered animals. The film follows the inspiring recovery of species like Puerto Rican parrots, manatees, and sea turtles. - 23
Arctic TaleMovie · 2007 · 86mArctic Tale, a 2007 National Geographic documentary, follows the life cycle of a walrus and her calf, as well as a polar bear and her cubs. It shares a similar approach with the 2005 National Geographic film, March of the Penguins.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.7 - 24
Legends of the Deep: Deep Sea SharksMovie · 2015 · 52mThis documentary follows a Japanese team of scientists studying the elusive world of deep-sea sharks. Fewer than 50 megamouth sharks have ever been seen. Over four years, the team used small submarines in Suruga Bay and Sagami Bay to film these creatures. They also encountered prehistoric sharks like bluntnose sixgill sharks, goblin sharks, and frilled sharks. To study the sharks, the team placed a sperm whale carcass on the ocean floor, observing their behavior from the submersibles. The film reveals new insights into the behavior of these deep-sea sharks, exploring another mystery of the planet’s biodiversity.TMDB 7.0 - 25
EarthMovie · 2007 · 90m · DocumentaryEARTH, from Disneynature, follows the journeys of three animal families: polar bears, elephants, and humpback whales. It's an epic adventure showcasing the courage and magnificence of these creatures as they navigate life across the planet.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.6 - 26
Vanishing Kings: Desert Lions of the NamibMovie · 2015 · 46mIn Namibia's desert, cattle farmers seek new grazing land, leading to conflict with the resident lions. Lions are hunted, sometimes even killed after attacking livestock. Will and Lianne Steenkamp spent two years in an area ruled by a 17-year-old lioness, her daughters, and five cubs. This film follows the young lions' journey to independence: they must learn to hunt alone and eventually leave their family to find mates, a crucial step for the survival of their endangered species.TMDB 7.5 - 27
One LifeMovie · 2011 · 85m · Documentary, FamilyOne Life offers stunningly intimate footage of animal behavior, providing an unparalleled connection with the natural world. The film also includes a bonus disc with exclusive behind-the-scenes content, featuring a making-of featurette narrated by Daniel Craig.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.4 - 28
David Attenborough's TasmaniaMovie · 2018 · 51mTasmania, an island state off the coast of Australia, feels like a world apart. It's home to unique wildlife like black devils and white wallabies, and boasts towering trees and unusual atmospheric phenomena. As the final landmass before Antarctica, Tasmania’s isolation, cooler weather, and distinct seasons shape its character.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.5 - 29
Man Among CheetahsMovie · 2017 · 44mA wildlife filmmaker documents a cheetah mother's relentless struggle to protect her cubs.IMDb 6.9TMDB 7.2 - 30
Oceans: Our Blue PlanetMovie · 2018 · 40mA journey to find Earth's biggest and least understood ecosystem begins. Advances in ocean science and technology now make previously unreachable depths accessible.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.7 - 31
Whale WisdomMovie · 2018 · 50mWhales have always presented a deep mystery. They inhabit a world vastly different from ours, making their lives almost unimaginable to us. Their environment, senses, and social structures are all unlike our own. What is it like for these creatures, so different from us, to perceive the world?IMDb 8.5TMDB 7.3 - 32
Born in ChinaMovie · 2016 · 76m · Documentary"Born in China" offers a close look at wildlife in the Chinese wilderness. The film follows a panda mother and her cub, a golden monkey who feels overshadowed by his new baby sister, and a snow leopard mother raising her two cubs. It captures intimate moments in their lives.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.4 - 33
Wings of LifeMovie · 2011 · 77m · DocumentaryA beautiful love story is in danger – our future depends on it. The intricate relationships between bees, butterflies, birds, and bats, which enable plant reproduction, form a delicate and vital connection. Flowers, far from being merely beautiful, use their vibrant colors and flavors to attract pollinators, sparking a complex dance of seduction that sustains a third of our crops. Pollen and the animals that carry it are the unsung heroes of the global food chain. Their world is full of stories, drama, and beauty, but this fragile ecosystem is now threatened and in need of active protection.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.1 - 34
Wild AlaskaMovie · 2012 · 45mAlaska's wild coastline is home to an extraordinary array of wildlife. During the brief Alaskan summer, animals thrive in the abundant sunshine before the return of long, dark winters. This film explores the lives of these creatures as they navigate the challenges of survival along the state's dramatic shoreline.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.7 - 35
Wild KarnatakaMovie · 2019 · 50mNarrated by David Attenborough, this stunning UHD film explores the remarkable biodiversity of Karnataka. Using cutting-edge technology, it showcases the state's rich natural world, home to a high concentration of tigers and elephants, highlighting its diverse plants and animals in a breathtaking visual experience.IMDb 8.6TMDB 8.6 - 36
Growing Up WildMovie · 2016 · 77m"Growing Up Wild" journeys to the most remote places on Earth to follow the early lives of five animals as they face their first challenges. Guided by their families, each must learn to find food and recognize danger. From exploring their surroundings to becoming independent, the film reveals the successes and struggles of these young creatures, shaped by instinct, parental guidance, and experience. With stunning visuals and compelling storytelling, "Growing Up Wild" offers a unique look at the similarities and differences in these animals' journeys. (C) 2016 Disney Enterprises.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.2 - 37
The Crimson Wing: Mystery of the FlamingosMovie · 2008 · 78m · DocumentaryDeep in the remote wilderness of Lake Natron, northern Tanzania, a remarkable natural phenomenon occurs: the entire life cycle of a million flamingos, from birth to death.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.2 - 38
OceanWorld 3DMovie · 2009 · 81m · DocumentaryThis 3-D documentary follows the incredible journey of a sea turtle as it navigates the world's oceans.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.0 - 39
March of the DinosaursMovie · 2011 · 87mIn North America, 70 million years ago during the Cretaceous period, a young Edmontosaurus named Scar journeys with his herd south for the winter. The animated documentary drama reflects new scientific discoveries about dinosaurs, including evidence of feathered Tyrannosaurs.IMDb 6.5TMDB 5.9 - 40
Mountain Lions: Big Cats in High PlacesMovie · 2014 · 59mThis film offers an unprecedented look at mountain lions, following two families in Wyoming's Rocky Mountains. Through their eyes, we witness the challenges faced by mothers raising their kittens, revealing new insights into the behavior of these elusive predators. The intimate story provides a deeper understanding of mountain lions than ever before.IMDb 8.1 - 41
OceansMovie · 2010 · 84m · Documentary, FamilyThis ecological drama/documentary follows a global journey. It blends elements of a thriller with a thoughtful look at the disappearing beauty of underwater ecosystems.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.4 - 42
Pangolins: The World's Most Wanted AnimalMovie · 2018 · 59mIn Namibia, conservationist Maria Diekmann unexpectedly becomes a surrogate mother to an orphaned baby pangolin named Honey Bun and finds herself deeply involved in the fight to save these endangered animals. Driven by emotion, Diekmann travels to Asia to learn more about the global threats facing pangolins. There, she teams up with a famous Chinese actor to launch a campaign raising awareness about the plight of these surprisingly endearing creatures.IMDb 8.7TMDB 6.5 - 43
Attenborough's Big BirdsMovie · 2015 · 59mThis film explores the lives of flightless birds – ostriches, kiwis, and others – a family of creatures who have never learned to fly. The story of their origins and survival has long fascinated Sir David Attenborough. It's a tale of devoted fathers, huge eggs, and a constant struggle for speed. These often-underestimated animals were once dominant creatures on Earth.IMDb 7.6TMDB 8.5 - 44
African CatsMovie · 2011 · 89m · Documentary, AdventureAfrican Cats follows the lives of lions, cheetahs, and other animals on the savanna. It centers on Mara, a lion cub learning from her mother; Sita, a single mother cheetah raising five cubs; and Fang, a lion leader protecting his pride from a returning rival. The film shows their struggles, their bonds, and their fight for survival.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.4 - 45
BearsMovie · 2004 · 39mThis film showcases stunning footage of omnivorous bears, from polar bears in the Arctic to black bears in the Northern Rockies. Witness salmon-fishing grizzlies on Alaska's McNeil River and a close look inside a den with a mother black bear and her cubs. The film also explores the challenges these bears face as their habitats shrink.IMDb 7.0TMDB 5.6 - 46
Dinosaurs AliveMovie · 2007 · 40mExperience the age of dinosaurs, from the first creatures of the Triassic to the giants of the Cretaceous, in a massive IMAX® film. Follow leading paleontologists as they find new fossils and find clues suggesting dinosaur relatives exist today. Stunningly realistic computer animation vividly recreates dinosaurs in all their glory.IMDb 5.8TMDB 5.4 - 47
Planet Earth: A CelebrationMovie · 2020 · 58mDavid Attenborough, Hans Zimmer, and Dave collaborate on a special Natural History event: Planet Earth: A Celebration. This one-hour program features eight of the most remarkable scenes from Planet Earth II and Blue Planet II, including racer snakes battling iguanas, dolphins surfing waves, and rare footage of Himalayan snow leopards. The program includes new narration by David Attenborough, new music composed and arranged by Hans Zimmer, Jacob Shea, and Bleeding Fingers, performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra and featuring Brit and Mercury Award-winning UK rapper Dave. In these challenging times, the beauty of the natural world offers a source of comfort for all.IMDb 8.6TMDB 8.6
