47 David Attenborough Nature Documentaries
47 titles
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Attenborough and the Giant DinosaurMovie · 2016 · 59mDavid Attenborough narrates the story of how scientists in Argentina unearthed and put together the remains of the biggest dinosaur ever found – a completely new species of long-necked titanosaur.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.3 - 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
Attenborough and the Sea DragonMovie · 2018 · 59mSir David Attenborough explores the recent discovery of a 200-million-year-old Ichthyosaur along the Jurassic Coast of southern England. Employing advanced technology and CGI, Attenborough vividly recreates the fossilized creature, bringing to life what this ancient animal was like during the Jurassic period.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.0 - 4
Deep BlueMovie · 2003 · 83m · DocumentaryDeep Blue is a BBC Natural History Unit documentary film. Using stunning footage, this film takes viewers on an epic journey to explore our oceans and the diverse life within them – a captivating experience for audiences of all ages.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.8 - 5
Great Natural Wonders of the WorldMovie · 2002 · 57mDavid Attenborough embarks on a journey across seven continents to produce a special television program highlighting the diverse and stunning natural wonders of Earth.IMDb 7.5TMDB 5.2 - 6
Attenborough's Wonder of EggsMovie · 2018 · 59mDavid Attenborough explores the fascinating world of bird eggs, examining their incredible design and the miracle of life they contain. These structures provide protection and breathability for developing embryos, yet are uniquely engineered for both strength and fragility. The film delves into the process of egg formation, the reasons behind their distinctive shapes, and the evolutionary purpose of laying eggs. Attenborough unveils the wonder behind these natural marvels, from conception to hatching.TMDB 6.0 - 7
Survival IslandMovie · 1996 · 42mSouth Georgia Island, a remote location in the Southern Ocean, becomes a haven for massive animal gatherings each spring and summer. This film explores these huge animal communities and the underlying organization within their apparent disorder.IMDb 7.9TMDB 6.0 - 8
Attenborough and the Giant EggMovie · 2011 · 60mDavid Attenborough journeys back to Madagascar on a deeply personal mission. In 1960, during filming for his early wildlife series *Zoo Quest*, he found a giant egg – the egg of the extinct elephant bird, the largest bird to ever live. This has remained a treasured possession for him ever since. Now, fifty years later, Attenborough returns to explore the island further and understand how it has changed. Could the elephant bird's story offer insights for protecting Madagascar’s current wildlife? The film combines archival footage from *Zoo Quest* with new footage as Attenborough revisits familiar locations and meets conservationists. Back at Oxford University, scientists reveal the egg’s age, potentially shedding new light on the legendary bird.TMDB 8.6 - 9
A War on ScienceMovie · 2006 · 50mNearly 150 years ago, Charles Darwin's theory of evolution challenged the widely held belief that humans were divinely created. Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection, based on his observations of nature, sparked controversy. It questioned not only the story of creation but also the existence of a creator. Since its introduction, this fundamental principle of biology has faced constant opposition. Now, some scientists believe it faces its greatest challenge: a new, controversial theory called intelligent design.IMDb 8.0TMDB 8.0 - 10Sir David Attenborough and Sir Michael Palin in ConversationMovie · 2020 · 32mIn this film, David Attenborough and Michael Palin consider the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and the lessons it offers regarding international teamwork in addressing major global issues.TMDB 5.7
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Gorillas Revisited with Sir David AttenboroughMovie · 2006 · 60mDavid Attenborough shares his intimate encounters with the mountain gorillas of Rwanda. First discovered over a century ago, these incredible animals have faced constant threats from habitat loss, poaching, disease, and political turmoil. Yet, their population has grown. Attenborough narrates the remarkable story of conservationists like Dian Fossey who fought tirelessly to prevent the mountain gorilla from disappearing forever.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.8 - 12
David Attenborough's Natural History Museum AliveMovie · 2014 · 67mForget regular hours. Join Sir David Attenborough for a special after-hours exploration of London's Natural History Museum, a place he holds dear. The museum’s exhibits awaken, bringing dinosaurs, reptiles, and creatures of the ice age to life.IMDb 8.1TMDB 6.8 - 13
Uncovering Our Earliest Ancestor: The LinkMovie · 2009 · 59mThis film recounts the story of the discovery of Ida, a remarkably well-preserved 47-million-year-old primate fossil found in a German shale quarry in 1983. For two decades, Ida remained with a private collector before Norwegian paleontologist Dr. Jørn Hurum recognized its potential as a crucial link in primate evolution, connecting modern primates, lemurs, and lower mammals. He convinced the Natural History Museum in Oslo to acquire the fossil and assembled a team of international experts for study. Their findings were publicly announced in a press conference and a scientific paper published online on May 19, 2009.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.1 - 14
Diving Deep: The Life and Times of Mike deGruyMovie · 2020 · 83m"Diving Deep: The Life and Times of Mike deGruy" chronicles the life of Mike deGruy, a relentlessly curious and passionate underwater filmmaker who passed away unexpectedly in 2012. For over thirty years, deGruy filmed the ocean, gaining recognition for both his engaging on-camera narration and his beautiful, personal depictions of marine life. To honor his legacy as a filmmaker and storyteller, and to advance his commitment to ocean conservation, his wife and filmmaking partner Mimi deGruy assembled "Diving Deep: The Life and Times of Mike deGruy."IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.0 - 15
Charles Darwin and the Tree of LifeMovie · 2009 · 60m · Documentary, TV MovieDavid Attenborough, renowned for his natural history documentaries, explores the core of his work: Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection. This film offers a personal reflection by Attenborough on his own life and how he embraced Darwin's groundbreaking idea.IMDb 8.4TMDB 7.6 - 16
Deep Ocean: Descent into the Mariana TrenchMovie · 2018 · 52mA film crew from NHK ventures into the unexplored depths of the ocean, 10,000 meters below the surface. Following their capture of footage of a giant squid, they journey to the Mariana Trench, the Earth's deepest point, nearly 7 miles down. There, they investigate the extreme pressure and environment of this long-isolated world, questioning what life could possibly thrive there. Narrated by David Attenborough, this is an expedition to the planet's ultimate frontier.TMDB 9.3 - 17
The Greatest Wildlife Show on EarthMovie · 1999 · 59mThis film follows the sun's journey across the globe, from the Equator to the South, as it marks the changing seasons. We see a world teeming with life, experiencing the arrival of spring and summer. The film reveals the natural rhythms of animals – their drives to reproduce, find food, and care for their young – all orchestrated by the sun, moon, and the turning of the seasons worldwide.IMDb 7.7TMDB 8.5 - 18
Attenborough's Life That GlowsMovie · 2016 · 59mCreatures that produce their own light – fireflies, glow-worms, and luminous plankton – captivate and amaze us. At night, the ocean comes alive with millions of these tiny lights, illuminating marine life in a breathtaking display. Join Sir David Attenborough and a team of leading scientists and explorers as they embark on a journey to uncover the mysteries of living light.IMDb 8.2TMDB 8.1 - 19
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 - 20
Dragons and DamselsMovie · 2019 · 50mMore beautiful than butterflies, more agile than hummingbirds, and with behaviors as intricate as those of mammals or birds, they have been flying for hundreds of millions of years. They existed alongside dinosaurs, long before mammals even evolved.IMDb 7.6TMDB 8.0 - 21
Animal HouseMovie · 2011 · 52mThis special showcases how animals worldwide are surprisingly skilled builders and engineers, highlighting their remarkable natural construction abilities.IMDb 7.7 - 22
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 - 23
The Lost Gods of Easter IslandMovie · 2000 · 49mA seemingly ordinary, carved figure acquired at a New York auction prompts David Attenborough to embark on an international expedition. His travels take him from Russia to Australia and back to England, ultimately reaching the Pacific. Throughout his journey, Attenborough explores the historical significance of the remarkable stones found on Easter Island.IMDb 8.0TMDB 6.5 - 24
Zoo Quest in ColourMovie · 2016 · 90mA remarkable discovery in the BBC archives has restored color to David Attenborough's early *Zoo Quest* series, revealing the story of its creation. First broadcast in 1954, *Zoo Quest* was a hugely popular show that launched Attenborough's career as a wildlife presenter and offered audiences unprecedented glimpses into previously unseen wildlife and tribal communities. Previously believed to be filmed in black and white, *Zoo Quest* was broadcast a decade before color TV became common in the UK. This special uses newly restored color film and behind-the-scenes stories from Attenborough and cameraman Charles Lagus to showcase the best of *Zoo Quest* in West Africa, Guiana, and a search for a dragon, all in stunning HD color.IMDb 8.2TMDB 8.5 - 25
Snow Leopard: Beyond the MythMovie · 2008In 2004, the Planet Earth team filmed the first footage of a wild snow leopard in the Pakistani mountains. The expedition leader, Nisar Malik, was deeply moved by the images and felt driven to return. He and cameraman Mark Smith spent two years documenting the snow leopard's life, revealing the secrets of this elusive animal.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.0 - 26
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 - 27
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 - 28
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 - 29
Prince William: A Planet For Us AllMovie · 2020 · 90mOver two years, this film offers an intimate look at Prince William. It follows him on a global mission to promote environmental action and highlight the work of people making a difference in their communities – a side of him rarely seen.IMDb 7.6TMDB 6.0 - 30
The Amber Time MachineMovie · 2004 · 48mDavid Attenborough investigates the creatures trapped within a piece of Baltic amber, a gift from his adoptive sister when he was a child. He seeks to identify the ancient life preserved inside.IMDb 8.2TMDB 7.5 - 31
Darwin's Struggle: The Evolution of the Origin of SpeciesMovie · 2009 · 60mThis documentary explores the untold story of Charles Darwin's creation of *On the Origin of Species*, the book that revolutionized our understanding of the natural world, explaining its diversity through the processes of life and death. Over twenty years, Darwin wrestled with an idea as profound as the natural world he studied. The film reveals his personal struggles alongside his groundbreaking insights, observations, and expressions of love. It also includes honest accounts of family loss, illness, and self-doubt as he worked towards publishing the book that transformed how we see ourselves in the world. Using Darwin's private notes and letters, combined with natural history footage, period imagery, and insights from leading biographers and scientists, the story unfolds.IMDb 7.0TMDB 5.0 - 32
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 - 33
Desert SeasMovie · 2011 · 45mSir David Attenborough explores the remarkable underwater world of Saudi Arabia, showcasing both the vibrant Red Sea and the starkly different Arabian Gulf. The film documents, for the first time, the unusual nocturnal spawning of Palolo worms.IMDb 7.6TMDB 9.0 - 34
The Queen's Green PlanetMovie · 2018 · 47mThis documentary features a conversation between The Queen and Sir David Attenborough during a walk in the gardens at Buckingham Palace last summer. It explores the ambitious new initiative to create a large network of protected native forests across Britain and the Commonwealth, established in The Queen's name.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.0 - 35
Attenborough and the Giant ElephantMovie · 2017 · 58mDavid Attenborough explores the extraordinary life and death of Jumbo, a famous elephant who is rumored to have inspired the film *Dumbo*. Attenborough teams up with scientists and conservationists to uncover the truth behind this massive African elephant – an animal many thought was the largest ever. With exclusive access to Jumbo's skeleton at the American Museum of Natural History, they examine the evidence to distinguish fact from legend. The investigation seeks to answer: how large was Jumbo? What were the conditions of his captivity? And what ultimately caused his death? His bones may hold the answers.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.2 - 36
Into the JungleMovie · 2018 · 92mIn the jungles of Papua New Guinea, conservationists Jim and Jean Thomas worked to save the tree kangaroo from extinction. Their efforts unexpectedly led them to provide essential water and sanitation services to ten thousand people in a very remote region.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.6 - 37
The Penguin KingMovie · 2012 · 78mIsolated in the South Georgia wilderness, a small island 900 miles from Antarctica and only 100 miles long, a penguin named the Penguin King returns to his birthplace: Penguin City. This densely populated area is highly competitive, and he must now find his own space within it and secure a mate. He is returning after three years away.IMDb 6.6TMDB 7.0 - 38
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 - 39
Climate Change: The FactsMovie · 2019 · 58mFollowing a record-breaking hot year, Sir David Attenborough examines the science behind climate change and possible answers to this worldwide problem. He speaks with leading climate scientists about current extreme weather, including unusually intense storms and devastating wildfires. They also discuss the potential dangers of escalating climate change for people and the environment.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.1 - 40
David Attenborough: A Life on Our PlanetMovie · 2020 · 83m · Documentary, DramaThis film chronicles a lifetime spent exploring Earth's natural wonders, as seen through the eyes of the world's most renowned natural historian. In over nine decades, Attenborough has journeyed to every continent, documenting the planet's diverse wildlife and landscapes. The film addresses the critical challenges facing life today, ultimately offering a hopeful vision for generations to come.IMDb 8.9TMDB 8.4 - 41
Trek - Spy on the WildebeestMovie · 2007 · 117mEvery year, over 1.2 million wildebeest undertake a 1,800 kilometer circular journey across the Serengeti and Masai Mara, relentlessly pursued by Africa's predators. Using innovative spy cameras – hidden in the air, water, or disguised as natural objects – this two-part series offers unprecedented views of the Great Wildebeest Migration. The story follows a young calf's journey as he learns to walk, confronts life-threatening dangers, and attempts to cross crocodile-filled rivers. The series blends humor and suspense with compelling music.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.0 - 42
The Dragons of GalapagosMovie · 1998 · 56mThe film follows the remarkable fight for survival of Galapagos dragons. Each year, Land Iguanas journey up the slopes of a 5000ft active volcano on Fernandina Island to lay their eggs in the warm earth. When the crater rim is full, they must descend 1 km down the steep crater walls to reach the floor below. Many perish during this descent, as the unstable walls are prone to landslides and finding a safe path is perilous.IMDb 8.4TMDB 6.5 - 43
Flying Monsters 3D with David AttenboroughMovie · 2011 · 70m220 million years ago, dinosaurs were starting to rule the Earth. But another group of reptiles was on the verge of a remarkable change: pterosaurs were learning to fly. The story of how and why these mysterious creatures took to the air is more incredible than fiction. In *Flying Monsters 3D*, Sir David Attenborough, the world’s most respected naturalist, investigates the truth about pterosaurs, whose wingspans could reach 40 feet – the same length as a modern jet plane.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.0 - 44
Extinction: The FactsMovie · 2020 · 58mAs a million species face extinction, Sir David Attenborough examines the far-reaching effects of this biodiversity crisis on humanity. He reveals how it jeopardizes our access to food and water, weakens our efforts to combat climate change, and increases the risk of future pandemics.IMDb 8.5TMDB 7.5 - 45
The ForumMovie · 2019 · 116mAmidst growing populism and public skepticism towards those in power, a filmmaker spends a year documenting Klaus Schwab, the 81-year-old founder of the World Economic Forum, as he pursues his vision for a better world. The film explores whether the WEF can genuinely help solve global issues, or if it is, instead, connected to them.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.0 - 46
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 - 47
Our Planet: Behind the ScenesMovie · 2019 · 63m · DocumentaryDocumenting wildlife across the planet inevitably brings unexpected challenges. This film offers a glimpse at what happens behind the scenes.IMDb 8.3TMDB 7.6
