54 Films from the BBC Natural History Unit
54 titles
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Enchanted KingdomMovie · 2014 · 87m · DocumentaryA breathtaking journey into the natural world reveals a realm far stranger and more magical than we ever thought possible. The adventure takes us from enchanted forests to the depths of the underworld, across alien planets and fantastical oceans, over celestial mountains and through shifting waters, culminating in the Earth's most spectacular wildlife gathering. Witness incredible creatures up close and experience nature in a way you never have before – an adventure that will make you question whether reality itself can match the wonders you see.IMDb 7.5TMDB 6.3 - 2
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 - 3
Arctic: Our Frozen PlanetMovie · 2023 · 42mHigh in the world's mountains is a breathtaking, icy land. But it's not a place stuck in the past. For thousands of years, the people and animals who live there have adapted to thrive in this extreme environment, finding ways to live in balance with it.IMDb 8.0TMDB 9.0 - 4Amazon Explorers: Into the Peak of MistMovie · 2018 · 29mA team of pioneering tropical scientists journeys to Brazil's Pico da Neblina, the country's highest and most remote mountain. They have rare permission to explore the peak in search of undiscovered creatures and plants.IMDb 9.3
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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 - 6
All Aboard! The Great Reindeer MigrationMovie · 2018 · 119mThis BBC Four documentary follows Sami reindeer herders in Norway as they migrate across the Finnmark mountains, north of the Arctic Circle. The herd's journey, a little over 160 miles, takes a week, moving from winter feeding grounds to coastal summer pastures. The film documents the Sara family and their herd around the clock as they navigate the Arctic wilderness to reach Kvaloya Fala island in time for calving season. The journey is challenging due to harsh weather.IMDb 7.1 - 7
Animal CameraMovie · 2004 - 8
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 - 9
Reindeer Family & MeMovie · 2017 · 59mWildlife cameraman Gordon Buchanan journeys to the Arctic, venturing into the heart of the Sami people's traditional lands. He documents their deep connection to the reindeer that are central to their way of life.IMDb 7.8 - 10
Spy in the SnowMovie · 2018 · 58mThis installment of the series focuses on animals adapted to the harshest winter environments.IMDb 7.9TMDB 6.5 - 11
Koko: The Gorilla Who Talks to PeopleMovie · 2016 · 58mThis documentary recounts the remarkable story of Koko, the only gorilla known to use sign language, and her enduring connection with Penny Patterson. What began as a university research project to teach a baby gorilla sign language blossomed into a profound relationship between Koko and Penny. For over four decades, Penny has cared for Koko, asserting that Koko offers unprecedented glimpses into animal consciousness. The film documents their life together, capturing over 2,000 hours of footage including Penny’s fight to prevent Koko's return to the zoo where she was born, her disagreements with academics who questioned her interpretations, and poignant moments like Koko grieving the loss of her kitten.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.6 - 12
Wild AfricaMovie · 2015 · 42mExperience a breathtaking journey across Africa, exploring its diverse landscapes. Water, the essential element, shapes this continent, bringing life wherever it flows. It travels on the wind, rushes through powerful rivers, and creates thriving underwater ecosystems.IMDb 6.7TMDB 8.0 - 13
Woolly Mammoth: Secrets from the IceMovie · 2012 · 59m"Woolly Mammoth: Secrets from the Ice," presented by anatomist Dr. Alice Roberts, explores the mysteries surrounding this iconic extinct animal. Woolly Mammoths captivated humans long after they disappeared from the continents of Asia and Europe at the end of the last ice age. Despite their fame, surprisingly little has been understood about these creatures, even though ancient humans lived alongside them for millennia; few detailed records remain.IMDb 7.5TMDB 6.5 - 14
Tiny Giants 3DMovie · 2014 · 44mThis short film follows a chipmunk and a small mouse as they embark on an adventure in the world beneath our feet. Through their journey, they experience growth and learn about the challenges of life.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.0 - 15
Drowning in PlasticMovie · 2018 · 90mLiz Bonnin embarks on an international journey to expose the true extent of the world's plastic pollution and investigate potential solutions to this growing environmental threat. Following plastic's path across the globe, Liz will demonstrate the crisis is far more extensive than commonly understood.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.5 - 16
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 - 17The Secret Life of MidgesMovie · 2015 · 55mThe Scottish midge is a tiny insect with a notorious reputation. As one of the few biting flies in Britain that feeds on human blood, it can be a major problem for anyone living or working in Scotland. But why are some people more attractive to midges than others? Insect scientist Dr. James Logan of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine travels to some of Scotland's worst midge-infested areas to uncover the secrets of the midge and find ways to protect against their bites, exploring whether some individuals may naturally repel them.IMDb 5.8
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Super Small AnimalsMovie · 2017 · 59mBiologist Patrick Aryee investigates the surprising reasons behind the success of small creatures, examining animals as little as a lemur and as small as an armadillo.IMDb 8.1TMDB 9.0 - 19
Attenborough and the Giant Sea MonsterMovie · 2024 · 57mSir David Attenborough explores the groundbreaking discovery of a massive prehistoric skull belonging to a pliosaur – a colossal marine reptile often called the Tyrannosaurus rex of the ocean.IMDb 7.4TMDB 8.0 - 20
Wild Shetland: Scotland's Viking FrontierMovie · 2019 · 59mEwan McGregor narrates a compelling look at the wild Shetland ponies, following their breeding season as they struggle to survive on the isolated islands.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.7 - 21
Wonders of the Great Barrier Reef with Iolo WilliamsMovie · 2018 · 59mDeep in the Pacific Ocean lies the Great Barrier Reef, a natural wonder off the northeast coast of Australia. This vibrant ecosystem shelters unique marine life. Conservationist Iolo Williams joins Emmy-winning cinematographer and marine biologist Richard Fitzpatrick on a dive to assess the reef's condition. They journey from the northern, rough waters to the southern, calmer corals, examining key areas to determine the reef's health and whether there's hope for its survival against global warming. - 22
The Year Earth ChangedMovie · 2021 · 48m · DocumentaryNewly released footage documents the surprising resurgence of nature during the global lockdown. With human activity significantly reduced across the planet – in oceans, skies, and on land – Earth experienced a period of recovery and renewed vitality.IMDb 8.2TMDB 7.9 - 23
The Lake District: A Wild YearMovie · 2017 · 60mNestled in Cumbria, Northwest England, the Lake District is a mountainous landscape dotted with lakes, including Windermere, England's largest and deepest. Tourism thrives throughout the year, drawing visitors for walks, water activities, and lake cruises, alongside experiences of traditional rural life like historic games and competitions in Rusland. The area's diverse environment supports a variety of wildlife, including some rare species. A local specialty is the Herdwick sheep, prized for its fine wool and ability to thrive outdoors, even in harsh winters on high slopes.IMDb 7.8TMDB 8.0 - 24
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 - 25
Life In The SnowMovie · 2016 · 58mIn this seasonal special, Gordon Buchanan explores the lives of animals thriving in winter landscapes. He shares how they survive: a polar bear mother nurturing her cubs, an owl finding food under the snow, and penguins huddling for warmth. Gordon also looks at familiar Christmas figures like reindeer and robins, revealing their natural lives.IMDb 7.5TMDB 8.2 - 26
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 - 27
The Snow Wolf: A Winter's TaleMovie · 2018 · 57mThis is the story of the remarkable recovery of wolves in Europe, a continent where they had nearly disappeared.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.7 - 28
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 - 29
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 - 30
The MeerkatsMovie · 2008 · 83m · Documentary, TV Movie, FamilyThis coming-of-age story follows Kolo, a young meerkat pup, as he grows up in the Kalahari desert. It's an inspiring look at how one family's bond with each other and their environment demonstrates resilience and strength. Shot with innovative techniques, this dramatized documentary is a unique presentation from The Weinstein Company and the BBC, narrated by Paul Newman.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.7 - 31
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 - 32
Inside the Bat CaveMovie · 2020 · 59mThis film offers an extraordinary look into the hidden lives of bats. Using advanced night-vision technology, the cameras document the secret world of a greater horseshoe bat colony over a four-month period.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.0 - 33
Earth: One Amazing DayMovie · 2017 · 93m · Documentary, Family, AdventureA breathtaking exploration of nature's immense power. In a single day, we follow the sun's path, from towering mountain peaks to isolated islands and deep jungles.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.8 - 34
Wings 3DMovie · 2014 · 85mFilmed with innovative aerial technology that mimics birds in flight, this 3D film offers an incredible journey across the globe's most stunning landscapes. Viewers witness the Earth's most spectacular wildlife events firsthand: snow geese flying over Monument Valley and New York City, vultures soaring high above before diving towards massive wildebeest herds, and scarlet macaws racing through the rainforest at incredible speeds. Using advanced 3D cameras in remote and perilous locations, the film provides an unprecedentedly intimate view of nature's drama and beauty.IMDb 7.9TMDB 10.0 - 35Dawn Chorus: The Sounds of SpringMovie · 2015 · 59mThe film presents an uninterrupted, natural soundscape of birdsong at sunrise. It captures the vibrant chorus of birds in three distinct British habitats: woodland, heathland, and parkland.IMDb 8.1
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Turtle BeachMovie · 2019 · 44mIn Costa Rica, locals refer to the annual arrival of sea turtles as the "arribada," a spectacular event where tens of thousands of turtles gather on the Pacific coast to lay their eggs. "Turtle Beach" follows Canadian naturalist and cinematographer Hugo Kitching as he joins an international team of scientists on an expedition to explore the secrets behind this remarkable natural occurrence.IMDb 7.6 - 37
Polar Bear - Spy on the IceMovie · 2011 · 100mFilmed with hidden cameras, this documentary offers an unprecedented look at polar bears, the world’s largest land predators. It portrays their lives intimately, showing how their intelligence and curiosity allow them to adapt to a rapidly changing environment with diminishing sea ice.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.5 - 38
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 - 39
CubaMovie · 2019 · 44mThis film explores a nation holding onto its past while facing a future of significant change. Cuba’s rich culture, well-preserved colonial buildings, and natural beauty offer a deep look into its history and character. The audience journeys through stunning landscapes, underwater reefs, and lively streets filled with music and dance in Havana. Through the perspectives of Cuban artists, historians, and scientists, the film presents an intimate portrait of this dynamic island nation.IMDb 8.4TMDB 6.0 - 40
Penguins: Meet the FamilyMovie · 2020 · 59mThis film is a special look at the albatross, one of the world's most recognizable birds. It showcases all 18 species with footage filmed in locations around the globe, including New Zealand, Cape Town, the Galapagos Islands, and Antarctica.IMDb 7.9TMDB 8.2 - 41
Spider HouseMovie · 2014 · 89mProfessor Alice Roberts teams up with entomologist Tim Cockerill inside a home teeming with spiders for a special documentary exploring how spiders live within our houses.IMDb 7.6TMDB 6.0 - 42
Life in Polar Bear Town with Gordon BuchananMovie · 2016 · 59mWildlife cameraman Gordon Buchanan journeys to Churchill, a town on the coast of Canada's Hudson Bay. Each autumn, polar bears congregate there, preparing for the winter hunting season.IMDb 6.6 - 43
The River: A Year in the Life of the TayMovie · 2019 · 99mIn this book, Helen Macdonald journeys along Britain's longest river throughout the year, observing salmon, beavers, and the tiny organisms that are key to scientific discovery.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.0 - 44Winter's Weirdest EventsMovie · 2017Chris Packham explores some of the most unusual winter phenomena on Earth, combining cutting-edge science, expert insights, and firsthand observations.IMDb 8.2
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Wild Tales From The VillageMovie · 2016 · 59mThis film follows a year in the life of a remarkable village nestled in the French countryside.IMDb 8.3TMDB 8.0 - 46
Earthflight 3DMovie · 2016 · 38mNarrated by Cate Blanchett, EARTHFLIGHT offers a fully immersive journey across the globe, experiencing flight from a bird's perspective. Filmed over four years in eleven countries across four continents, the film uses innovative aerial techniques and advanced 3D cameras to recreate the reality of flight. Viewers join various bird species on their seasonal migrations, discovering the science behind how birds navigate vast distances, flock together in massive numbers, and cooperate to find food.TMDB 10.0 - 47
Snow Chick - A Penguin's TaleMovie · 2015 · 55mThis is the story of a penguin chick who hatches later than the others and is smaller than its siblings. It follows the chick's journey as it grows and learns to navigate life with its family.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.5 - 48
Incredible PredatorsMovie · 2016 · 40mIncredible Predators offers a groundbreaking look at how the world's most formidable hunters thrive. Using advanced filming, the documentary provides unprecedentedly close perspectives on their remarkable hunting strategies – whether on land, in the ocean, or in the sky. - 49
Wild SwimmingMovie · 2010 · 60mAlice Roberts explores the growing popularity of wild swimming – swimming in natural bodies of water like cavernous pools, rivers, and lakes – in a film inspired bykende Muir's classic book, *Waterlog*.IMDb 7.8 - 50
AntarcticaMovie · 2020 · 45mAntarctica is Earth's most extreme place – colder, higher, and drier than anywhere else. Though remote, events there impact everyone on the planet.IMDb 7.9TMDB 6.3 - 51
South Korea: Earth's Hidden WildernessMovie · 2018 · 58mKorea, once a kingdom of palaces and emperors, is now known for its modern cities and a history marked by division. While the conflict between North and South often defines the country to those outside, there's a deeper side to Korea. In the south, vast wilderness areas remain, where unique wildlife thrives and Koreans maintain ancient traditions connected to the seasons and the natural world. It is in these connections, not in division, that the true essence of Korea is found.IMDb 6.9TMDB 8.0 - 52
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 - 53
Attenborough's Wonder of SongMovie · 2022 · 58mIn this film, Sir David Attenborough presents his most cherished recordings of animal song, sounds that have profoundly changed how we understand communication in the natural world. Each recording – from the song of a giant lemur to the whale's complex melodies and the lyrebird’s mimicry – was captured during Sir David’s career. The science of animal song was first revolutionized by Charles Darwin's work on sexual selection, which explains that while singing makes males vulnerable to predators, it also provides a significant advantage in attracting mates and passing on genes. This is why, typically, only males sing.IMDb 8.1TMDB 8.6 - 54
Wild Ways of the VikingsMovie · 2019 · 58mEwan McGregor narrates a special exploring the North Atlantic's wildlife from a Viking perspective. The film blends historical recreations with stunning natural history footage, showcasing massive reindeer herds, enormous gannet colonies, adorable Arctic foxes, seal-hunting orcas, symbolic ravens, and giant walruses.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.6
