David Attenborough's Best Natural History Documentaries to Explore
34 titles
- 1
Attenborough and the Mammoth GraveyardMovie · 2021 · 58mSir David Attenborough documents a significant archaeological find: Britain's largest mammoth discovery in two decades. In 2017, near Swindon, amateur fossil hunters unearthed a remarkable collection of Ice Age mammoth bones alongside a stone hand-axe crafted by Neanderthals.TMDB 7.4 - 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
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
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 - 5
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 - 6
Attenborough at 90: Behind the LensMovie · 2016 · 45mCelebrating Sir David Attenborough's 90th birthday, this intimate film features new interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and clips from his latest wildlife documentaries. Filmed over seven years, the documentary follows Attenborough as he travels to locations including Borneo, Morocco, and the Galapagos to film wildlife specials. Atlantic Productions CEO Anthony Geffen notes that this film is unique because it focuses on Attenborough himself, showcasing his ambition and dedication to using new technology to share the natural world with audiences worldwide. The film offers audiences a glimpse into what it's like to travel with David Attenborough.IMDb 7.9TMDB 8.4 - 7
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 - 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
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 - 10
Attenborough in ParadiseMovie · 1996 · 56mDavid Attenborough journeys to the rainforests of Papua New Guinea, a region home to 38 of the 42 known species of bird of paradise.IMDb 8.5TMDB 9.0 - 11
When Björk Met AttenboroughMovie · 2013 · 48mAcclaimed musician Björk and renowned broadcaster Sir David Attenborough, who have long admired each other's work, share a conversation about their shared passion for music and nature in this documentary. Björk delves into the human connection to music and considers how technological advancements could reshape our musical experiences.IMDb 7.5TMDB 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
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 - 15
Dinosaurs: The Final Day with David AttenboroughMovie · 2022 · 87m · Documentary, HistoryDavid Attenborough vividly recreates the final days of the dinosaurs. Paleontologist Robert DePalma unearths remarkably preserved fossils in a prehistoric site, offering potential insights into the dinosaurs' extinction. His findings detail the day a massive asteroid, larger than Mount Everest, struck Earth, leading to the dinosaurs' demise. Using this new evidence, the film chronicles the catastrophic events of that day, moment by moment.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.4 - 16
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 - 17
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 - 18
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 - 19Edwardian Insects on FilmMovie · 2013 · 59mIn 1908, amateur naturalist and filmmaker Percy Smith captivated audiences with his groundbreaking film of a juggling fly. Considered the father of Natural History film, Smith was a highly influential visual innovator who developed techniques still used today. A brilliant but unconventional man, the film follows his life from his early films to the tragic collapse of his house during a mold experiment, culminating in his suicide. The film also introduces Sir David Attenborough, who was deeply inspired by Smith's work in the 1930s and that ultimately led him to a career in natural history.IMDb 8.9TMDB 9.0
- 20
Animal HouseMovie · 2011 · 52mThis special showcases how animals worldwide are surprisingly skilled builders and engineers, highlighting their remarkable natural construction abilities.IMDb 7.7 - 21
Attenborough's JourneyMovie · 2010 · 60mThis film follows David Attenborough as he films his series, *David Attenborough's First Life*, exploring the origins of life on Earth. Attenborough travels to locations significant to him over his 50-year broadcasting career. He revisits his childhood home in Leicestershire, where he first found fossils, and journeys to Morocco's deserts, Canadian glaciers, and Australia's Great Barrier Reef. A preview of *First Life*, the film offers a personal look at the renowned broadcaster, revealing his passions for the natural world and insights into his career as a producer and BBC controller. It combines footage from his global journey with archival material to reveal what drives him.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.3 - 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
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 - 26
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 - 27
The Day the Dinosaurs DiedMovie · 2017 · 60mThis film explores the biggest mystery in Earth's history: the abrupt disappearance of the dinosaurs 66 million years ago.IMDb 7.5TMDB 6.8 - 28
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 - 29
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 - 30
Galapagos 3D: Nature's WonderlandMovie · 2014 · 45mThe Galapagos Islands, a remote volcanic archipelago in the Pacific, offer a unique natural world. Isolated for millions of years, the islands have evolved into a remarkable haven for wildlife.IMDb 8.0TMDB 10.0 - 31
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 - 32
Attenborough at 90Movie · 2016 · 50mTo mark his ninetieth birthday, Sir David Attenborough sits down with Kirsty Young to reflect on his life and career. He recounts inspiring encounters with people, incredible journeys, and remarkable wildlife experiences from around the world. Surrounded by colleagues and friends like Michael Palin and Chris Packham, Sir David shares unforgettable moments from his extraordinary career – from pioneering animal behavior filming to the evolution of wildlife technology. He also reflects on the wonder and vulnerability of nature, themes he has dedicated his life to exploring and promoting.IMDb 7.2TMDB 8.0 - 33
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 - 34
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
