55 David Attenborough Documentary Films
55 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 - 10
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 - 11
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 - 12Autopsy on a DreamMovie · 2013 · 90mIn 1968, John Weiley made "Autopsy on a Dream," a film documenting the construction of the Sydney Opera House and the controversy surrounding the dismissal of its architect, Jorn Utzon. The film was screened once and then reportedly destroyed. Forty-five years later, an ABC producer discovered a copy in the BBC archives while searching for Opera House footage. Weiley was contacted and learned the film lacked a soundtrack – a soundtrack he had preserved for decades. This discovery sparked a restoration project, complete with a new voice-over by original narrator Bob Ellis. A 30-minute prologue, "The Dream of Perfection," provides historical context. Forty-five years later, John Weiley’s "Dream of Perfection" recounts the story of the 1968 film – from its creation to its apparent destruction and unexpected revival.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.5
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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 - 14Attenborough Explores... Our Fragile WorldMovie · 2007 · 45mSir David Attenborough examines the possible severe consequences of a changing climate.
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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
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
A Zed & Two NoughtsMovie · 1985 · 115m · Comedy, DramaTwo twin zoologists, deeply connected by their work and their shared wives, are devastated when both wives die in a car accident. They seek solace in studying animal decomposition, trying to find order in the face of loss. As their research intensifies, they become increasingly immersed in a disturbing world that tests their professional ethics and mental stability. The film examines grief, resilience, and how our connections with others influence our perception of nature, exploring complex emotions through an unusual perspective and the impact of shared experiences.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.0 - 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
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
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 - 23
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 - 24
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 - 25
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 - 26
David Attenborough Meets President ObamaMovie · 2015 · 35mFor his 89th birthday, celebrated British broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough makes his first visit to the White House for an interview with United States President Barack Obama, a longtime admirer.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.8 - 27Kea: The Smartest ParrotMovie · 2005 · 23mSir David Attenborough presents a documentary exploring the Kea, a unique parrot found only in the mountains of New Zealand. Known for its mischievous and sometimes destructive behavior – including attacking vehicles and triggering landslides near ski resorts – the Kea’s antics belie a remarkably intelligent mind. Attenborough observes the Kea's cleverness firsthand, even attempting to play chess with one, revealing how this sharp wit is essential for its survival.TMDB 5.5
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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 - 29
Superfish: Bluefin TunaMovie · 2012 · 50mRick Rosenthal embarks on a journey to uncover the mysteries surrounding the magnificent bluefin tuna, a species known for its immense size – weighing up to 1,500 pounds and capable of speeds exceeding 50 miles per hour. During his pursuit, he successfully captures footage of a bluefin tuna.IMDb 7.0TMDB 8.3 - 30
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 - 31
Richard Attenborough: A Life in FilmMovie · 2014 · 60mThis is the story of Lord Richard Attenborough, the acclaimed film director, celebrated movie star, and influential figure in the film industry. He dedicated his life to advancing the art of cinema.IMDb 8.8TMDB 4.8 - 32
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 - 33
A Blank on the MapMovie · 1971 · 60mAttenborough narrates a government expedition into the central New Guinea highlands. The goal is to make contact with a previously uncontacted group of indigenous people.IMDb 8.0TMDB 8.2 - 34
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 - 35
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 - 36
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 - 37Afrique sauvage - L'avenir en marcheMovie · 2015
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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 - 39
Hummingbirds: Jewelled MessengersMovie · 2012 · 55mDavid Attenborough presents an intimate view of hummingbirds in flight, revealing them as never before seen. These agile creatures, like living jewels, play a vital role as pollinators for countless plants, making them among the most extraordinary animals on Earth.IMDb 8.3TMDB 8.0 - 40
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 - 41
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 - 42
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 - 43Edwardian 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
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Mad and Bad: 60 Years of Science on TVMovie · 2010 · 90mFrom early demonstrations of bulletproof vests on Tomorrow's World to Doctor Who's take on the War on Terror, British television and audiences have long been captivated by science presented on screen. Narrated by Robert Webb, this documentary explores the history of science TV in the UK – from factual programs like The Sky At Night and Horizon, to science fiction series such as Doctor Who and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. It examines what this history reveals about Britain over the past 60 years.IMDb 6.8TMDB 4.0 - 45
Björk: Biophilia LiveMovie · 2014 · 97mBiophilia Live documents a unique concert by avant-garde Icelandic artist Björk, centered on her eighth studio album. Directors Nick Fenton and Peter Strickland combine live performance footage with evocative animation, science, and nature imagery to create a multimedia experience. The film captures a culmination of Björk's highly original musical work, representing a significant artistic achievement.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.6 - 46
Planet Earth II: A World of WonderMovie · 2017 · 89mThis episode of the wildlife documentary series, presented by David Attenborough, explores the hidden lives of animals worldwide.IMDb 8.7TMDB 7.4 - 47
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 - 48
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 - 49
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 - 50
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 - 51
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 - 52
Satoyama II: Japan's Secret WatergardenMovie · 2004 · 52mIn traditional Satoyama villages across Japan, every home features a built-in pool or water tank that extends both inside and outside the house. A constant flow of spring water fills the basin, ensuring a ready supply of freshwater for daily use – from washing dishes to cleaning produce. To protect the village's water source, food scraps are disposed of directly into the tank. Carp fish play a vital role, consuming grease and burnt food, effectively cleaning the water. This time-honored system, known as the riverside method, is practiced throughout Japan, with the cleaned water eventually returning to the river.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.8 - 53
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 - 54
And the Winner Isn'tMovie · 2017 · 90mThis satirical documentary follows Geoffrey Moore and his daughter Ambra as they navigate Hollywood. They seek insights from celebrities and industry professionals, attempting to uncover the formula for Academy Award success.IMDb 7.1TMDB 5.7 - 55
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
