37 Captivating Nature and Animal Documentaries
37 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
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 - 3
Galapagos Realm Of Giant SharksMovie · 2012 · 70mA team of researchers journeys to Darin Island to study shark migration. Their work involves attaching tracking devices to the sharks, a challenging process. Strong currents and powerful tail swipes from the sharks create dangerous obstacles. The film follows the scientists as they navigate these challenges and monitor the sharks. Distributed by XiveTV.IMDb 6.8TMDB 4.5 - 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
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 - 6
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 - 7
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 - 8
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 - 9
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 - 10
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 - 11
Aerial New ZealandMovie · 2017 · 48mA journey across New Zealand, the final undiscovered habitable land, unfolds. This country, roughly the size of Colorado, boasts dramatically varied landscapes. From snow-capped mountains and beaches to glaciers, fiords, and volcanic lakes, New Zealand presents a world of extremes where fire and ice meet, and people constantly challenge themselves.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.6 - 12
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 - 13
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 - 14
Pacific Ocean ParadiseMovie · 2010 · 48mIn a remote part of the South Pacific, National Geographic Explorer Enric Sala leads a small team into a pristine underwater world. In the Line Islands, where few people go and life is a constant struggle, sharks are dominant. The research team conducts an extensive survey of the reef's diverse life, from tiny organisms to large animals, revealing secrets in what may be Earth’s last untouched islands.TMDB 5.0 - 15
SeaspiracyMovie · 2021 · 89m · Documentary, CrimeDriven by a love for the ocean, a filmmaker documents the damage humans inflict on marine life. The project leads them to uncover a disturbing worldwide conspiracy.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.8 - 16
The Riot and the Dance: EarthMovie · 2018 · 110mThis cinematic nature documentary explores the incredible diversity of life on Earth. Featuring a wide array of fascinating creatures from across the globe, it aims to captivate viewers of all ages and foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world. The film highlights both well-known animals and often-overlooked inhabitants of everyday environments, from slugs and sharks to elephants and vipers. Dr. Gordon Wilson hosts leading scientists and experts, revealing the wonder and complexity of creation.TMDB 5.0 - 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
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 - 19
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 - 20
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 - 21
A Beautiful PlanetMovie · 2016 · 45m · Documentary, Adventure, FamilyThis film offers a stunning view of Earth from space, providing a new understanding of our planet and galaxy. Created with NASA, it features breathtaking footage captured by astronauts on the International Space Station, showing our planet and the impact humans have had on it throughout history.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.1 - 22
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 - 23
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 - 24
Ocean OdysseyMovie · 2010 · 60mOCEAN ODYSSEY, commissioned by the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, takes viewers on an undersea exploration of remote and captivating locations. The film follows Feodor Pitcairn, a leader in underwater HD cinematography, as he documents marine ecosystems across the Galápagos Islands, Raja Ampat in Indonesia, the Maldives, the Azores, Hawai'i, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, the Channel Islands, British Columbia, the Gulf of Mexico, French Polynesia, and Belize. Filmed in high definition with commentary from Feodor Pitcairn and cinematographer Bob Cranston, OCEAN ODYSSEY presents remarkable underwater footage and insights from two leading cinematographers.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.0 - 25
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 - 26
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 - 27
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 - 28
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 - 29
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 - 30
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 - 31
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 - 32
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 - 33
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 - 34
National Geographic Ultimate SharkMovie · 2007 · 52mUltimate Shark offers the world's first MRI scan of a great white shark, revealing the impressive engineering and hunting skills of this highly evolved predator. The film features firsthand stories from people who have survived dangerous encounters with sharks, including a surfer who was bitten and pulled along the beach by his surfboard leash, escaping with only minor injuries. National Geographic explores the real reasons behind their behavior and the source of their power. - 35
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 - 36
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 - 37
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
