23 Most Powerful Netflix Environmental Documentaries

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James Miller
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James is an environmentalist, sustainability expert and senior editor at TheRoundup, specializing in testing non-toxic, organic and eco-friendly products. James, his wife and two daughters believe in chemical-free and zero-waste living. They aim to leave the planet in a better state than we found it, for future generations to enjoy.
James Miller
Updated: March 16, 2024

Are you looking for a serving of ecological education to go with your TV and popcorn sessions?

As an eco-advocate and nature enthusiast, my curated list of Netflix environmental documentaries is a great place for you to start. These films highlight our planet's fragility and the urgent need for sustainable living.

You'll hear from the legend David Attenborough, celebrities such as Zak Effron, and even an appearance from a former president. All of them hoping to ignite your passion for protecting our natural world.

What Are The Best Environmental Documentaries on Netflix?

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet

  • Year Released: 2020
  • Rating: PG
  • Run Time: 1hr 23mins
  • Main Topic: Climate Change

In David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet, we're taken on a deeply personal and profound journey with the iconic broadcaster and natural historian Sir David Attenborough.

It offers a blend of autobiographical storytelling and a stark examination of our planet's challenges.

Attenborough brings a lifetime of exploration and wisdom to the screen. He takes us across the globe, from the untouched wilds of his youth to the changes he's witnessed over the decades.

This documentary is more than just a recap of his extraordinary expeditions; it's a poignant look back at lost wilderness and an urgent action against climate change.

Chasing Coral

  • Year Released: 2017
  • Rating: TV-PG
  • Run Time: 1hr 29mins
  • Main Topic: Ocean Conservation

Chasing Coral is a compelling film that serves as an urgent wake-up call about the alarming rate at which the world's coral reefs are disappearing.

What makes Chasing Coral impactful is its focus on the essential role coral reefs play in marine ecosystems.

It documents the phenomenon of coral bleaching through over 500 hours of underwater footage gathered from 30 countries. The dedicated team of divers, scientists, and photographers at the heart of this project offers us a window into the underwater world where the catastrophic changes are most starkly visible.

Seaspiracy

  • Year Released: 2021
  • Rating: TV-14
  • Run Time: 1hr 30mins
  • Main Topic: Ocean Conservation

Seaspiracy is a thought-provoking and controversial title that delves into the alarming impact of human activities on marine life. It uncovers a web of global corruption and ecological devastation that I found both eye-opening and deeply unsettling.

The film exposes the shocking realities of the commercial fishing industry, which is depleting fish stocks and also causing irreparable damage to marine ecosystems.

Scenes from disease-ridden fish farms, stories of abuse and murder, and the distressing footage of whaling activities powerfully illustrate the severity of the crisis.

I love Seaspiracy's strong statistical analysis. Comparing the carbon and greenhouse gas emissions of various fishing methods against those of plant-based foods, eggs, dairy products, and livestock was a startling revelation.

Watching Seaspiracy will likely leave a lasting impression, especially if you enjoy seafood. However, it's a must-watch if you're interested in understanding the true impact of your dietary choices on the environment.

Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret

  • Year Released: 2014
  • Rating: TV-PG
  • Run Time: 1hr 30mins
  • Main Topic: Agricultural Practices

Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret delves deep into the impacts of animal agriculture.

The film argues that factory farming is a significant culprit in depleting the planet's natural resources. It presents a disturbing picture of how this industry contributes to deforestation, water pollution, and topsoil erosion and plays a significant role in greenhouse gas emissions.

The documentary makes the striking and controversial claim that animal agriculture is responsible for more emissions than all transportation exhaust combined.

Cowspiracy also delves into what it feels is the surprising silence of major conservation groups regarding the impacts of animal agriculture. This aspect is particularly intriguing as it investigates the policies and responses of organizations like Greenpeace, Sierra Club, Surfrider Foundation, Rainforest Action Network, and Oceana.

Virunga

  • Year Released: 2014
  • Rating: TV-MA
  • Run Time: 1hr 40mins
  • Main Topic: Animal Conservation

This emotionally charged film delves into the complexities of conservation in the Congo's Virunga National Park. It captures the heroic efforts of park rangers who risk their lives to protect the park's wildlife, particularly the endangered mountain gorillas.

Virunga weaves together the stories of four key figures:

  • André Bauma: A dedicated gorilla caregiver
  • Rodrigue Mugaruka Katembo: The central sector warden
  • Emmanuel de Merode: The chief warden
  • Mélanie Gouby: A French investigative journalist

Together, they fight against war, poaching, and the looming threat of oil exploration, highlighting the constant battle to preserve one of the world's most precious natural reserves.

The Ivory Game

  • Year Released: 2016
  • Rating: TV-14
  • Run Time: 1hr 52mins
  • Main Topic: Animal Conservation

This powerful film took me on an investigative journey, exposing the corrupt global network behind the ivory trade and the imminent threat of elephant extinction.

It follows a group of brave individuals, including Elisifa Ngowi, Craig Millar, Andrea Crosta, and Hongxiang Huang, who risk their lives to combat poaching and expose illegal ivory trading.

The Ivory Game highlights the complexities and dangers associated with the ivory trade and calls for immediate and decisive action to preserve the remaining elephant populations.

It's a reminder of our critical role in combatting illegal wildlife trade and protecting endangered species.

Kiss the Ground

  • Year Released: 2020
  • Rating: PG
  • Run Time: 1hr 24mins
  • Main Topic: Climate Change

Kiss the Ground, starring Woody Harrelson, is a call to action. It brings together experts like Ray Archuleta and activists, including Gisele Bündchen, to offer a blend of scientific knowledge and star power.

This film personally struck me with its message of hope that embracing regenerative agriculture can reverse the damaging effects we're inflicting on the planet.

Despite some criticisms for its simplistic approach and celebrity focus, it inspired me and made me more aware of our farming practices' profound impact on the planet's health.

The River Runner

  • Year Released: 2021
  • Rating: TV-MA
  • Run Time: 1hr 25mins
  • Main Topic: Respecting Nature

You might feel that this one is a bit of a strange choice as, at first glance, it does not appear to be an eco-documentary. However, I enjoyed it and feel it offers a unique blend of adventure, activism, and personal transformation.

The River Runner examines the life and journey of kayaker Scott Lindgren. His quest to paddle the four great rivers flowing from Tibet's Mount Kailash is not just a physical challenge but also an emotional and spiritual one.

The film delves into themes of toxic masculinity, mental health, and the redemptive power of nature, all while showcasing breathtaking river landscapes. Lindgren's story is a poignant exploration of personal growth, healing, and the enduring respect for the wild rivers he navigates.

It's well worth watching if you're interested in adventure sports, conservation, and personal redemption narratives, like me.

The Minimalists: Less Is Now

  • Year Released: 2021
  • Rating: TV-MA
  • Run Time: 1hr 25mins
  • Main Topic: Minimalist Lifestyles

This is an insightful film about Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, known as The Minimalists. It showcases the transformative power of minimalism and challenges the traditional concept of consumerism and material success.

Through their journey, Millburn and Nicodemus aim to inspire viewers to reconsider what truly adds value to their lives, emphasizing that less can indeed be more.

The documentary highlights the personal benefits of a minimalist lifestyle and addresses its positive impact in a world overwhelmed by waste and consumer excess.

If you'd like to watch more on this topic, I also recommend the Tidying Up with Marie Kondo series.

American Factory

  • Year Released: 2019
  • Rating: TV-14
  • Run Time: 1hr 50mins
  • Main Topic: Globalization

American Factory examines the cultural and ecological impacts of globalization. It tells the story of a Chinese company, Fuyao, taking over a shuttered General Motors plant in Ohio.

This poignant work (the first acquired by Barack and Michelle Obama's Higher Ground Productions) captures the initial optimism and subsequent struggles American workers face adapting to new management styles and expectations.

I love the fly-on-the-wall approach. It gave me a sense of the differing perspectives of American workers and their Chinese counterparts.

The Game Changers

  • Year Released: 2018
  • Rating: TV-MA
  • Run Time: 1hr 25mins
  • Main Topic: Plant-Based Living

The Game Changers explores the impact of a plant-based diet on athletic performance and health.

The film investigates the dietary habits of Roman gladiators and interviews contemporary athletes who attribute their success to plant-based nutrition.

It presents an argument that plant-based proteins promote recovery and athletic performance, contrasting with the inflammatory effects of animal proteins.

It also addresses the ecological and public health impacts of animal agriculture, drawing parallels with tactics used by the tobacco industry.

The film's message extends beyond sports, advocating for a plant-rich diet to improve public and planet health.

What the Health

  • Year Released: 2017
  • Rating: TV-MA
  • Run Time: 1hr 32mins
  • Main Topic: Diet and Heath

What the Health is a follow-up to Cowspiracy. It investigates the links between diet, disease, and the vested interests of the healthcare, pharmaceutical, and food industries.

Many see this film as controversial because it criticizes the consumption of meat, fish, eggs, and dairy and questions the practices of major health organizations.

It also explores the connection between diet and severe health issues, suggesting a conspiracy to obscure these links.

Rotten

  • Year Released: 2018
  • Rating: TV-MA
  • Run Time: 2 Seasons
  • Main Topic: Food Industry

Each episode of Rotten focuses on different food items (from everyday staples like milk and chicken to luxury goods like chocolate and avocados), uncovering disturbing truths about the food industry.

The series explores corruption, waste, and the dangers behind everyday eating habits, highlighting how these practices impact human health and the planet.

It features interviews with various stakeholders, including manufacturers, distributors, and experts, offering a comprehensive look at the complexities and controversies of our food systems.

Broken

  • Year Released: 2019
  • Rating: TV-14
  • Run Time: 1 Season
  • Main Topic: Consumerism

Broken uses the same format as Rotten (it's produced by the same company, Zero Point Zero) to expose the darker side of popular consumer goods.

The series exposes negligence and deceit in producing and marketing items like makeup, vaping products, and cheap furniture. It highlights how these products, often marketed as safe and eco-friendly, can pose significant risks to consumers and the environment.

While the series has been praised for its engaging storytelling and human-centered approach, I did feel it had a slightly narrow focus on some issues without offering broader solutions or identifying better alternatives.

However, saying that it's still a thought-provoking series that I'm glad I watched.

Mission Blue

  • Year Released: 2014
  • Rating: TV-PG
  • Run Time: 1hr 34mins
  • Main Topic: Ocean Conservation

Mission Blue focuses on the life and work of Sylvia Earle, a renowned oceanographer. The film showcases her passionate campaign to create marine protected areas and save the world's oceans from threats like overfishing and toxic waste.

Earle's authoritative voice and charisma bring the message to life, emphasizing the crucial role of oceans in sustaining humanity and combating the climate crisis.

With cameos from climate change advocates like James Cameron, Mission Blue is informative and visually compelling (the stunning underwater footage blew me away). It does an excellent job highlighting the urgent need to protect our oceans.

My Octopus Teacher

  • Year Released: 2020
  • Rating: TV-G
  • Run Time: 1hr 25mins
  • Main Topic: Ocean Conservation

My Octopus Teacher tells a remarkable story of the connection between humans and nature.

It follows Craig Foster, a filmmaker and diver, as he develops a profound bond with a wild octopus in a South African kelp forest. This relationship gives a unique insight into the octopus's world and teaches valuable lessons about life's fragility and our connection with nature.

The cinematography is stunning. My favorite parts were the mesmerizing underwater scenes that highlight the oceanic world's beauty and perils.

The narrative is deeply personal, moving beyond mere observation to reveal how this unique friendship impacts Foster's relationship with his son and his perspective on the natural world.

I found the whole thing unexpectedly emotional and had to reach for the tissues (recycled and recyclable...of course!) numerous times.

Brave Blue World

  • Year Released: 2020
  • Rating: TV-PG
  • Run Time: 50mins
  • Main Topic: Sustainable Water

This forward-looking film examines global innovations to solve the world's water crisis.

Narrated by Liam Neeson and featuring personalities like Matt Damon and Jaden Smith, it showcases groundbreaking technologies and initiatives across five continents.

It covers diverse solutions from water reuse to energy generation, highlighting the efforts of scientists, engineers, and activists dedicated to ensuring access to clean water and sustainable water management.

I like the optimistic tone of Brave Blue World and the way it balances the urgency of the water crisis with hope.

Night on Earth

  • Year Released: 2020
  • Rating: TV-PG
  • Run Time: 1 Season
  • Main Topic: Nocturnal Animal Life

Night on Earth uses groundbreaking low-light camera technology to explore the nighttime lives of various animals.

Narrated by Samira Wiley and produced by Plimsoll Productions, the series provides a unique glimpse into the behaviors and activities of creatures like lions, monkeys, and elephants under the cover of darkness.

Our Great National Parks

  • Year Released: 2022
  • Rating: TV-PG
  • Run Time: 1 Season
  • Main Topic: Celebrating Nature

Our Great National Parks, narrated by Barack Obama, is a visually stunning documentary series that celebrates the beauty and significance of national parks around the world.

I like the imagery and engaging narration, which balances humor and insightful commentary.

However, some have unfavorably compared Obama's narration style to David Attenborough's. In my eyes, this is unfair as no one can match the Godfather of nature narration!

Into the Inferno

  • Year Released: 2016
  • Rating: TV-PG
  • Run Time: 1hr 47min
  • Main Topic: Natural Wonder

Into the Inferno explores the awe-inspiring power of volcanoes. The film takes viewers on a global journey, visiting active volcanoes in Indonesia, Iceland, North Korea, and Ethiopia. It intertwines mesmerizing footage of eruptions and lava flows with insights into indigenous spiritual beliefs connected to these natural wonders.

Werner Herzog's narration and Clive Oppenheimer's expertise offer a scientific exploration and a philosophical reflection on humanity's nature and origins.

This documentary captures the beauty and violence of volcanoes. It left me with a deeper appreciation for these formidable natural phenomena.

Birders

  • Year Released: 2019
  • Rating: TV-G
  • Run Time: 37min
  • Main Topic: Bird Preservation

Birders offers a refreshing perspective on the US-Mexico border through the eyes of bird watchers from both nations. It beautifully showcases the shared passion for birdwatching and the importance of birds as indicators of a healthy ecosystem.

It's more than just a film for bird enthusiasts. I enjoyed it as a well-made nature documentary and a cross-border story of cooperation.

Breaking Boundaries: The Science Of Our Planet

  • Year Released: 2021
  • Rating: TV-PG
  • Run Time: 1hr 14min
  • Main Topic: Biodiversity

With another narration masterclass by David Attenborough and featuring input from scientist Johan Rockström, Breaking Boundaries: The Science Of Our Planet brings to our attention the urgent issue of Earth's biodiversity collapse.

The film explores the significant impact of human activity on the environment and highlights the crucial decade from 2020 to 2030 for addressing climate change.

With expert interviews and scientific evidence, I was left with a message of hope...but in no doubt of the severity of the call to action.

Down to Earth with Zac Efron

  • Year Released: 2020
  • Rating: TV-PG
  • Run Time: 1 Season
  • Main Topic: Wellness

This documentary series features actor Zac Efron and wellness expert Darin Olien as they journey around the world exploring sustainable living and wellness practices.

I like the light-hearted and entertaining approach, but I feel some of the health advice offered is questionable. My better half disagrees, though she has a massive crush on Zac Efron and loves everything he does!

What Future Trends in Environmental Filmmaking Can We Expect from Netflix?

Netflix has been a significant force in bringing crucial issues to public attention.

Here's what I anticipate could happen on the platform in the future.

Upcoming Releases

While specific new titles for the coming year have yet to be announced, I expect Netflix to continue its commitment to eco-friendly storytelling.

Undoubtedly, we can look forward to documentaries exploring the emerging challenges facing the world in 2024.

Evolving Themes and Technologies in Environmental Filmmaking

  • Diverse Themes: I anticipate a broadening of themes, including urban sustainability, technological advancements in conservation, and the crossover of environmental justice with other social issues.
  • Technological Evolution: Advancements in filmmaking technology will allow for even more immersive storytelling. High-resolution footage and aerial drone shots will likely become more common.
  • Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): AR and VR technologies can potentially revolutionize documentaries. These tools can create immersive experiences, taking you into the heart of endangered ecosystems or showing the impacts of human actions in a more impactful way.
  • Viewer Participation: Future documentaries may incorporate interactive elements, allowing you to engage directly with the content, perhaps through decision-making scenarios or interactive maps.
  • Real-Time Data Incorporation: Incorporating real-time ecological data into documentaries could provide you with an up-to-date understanding of the issues being discussed, making the content more dynamic and relevant.

Influence of Viewer Feedback and Global Developments

Netflix is known for valuing viewer feedback, which will likely influence future eco-friendly content.

As global planetary concerns evolve, so will the topics of these documentaries, addressing current and pressing issues.

Viewer demand for more comprehensive and solution-focused narratives might also shape future offerings, focusing not just on problems but also on potential solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can children watch these documentaries?

Yes, children can watch most of the documentaries in this article. For further guidance, check out the age rating of each title.

How accurate are the facts presented in these documentaries?

While most filmmakers strive for accuracy, it's always good practice to cross-reference information with scientific research or consult experts for deeper understanding.

Can watching these documentaries lead to eco-anxiety?

While some might find that watching documentaries of this type can lead to eco-anxiety, I feel it's essential to stay informed of the issues and aware of the actionable steps you can take.

The Final Word

It may be better known for its movies and big-budget drama series, but the best Netflix documentaries also do a great job of exposing some of the environmental issues we should all be aware of.

Each story, from the intimate connection in My Octopus Teacher to the global perspective of Breaking Boundaries, highlights the pressing need for environmental stewardship.

Watching these can be quite an emotional journey, as you see how human greed and overconsumption have ruined so many beautiful parts of our planet.

So before you switch on, I would definitely recommend having a box of tissues handy.

On the positive side, these films are an inspiration to anybody who wants to lead a more eco-friendly lifestyle, so well worth getting your friends and family to watch as well.

Get In Touch

What's your favorite eco-documentary? Do you prefer award-winning slick productions? Or are lower-budget offerings (the little people tackling big corporations) more your thing? Drop me a line and let me know.

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James Miller
James Miller
James is an environmentalist, sustainability expert and senior editor at TheRoundup, specializing in testing non-toxic, organic and eco-friendly products. James, his wife and two daughters believe in chemical-free and zero-waste living. They aim to leave the planet in a better state than we found it, for future generations to enjoy.
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