If you’re in the mood for a nature documentary, we’ve got you covered. This list of the best nature documentaries on Netflix is sure to provide what you’re looking for. From the new (and highly acclaimed) Seaspiracy to the much discussed My Octopus Teacher, these are the must watch documentaries for nature lovers on Netflix.
1. My Octopus Teacher
If you haven’t seen My Octopus Teacher yet, run, don’t walk to your television screen. This beautifully filmed documentary was created on the Western Cape of South Africa, where a diver swims with an octopus daily to establish a relationship. Not only does the documentary feature beautiful underwater filming, but also above ground. You’ll see snippets of Cape Town and the surrounding area which really sets the scene of this epic location at the southern tip of Africa.
2. David Attenborough: A life on our planet
David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet is the best nature documentary according to IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes fans, with an average rating of 9.3 out of a possible 10. Known for voicing environmental issues throughout the decades, the British natural historian Sir David Attenborough shares his concerns about humanity’s harmful impacts on nature and his hopes for the future of our planet. This is a must-watch if you ask us!
3. Virunga
You might not have dreamt of visiting the Democratic Republic of Congo. It might not even be on your radar. But one thing is for sure – it will be after you see this impressive account of what is happening to the mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park. Join a team of brave individuals who risk their lives to protect the animals and dive into the politics of why this species is becoming more and more endangered.
4. Seaspiracy
As one of the newest documentaries on Netflix, Seaspiracy is having a bit of a moment. But it isn’t just its recent release that is causing many to watch and discuss the discoveries. Seaspiracy dives into (quite literally) the contentious issue of the seas. It will challenge the way you think about ocean politics and how little we know about what is going on. This is certainly a must watch nature documentary for anyone interested in the sustainability of our oceans.
5. Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret
Chances are by now you have seen Cowspiracy. And if you haven’t, now is as good a time as any to watch this fascinating documentary that documents the sustainability secret. This is a highly acclaimed documentary – especially among the vegan and plant-based communities. But it doesn’t just stop at veganism and eating plants. The documentary takes an in-depth look at the meat and dairy industry and how corrupt it has become, especially in America. Truly a must see.
6. Mission Blue
Mission Blue follows the life and work of oceanographer, marine biologist, and environmentalist Sylvia Earle. We follow her quest to protect the ocean against pollution, overfishing and climate change. This is a must-see for everyone, but a great introduction for kids and families to watch and understand the threats to our oceans.
7. A Plastic Ocean
Following the impacts of pollution and environmental change on our oceans, A Plastic Ocean launched a full inquiry into how plastic pollution is affecting our oceans. The result is a dramatic must watch documentary you won’t be able to look away from.
8. Chasing Coral
If you’ve heard our coral reefs are disappearing, you heard correctly. This documentary quite literally chases coral reefs and their erosion as well as tracing down the environmental changes and causes. It is beautifully filmed and offers a dramatic insight into life under water.
9. Kiss the Ground
Discussing regenerative agriculture, Kiss the Ground is a unique look into farming practices and what might better serve our environment. The discovery centres around how to create healthy soils, which in turn creates a healthy planet. And a healthy planet means healthy humans. It is eye-opening and another great must see nature documentary from Netflix.