Carolina Dalia Gonzalez
Thinking about nature right now can be a wistful activity—staying inside doesn’t allow us to venture out into the open as often as we’d like (although that may actually be a good thing for Mother Nature). While delightful, squirrel sightings on our daily walks or grocery store-runs hardly compare to experiencing the full majesty of the outdoors, but with the help of streaming services, the wonder of wildlife isn’t all that far away.
Go ahead and escape into the best nature documentaries, below.
March of the Penguins (2005)
Morgan Freeman’s soothing voice of liquid gold takes us step-by-step through the tumultuous and treacherous life of Emperor Penguins in the Antarctic. Directed by Luc Jacquet, the 80-minute film is both so visually endearing and heartbreaking that it continuously supports itself as a classic of the genre. (Watch on Amazon.)
Mission Blue (2014)
Marine biologist Sylvia Eare’s life is an empowering story. Her passion and relentless mission to save our oceans are so clear in this 2014 film, where we learn of Eare’s beginnings, her appointment as Chief Scientist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and her most recent efforts to protect oceanic life. (Watch on Netflix.)
Chasing Coral (2017)
Directed by Jeff Orlowski, Chasing Coral breaks down why our coral reefs are disappearing and shares current research about their rehabilitation. In powerful vignettes, we see the before and after of humans’ effects on marine life. (Watch on Netflix.)
Dancing With the Birds (2019)
Punctured with humour, this 51-minute film explores the quirky mating habits of numerous tropical birds. Boasting colourful plumage of brightly-hued blues to lush greens, these gorgeous birds rightfully deserve all this attention. (Watch on Netflix.)
Our Planet—Behind the Scenes (2019)
This film goes beyond the usual blooper reel of forgotten lines and on-set jokes, instead going deep on exactly how wildlife film crews get the once-in-a-lifetime shots that make up this series. The magic and wonder of our world is highlighted even further by the crew’s in-awe reactions. (Watch on Netflix.)
Night on Earth (2020)
Thanks to improved film technology, Night on Earth was able to capture the nocturnal activities of wildlife in crisp, detailed shots. Narrated by Samira Wiley, this docu-series jumps from animal activity in the jungle to modern-day cities. (Watch on Netflix.)
Blackfish (2013)
This 2013 documentary had a heavy impact on the public’s boycott of SeaWorld and the entertainment aquarium industry after it detailed the abusive capture and confinement of killer whales. (Watch on Hulu and Amazon.)
