8 nature documentaries that will leave you in awe

Nature documentaries offer a window into the world’s most extraordinary landscapes, creatures and ecosystems. So when we asked our followers for their favorite nature documentaries, we weren’t surprised to receive dozens of suggestions. We whittled the list down to eight, which includes some of our own top picks.

Nocturnes (2024)

Backdropped by the lush Eastern Himalayan forests, Nocturnes follows two observers as they unravel the mysteries of moths, whose delicate existence tells a deeper story about environmental changes. With its dreamlike cinematography and hypnotic sound design, this award-winning nature documentary feels like stepping into another world.

Heart of an Oak (2024)

Have you ever wondered what life looks like from the perspective of a 210-year-old oak tree? Heart of an Oak invites us into the intimate world of this ancient giant, chronicling the changing seasons and countless creatures that depend on the oak’s presence. Using carefully constructed footage, the wordless documentary captures the interconnectedness of life within and around a single tree.

Chasing Coral (2017)

In this surprisingly emotional underwater adventure, a team of divers, photographers and scientists sets out to discover why corals are disappearing at an unprecedented rate. Composed of time-lapse footage shot by the team itself and submitted by volunteers in 30 countries, the documentary captures the alarming extent of coral bleaching events. During these events, corals suffer or die from heat stress brought on by climate change. First released on Netflix, Chasing Coral not only reveals the beauty of coral ecosystems but also serves as a poignant call to action. Netflix has now made the documentary available to watch for free.

Watchers of the Land (2023)

Follow the Ni Hat’ni Dene Guardians, a network of Łutsël K’é Dene First Nation members in Canada’s Northwest Territories, as they head out across Tu Nedhé Lake to their ancestral lands. With them are Indigenous youth, who have come to learn about their heritage and the Thaidene Nëné Indigenous Protected Area, a recently established national park reserve of 6.5 million acres. Directed by Christine Lin, who has Indigenous roots in Taiwan’s Amis tribe, Watchers of the Land captures the Łutsël K’é Dene’s deep connection to the land and the Guardians’ dedication to safeguarding it for future generations.

Fantastic Fungi (2019)

Prepare to have your mind blown by the hidden world of fungi. This visually spectacular documentary explores the fascinating role that fungi play in our ecosystems as well as the solutions they offer to some of our most pressing environmental challenges. With stunning time-lapse photography and insights from leading scientists, Fantastic Fungi is revelatory viewing.

The Queen of Trees (2005)

Billed as a tale of intrigue and drama, this documentary explores the remarkable relationship between the mighty African fig tree and the tiny fig wasp, a species so small it could fly through the eye of a needle. Neither could exist without the other. With mesmerizing cinematography and narration that makes science feel like a storybook, The Queen of Trees explores how one tree supports countless creatures in its ecosystem. Even nature documentary veteran David Attenborough was impressed, describing The Queen of Trees as “a masterpiece”.

Pacificum (2017)

Travel the Peruvian coastline in Pacificum, which celebrates the biodiversity and cultural significance of the Pacific Ocean. As the documentary notes, we know more about the moon than we do about our oceans. If you enjoy nature documentaries that blend history, science and breathtaking visuals from above and below the waves, Pacificum is a must-see.

Animals Are Beautiful People (1974)

Charming and family friendly, Animals Are Beautiful People takes viewers on a delightful romp through the deserts and savannas of Southern Africa. Filmed over four years, this classic nature documentary captures the relatable and sometimes hilarious behavior of elephants, ostriches, warthogs and other animals, all set to a whimsical narration.

Where to see more

Nature documentaries have the power to entertain, educate and deepen our connection to the planet. If you want to see more, check out the free documentaries-with-purpose streaming platform – and Imagine5 friend – WaterBear.