I love documentaries. Documentaries about wildlife, nature, history; whatever it is, I usually love it. Specifically though, documentaries about wildlife are not only visually stunning but also incredibly educational.

They offer a window into ecosystems and animal behaviors that most people would never encounter otherwise, creating a sense of wonder and connection to the natural world.

Here 10 wildlife documentaries that everyone should watch. Through exceptional cinematography and storytelling, these documentaries go beyond surface-level observations to dive into complex environmental issues, often highlighting the urgency of conservation efforts.

These are in no particular order, as they are all outstanding.

1. “PLANET EARTH” (2006)

The “Planet Earth” documentary series is a groundbreaking production that first aired in 2006. Produced by the BBC and narrated by Sir David Attenborough, the series was one of the most ambitious natural history projects ever undertaken at the time.

With 11 episodes, each focusing on a different biome or habitat on Earth, the series offers an in-depth look at the world’s diverse ecosystems, from mountain ranges and deserts to deep oceans and polar regions.

The BBC released a sequel, “Planet Earth II,” in 2016, again narrated by David Attenborough. The sequel continued the tradition of using advanced filming techniques and focusing on storytelling, taking viewers on another incredible journey through the world’s ecosystems.

2. “BLUE PLANET II” (2017)

“Blue Planet II” is a British nature documentary series produced by the BBC Natural History Unit, and it serves as a sequel to the highly acclaimed 2001 series “The Blue Planet.” Like its predecessor, “Blue Planet II” is narrated by Sir David Attenborough and explores the world’s oceans, showcasing the remarkable variety of marine life and ecosystems that exist beneath the waves.

One of the standout features of “Blue Planet II” is its cutting-edge technology, which includes ultra-high-definition 4K cameras, advanced submersibles, and drones. These technologies allowed the crew to capture breathtaking footage, including some behaviors and species that had never before been filmed.

3. “THE COVE” (2009)

This Oscar-winning documentary focuses on the brutal dolphin hunting practices in Taiji, Japan. It is both an investigative journalism piece and a plea for conservation.

The film is emotionally charged, using poignant imagery and interviews to create a compelling narrative. Scenes showing the capture and slaughter of dolphins are particularly heart-wrenching, creating a sense of urgency and a call to action.

4. “VIRUNGA” (2014)

“Virunga” is a 2014 British documentary film directed by Orlando von Einsiedel. The documentary focuses on the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth and home to the last of the world’s mountain gorillas.

The film primarily revolves around the park’s rangers and the threats they face from various fronts, including armed militia, poachers, and multinational companies seeking to exploit the park’s resources.

5. “RACING EXTINCTION” (2015)

“Racing Extinction” is a 2015 documentary film directed by Louie Psihoyos, who also directed “The Cove.” The film deals with multiple environmental issues, but its main focus is the ongoing Anthropocene mass extinction of species.

It aims to raise awareness about the accelerating loss of biodiversity and to motivate individuals to take action to prevent further extinctions. Narrated by Morgan Freeman (thats a win right there!), this documentary follows the perilous journey of Emperor penguins in Antarctica during their annual migration.

6. “MARCH OF THE PENGUINS” (2005)

“March of the Penguins” is a 2005 French nature documentary directed by Luc Jacquet and narrated by Morgan Freeman for its English-language release. The film is a visually stunning and emotionally engaging look into the lives of Emperor penguins in Antarctica, focusing on their incredible journey to mate and rear their young.

“March of the Penguins” is noted for its breathtaking cinematography, which brings the Antarctic wilderness and its inhabitants to life in a visually spectacular manner. The filmmakers spent significant time on location, braving the same severe conditions as the penguins to capture intimate and awe-inspiring footage.

Another wildlife film narrated by Morgan Freeman.

7. “ANIMALS UP CLOSE” (2023)

I just finished watching this series on Disney+ and the the next series in the list, both by a wildlife filmmaker named Bertie Gregory. While I don’t care much for Disney as a company or its parks, these two series were amazing.

Bertie Gregory is a British wildlife filmmaker and photographer known for his work in capturing the natural world, often working with National Geographic. He has a knack for getting up close and personal with some of the world’s most elusive and fascinating animals, which allows audiences to see these creatures in a new light.

His work often emphasizes the beauty and complexity of animals in their natural habitats, aiming to inspire viewers to care about the planet and its wildlife. I loved the episode Patagonia Pumas, documenting a female puma with cubs in South America.

Also the episode Antarctic Killer whales, who are some of the craftiest hunters you will ever see.

8. “EPIC ADVENTURES” (2022)

Over the years, Bertie Gregory has been involved in a variety of projects ranging from web series to full-length documentaries. His work often takes him to remote and challenging environments, from the Arctic to tropical jungles.

Working frequently with National Geographic has given him a broad platform to reach a global audience and make a significant impact in the field of wildlife conservation. My two favorite episodes in this series were Tracking Giants, about the enormous fin whales, and Eagles Reign, following crowned eagles in Africa.

9. “THE IVORY GAME” (2016)

“The Ivory Game” is a 2016 documentary film directed by Kief Davidson and Richard Ladkani. Produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, among others, the film dives deep into the dark world of ivory trafficking and the devastating impact it has on African elephants.

It follows various stakeholders, including conservationists, law enforcement officers, and journalists, as they navigate a complex and dangerous landscape in an attempt to expose and halt this illicit trade.

10. “BORN TO BE WILD” (2011)

“Born to Be Wild” is a 2011 American nature documentary short film directed by David Lickley and written and produced by Drew Fellman. The documentary is narrated by Morgan Freeman and is an IMAX 3D film that takes viewers on a journey to visit orphaned orangutans and elephants, and the extraordinary people who rescue and raise them.

CONCLUSION

These marvelous documentaries offer a mix of breathtaking visuals, compelling narratives, and important messages about conservation. They serve as a reminder of the vital role each one of us plays in preserving the natural world.