Environmental documentaries: the best titles to raise awareness

  • Planet Earth (2006), a reference on the beauty and biodiversity of the Earth.
  • The 11th Hour (2007), a call to action against climate change.
  • Think Global, Act Rural (2010), a reflection on food production.

planet Earth

Environmental documentaries have become an indispensable tool for raising awareness in society about the need to take care of our planet. Through impressive images and shocking stories, they manage to bring us closer to the problems that nature faces due to human action, while showing us possible solutions. In this article we offer you an exhaustive analysis of some of the most important environmental documentaries. best documentaries related to the environment, covering biodiversity, consumerism, climate change and more.

best environmental documentaries

Documentaries about the environment

Documentaries are a great way to learn about the environment around us. They invite us to reflect on the importance of sustainability and take action to protect ecosystems. Below is a carefully selected list of documentaries, each with a particular focus, from animal conservation to combating climate change.

Planet Earth (2006)

environmental documentaries

Produced by the BBC, Planet Earth is one of the most acclaimed documentaries in the environmental field. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, this series takes viewers on a visually stunning journey through the most remote and astonishing ecosystems on our planet. From towering mountains to deep oceans, each episode shows us how diverse animal species struggle to survive in their environment, many of them threatened with extinction.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the documentary is the representation of three species in danger of extinction. Far from being a mere reminder of these problems, Planet Earth invites us to reconnect with nature, value it and see it from a new perspective. Filmed in 26 countries and with the participation of 40 specialists, this documentary remains a benchmark in environmental awareness.

Baraka (1992)

Directed by Ron Fricke, Baraka is a visual and audio masterpiece that explores the complex relationship between humanity and nature. Shot in 24 countries, this film uses powerful imagery to portray the contrasts between human civilizations and the natural environment. Its narrative, though without a traditional script, raises profound questions about human spirituality and the current disconnection with the environment.

The most remarkable thing about Baraka is how, without using words, he manages to convey the message of imbalance between man and nature. Through striking and majestic scenes, he shows how human activities have altered the balance of the planet, underlining the need to find harmony with nature.

The 11th Hour (2007)

best environmental documentaries

Narrated and produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, The 11th Hour focuses on the global climate crisis and the urgent need to take action to curb its devastating effects. The film features interviews with leading figures such as Stephen Hawking and Mikhail Gorbachev, who offer an analysis of the causes of climate change and possible solutions.

The documentary not only highlights problems such as deforestation and pollution, but also presents alternatives to reverse the situation. DiCaprio urges immediate action, encouraging viewers to be part of the change before it is too late.

Think Global, Act Rural (2010)

This documentary directed by Coline Serreau emphasizes the importance of acting locally to generate a global impact. Think Global, Act RuralThrough interviews with farmers and economists in Brazil, India and France, it examines how current food production models are destroying the planet and offers sustainable alternatives.

The film’s main message is that by rethinking our relationship with the countryside and supporting rural communities, we can significantly reduce our negative impact on the environment. Serreau’s handheld camera captures intimate and powerful moments of people working hard to reverse the damage caused by industrialisation and globalisation.

Buy, Throw, Buy (2010)

Directed by Cosima Dannoritze and co-produced by RTVE, this documentary deals with a concept that affects everyone: planned obsolescence. Buy, throw away, buy reveals how many products are intentionally designed to have a short lifespan, which encourages constant consumption and increases waste production.

Shot in several countries, this film is a scathing critique of an economic system in which repairing a product tends to be more expensive than buying a new one. At the same time, the film shows the environmental impact of this cycle of consumption, with images that portray the sad fate of much electronic waste in landfills in countries such as Ghana.

Terra: Natural History (2015)

Directed by Yann Arthus-Bertrand and Michael Pitiot, Terra is a profound reflection on the evolution of life on Earth. Through stunning images, this documentary invites us to reconsider how we relate to the species that share the planet with us.

Terra's message is clear: if we don't change the way we interact with the environment, our future is in grave danger. This documentary offers a visual journey through natural history, with a special focus on the importance of biodiversity and the need to protect it.

Other recommended documentaries

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There are many other documentaries that have not been mentioned in detail, but which certainly deserve a place on this list as well. Below are some additional titles that you should not miss if you are interested in the environment:

  • An ocean of plastic: Documentary focused on marine pollution caused by plastics.
  • Before the Flood: Narrates the devastating effects of climate change with Leonardo DiCaprio as a guide.
  • Ice on fire: Explore technologies that could help reduce global warming.

We hope this collection inspires you to watch some of these documentaries. Each of them offers a unique insight into issues affecting the planet and, most importantly, motivates us to take action.


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