Wildlife documentaries
Explore our recommended list of wildlife documentary trailers, selceted to inspire, educate, and deepen your understanding of wildlife matters. These documentaries offer a window into the wonders of wildlife across the globe. Check out the full episodes and trailers and discover these must-watch films available here and on various platforms such as netflix.
Entire episodes
In this episode: Witness the planet's breathtaking diversity -- from seabirds carpet-bombing the ocean to wildebeests eluding the wild dogs of the Serengeti.
In this episode: Examine the fragile interdependence that exists between forests' wide variety of residents, including bald eagles, hunting dogs and Siberian tigers.
In this episode: On the unforgiving frontier of climate change, polar bears, walruses, seals and penguins find their icy Edens in peril.
In this episode: Venture into the deep, dark and desolate oceans that are home to an abundance of beautiful -- and downright strange -- creatures.
Over 13,000 long-tailed macaques were exported by Cambodia for global animal testing industry in 2023, including 6,157 to Japan, 3,960 to Canada, 2,400 to China. Get to know more of the story on this short documentary
This DW documentary explores the controversial world of trophy hunting, focusing on Germany's role as a leading hub for hunters traveling abroad.
Netflix
Trailers
Our Planet (2019) – This impactful documentary series, narrated by Sir David Attenborough, presents the beauty of nature while exploring the serious environmental threats facing the planet
Chimp Empire (2023) – This series delves into the complex social lives of chimpanzee communities in Uganda’s Kibale National Park, capturing their behaviors, social dynamics, and the struggles for power and survival in their world.
My Octopus Teacher (2020) – This Academy Award-winning documentary follows filmmaker Craig Foster as he forms an unlikely bond with an octopus in a kelp forest off the coast of South Africa. The film showcases the deep connection between humans and the natural world and highlights the intelligence and emotional depth of the octopus
Jane (2017) – Focused on the groundbreaking work of Jane Goodall, this documentary combines archival footage and intimate storytelling to showcase her early research with chimpanzees
Racing Extinction (2015) - this film uncovers the threats to endangered species, including wildlife trafficking and habitat destruction. It combines stunning visuals with investigative journalism to highlight the urgency of preserving biodiversity.
Fantastic Fungi (2019) – This documentary explores the fascinating and vital world of fungi, revealing how these organisms impact our ecosystem and hold potential for solutions to pressing environmental challenges.
Eye of the Pangolin (2019) – This film dives into the world of pangolins, the most trafficked mammal globally, exposing the threats they face due to illegal poaching for their scales and meat
Sea of Shadows (2019)- exposes the fight to save the endangered vaquita porpoise in Mexico’s Gulf of California. Following environmental activists, undercover investigators, and journalists, it reveals the dangerous world of illegal fishing cartels and their devastating impact on marine ecosystems.
In this episode: Jungles and rainforests are home to an incredible variety of species like preening birds, intelligent orangutans and remarkably ambitious ants.
In this episode: Cameras follow desert elephants seeking sustenance, bison roaming North American grasslands and caterpillars living the good life underground.
In this episode: From fearsome sharks to lowly urchins, 90 percent of marine creatures live in coastal waters. Protecting these habitats is a battle humanity must win.
In this episode: On the unforgiving frontier of climate change, polar bears, walruses, seals and penguins find their icy Edens in peril.
"Bad Goods" is a Vice News documentary series delving into the global illicit trade market, from wildlife trafficking to counterfeit goods and sand mining. The series explores the drivers of demand and follows key players, from law enforcement to traffickers, at the center of these operations.
101 East explores the conservation success story Nepal’s one-horned rhino population. in the 1960’s, it faced near extinction, with fewer than 100 remaining. Today, thanks to stringent anti-poaching measures and community-based conservation, the population has rebounded to 752
Our Planet II (2023) – This sequel to the acclaimed Our Planet series continues to showcase the breathtaking beauty of Earth's diverse ecosystems, emphasizing the impact of climate change on wildlife and habitats.
The Ivory Game (2016) – An eye-opening look at the illegal ivory trade and its devastating impact on elephant populations. It’s both a wildlife and human rights issue presented with intense urgency.
Seaspiracy (2021) is a documentary that reveals the environmental and ethical consequences of the global fishing industry, exposing issues like overfishing, illegal practices, and ocean habitat destruction..
Other platforms:
Chasing Coral (2017) – Directed by Jeff Orlowski, this film documents the plight of coral reefs as they face mass bleaching due to climate change. It highlights the environmental urgency of protecting marine ecosystems
Life in Colour with David Attenborough (2021) – This documentary series explores how animals use color for communication, camouflage, and survival. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, the show brings to life the incredible ways color influences wildlife behavior and adaptation, offering a new perspective on the natural beauty around us.
Virunga (2014) – This documentary follows the dedicated park rangers of Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as they fight to protect the park's endangered mountain gorillas and wildlife amidst the threats of poaching, armed conflict, and political instability.
