The 16 Best Earth Day Movies & Documentaries
Earth Day is a global celebration of our planet and its many wonders. As we look at ways to protect and celebrate the Earth, it’s important to also take time to reflect on how our actions have an impact on the environment.
With this in mind, here are some of the best Earth Day movies that are sure to entertain, educate, and inspire. We've also got a list of the best Earth Day movies for kids at the bottom of the post!
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10 Best Movies & Documentaries for Earth Day
This list features some amazing earth day movies including nature documentaries, true stories of positive impact, and more.
Erin Brockovich
Erin Brockovich is a 2000 biographical drama directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring Julia Roberts. Based on the true story of Erin Brockovich, this inspiring film follows her fight against an giant energy corporation accused of polluting the water supply in a small California town.
Despite not having a legal background, Erin is determined to fight for the rights of her community and put an end to their suffering. With her unrelenting spirit and boundless determination, Erin Brockovich is a powerful reminder that one person can make a difference and stands as a beacon of hope for those fighting against corporate injustice.
This empowering film will leave viewers feeling inspired to stand up for what’s right and make the world a better place.
Planet Earth
Planet Earth is a 2006 BBC documentary series that takes viewers on a spectacular journey through some of the most incredible places on earth. Directed by Alastair Fothergill and Mark Linfield, this awe-inspiring documentary uses amazing visuals and powerful narration to tell the story of our planet.
From deserts to jungles, mountains to oceans, Planet Earth shows us how amazing and fragile our world truly is. This 11-part series is filled with stunning footage of animals in their natural habitats and explores the delicate balance between human beings and the environment.
With its inspiring message of conservation and protection, Planet Earth will leave viewers with a newfound appreciation for nature. So buckle up, get ready for an unforgettable adventure and prepare to be amazed by the wonders of our planet!
The True Cost
The True Cost is a 2015 documentary directed by Andrew Morgan. This captivating and eye-opening film examines the human cost of fast fashion - its impact on the environment, global economy, and those who produce our clothing.
Through interviews with industry insiders and powerful visuals, The True Cost reveals the often hidden realities behind production processes and encourages us to think more responsibly about our shopping habits.
With its thought-provoking content and inspiring message, The True Cost is sure to leave viewers with a newfound understanding of the importance of sustainable fashion.
The Biggest Little Farm
The Biggest Little Farm: The Return is an upcoming documentary from director John Chester. This film continues the story of John and Molly Chester, a couple who abandoned their city life for a sustainable farm.
Through their inspiring journey viewers get to witness first-hand the importance of sustainability and how it can be achieved with perseverance and hard work.
Born to Be Wild
Born to Be Wild is a 2011 documentary film that follows the lives of two conservationists as they work to protect endangered species in their respective countries.
Directed by David Lickley, this visually stunning and emotionally gripping film takes viewers around the world – from the jungles of Borneo to the savannas of Africa – as it tells the stories of these two brave individuals who are dedicated to fighting for a better future for our planet.
With stunning cinematography and incredible footage of wild animals, Born to Be Wild is sure to educate and inspire its viewers in ways that only an eye-opening documentary can. This inspiring film will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the natural world and encourages
Wings of Life
Wings of Life is an inspiring 2011 documentary from director Louie Schwartzberg. This beautiful and captivating film takes viewers on an unforgettable journey as it explores the intricate relationship between plants, insects, and other wildlife.
Through stunning cinematography and incredible footage, Wings of Life reveals the importance of pollinators in our ecosystems and shows us why it's essential to preserve them.
Along with an original score by Sting, this film is sure to touch your heart as you learn about these vital creatures and their importance in maintaining a balanced environment. From breathtaking visuals to educational content, Wings of Life is sure to both educate and entertain, leaving viewers with a newfound appreciation for nature.
Greta Thunberg: A Year to Change the World
Greta Thunberg: A Year to Change the World is a 2020 documentary from director Nathan Grossman. This inspiring film follows teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg as she embarks on her journey of leading a global movement around climate change.
With unprecedented access, viewers get to witness first-hand the impact of Greta’s message on people around the world and how her activism has galvanized a generation to stand up for their future.
Through this inspiring story, Greta Thunberg: A Year to Change the World is an uplifting reminder that one person can make a difference and serves as a source of hope for those fighting climate change.
An Inconvenient Truth
An Inconvenient Truth is an Academy Award-winning 2006 documentary directed by Davis Guggenheim. Starring Al Gore, this enlightening film follows his quest to raise awareness about the impact of climate change and global warming.
With a mix of humor and gripping visuals, An Inconvenient Truth serves as an eye-opening warning about the future of our planet if action is not taken soon. Gore’s passion for his cause shines through in every moment as he educates viewers on the dangers of global warming and how everyone can make a difference in combating it.
An Inconvenient Truth is an inspiring film that will leave viewers with a newfound understanding of the importance of environmental protection.
Jane
Jane is an acclaimed 2017 documentary directed by Brett Morgen. This uplifting film follows the life of Jane Goodall, one of the world’s most renowned primatologists and animal behaviorists.
From her pioneering research on chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park to her passionate activism on behalf of animals, this film showcases Goodall’s remarkable journey and the importance of conservation.
With its breathtaking visuals and stirring soundtrack, Jane is a captivating look at Goodall’s life that will both educate and inspire viewers to appreciate the natural world around us.
Extrapolations
Extrapolations is a new series on AppleTV. This drama is thought provoking and introduces a near future where the chaotic effects of climate change have become embedded into our everyday lives through eight interconnected stories.
This series features some major names including Meryl Streep, Sienna Miller, and Kit Harington.
6 Best Earth Day Movies for Kids
For younger viewers and for the whole family we have a few ideas for your next family movie night! Parents know how important it is to teach your kids about the environment and what they can do to help protect it.
After all, our planet's future depends on instilling good habits in young minds now! Earth day is an ideal time for families to come together and spread awareness of protecting our planet in new, exciting ways – like watching amazing movies that explore meaningful topics around the environment.
We’ve rounded up a list of kid-friendly earth day films that are sure to spark an interest in conservation while still staying fun and entertaining. These environmental themes just might inspire your kid to take action!
The entire family is sure to appreciate these movies during earth month! And watching a movie together can be just one of the many Earth Day activities you do as a family.
Wall-E
Wall-E is an award-winning 2008 animated film from Pixar Animation Studios and Disney. Directed by Andrew Stanton, this charming adventure follows the story of Wall-E (Ben Burtt), a small robot who is the last remaining inhabitant of a waste-covered Earth.
Despite being abandoned and alone, Wall-E’s unwavering optimism and resourcefulness soon lead him on an incredible journey through space as he searches for a better future.
With its captivating visuals and powerful themes of environmental conservation, Wall-E is an inspiring film with a message about the importance of sustainability that is sure to stay with viewers long after the credits roll.
Happy Feet
Happy Feet is a 2006 animated musical film from director George Miller. This fun and heartwarming movie follows Mumble, an adorable young penguin who embarks on a journey of self-discovery despite the disapproval of his peers.
With its catchy soundtrack and captivating animation, Happy Feet is sure to delight viewers of all ages while teaching them the importance of embracing differences, standing up for what you believe in, and respecting the environment.
disneynature documentary
Disneynature Documentaries has some amazing documentary options for young viewers. This stunning documentary series takes viewers on an incredible journey around the world, exploring the awe-inspiring beauty of nature and its fragile ecosystems.
Through spectacular cinematography and captivating storytelling following animals like elephants, polar bears, and more.
Finding Nemo
Finding Nemo is a 2003 animated film from Pixar Animation Studios and Disney. Directed by Andrew Stanton, this heartwarming adventure follows the story of Marlin, a clown fish searching for his son Nemo. Along the way, Marlin meets an assortment of colorful characters and learns to overcome his fears as he searches for his missing son.
With its striking visuals and heartfelt story, Finding Nemo is an inspiring tale of courage and determination that will captivate viewers of all ages. The film’s message of conservation is just as relevant today as it was when it was first released, reminding us to be mindful of our environment and protect the creatures that call it home.
Ice Age
Ice Age is a 2002 computer-animated comedy adventure from Blue Sky Studios. Directed by Chris Wedge and Carlos Saldanha, this classic film follows the story of three unlikely friends who embark on an epic journey to return a lost human baby to its family.
Along the way, they battle dangerous enemies and discover the true meaning of friendship. With its witty humor, fast-paced action, and incredible visuals, Ice Age is a family favorite that will entertain viewers of all ages.
This heartwarming story also contains an important message about the importance of protecting our environment and respecting nature.
Free Willy
Free Willy is a 1993 family adventure film directed by Simon Wincer. This classic movie follows the story of Jesse, an orphaned boy who befriends a captive orca whale named Willy and embarks on a quest to reunite the animal with his pod in the wild.
With its heartfelt story and themes of friendship and perseverance, Free Willy is a beloved classic that will both entertain and inspire viewers to protect our oceans and the animals that inhabit them.
Hopefully this list of eco-friendly movies and documentaries has given you a lot of content to watch during the month of April.
I'm sure you'll learn a lot about natural resources, Mother Earth, the concept of global warming, and what various eco-systems look like when watching these fantastic films. You’re sure to feel inspired this Earth Day!
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