22 Climate Change Movies & Documentaries For Your Watchlist
As we face the undeniable reality of climate change and its impact on our world, it’s more important than ever to gain a deeper understanding of this complex issue. And what better way to learn than by immersing yourself in the most powerful, thought-provoking films and documentaries on the topic?
With breathtaking visuals and expert insights, our top 22 picks for environmental movies and documentaries offer a unique lens to explore and discover the challenges and opportunities presented by this global crisis.
Whether you’re a seasoned environmentalist or simply looking to learn more, these 22 Earth-loving films are must-sees for anyone who cares about the future of our planet. Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and moved and add these climate films to your watchlist asap.
David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet (2020)
Narrated by the legendary David Attenborough, “A Life on Our Planet” takes viewers on a journey through his lifetime, showcasing the changes that have taken place on Earth and the role of climate change in those transformations. With breathtaking visuals and emotional personal anecdotes, Attenborough provides a call to action to reduce our impact on the planet before it’s too late.
To The End (2022)
“To The End” is a compelling documentary by Rachel Lears and Sabrina Schmidt Gordon. It chronicles the journey of four women of color – Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Varshini Prakash, Alexandra Rojas, and Rhiana Gunn-Wright – who are leading the way in the fight for the Green New Deal. The documentary offers a comprehensive look at four years of climate policy struggles, featuring footage from wildfires in California, the halls of Congress, and street protests. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in the challenges and victories of those fighting for a sustainable future.
An Invonvenient Truth (2006)
If you’re looking for the best documentary explaining climate change, this is it. Many documentaries explain the science behind climate change, but “An Inconvenient Truth” is often cited as one of the best. It features Al Gore as he presents the scientific evidence of global warming and its potentially catastrophic effects on our planet.
An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power (2017)
In this follow-up to the groundbreaking documentary “An Inconvenient Truth,” Al Gore continues to present scientific evidence of global warming and its potentially catastrophic effects on our planet. The climate change documentary also showcases the progress made since the first film and the challenges that remain in the fight against climate change.
Eating Our Way to Extinction (2021)
“Eating our way to Extinction” takes you on a journey through the devastating impact of our modern food industry on the planet. From deforestation to greenhouse gas emissions, this film explores the alarming consequences of our food choices. Narrated by Kate Winslet, it features insights and interviews with leading activists and scientists, and remains a wake-up call to take action towards a sustainable future. Watch the full film, above.
I Am Greta (2020)
“I Am Greta” is a captivating documentary that takes us on a journey with the inspiring Greta Thunberg, the teenage climate activist who ignited a global movement. The film captures her courageous and determined journey from a solitary climate strike outside the Swedish Parliament to addressing world leaders at the United Nations. Through intimate interviews and never-before-seen footage, the film provides a rare insight into the person behind the movement and the challenges she faced in bringing awareness to the urgent need for climate action. This is a powerful and timely reminder of the urgent climate crisis and the power of young people to drive change.
Down To Earth (2020)
It’s not a movie, but the second season of “Down to Earth” with Zac Efron is just as exciting. The season focuses on Australia and its conservation efforts, featuring different episodes on habitat conservation, waste, aboriginal voices, wildfire, the Torres Strait, and eco-innovation. Efron explores how Australian organizations are protecting koalas and other wildlife affected by the 2020 bushfires, participating in regenerative agriculture, and restoring the Great Barrier Reef. The season also highlights the Aboriginal communities’ efforts to preserve their lands and traditions.
Chasing Coral (2017)
“Chasing Coral” takes viewers on a stunning underwater journey to explore the impact of climate change on coral reefs. With breathtaking visuals and expert insights, this climate change film highlights the importance of reducing our carbon footprint to protect these vital ecosystems.
Honeyland (2019)
Honeyland is a breathtaking documentary that follows the life of a beekeeper, Hatidze, and her mother in a remote North Macedonian village. Hatidze’s way of life is threatened when a nomadic family moves nearby and disregards her advice about sustainable beekeeping. The documentary beautifully captures the delicate balance between human needs and nature. It is a touching and visually stunning story that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
The 11th Hour (2007)
Narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, “The 11th Hour” delves into the impact of human activity on the environment and climate change. Featuring interviews with leading scientists and thinkers, this documentary offers a hopeful vision of a more sustainable future and showcases innovative solutions to address climate change.
Before the Flood (2016)
Another DiCaprio gem, “Before the Flood” follows the actor as he travels the world to witness the devastating effects of global warming on our environment. The documentary features interviews with world leaders and experts and provides a powerful call to action to reduce our carbon footprint and address climate change.
Kiss the Ground (2020)
Narrated by Woody Harrelson, “Kiss the Ground” explores the impact of agriculture on climate change and provides a vision for a more sustainable approach to farming. The documentary features interviews with leading experts and showcases innovative farming practices that can help to restore the health of our soil and mitigate the effects of climate change.
A Plastic Ocean (2016)
In “A Plastic Ocean,” a team of scientists and researchers explores the impact of plastic pollution on our oceans and the marine life that inhabits them. The documentary features stunning visuals and provides a call to action to reduce our plastic use and protect our oceans.
The Age of Consequences (2016)
“The Age of Consequences” delves into the impact of climate change on national security and the potential consequences of inaction. The documentary features interviews with military experts and national security analysts, showcasing the potential for climate change to exacerbate existing conflicts and create new ones. The film also provides a call to action to address climate change as a critical national security issue.
Time to Choose (2015)
Narrated by Oscar Isaac, “Time to Choose” explores the impact of climate change on our planet and the potential solutions that can help us to address this global crisis. Featuring expert interviews and stunning visuals, the documentary provides a hopeful vision of what’s possible when we take action to reduce our carbon footprint and protect our planet.
Anote's Ark (2018)
In “Anote’s Ark,” viewers explore the impact of climate change on the people of Kiribati, a low-lying island nation in the Pacific Ocean. The documentary follows the country’s former president, Anote Tong, as he works to raise awareness about the challenges facing his people and find solutions to protect them from the rising seas.
Racing Extinction (2015)
“Racing Extinction” showcases the impact of climate change on endangered species around the world. The documentary features stunning visuals and expert interviews, highlighting the need for urgent action to protect these vital species from extinction.
The Biggest Little Farm (2018)
“The Biggest Little Farm” follows a couple as they embark on a journey to start a sustainable farm in California. With stunning visuals and expert insights, the documentary showcases the challenges and rewards of sustainable farming and provides a hopeful vision of a more sustainable future.
Remothering The Land
Patagonia’s “Remothering the Land” is a visually stunning climate change short film that explores the Indigenous-led movement to protect and regenerate the world’s forests. Through the eyes of Indigenous women from the Yawanawa, Kayapo, and Ainu communities, we witness their powerful connection to the land and their efforts to restore balance to the ecosystems that sustain us all. This inspiring film is a call to action for us to honor and learn from Indigenous knowledge and to support their ongoing struggles for environmental and social justice. Watch it, above.
Anthropocene (2018)
“Anthropocene: The Human Epoch” is a gripping documentary that takes you on a journey through time to witness the profound changes that we have wrought upon the planet. From massive mining operations to the alarming decline of biodiversity, the Anthropocene era is a wakeup call for us all. It’s a must-see film that will leave you inspired to take action towards a more sustainable future.
Ice On Fire (2019)
A thought-provoking and visually stunning documentary, “Ice On Fire” offers a hopeful outlook on the future of our planet amidst the climate crisis. Produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, the film explores innovative solutions to combat global warming and offers a hopeful outlook on the future of our planet.
Don’t Look Up (2021)
“Don’t Look Up” is a satirical climate change movie/comedy that will have you laughing, cringing, and maybe even crying as you watch two scientists race against time to convince the world of an impending comet strike. Featuring an all-star cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, and Meryl Streep, this film tackles the absurdity of our current political and media landscape, all while reminding us of the real and pressing issue of climate change. Don’t be fooled by its fictional premise, “Don’t Look Up” is a timely and relevant commentary on the state of our world today.
As we come to the end of this epic list of 22 climate change movies and documentaries, it’s clear that the call to environmental action has never been louder.
From the devastating impact of agriculture and fashion on the environment to the very real consequences of inaction, these films offer a powerful reminder that we all have a role to play in shaping a more sustainable future.
Grab your favorite snacks and get ready to be moved, inspired and challenged. The time for action is now.
