Films about nature often explore the beauty, complexity, and intrinsic value of the natural world. They may delve into diverse ecosystems, highlight environmental concerns, showcase the splendor of flora and fauna, or immerse viewers in landscapes that take their breath away. Such films can take the form of documentaries, fictional narratives, or a fusion of both, inviting audiences to reflect on their relationship with the environment and the importance of conserving it for future generations.
Here is a list of films about nature with a brief description for each:
“The Blue Planet”, 2001
Director: Alastair Fothergill
Another BBC documentary series, also narrated by Sir David Attenborough, focusing on the world's oceans, their mysterious depths, and the abundant life forms that inhabit them, from the familiar to the virtually alien.
Starring: David Attenborough, Pierce Brosnan, Peter Scoones;
Production year: 2001;
Genre: documentary;
Age: 0+;
Rating: IMDB: 9;
More information about the film “The Blue Planet” on the website imdb.com
“An Inconvenient Truth”, 2006
Director: Davis Guggenheim
A powerful documentary featuring former Vice President Al Gore, which aims to educate the public about the severity of climate change and its impact on our planet's environment.
Starring: Al Gore, Billy West, Ronald Reagan;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: documentary;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 96 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “An Inconvenient Truth” on the website imdb.com
“Avatar”, 2009
Director: James Cameron
A James Cameron-directed science fiction film with strong themes about nature and environmentalism. It depicts the fictional world of Pandora, a lush, bioluminescent planet whose indigenous species and natural resources are threatened by human activities.
Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez, Giovanni Ribisi, Joel Moore, CCH Pounder, Wes Studi, Laz Alonso;
Production year: 2009;
Genre: science fiction, action, drama, adventure;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 162 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,9;
More information about the film “Avatar” on the website imdb.com
“Into the Wild”, 2007
Director: Sean Penn
Directed by Sean Penn, this film is an adaptation of the non-fiction book of the same name, telling the true story of Christopher McCandless, who gives up his possessions and savings to travel across North America and live in the Alaskan wilderness.
Starring: Emile Hirsch, Hal Holbrook, Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt, Jena Malone, Brian H. Dierker, Catherine Keener, Vince Vaughn, Kristen Stewart, Jim Galien;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: drama, adventure, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 148 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;
More information about the film “Into the Wild” on the website imdb.com
“Microcosmos”, 1976
Director: Cruz Delgado
A French documentary that zooms in on the unseen world of insects and other small creatures, revealing the intricate lives and interactions that occur at a scale often overlooked by the human eye.
Starring: -;
Production year: 1976;
Genre: short film;
Duration: 14 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “Microcosmos” on the website imdb.com
“The Bear”, 2022
Director: Christopher Storer, Joanna Calo, Ramy Youssef
A French film directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud that tells the touching story of an orphaned bear cub and an adult male bear that it befriends, as they try to survive in the wilderness.
Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ayo Edebiri, Liza Colón-Zayas, Lionel Boyce, Abby Elliott, Matty Matheson, Edwin Lee Gibson, Corey Hendrix, Richard Esteras;
Production year: 2022;
Genre: drama, comedy;
Rating: IMDB: 8,6;
More information about the film “The Bear” on the website imdb.com
“Grizzly Man”, 2005
Director: Werner Herzog
Directed by Werner Herzog, this documentary explores the life and death of Timothy Treadwell, who spent thirteen summers living with wild grizzly bears in Alaska, aiming to protect them from poachers before meeting a tragic end.
Starring: Werner Herzog, Carol Dexter, Val Dexter, Sam Egli, Franc G. Fallico, Willy Fulton, Marc Gaede, Marnie Gaede, Sven Haakanson Jr., Amie Huguenard;
Production year: 2005;
Genre: documentary, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 103 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “Grizzly Man” on the website imdb.com
These ten films represent just a fraction of the many cinematic works dedicated to unveiling the splendors and challenges of the natural world.
In the vast cinematic expanse dedicated to exploring, celebrating, and sometimes lamenting over the natural world, films about nature tap into a deep, inherent connection humanity shares with the Earth. These cinematic journeys, ranging from awe-inspiring documentaries to compelling fictional narratives, not only elevate our understanding and appreciation of the planet's diverse ecosystems and magnificent landscapes but also serve as poignant reminders of the fragility and resilience of nature. Through breathtaking visuals, immersive storytelling, and an unyielding commitment to presenting environmental truths, these films have the power to transform our perspective, inspire action for conservation, and ultimately, rekindle a sense of wonder for the natural world that surrounds us. In celebrating the beauty and complexity of nature, they also highlight the urgent need for humanity to act as stewards rather than conquerors, ensuring that the splendor depicted on screen can be preserved for future generations to experience and admire.
