The Best Nature documentaries to Watch Now
The giant tortoise is a creature that moves with the grace of an ancient statue come to life. Each step it takes is deliberate and measured as if it's carrying the weight of centuries on its broad shoulders. It's as if it's in no hurry to get anywhere, content to amble along at its own leisurely pace. With each step, the ground trembles beneath its feet, and the dust clouds around it as it plods forward, its thick, elephantine feet leaving deep footprints in the earth. It's a sight to behold, a creature that has survived and thrived for millennia, moving slowly and steadily through the world, a true marvel of nature.
Charles Darwin studied the giant tortoise during his voyages on the HMS Beagle. He likely spent a great deal of time simply watching these fascinating creatures deliberately, slowly move their bodies. But what would Charles Darwin have said if you told him that generations after him could watch the unique movement of giant tortoises without leaving ever leaving their couch? Watching nature documentaries can be an immersive and captivating experience. They transport the viewer to far-off locations, allowing them to witness the beauty and complexity of the natural world. Nature documentaries allow us to learn about and appreciate the diversity of life on Earth and allow us to enter the natural habitats of animals and plants to help us understand the complex ecosystems that support them. Surely, Darwin would be floored.
Here are a few of the best nature documentaries to watch now in order to transport yourself to natural landscapes around the world. Many of these documentaries were released last year. Several Nature Links participants are making their way down the list this winter, sharing their favorite moments and scenes with each other along the way. Check out a few of their recommendations…
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Fire of Love is a documentary about the lives of Katia and Maurice Krafft, two renowned volcanologists who dedicated their careers to studying and documenting active volcanoes around the world. The film explores their passion for volcanology and their dedication to understanding the powerful and destructive forces of nature. Through interviews with the Kraffts and footage of their expeditions to some of the world's most active volcanoes, the documentary offers a glimpse into their lives and the challenges they faced in their work. The film also highlights the Kraffts' tragic deaths in 1991 while observing the eruption of Mount Unzen in Japan. “Fire of Love" is a moving tribute to the pioneering work and legacy of Katia and Maurice Krafft.
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"Fantastic Fungi" is a documentary that explores the hidden world of fungi and their impact on the environment, medicine, and human culture. The film features stunning footage of various species of mushrooms and other fungi, as well as interviews with scientists, mycologists, and other experts in the field. It highlights the important role that fungi play in the ecosystem, including their ability to break down organic matter and recycle nutrients. Additionally, the documentary delves into the medicinal properties of certain types of fungi and how they are being used in the fields of medicine, agriculture, and even mental health. The film also touches on the cultural significance of fungi and how they have been used throughout history in various traditions and practices. "Fantastic Fungi" is a fascinating and informative look at the little-known but incredibly important world of fungi.
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"Rosy" is a documentary that tells the story of a young woman named Rosy, who is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). The film follows Rosy as she navigates the challenges and obstacles of living with a chronic and debilitating disease. It features interviews with Rosy, her family, and her doctors, as well as footage of her daily life and her struggles. The documentary also explores the emotional toll that MS takes on Rosy and her loved ones, and how they cope with the uncertainty and unpredictability of the disease. The film highlights the importance of support systems and the role that family, friends, and medical professionals play in helping those with MS to manage the challenges they face. "Rosy" is a moving and honest portrayal of one woman's journey living with multiple sclerosis and her fight to maintain her quality of life.
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"Kiss the Ground" is a documentary that explores the potential of regenerative agriculture to heal the planet and reverse the effects of climate change. The film features interviews with scientists, farmers, and other experts in the field, as well as stunning footage of regenerative farms and ranches from around the world. It highlights the importance of soil health and the role that regenerative farming practices, such as cover cropping, composting, and rotational grazing, can play in rebuilding soil and sequestering carbon. The documentary also delves into the economic and social benefits of regenerative agriculture, such as increased food security and improved rural livelihoods. "Kiss the Ground" presents a hopeful message that through regenerative agriculture, we can not only feed the world, but also mitigate the effects of climate change and create a more sustainable future.
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"Wildcat" is a documentary that tells the story of Harry Turner, a former British soldier struggling with PTSD who befriends an ocelot in the Peruvian rainforest. The film follows Harry as he travels to Peru to study the ocelot population in the region, and documents his unique relationship with the wild cat. The documentary delves into the issues facing the ocelot population such as habitat loss and illegal hunting, and the efforts being made to protect them. "Wildcat" is a heartwarming and inspiring film that highlights the importance of conservation and the power of human-animal connection.
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“All That Breathes” follows two brothers who run a bird hospital in New Delhi, India. The brothers dedicate their lives and work to rescuing injured black kites, a bird of prey that is commonly seen soaring the smoggy skies above Delhi. In the brothers’ 20 years of treatment they have helped some 20,000 raptors recover from injury. In its profile of these two brothers, the film explores the relationship between nature and unstoppable development and looks closely at the deepening civil unrest unfolding in India.
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Breaking Boundaries is a film released in 2021 that can be found on Netflix. The documentary takes a close look at the science behind how human actions have devastated our earth’s biodiversity. But it also takes a hopeful look at the things we can each do to make a positive impact on our planet’s future. The film is narrated by Sir David Attenborough, which is reason enough to cozy up and check it out.
