Best nature documentaries of all time

This intimate and emotional documentary won an Academy Award for Best Documentary, offering a deeply personal look at human-animal connection. It explores the intelligence of cephalopods through a filmmaker's year-long relationship with a wild octopus.

This poignant film serves as David Attenborough's 'witness statement' to Earth's environmental changes over his 60-year career. It not only highlights degradation but also offers crucial solutions and hope for the future.

This Indian documentary short film won an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Film, celebrated for its heartwarming story. It focuses on human-animal bonds and conservation through the lens of a couple caring for an orphaned baby elephant.

Nominated for an Academy Award, this poetic and moving film follows two brothers in Delhi who rescue and treat injured birds. It offers a unique perspective on urban wildlife and environmental issues amidst the city's deteriorating air quality.

This recent and highly-regarded documentary offers an intimate and touching portrayal of interspecies connection. It tells a heartwarming story about a man and a wild otter in the beautiful Shetland Islands.

This powerful and timely documentary chronicles the struggle of the Uru-eu-wau-wau people in the Amazon rainforest as they defend their land. It offers a crucial look at indigenous land rights and environmental activism against encroaching invaders.

As a recent Netflix documentary, 'Living with Leopards' provides an up-close and personal view of these elusive big cats. It offers fascinating insights into their lives and behaviors in their natural habitat.

This series redefined nature documentaries with its stunning high-definition visuals and global scope, filmed over five years. It is widely regarded as the 'gold standard' for its groundbreaking cinematography and masterful storytelling.

This series offered an unprecedented journey into Earth's oceans, revealing marine behaviors and species never before filmed. It transformed the understanding of the underwater world and is considered the first comprehensive series on ocean natural history.

From the creators of 'Planet Earth,' this Netflix series masterfully balances awe-inspiring cinematography with an urgent focus on climate change. It explicitly addresses human impact on ecosystems, highlighting how Earth's wonders are changing.

This sequel provides an updated look at the challenges faced by polar wildlife, offering breathtaking shots of glaciers and rarely seen footage of animals. It serves as a renewed call to action for protecting these vulnerable regions.

Narrated by Morgan Freeman and executive produced by Steven Spielberg, this Netflix docuseries journeys through Earth's four-billion-year history. It's a visually stunning exploration of the rise and fall of species, prompting reflection on humanity's responsibility.

As a recent Netflix production, this series continues the tradition of high-quality nature storytelling, focusing on the intricate relationships within ecosystems. It explores the interconnectedness of life on Earth, offering fresh perspectives.

This recent series offers a fresh perspective on nature by focusing on the often-overlooked auditory aspects of animal communication and environmental sounds. David Attenborough guides viewers through the hidden soundscapes of the natural world.