Our Favorite Environmental Documentaries

Looking for ways you can learn more about our environment and how you can help protect it? Here are some of our favorite documentaries about the environment, climate change, clean energy, and more:

Before the Flood

This film follows Leonardo DiCaprio on a journey around the world as he discovers the realities of climate change. Serving as a United Nations Messenger of Peace, DiCaprio travels to five continents and the Arctic to meet with the scientists and global political leaders fighting to save our planet. Watch Before the Flood on Disney+ or Prime Video.*

Chasing Ice

This documentary follows James Balog, a renowned National Geographic photographer, as he and his team capture the melting of the world’s glaciers over a span of several years. Watch Chasing Ice on Prime Video or Google Play.

Chasing Coral

From the creators of Chasing Ice, this film follows the scientists, divers, and photographers working to document the world’s magnificent coral reefs—and the serious harm the reefs face due to climate change. Watch Chasing Coral on Netflix.

Happening: A Clean Energy Revolution

Jamie Redford, son of actor and environmentalist Robert Redford, travels across the country and into communities to get a first-hand look at the state of renewable energy in the U.S. and the everyday Americans fighting for its growth. Watch Happening: A Clean Energy Revolution on Apple TV or Prime Video.

I Am Greta 

This intimate documentary follows the prominent teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg in her rise to world fame and her quest to fight the climate crisis—from the early days of her School Strike for Climate (when she was the only participant), to her growing influence across Europe and eventually the world, and concluding with her journey across the Atlantic Ocean to speak at the UN Climate Action Summit in New York City. Watch I Am Greta on Hulu.

Ice on Fire

Produced and narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, this 2019 documentary highlights some of the innovative new technologies and solutions that people around the world have developed to combat climate change. Watch Ice on Fire on HBO or Hulu.

My Octopus Teacher 

In this Academy Award-winning Netflix documentary, a filmmaker and an octopus form an unlikely friendship in a kelp forest off the coast of South Africa. The breathtaking deep sea footage and emotive story will deepen your appreciation of relationships across ecosystems. Watch My Octopus Teacher on Netflix.

Our Planet

This Netflix docu-series, narrated by BBC’s David Attenborough, explores the Earth’s natural beauty and takes viewers to every corner of the world. The stunning visuals of our most breathtaking landscapes and wildlife are accompanied by the reminder that we must change our ways to help protect them. Watch Our Planet on Netflix.

Years of Living Dangerously

Stars such as Harrison Ford, Jessica Alba, and Matt Damon investigate the impact of climate change around the world in this docu-series, profiling the places most affected and chatting with people on all sides of the issue. Watch Years of Living Dangerously on YouTube.

Youth v Gov 

In 2015, 21 young people sued the U.S. government for its role in the climate crisis by supporting the fossil fuel industry. The ongoing case, Juliana v. United States, is based on the belief that a safe and livable climate is a constitutional right. This Netflix documentary covers the case and the journey of the 21 inspiring plaintiffs. Watch Youth v Gov on Netflix.

If you’re looking for even more great content, the DC Environmental Film Festival (DCEFF), the world’s largest green film festival, has an online library of hundreds of films you can stream for free. Patagonia also has an online collection of environmental short films that examine and celebrate our planet.

Feeling inspired to take action to help protect our planet? One of the easiest and most impactful ways you can make a positive impact on our environment is by choosing 100% clean, renewable energy from wind and solar for your home. Sign up today to help create a better environment for future generations.

*The online availability of all of these documentaries is accurate as of the publish date and is subject to change