With climate change and environmental concerns becoming increasingly urgent, films have evolved to reflect the global crisis in a way that is both engaging and informative. Whether you’re looking to be inspired by nature’s beauty or want to dive into the harsh realities of our environmental impact, environment movies provide both education and entertainment. Here’s a list of the top 10 must-watch environmental films in 2025, including the year of release, whether they’re a documentary or narrative movie, a brief summary, and where to watch them.
1. The Human Element (2019)
Type: Documentary
Available on: Amazon Prime Video
The Human Element explores how human activity impacts the environment and the lives of both people and animals. This documentary focuses on the four core elements—air, water, fire, and earth—and how each is affected by pollution and climate change. The film takes a close look at how environmental issues affect communities across the United States.
Why Watch: A compelling documentary that explores the human connection to the planet and how we can work to heal it.
2. 2040 (2019)
Type: Documentary
Available on: Netflix
2040 is a hopeful documentary exploring how technology, innovation, and community action can address climate change and environmental degradation. It offers an optimistic view of how we can create a sustainable world by 2040 through existing solutions in areas like energy, agriculture, and transportation.
Why Watch: This film focuses on practical, optimistic solutions to environmental challenges, presenting an inspiring future vision.
3. An Inconvenient Truth (2006)
Type: Documentary
Available on: Hulu
One of the most well-known documentaries on climate change, An Inconvenient Truth follows former U.S. Vice President Al Gore’s campaign to educate the public about global warming. It features hard-hitting facts, scientific evidence, and a call to action for individuals and governments to take climate change seriously.
Why Watch: This groundbreaking film helped shape the modern environmental movement, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in climate change.
4. RiverBlue (2016)
Type: Documentary
Available on: Amazon Prime Video
RiverBlue explores the environmental and human costs of the global fashion industry. The documentary follows international river conservationist Mark Angelo as he travels to some of the world’s most polluted rivers, examining the toxic chemicals released during the manufacturing of clothing.
Why Watch: It shines a light on the lesser-known environmental issues caused by fast fashion, urging consumers to think more sustainably.
5. Chasing Coral (2017)
Type: Documentary
Available on: Netflix
Chasing Coral is a visually stunning documentary that follows a group of scientists, photographers, and divers as they document the rapid bleaching of coral reefs around the world. The film provides a closer look at the devastating effects of global warming on these vital ecosystems.
Why Watch: It’s an emotional and visually impactful film that brings awareness to the plight of coral reefs and the urgent need to protect them.
6. David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet (2020)
Type: Documentary
Available on: Netflix
In this poignant documentary, legendary naturalist David Attenborough reflects on his lifetime of exploring the natural world and the drastic environmental changes he has witnessed. He shares his personal journey and presents solutions for protecting the planet.
Why Watch: Attenborough’s lifetime of knowledge and his heartfelt plea for action make this one of the most powerful documentaries on the environment.
7. My Octopus Teacher (2020)
Type: Documentary
Available on: Netflix
My Octopus Teacher is a touching documentary that follows filmmaker Craig Foster’s deep bond with an octopus in a South African kelp forest. This film offers a rare look at the intelligence and emotional depth of sea creatures, highlighting the importance of ocean conservation.
Why Watch: The film is a beautiful, personal exploration of the natural world that will change the way you see the ocean and its inhabitants.
Also read:-Nature hidden gem-Blue-ringed Octopus
8. The Ivory Game (2016)
Type: Documentary
Available on: Netflix
The Ivory Game exposes the dark world of ivory trafficking and the devastating effects it has on elephants. The film follows undercover investigators and conservationists as they risk their lives to expose the illegal ivory trade that threatens these majestic animals with extinction.
Why Watch: A gripping, urgent documentary that highlights the fight against poaching and illegal wildlife trade, essential for animal lovers and conservationists.
9. Virunga (2014)
Type: Documentary
Available on: Netflix
Virunga is a powerful documentary about the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, home to the last mountain gorillas in the world. The film follows park rangers as they risk their lives to protect wildlife from poachers, rebels, and international oil companies seeking to exploit the park’s resources.
Why Watch: It’s an intense, eye-opening film that highlights the importance of protecting both wildlife and natural habitats in times of conflict.
10. No Impact Man (2009)
Type: Documentary
Available on: Amazon Prime Video
No Impact Man follows the year-long experiment of Colin Beavan and his family as they attempt to live with no environmental impact. From giving up electricity to eating only local foods, the film chronicles their challenging journey toward a zero-waste lifestyle.
Why Watch: It’s a thought-provoking and entertaining documentary about personal responsibility and the impact of small lifestyle changes on the environment.
Conclusion
These environmental movies offer a wide range of perspectives on the most pressing issues facing our planet today. Whether it’s through stunning visuals, compelling storytelling, or hard-hitting facts, each of these films provides valuable insights into the importance of environmental conservation. Watch these movies in 2025 and be inspired to take action to protect our planet for future generations.
