Now, not all of these shows and movies are easy to watch. Seriously, that walrus scene in Netflix’s Our Planet is going to wreck you; as is the no holds bar documentary about big-game hunters. Tiger King this doc definitely ain’t. Don’t worry, this list also includes soothing palate cleansers like Absurd! Planet, which introduces us to the quirkiest of animals
These are the must-sees on Netflix right now…
Our Planet (2019)
Get to know the big blue marble we call Earth a little better with Netflix’s expansive documentary series, narrated by Sir David Attenborough, that takes you from the highest peaks to the deepest oceans and everywhere in between.
Chasing Coral (2017)
In this Netflix original documentary, we get a closer look at the disappearing coral reefs with help from divers, scientists, and photographers who are trying to save them.
Growing Up Wild (2016)
Prepare for cuteness overload in this Disneynature documentary, narrated by Daveed Diggs, that follows baby animals as they learn to survive in the wild.
Night On Earth (2020)
What do animals do in the shadows? Well, this series narrated by Samira Wiley takes a closer look at the nightlife of lions, monkeys, and elephants. And if you want a behind the scenes look at the making of the series, well, Netflix has got you covered.
Rotten: Seasons 1 & 2 (2017, 2019)
This investigative Netflix series might change the way you look at what you eat by delving into the corruption of the global food industry and how it’s affecting our health.
A Plastic Ocean (2016)
After seeing how much plastic fills the ocean, journalist Craig Leeson went on a journey with help from scientists to show the consequences of the pollution and share solutions.
The Devil We Know (2018)
The scariest documentary on Netflix isn’t about a serial killer, it’s this investigative film about chemical company DuPont and its decades long coverup of the harms caused by its product, Teflon.
National Parks Adventure (2016)
Take a virtual tour through America’s National Parks with help from narrator Robert Redford. Honestly, this is the ASMR we need right now.
Untamed: Romania (2018)
This documentary takes you deep into the heart of Romania’s wilderness, which is one of the last strongholds of biodiversity in Europe, for a fascinating look at the animals who roam free there.
Absurd! Planet (2020)
The Netflix original series is bound to make you LOL with its cast of quirky animals like the monkeys who relax by giving each other massages.
Black Hole Apocalypse (2017)
The secrets of black holes are revealed with help from astrophysicist Janna Levin and others in this heady doc that might make your brain hurt — in a good way.
Mission Blue (2014)
The Netflix original documentary takes a closer look at the life and work of oceanographer, marine biologist, and environmentalist Sylvia Earle, who is on a mission to save the ocean.
Into The Inferno (2016)
If you can’t take the heat, stay out of the volcano. Luckily, Werner Herzog, aka the man who cried when he first saw Baby Yoda, can, which is how we got this stunning look at eruptions and lava flows, which have spiritual ties to indigenous populations.
Ghost Of The Mountains (2017)
The snow leopard is the star of this Disneynature doc, but that doesn’t mean these elusive creatures were ready for their close-up.
Trophy (2017)
If you wished Tiger King made more time to talk about saving those big cats, this not for the faint of heart documentary does just that. The filmmakers take a closer look at the complicated relationship between conservationists and big game hunters — specifically, when they are recently reformed poachers.
How To Change The World (2015)
Find out how the environmental organisation Greenpeace came to be with this documentary.
Virunga (2014)
This Oscar-nominated documentary focuses on a team of rangers in the Congo who are fighting to save the endangered mountain gorillas living in the titular national park.
If you want to spend a little more time with these brave people, Netflix also has a behind-the-scenes doc on the making of Virunga.
Expedition China (2017)
This beautifully shot Disneynature doc goes to the remote forests and mountains of China to catch a glimpse of indigenous animals like pandas. Fun fact: to get shots of those bamboo eating bears they have to dress up like them.
Bill Nye: The Science Guy (2017)
Bill Nye takes on climate change deniers in this documentary and you better bet he brought receipts.
If this doesn’t scratch your Science Guy itch, check out Nye’s Netflix series Bill Nye Saves The World, which is a fun and funny look at science and how it touches our lives.
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