27 Environmental Documentaries On Netflix (And Beyond)

This post and the photos within it may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a commission at no extra charge to you.

---

Are you searching for environmental documentaries on Netflix (and beyond) that inspire, educate, and possibly change the way you see the world?

In this list, I share some of the best environmental documentaries I’ve watched, covering everything from climate change and wildlife to ocean pollution, consumerism, and plant-based eating.

Whether you’re just getting started or deep into your eco-journey, these films offer unforgettable perspectives. To help you navigate, the documentaries are divided into themes:

• Environment & climate change
• Oceans & sealife
• Food, agriculture & diet
• Consumerism & fast fashion
• Free documentaries beyond Netflix
• For kids

Let’s dive in. 🌍

Environment & Climate Change

1. A Life On Our Planet

Documentary, Biography | 1h 23min | 2020

David Attenborough looks back on all the damage humans have done to nature over his lifetime – but he’s hopeful, too. He shares what we can still do to save the planet before it’s too late. It’s personal, powerful, and inspiring.

Watch on Netflix

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet | Official Trailer | Netflix

2. Our Planet

Documentary (Mini-series) | 6h 43min | 2019

This series is like a nature tour with David Attenborough as your guide, showing off Earth’s amazing wildlife and wild places. But it’s not just pretty pictures — it also shows how climate change is putting everything at risk.

Watch on Netflix

Our Planet | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix

3. The Ivory Game

Documentary | 1h 52min | 2016

A real undercover thriller about the fight against illegal ivory trading. You get to see how poachers and traffickers operate – and the people risking everything to save elephants.

Watch on Netflix

The Ivory Game | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix

4. When Two Worlds Collide

Documentary | 1h 43min | 2016

This powerful film covers the violent clashes in the Amazon between indigenous communities and the government. A sobering look at environmental exploitation and human rights.

When Two Worlds Collide Official Trailer 1 (2016) - Documentary

Oceans & Sealife

5. Chasing Ice 

Documentary, Biography | 1h 15min | 2012

Follow a photographer who uses time-lapse cameras to capture glaciers melting away. The visuals are stunning and haunting – a clear sign that climate change is happening right now.

Watch on Netflix

Chasing Ice OFFICIAL TRAILER

6. Mission Blue 

Documentary | 1h 35min | 2014 

Ocean explorer Sylvia Earle fights to protect our oceans by creating underwater sanctuaries. This film is all about how precious and fragile ocean life really is.

Watch on Netflix

Mission Blue | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix

7. Chasing Coral

Documentary | 1h 33min | 2017

Over the past 30 years, about half of all coral reefs have become extinct. 

This doc shows the heartbreaking story of coral reefs dying worldwide. They filmed for years underwater to capture coral bleaching in action – it’s eye-opening and urgent.

Watch on Netflix

Chasing Coral | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix

8. My Octopus Teacher

Documentary | 1h 25min | 2020

A guy forms a surprising friendship with an octopus off the coast of South Africa. Their bond changes how he sees all animals – and it’s just a beautiful story.

My Octopus Teacher | Official Trailer | Netflix

9. A Plastic Ocean

Documentary | 1h 42min | 2016

Journalist Craig Leeson and a team explore the massive problem of plastic pollution in the oceans. You’ll see the damage firsthand and why we need to fix this ASAP.

Watch on Netflix

A Plastic Ocean Official Trailer

Food, Agriculture & Diet

10. Cowspiracy

Documentary | 1h 30min | 2015

A bold and controversial dive into how animal agriculture is the leading cause of deforestation, ocean dead zones, and greenhouse gas emissions.

Watch on Netflix

COWSPIRACY - Official Trailer - HD

11. What The Health 

Documentary | 1h 37min | 2017

This film explores the connection between diet and disease – and why major health organizations avoid discussing the environmental consequences of meat and dairy.

Watch on Netflix

WHAT THE HEALTH Trailer

12. The Game Changers

Documentary | 1h 26min | 2018

A look at how elite athletes thrive on plant-based diets. While focused on health, it also touches on the environmental benefits of reducing animal product consumption.

Watch on Netflix

*Note: The movie focuses mostly on the health aspect of a plant-based diet, but it also talks about environmental issues and solutions in the end.

The Game Changers | Official Trailer

Consumerism & Fast Fashion

13. The True Cost 

Documentary | 1h 32min | 2015

A heartbreaking look into the human and ecological toll of cheap clothing. A must-watch for anyone interested in ethical and sustainable fashion.

Watch on: Netflix or The True Cost

'The True Cost' - Official Trailer

14. Minimalism

Documentary | 1h 18min | 2016

This film isn’t strictly environmental, but it questions consumer culture and explores how owning less can lead to a more intentional, eco-friendly life.

Watch on Netflix

MINIMALISM: Netflix Documentary (Official Trailer)

Free Environmental Documentaries Beyond Netflix

15. Dominion 

Documentary | 2h | 2018 | Watch for free on Youtube

Available on YouTube, Dominion uses drones and hidden cameras to expose the harsh realities of industrial animal agriculture. Warning: extremely graphic and emotional.

Dominion (2018): Official Trailer #2

16. Land of Hope and Glory

Documentary | 48 min | 2017 | Watch for free on Youtube

Using hidden cameras, this documentary exposes the treatment of animals on farms and their journey to slaughterhouses, showing what really happens before they reach our plates. The hidden cameras filmed mainly in England from 2010 to 2017.

Land of Hope and Glory Trailer

17. Earthlings 

Documentary | 1h 35min | 2005 | Watch for free on Youtube

A hard-hitting film that uncovers the hidden cruelty behind animal industries — from pets to food to clothing. It’s eye-opening and tough, but really powerful in showing our impact on animals.

EARTHLINGS Trailer - Joaquin Phoenix - Be the Peace - Be a Plant-Based Being!

18. Food Inc.

Documentary | 1h 33min | 2008 | Watch for free on Vimeo, or buy/rent on Amazon

This documentary dives into how a few giant corporations dominate our food supply, focusing on profits over health and safety. It reveals how modern food production has drastically changed since the 1950s, often with risky consequences for animals, workers, and consumers, showing how the system needs a big change, starting with what we demand.

Food, inc. (2008) Official Trailer #1 - Documentary HD

19. Forks Over Knives

Documentary | 1h 30min | 2011 | Rent or buy on Amazon or JustWatch, or find more options at ForksOverKnives.com

This film shows how many chronic diseases, like heart disease and diabete,s can be prevented or reversed by switching to a whole-food, plant-based diet. It follows doctors’ research and patients’ journeys to better health through changing their eating habits.

Forks Over Knives - Official Trailer

20. Before The Flood

Documentary | 1h 35min | 2016 | Watch for free on Youtube

Leonardo DiCaprio travels the globe to show the realities of climate change – from melting ice to burning forests – and calls for urgent action before it’s too late.

Before the Flood - Trailer | National Geographic

21. Trust by Patagonia Films 

Documentary | 1h 38min | 2020 | Watch for free on Youtube

This documentary showcases the story of Patagonia, the outdoor brand that puts environmental activism at its core. It’s about trust in nature, communities, and responsible business.

Public Trust Official Trailer | The Fight for America’s Public Lands

22. Years Of Living Dangerously 

Documentary series | 44-58 min | 2014 – 2016 | Watch for free at DailyMotion or Youtube 

A series that mixes celebrity reporters and experts as they investigate real stories of climate change impacts worldwide. It’s both informative and engaging.

Trailer | Years of Living Dangerously

23. The Human Element  

Documentary | 1h 18min | 2019 | Rent or buy the movie on Amazon or TheHumanElement.com

This film looks at the ways human actions are affecting earth’s natural elements — air, water, fire, and earth — and highlights both the damage and possible solutions.

The Human Element (2019) | Official Trailer HD

24. Racing Extinction 

Documentary | 1h 34min | 2015 | Watch for free on Youtube

A visually stunning film about the race to save endangered species and stop the planet’s sixth mass extinction. It’s urgent, emotional, and full of hope.

"Racing Extinction" Official Trailer

25. No Impact Man  

Documentary | 1h 29min | 2008 | Watch for free on Youtube

Follow a man who tries to live in New York City for a year with as little environmental impact as possible. It’s a fun and inspiring look at how small changes can make a big difference.

"No Impact Man" - Official Trailer [HQ HD]

(Suitable) For Kids

26. The Lorax  

Animation | 25 min | 1972 | Watch for free on Youtube, or watch the new version on Netflix or Dailymotion

Based on Dr. Seuss’s classic book, this animated story teaches kids about the importance of protecting nature and caring for the environment in a colorful, fun way.

The Lorax (original)

27. Wall-E

Animation | 1h 38 min | 2008 | Watch on Disneyplus or Netflix

This charming Pixar film tells the story of a small, hardworking robot left to clean up a deserted, garbage-filled Earth. Through his adventures, Wall-E delivers a heartfelt message about the consequences of pollution, consumerism, and the importance of caring for our planet before it’s too late.

WALL-E (2008) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers

Conclusion

From the depths of our oceans to the impact of what’s on our plates, these 27 documentaries offer a powerful lens into the most urgent environmental challenges we face today.

Whether you’re looking to better understand climate change, animal welfare, or the hidden cost of consumerism, there’s something here to inspire action and awareness.

Have you watched any of these already? Which ones made the biggest impact on you?

If there’s a great documentary you think should be on this list, drop it in the comments – I’d love to discover more and keep the conversation going. 🌍📽️