Sometimes getting outside to explore the natural world is easier said than done. However, that doesn’t have to stop you from seeing breathtaking sites, learning about our planet and becoming inspired for your next outdoor adventure.
Luckily, there are plenty of spectacular and informative shows you can watch from the comfort of your own home, so you can still get your nature fix when you’re unable to venture into the wilderness yourself.
So, what are the best shows to watch for nature lovers? Here are the top 10 nature shows which are currently available on Netflix!
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Our Planet
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Image Credit: Netflix.
Our Planet is a Netflix original docu-series, narrated by Sir David Attenborough and produced in collaboration with the WWF. This was actually the first-ever nature documentary made by Netflix, and it has been a huge success. It’s even won two Emmy awards, and it’s easy to see why.
With breathtaking visuals accompanied by the soothing sound of Sir David’s voice, and a specially commissioned soundtrack, Our Planet depicts the stunning beauty of the world in a very intentional way. It makes you reflect on how we are impacting this extraordinary planet, in an effort to address issues of conservation and celebrate our remaining natural wonders.
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Our Universe
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Image Credit: Netflix.
Our Universe is a unique 6-part nature documentary which explores the formation of the universe, how the elements of the solar system created our planet, and the interconnectedness of all living creatures to the cosmos.
Narrated by the legendary Morgan Freeman, using amazing CGI special effects, and with breathtaking nature videography, this series explains the intricate relationships between the creatures on earth and the wider universe in an easy-to-understand way. In doing so, the individual stories of several animals are told, demonstrating the connection of their behaviours to these greater concepts.
Our Universe is not only informative and educational, but also visually breathtaking, engaging and exciting. It’s a must-watch program for all nature lovers, and anyone looking to learn more about the world we live in.
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Night on Earth
Entering into unchartered territory, Night on Earth uses state of the art, low-light camera technology to capture animals at night, as they have never been filmed before.
There are 6 episodes of this mini-series, giving us a fascinating view into the nocturnal world, through breathtaking footage of creatures small and large, predators and prey, and both land and marine animals.
Narrated by Samira Wiley, this series is full of interesting facts, never before seen footage, and spectacular cinematography, which is definitely worth a watch!
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Island of the Sea Wolves
Filmed on Canada’s stunning Vancouver Island, Island of the Sea Wolves is a 3-part series which portrays the lives of several of the island’s animals throughout the changing seasons.
Filmed in the southwest of the island, famous for the iconic West Coast Trail, this show follows the journey of three main characters: Cedar the wolf, Sky the sea otter and Spiro the bald eagle. Over the course of the episodes, they all face several challenges, including food shortages, varying climates, predators and raising their young. We also get a glimpse into the lives of other native Vancouver Island animals such as bears, marmots, sea lions and cougars.
This series engages and informs as you become invested in the outcomes of the animals and curious to learn more about their lives on Canada’s west coast.
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Chimp Empire
Set in the Ngogo rainforest in Uganda, Chimp Empire is a Netflix docu-series which follows the lives of a community of chimpanzees. It gives us an intimate look at the sophisticated familial and political structures and territorial disputes of the Chimpanzees.
Although technically a documentary, this 4-part series is actually more of a story, diving deep into the lives of the subjects, which creates an emotional connection with the audience.
From caring for one another, to forming alliances, and the ongoing fight for power, Chimp Empire allows us to identify behaviours in natural societies which are also reflected in the human world, helping us to better understand where we descend from.
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Our Great National Parks
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Image Credit: Courtesy of Netlix.
Narrated by former President Barack Obama, Our Great National Parks is another Netflix production with a calming sentiment and a message of conservation.
This 5-part docu-series covers some of the most astounding protected areas in the world, from the Great Barrier Reef in Australia to the magnificent mountain ranges of Chilean Patagonia, and plenty in-between. In doing so, we are shown some of the planet’s most beautiful landscapes, as well as close-ups of the fascinating animals which call these places home.
Through a combination of remarkable visuals and expert narration, Our Great National Parks teaches us more about why preserving the wild is a priority.
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Animal
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Image Credit: Netflix.
With each episode narrated by a different A-list actor, Animal is an immersive and entertaining docu-series which keeps you engaged throughout.
With 2 seasons, 4 episodes apiece, each episode focuses on a different animal and goes into a lot more detail than most documentaries do. With topics including feeding habits, pack behaviour, mating, evolution, and the impact of climate change, Animal provides a fascinating insight into the lives of some of the world’s more extraordinary creatures.
Plus, with beautiful footage and some never-before captured moments, this series is a must watch for any animal lover.
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Life in Colour
On a list of shows for nature lovers, there’s no surprise that more than one Sir David Attenborough show is featured!
Life in Colour is a TV mini-series which, throughout its 3 episodes, explores the various ways in which animals use colour to survive. From beating a rival, to winning a mate, or hiding from an enemy, colour is an essential feature of nature which has so many more uses than we realize.
The bold and dazzling visuals, combined with Sir David’s commentary, make for an engaging, entertaining and (of course) colourful watch.
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Down to Earth With Zac Efron
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COURTESY OF NETFLIX
Not strictly a nature show, but definitely worth a mention, Down to Earth is a documentary series starring actor Zac Efron as he travels the world exploring themes of nature, renewable energy, life experiences and travel.
This series might not be quite as informative as some of the other shows on this list, but it provides a refreshing view of the world, raises awareness about environmentalism, and is highly entertaining!
Across its 2 seasons, the series also gives us a glimpse into the innovation, food, culture and stunning landscapes of various countries around the world, in a fun, curious and lighthearted manner.
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Wild Babies
Finally, for cuteness overload, Wild Babies is a thrilling, informative and adorable 8-part docu-series narrated by Helena Bonham Carter.
Throughout the show, you will follow the adventures of 17 animal families, including baby penguins, otters, elephants, lions and more. The series provides a fascinating insight into how these young animals learn, grow and handle the highs and lows of the wild.
With spectacular footage, the audience is given a close-up view of these baby animals, pulling at your heart strings, as well as getting your heart racing, as you bear witness to the vulnerability of the animals and the danger they face at such a young age.
BONUS: A Life on Our Planet
Although not a show, A Life on Our Planet is still worthy of an honourable mention in a list curated for nature lovers. You’re probably already familiar with this 2020 feature film, but if not, then this is an absolute must watch.
This feature film is Sir David Attenborough’s ‘witness statement’ about what he has seen of the natural world and its disappearance throughout his (then) 93-years of life. Through his experiences and observations, he shares a key message about the balance of biodiversity and how this is essential to the delicate natural cycles which create stability in our world.
As you watch this moving documentary, the deep concern shared by Sir David is felt, as you realize the gravity of our impact on the earth’s ability to survive. Fortunately, the film also addresses the key steps we must take to restore the world’s balance and ensure the future of planet Earth.
This film is not only fascinating, but also educates us on the most important issues we will face in our lifetime, and should be mandatory watching for everyone.
This post was produced by Swoon Hub.