Movies About Nature

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Daveigh Chase, Suzanne Pleshette, Miyu Irino, Rumi Hiiragi
Rated PG

Spirited Away is a 2001 animated fantasy film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki of Studio Ghibli. The story follows Chihiro, a 10-year-old girl who is on a journey to save her parents who have been transformed into pigs by the mystical spirit world. During her quest, she encounters many strange gods, spirits, and monsters, and must prove her worth in the spirit world in order to save her parents. Along the way, Chihiro learns that true courage and strength come from within, and discovers the power of friendship and love.

From Asif Kapadia, starring Ayrton Senna, Reginaldo Leme, John Bisignano, Neyde Senna
Rated PG-13

Senna is a 2010 British documentary film that chronicles the life and death of Ayrton Senna, a three-time Formula One world champion who died in a racing accident in 1994 at the age of 34. Directed by Asif Kapadia, the film relies primarily on archive footage and home video recordings to tell the story of Senna's rise to fame, his battles with fellow drivers such as Alain Prost and Nigel Mansell, and the intense rivalry and friendship between them. It also documents Senna's deep religious and philosophical convictions, his struggles with the political machinations within the sport, and his ultimate tragedy. The film was a critical and commercial success, winning numerous awards and garnering widespread praise.

From Directors: Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff, starring Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, James Earl Jones, Whoopi Goldberg
Rated G

The Lion King is a 1994 American animated musical epic adventure film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and released by Walt Disney Pictures. It is the 32nd Disney animated feature film, and the fifth animated film produced during a period known as the Disney Renaissance. Directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff, the film features the voices of Matthew Broderick, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, James Earl Jones, Jeremy Irons, Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella, Moira Kelly, Rowan Atkinson, Robert Guillaume, Madge Sinclair, Whoopi Goldberg, Cheech Marin, and Jim Cummings. The story follows the adventures of Simba, a young lion who is the heir to the African Pride Lands, but runs away after his father Mufasa is killed by his uncle Scar. Simba is then adopted by Timon and Pumbaa and grows up in the carefree jungle. When he is an adult, he returns to Pride Rock to reclaim his rightful place as king, overthrow Scar, and bring peace back to his homeland. The film's songs were composed by Elton John and Tim Rice, with additional music by Hans Zimmer. The Lion King was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Score and won two

From Yann Arthus-Bertrand, starring Yann Arthus-Bertrand, Glenn Close, Jacques Gamblin
Rated Not Rated

Home is a 2009 documentary film directed by French filmmaker Yann Arthus-Bertrand. The film examines the link between human civilization, environmental degradation, and climate change. Through interviews with experts from all over the world, the film paints a vivid picture of the state of the planet, from the perspective of nature and humanity. It also explains the science behind the environmental changes and how we can work together to protect the planet. The film seeks to inspire viewers to take action and to become more conscious of their actions and their impact on the planet. Ultimately, Home aims to encourage viewers to recognize the importance of preserving our planet for future generations.

From Wolfgang Petersen, starring Jürgen Prochnow, Herbert Grönemeyer, Klaus Wennemann, Hubertus Bengsch
Rated R

The Boat is a 1981 film directed by Wolfgang Petersen and starring Jürgen Prochnow, Herbert Grönemeyer, and Klaus Wennemann. The film is set in the early days of World War II, and follows the crew of the German U-boat U-96 as they embark on a perilous long-distance mission. The crew struggle against the elements, their commander's increasingly erratic behavior, and the mounting stress of being in a war-torn region. In a desperate attempt to survive, they must put aside their differences and unite as a team. The Boat is an intense and suspenseful story of courage and camaraderie in a time of war.

From Louie Psihoyos, starring Richard O'Barry, Louie Psihoyos, Hardy Jones, Michael Illiff
Rated PG-13

The Cove is a 2009 documentary film directed by Louie Psihoyos and produced by the Oceanic Preservation Society. The film focuses on the horrific slaughter of dolphins in a small, hidden cove near Taiji, Japan. The film follows an elite team of activists, filmmakers, and freedivers as they embark on a covert mission to penetrate the cove and document the massacre. The team risks their lives to capture never-before-seen footage, expose the hidden truth, and ultimately, save the dolphins. The film uses powerful imagery to expose the hidden dolphin slaughter, and it draws attention to the ongoing battle to protect dolphins and other marine life from human exploitation. The Cove was awarded the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2010.

From Ron Fricke, starring Balinese Tari Legong Dancers, Ni Made Megahadi Pratiwi, Puti Sri Candra Dewi, Putu Dinda Pratika
Rated PG-13

Samsara is a 2011 non-narrative documentary film directed by Ron Fricke. A visually stunning journey across the different landscapes and cultures of the world, the film captures the beauty of humanity and nature in a way that is both inspiring and thought-provoking. The film explores topics such as religion, birth, death, and humanity's connection to the natural world. It travels across the world, from the East to the West, and shows a variety of stunning locations and fascinating people. The film is set to a powerful and emotive soundtrack, adding an extra layer of emotion to an already stunning visual experience. By the end of the film, viewers will have experienced a truly unique and unforgettable journey of discovery.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, William Sylvester, Daniel Richter
Rated G

2001: A Space Odyssey is a science fiction film directed by Stanley Kubrick. The film follows a voyage to Jupiter with the sentient computer HAL after the discovery of a mysterious black monolith affecting human evolution. The film is noted for its scientifically accurate depiction of spaceflight and minimal use of dialogue. It follows a series of encounters between man and machine, and ultimately deals with the themes of existence, technology, and human evolution. The film ends with a journey beyond the infinite.

From Godfrey Reggio, starring Edward Asner, Pat Benatar, Jerry Brown, Johnny Carson
Rated Not Rated

Koyaanisqatsi is a non-narrative visual and musical journey through a landscape of the modern world. It explores the contrast between the natural and the technological world, depicting human life in the modern world as chaotic and disconnected. The film is composed of slow motion and time-lapse footage of cities, landscapes, and modern technology, with a soundtrack featuring the music of Philip Glass and other artists. The title of the film is derived from the Hopi language, and roughly translates to "life out of balance". By exploring the increasing disconnection between man and nature, and man and technology, the film paints a bleak picture of the modern world, and ultimately serves as a warning about the consequences of progress.

From Sean Penn, starring Emile Hirsch, Vince Vaughn, Catherine Keener, Marcia Gay Harden
Rated R

Into the Wild is a biographical drama film directed by Sean Penn and based on the 1996 non-fiction book of the same name by Jon Krakauer. It tells the true story of Christopher McCandless (played by Emile Hirsch), a young man from a wealthy family who, after graduating from college in 1992, donated his savings to charity and set out on a cross-country journey across the United States and eventually to Alaska. Along the way, he struggles to find purpose and meaning in his life and encounters a number of people and experiences that challenge his ideals and beliefs. Ultimately, his journey leads him to a fate that is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

From Ron Howard, starring Daniel Brühl, Chris Hemsworth, Olivia Wilde, Alexandra Maria Lara
Rated R

Rush is a biographical sports drama directed by Ron Howard and starring Chris Hemsworth, Daniel Brühl, Olivia Wilde, and Alexandra Maria Lara. The film is based on the true story of the highly competitive 1970s Formula One motor-racing rivalry between Englishman James Hunt (Hemsworth) and Austrian Niki Lauda (Brühl). As the rivalry between the two drivers intensifies, Lauda is injured in a crash and is forced to miss several races. With the Championship title still up for grabs, Hunt chases down Lauda, only to find himself in a perilous situation of his own. The film chronicles their intense rivalry as they battle it out on and off the racetrack, ultimately culminating in a climactic race at the 1976 German Grand Prix.

From Kevin Macdonald, starring Simon Yates, Joe Simpson, Brendan Mackey, Nicholas Aaron
Rated R

Touching the Void is an award-winning British documentary film released in 2003. Directed by Kevin Macdonald, it is based on the true story of mountain climbers Joe Simpson and Simon Yates’ harrowing experience while climbing the Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes in 1985. After Yates had cut the rope that connected him to Simpson after a terrible accident, the two men found themselves in an impossible situation and had to rely on each other’s courage and resourcefulness in order to survive. The film follows their journey, detailing the physical and emotional toll of their struggle to stay alive in an unforgiving environment. The film also features interviews with both Simpson and Yates, providing insight into their thoughts and feelings during this unimaginable ordeal. Touching the Void is a powerful and gripping story of human resilience and determination and has won numerous awards, including the BAFTA for Best British Film.

From Tim Burton, starring Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup, Jessica Lange
Rated PG-13

Big Fish is a 2003 fantasy drama directed by Tim Burton and starring Ewan McGregor and Albert Finney. The movie tells the story of Edward Bloom, a man who loves to tell tall tales and fabricate stories about his life. Despite his son Will's growing skepticism, Edward continues to spin his fanciful yarns. When Edward is diagnosed with a terminal illness, Will finally decides to learn the truth about his father's life. He embarks on a journey to discover the facts behind his father's stories and learns that his father's fantastic adventures may not have been as far-fetched as they seemed. Along the way, Will comes to appreciate his father's larger-than-life achievements and his own place in the family.

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Sumi Shimamoto, Mahito Tsujimura, Hisako Kyôda, Gorô Naya
Rated PG

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984) is an anime post-apocalyptic fantasy film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The story is set in a future world devastated by pollution, where most of the planet has become an uninhabitable toxic jungle. In the Valley of the Wind, Nausicaä is the princess of a small kingdom, and she is determined to find a way to bridge the gap between humanity and the monstrous insects which inhabit the jungle. As war threatens to consume the Valley of the Wind, Nausicaä embarks on a quest to discover a way to restore peace and harmony to the world. Along the way, she makes allies and enemies, and must battle both humans and beasts in order to save the planet from total destruction.

From Directors: Jacques Perrin, Jacques Cluzaud, Michel Debats, starring Jacques Perrin, Philippe Labro
Rated G

Winged Migration is a 2001 French documentary film directed by Jacques Perrin, Jacques Cluzaud, and Michel Debats. The film follows the migratory patterns of birds, using sophisticated camera techniques to capture the birds in flight. The birds' journey is tracked across seven continents and 40 countries, featuring breathtaking landscapes and featuring a breathtaking soundtrack of bird songs. The film follows the birds' struggles to survive in their ever-changing environment, and highlights the human impact on their paths. The film also delves into the philosophical aspects of the birds' journey, such as the idea of freedom and the price of survival. Winged Migration is a visually stunning and uplifting film about the power of nature and the beauty of life.

From Ang Lee, starring Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Adil Hussain, Tabu
Rated PG

Life of Pi is a 2012 adventure drama film based on the novel of the same name by Yann Martel. Directed by Ang Lee, the film tells the story of Piscine Molitor "Pi" Patel, a young Indian boy who survives a shipwreck in the Pacific Ocean and is stranded on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger. Through their journey, Pi and the tiger learn to coexist despite their differences and form an unexpected friendship. The film highlights the power of faith and imagination, ultimately telling a story of survival, hope, and perseverance.

From Directors: Christopher Dillon Quinn, Tommy Walker, starring Panther Bior, John Bul Dau, Nicole Kidman, Daniel Abol Pach
Rated PG

God Grew Tired of Us is a 2006 documentary film about the Lost Boys of Sudan, a group of Sudanese refugees who were forced to flee their homes during the Second Sudanese Civil War in the late 1980s. The film follows the lives of three of these boys, John Bul Dau, Panther Bior, and Daniel Abol Pach, as they make the long and difficult journey from refugee camps in Kenya to an uncertain future in the United States. Along the way, the boys learn about American life, face challenges and struggles, and find friendship and love in a strange new world. The film shows the remarkable courage, strength, and resilience of these young men as they struggle to build a better life for themselves in their adopted country. God Grew Tired of Us is a powerful, uplifting story of hope and overcoming adversity.

From Rob Stewart, starring Rob Stewart, Paul Watson, Erich Ritter, Boris Worm
Rated PG

Sharkwater is a documentary film directed and written by Rob Stewart. The film focuses on the plight of sharks around the world and their dramatic decline due to overfishing, pollution, and the illegal shark fin trade. The film follows Stewart’s three-year journey across the globe and reveals how human greed and fear have driven these majestic creatures to the brink of extinction. Stewart meets with fishermen, activists, and government officials to uncover how the global demand for shark fin soup is decimating shark populations and how governments are ineffectually regulating the shark fin trade. In addition to exploring the science, politics, and culture of sharks, the film attempts to inspire viewers to become part of the global effort to protect sharks and the oceans.

From Directors: Michael Gunton, Martha Holmes, starring Daniel Craig, Koert-Jan de Bruijn
Rated TV-PG

One Life is a 2011 feature-length documentary film directed by Michael Gunton and Martha Holmes. The film celebrates the diversity of life on Earth and explores the extraordinary struggle for existence that every species faces. It features stunning wildlife footage from around the world, with narration by Daniel Craig. The film follows the life cycles of various species, showing how they live, hunt, and mate in their natural habitats. It examines the challenges that each species faces in order to survive: from the fierce predators of the African savannah to the smallest creatures in the ocean. It also looks at how human activities, such as poaching and climate change, are impacting the planet and the species that live on it. Ultimately, One Life is a celebration of the beauty and fragility of life on Earth, showing the interconnectedness of all species and the importance of preserving and protecting them for generations to come.

From Werner Herzog, starring Timothy Treadwell, Amie Huguenard, Werner Herzog, Carol Dexter
Rated R

Grizzly Man is a documentary directed by Werner Herzog that focuses on the life and death of Timothy Treadwell, an environmentalist that lived among grizzly bears in Alaska from the mid-1990s until his death in 2003. Through interviews with his friends, family, fellow activists, and park rangers, Herzog explores Treadwell’s motivations for living among the bears and the fate that led to his and his girlfriend’s death in the wilderness. In addition to telling Treadwell’s story, Herzog examines the complex relationship between humans and animals in the modern world.

From Directors: Louise Osmond, Jerry Rothwell, starring Tilda Swinton, Donald Crowhurst, Ted Hynds, Robin Knox-Johnston
Rated PG

Deep Water is a documentary that follows amateur sailor Donald Crowhurst's ill-fated attempt to circumnavigate the world in a single-handed, non-stop sailing race in 1968. Consisting of interviews with Crowhurst's family and friends, as well as rare archival footage, the documentary paints a vivid picture both of Crowhurst's motivations for undertaking the journey and the effects of his disappearance on his family and community. Through interviews and footage of the other sailors in the race, the film also sheds light on the risks and hardships of sailing around the world in a small, open boat. The movie ultimately reveals the complexity of Crowhurst's journey, and the reasons behind his decision to sail off into the unknown.

From Mel Gibson, starring Gerardo Taracena, Raoul Max Trujillo, Dalia Hernández, Rudy Youngblood
Rated R

Apocalypto is a 2006 historical drama directed by Mel Gibson, set in the waning days of the Maya civilization. It follows the journey of a young man named Jaguar Paw, who is captured by a Maya raiding party and taken to the city of his enemies, where he is scheduled for a ritual human sacrifice. Along the way, he must use his courage and cunning to survive and eventually make it back to his tribe in the jungle. The film explores themes of survival, faith, and the collapse of an ancient civilization. As Jaguar Paw endeavors to make his way back home, he is forced to confront the darkness of his own past and the fragility of the world around him.

From Stacy Peralta, starring Laird Hamilton, Darrick Doerner, Dave Kalama, Jeff Clark
Rated PG-13

Riding Giants is a 2004 documentary directed by Stacy Peralta that chronicles the history and culture of surfers who rode the big waves of the north shore of Oahu, Hawaii. The film follows the lives and times of three legendary surfers: Greg Noll, Laird Hamilton, and Darrick Doerner. It tells the story of how these men faced the challenge of riding some of the most dangerous and unpredictable waves in the world. By combining interviews, archival footage and action sequences, the film offers a unique perspective on the evolution of surfing. It also looks at the impact that these surfers had on the sport and the culture of surfing in general. Ultimately, Riding Giants celebrates the pioneers of big wave surfing and their indomitable spirit.

From George Butler, starring Liam Neeson, Julian Ayer, John Blackborow, David Cale
Rated G

The Endurance is a documentary film directed by George Butler, released in 2000. The film follows the incredible story of the British explorer Ernest Shackleton and his 1914 expedition to Antarctica. The goal of the expedition was to make the first crossing of the continent, but nature had other plans. After their ship, the Endurance, was trapped in Antarctic ice and eventually destroyed, Shackleton and his crew were forced to survive for nearly two years in the hostile environment. The film combines archival footage and interviews to tell the epic tale of Shackleton's courage and his crew's survival as they battled the elements without losing hope. It is an inspiring story of resilience and the power of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

From Werner Herzog, starring Werner Herzog, Scott Rowland, Stefan Pashov, Doug MacAyeal
Rated G

Encounters at the End of the World is a 2007 documentary film directed by Werner Herzog, who takes a journey to Antarctica to explore the landscape and meet the people who live and work there. The film follows Herzog as he speaks with a variety of characters, from the scientific researchers who study the effects of climate change to the eccentric dreamers who call the continent their home. The film also looks at the stunning wildlife of Antarctica, including whales, seals, and a range of strange creatures living in the depths of the ocean. Through it all, Herzog offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on life at the end of the world.