Streaming companies have never failed the audience in providing a diverse collection of TV shows, movies, and documentaries. Nothing would be more comfortable than watching a nature documentary on a 65 inch TV in an air-conditioned room. The viewer is able to experience a location without actually visiting the place. In fact, the top-rated TV shows on IMDb are nature documentaries. Here is a look at some of the best nature documentaries of recent times.
Our Planet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aETNYyrqNYE
This Netflix produced documentary showcases various habitats and environments around the world. It ranges from the dense wet Amazon forests to the chilly region of Antarctica. I really liked the fact that each episode focused only on a specific habitat (such as jungles, deserts, coastal areas, high seas, etc). The series wrapped up in eight episodes. The episodes were filmed in 4K making them a delight to watch on the big screen. The visuals are jaw-dropping.
Planet Earth I & II
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8aFcHFu8QM
Planet Earth was the first documentary to be filmed in high definition. It took five years to film this Emmy winning documentary. Planet Earth was released in 2006 while its sequel aired in 2016. A third sequel is set to release in 2022. Did I mention that Hans Zimmer provided the score for the documentary?
Dynasties
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWI1eCbksdE
While the previous two documentaries focused on habitats and biomes, each episode of Dynasties is based on an endangered animal. The animals are chimpanzees, penguins, tigers, wolves, and lions. Multiple examples of survival tactics used by animals are given throughout the show. It also deals with how forces of nature impact an animal’s life. Dynasties offers some of the most breath-taking sequences of animals on TV.
Frozen Planet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNiBL8Jok4s
Frozen Planet is based on life in the Antarctic and the Arctic regions. The first five episodes analyze life in the cold regions during various seasons. Special episodes are also reserved for the Antarctic penguins and the Arctic polar bears. The documentary also mentions talks about volcanic eruptions in Antarctica. Most importantly, it has recorded the impact of global warming and climate change on glaciers and ice shelves.
Africa
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTVL_PWl7Tw
Based on the vast continent of Africa, this six-episode series takes the viewer on a journey to explore its wildlife. Animals often use various tactics and tricks to catch their prey. The narrator has also explained how poaching and habitat loss has impacted wildlife in Africa. Episodes are based on The Kalahari desert, The Congo and The Sahara.
Special Mention: Cosmos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbu72k7SbbE
Although Cosmos is not a nature documentary, it explores the secrets of the universe like no one else. Carl Sagan and Neil deGrasse Tyson give an insight into the various cosmological theories and the governing laws of space and time. The series is thought-provoking and informative. Cosmos is a documentary that you will not forget for a long time. It also has some of the most ground-breaking visuals in television history.
David Attenborough has been the flag-bearer of nature documentaries. He has narrated 5 out of the 6 above-mentioned shows. The purpose of these shows is to make viewers realize that nature cannot be taken for granted.
