Photo: Extrapolations, Apple TV+
Saturday, Apr 22 marks Earth Day, an annual event that celebrates the environment and raises awareness on climate change issues. To mark the occasion, here’s a roundup of movies and documentaries to watch on streaming platforms right now.
Some shows are entertaining, a few are must-see classics, while others tell it like it is – by exposing the consequences of our actions. Ultimately all will help you understand the issues facing our planet and perhaps inspire you to take action for a more sustainable future.
Don’t Look Up, 2021
This movie stars big names such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Timothee Chalamet, Jonah Hill and Cate Blanchett. Two astronomers discover a comet hurtling toward earth – the problem is, nobody wants to take this end-of-the-world news seriously. It’s an unflinching satire on the real world and its reaction to potential crises.
Watch it on Netflix.
Seaspiracy, 2021
The documentary by Ali Tabrizi takes a deep dive into the negative impact of commercial fishing, and highlights the corrupt practices that damage the marine ecosystem. It’s hard to digest – and gory – at times, but definitely worth watching for the sake of our oceans.
Watch it on Netflix.
One Strange Rock, 2018
This 10-episode documentary series is the story of Earth told through the lens of acclaimed filmmaker Darren Aronofshy and award-winning producer Jane Root. Hosted by Will Smith, One Strange Rock highlights our unique place in the universe and the wonders of our planet.
Watch it on Disney+.
Extrapolations, 2023
The anthology series might be a little slow but its star-studded cast and interesting storylines will keep you enthralled. Writer, director and executive producer Scott Z Burns envisions a near future where “the chaotic effects of climate change have become embedded into our everyday lives”. There are eight interwoven stories across the globe but each one explores the fate of humanity and the life-altering choices that must be made in a world on the brink of ruin.
Watch it on Apple TV+.
An Inconvenient Truth, 2006, and An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth To Power, 2017
The original documentary premiered 17 years ago, and went on to win two Academy Awards – Best Documentary Feature and Best Original Song. The sequel follows Vice President Al Gore as he continues his campaign to fight global climate change and raise awareness on the dangers of global warming.
Watch them on Apple TV+.
Down to Earth with Zac Efron, 2020 (season 1) and 2022 (season 2)
Go on a globe-trotting adventure with actor Zac Efron as he travels with wellness expert Darin Olien and explores healthy, sustainable ways to live. From Iceland to Sardinia, discover about the farm-to-table lifestyle, renewable energy, medicinal plants, and more. In season 2, he heads to Australia to explore regenerative agriculture, organic food production and habitat conservation.
Watch it on Netflix.
David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet, 2020
No Earth Day is complete without watching a David Attenborough documentary. The celebrated naturalist and broadcaster reflects on his life and career, and details the most significant environmental changes he has seen across the world.
Watch it on Netflix.
Wall-E, 2008
It has been dubbed “An Inconvenient Truth for kids”, but really, it’s an entertaining and thought-provoking animated film for all ages. Set in a post-apocalyptic future, the protagonist is a trash-collecting robot Wall-E who finds a little sapling – proof that Earth is able to support life, again – and embarks on an adventure through space. Themes revolving around love, artificial intelligence and overconsumption still remain relevant today.
Watch it on Disney+.
Disneynature’s Polar Bear, 2022
Polar Bear is, well, about polar bears. The film follows a mother and her two cubs as they navigate an increasingly challenging environment. Narrated by Catherine Keener, the film takes the viewer on a rollercoaster of emotions through a tale of motherhood alongside glorious visuals of the Arctic Circle.
Watch it on Disney+.
