The Five Best Earth Documentaries To Watch

It’s Earth Day! Established in 1970 in the USA, Earth Day is an annual event that brings together billions of people around the world in support of the environment, highlighting the urgent action that must be taken to protect our planet. 

This year, earthday.org - the global organiser of Earth Day - announced that the theme for Earth Day 2022 is ‘Invest in Our Planet’.

Looking after our planet can feel quite intimidating, especially as individuals. One thing we can all do though, is educate ourselves on some of the issues currently affecting the planet, and learn small actions we can take. So, we’ve rounded up the best Earth documentaries currently available for you to watch and take in. Learning to protect the planet and being cosy at the same time? That’s a perfect match…

KISS THE GROUND (Netflix)

It’s time to get dirty! No, really. This documentary is about the world’s soil. Narrated by Woody Harrelson, Kiss the Ground looks at how by regenerating the world’s soils, we can completely and rapidly stabilise Earth’s climate, restore lost ecosystems and create abundant food supplies. You’ll see how activists, scientists, farmers and politicians around the world are turning to regenerative agriculture, and see some pretty incred footage from NASA mixed in with arty illustrations, graphics and visuals. Lovely stuff!

POSITIVE ENERGY (Disney+)

As the name suggests, this documentary series, Positive Energy, follows Dallas Cambell and Kari Byron around the globe as they meet with innovators who are creating new ways to power the world, from small projects to large, visionary installations!

DOWN TO EARTH WITH ZAC EFRON (Netflix)

We’re all in this togetherrrr….oh wait, wrong reference. But actually, we are in this together, climate action that is! And in Down to Earth with Zac Efron, Zac - joined by his pal and wellness expert, Darin Olien - travel the world to explore healthy, sustainable ways to live. From renewable energy efforts in Iceland, to urban beekeeping in New York City, and potato cryopreservation in Peru.

HOW THE EARTH WAS MADE (Apple TV+)

From the birth of Earth to Vesuvius, the Sahara to Mont Everest, How The Earth Was Made combines on location footage and evidence from experts to uncover the geology behind our planet and the powerful forces that have helped shape it. Expect stunning visuals, fascinating facts, and to learn a lot about the rock we all call home. 

PLANET EARTH (BBC iPlayer)

Is there a more iconic documentary series than Planet Earth? David Attenborough is a national treasure for a reason! State of the art, high-def visuals, breathtaking landscapes, and the coolest of cool voiceovers, from oceans to deserts to polar ice caps, Planet Earth deep dives into every aspect of Earth. And if that’s not enough, you can also check out Planet Earth II, The Green Planet, The Blue Planet, and Frozen Planet!