Science & Nature Documentaries on Netflix
Last updated December 11, 2023
Blackfish
2013 | NR | 4.4 out of 5 StarsThis fascinating documentary examines the life of performing killer whale Tilikum -- who has caused the deaths of several people while in captivity -- and questions the safety and humaneness of confining these intelligent creatures.
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The Whale
2011 | NR | 4.4 out of 5 StarsNarrated by Ryan Reynolds, this documentary introduces Luna, a killer whale who befriends a community living off Vancouver Island. Conflicted emotions rise to the surface as officials try to determine what's best for the extraordinary animal.
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Forks Over Knives
2011 | NR | 4.2 out of 5 StarsFocusing on research by two food scientists, this documentary reveals that despite broad advances in medical technology, the popularity of animal-based and modern processed foods have led to epidemic rates of obesity, diabetes and other diseases.
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The Gerson Miracle
2004 | NR | 4.2 out of 5 StarsSharing the stories of nine longtime cancer survivors, this program explores the principles and effectiveness of Gerson Therapy, a holistic method of treating cancer and other degenerative diseases developed by Dr. Max Gerson in 1928. Gerson's daughter, Charlotte -- founder of the Gerson Institute -- also discusses her fight to keep the controversial therapy going despite objections from those who question its effectiveness.
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Forks Over Knives - The Extended Interviews
2012 | NR | 4.2 out of 5 StarsThis companion to the acclaimed documentary about veganism includes never-before-seen footage of expert interviews, covering several themes in greater depth and addressing important issues that weren't touched on in the film.
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Wild Horse Wild Ride
2011 | NR | 4.2 out of 5 StarsAn annual contest challenges 100 people across the United States to tame a wild mustang in 100 days. Following this dangerous and harrowing feat is a public showcase that determines whether these horses can be saved from a life in captivity.
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Chasing Ice
2012 | NR | 4.2 out of 5 StarsEnvironmental photographer James Balog deploys time-lapse cameras to capture a record of the world's changing glaciers, compressing years into seconds to illustrate how these ice mountains are disappearing at a breathtaking rate.
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David Attenborough: Wildlife Specials
2008 | NR | 4.1 out of 5 StarsWorld-renowned naturalist David Attenborough -- considered the father of the modern nature documentary -- headlines this collection of programs that explore the planet's most fascinating animals and most breathtaking landscapes. Attenborough travels around the world to get up-close footage of polar bears, leopards and other amazing creatures, and visits stunning locations such as the ice caves of Europe and South America's Angel Falls.
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Ken Burns: The National Parks: America's Best Idea
2009 | NR | 4.1 out of 5 StarsThe award-winning documentarian turns his insight and cameras to the history and breathtaking splendor of America's national parks. The words of early naturalists and modern advocates accompany panoramas of Yosemite, Glacier, Redwood and other parks.
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DisneyNature: Wings of Life
2011 | NR | 4.1 out of 5 StarsFull of intrigue, drama and beauty, this mesmerizing documentary looks at bats, butterflies, hummingbirds and bees -- increasingly endangered little creatures that a third of the world's food supply depends on. Meryl Streep narrates.
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National Geographic: Amazing Planet
2005 | NR | 4.1 out of 5 StarsThis three-part journey from National Geographic travels into the distant past to watch our planet take shape through the actions of lava, magma and time; explores Earth's magnificent seas; and reveals the awesome power of wind, water and ice. Narrated by Emmy-winning actress Patricia Clarkson and featuring stunning photography and effects, the collection includes the programs "Born of Fire," "Ocean Realm" and "Destructive Forces."
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Ken Burns: The National Parks: America's Best Idea
2009 | NR | 4.1 out of 5 StarsTrace the history of American national parks with director Ken Burns's rousing documentary, which recounts how remarkable heroes fought to preserve nature for all people and offers striking views from Yosemite, Yellowstone and other stunning locales. Narrated by Peter Coyote, this Emmy-nominated program also features the voices of talented actors like Tom Hanks, Andy Garcia, John Lithgow, George Takei and Sam Waterston.
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Happy People: A Year in the Taiga
2010 | NR | 4.1 out of 5 StarsVenerated documentarian Werner Herzog teams with director Dmitry Vasyukov for this observant look at life along the River Yenisei in northern Russia, where the industrious inhabitants of a rural village truly live off the land.
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National Geographic: Amazing Planet
2005 | NR | 4.1 out of 5 StarsThis three-part journey from National Geographic travels into the distant past to watch our planet take shape through the actions of lava, magma and time; explores Earth's magnificent seas; and reveals the awesome power of wind, water and ice.
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Dying to Have Known
2006 | NR | 4.1 out of 5 StarsFilmmaker Steve Kroschel sets out to determine the legitimacy of a holistic cancer treatment that has been around -- and been dismissed by the American medical establishment -- for nearly a century.
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National Geographic: Eternal Enemies: Lions and Hyenas
2006 | NR | 4.1 out of 5 StarsTravel deep into the dark and mysterious animal world of Botswana where never-before-seen footage reveals the intensely brutal and often bloody conflict between lions and spotted hyenas. Filmed primarily at night, this nature documentary provides viewers a "hiding in the shadows" glimpse into the creatures' ancient rivalry -- a savage, almost ganglike feud between the powerful Southern Clan of hyenas and the Central Pride of stately lions.
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Dirt! The Movie
2009 | NR | 4.1 out of 5 StarsDirt takes center stage in this entertaining yet poignant documentary from Bill Benenson and Gene Rosow, which unearths our cosmic connection to soil and explores how diverse groups of people are uniting to save the natural resource.
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David Attenborough: Wildlife Specials
2008 | NR | 4.1 out of 5 StarsNaturalist David Attenborough travels around the world to get up-close footage of polar bears, leopards and other amazing creatures, visiting stunning locations like the ice caves of Europe and South America's Angel Falls.
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National Geographic: Explorer: 25 Years
2010 | NR | 4.1 out of 5 StarsCelebrate "Explorer's" 25 years of compelling programming with this commemorative special that recaps such show highlights as an undersea expedition to the Titanic wreckage, a tour of the Guantanamo Bay detention center and a report from North Korea. Throughout this documentary television series' quarter century on the air, its viewers have visited more than 100 countries and learned fascinating lessons about science, wildlife and humankind.
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Vanishing of the Bees
2009 | NR | 4.1 out of 5 StarsThis documentary details the economic, political and ecological consequences of a dwindling world honeybee population. It's a phenomenon with a name -- Colony Collapse Disorder -- but no explanation or solution exists.
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180° South
2010 | NR | 4.1 out of 5 StarsInspired by pioneering outdoorsman Yvon Chouinard's freewheeling 1968 van trip to Patagonia, South America, a band of bliss-seeking surfer-mountaineers sets out -- in 2007, by boat -- to remake the journey in this adventure documentary. Jeff Johnson and his buddies hug the coast, stopping at the Galapagos Islands and Easter Island before arriving in Patagonia -- a region that's still breathtaking but is now besieged by environmental threats.
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Queen of the Sun: What Are the Bees Telling Us?
2010 | NR | 4.0 out of 5 StarsQueen of the Sun takes viewers on a journey through the catastrophic disappearance of bees and the mysterious world of the beehive, revealing the dramatic stories of beekeepers, scientists and philosophers from around the world.
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The Big Fix
2011 | NR | 4.0 out of 5 StarsWhile turning their cameras on the devastating 2010 oil spill that pumped 779,037,744 liters of crude oil and other contaminants into the Gulf of Mexico, filmmakers Joshua Tickell and Rebecca Harrell Tickell unearth a stunning stream of corruption.
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Cosmic Collisions
2009 | NR | 4.0 out of 5 StarsAsteroids and other cosmic objects fill our solar system, and Earth could be in the path of many of them. This Discovery Channel documentary reveals the planet's precarious position in the cosmos and what scientists are doing to prevent catastrophe.
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Triage: Dr. James Orbinski's Humanitarian Dilemma
2007 | NR | 4.0 out of 5 StarsWriting a book about his past experiences and the current situation in Africa, Nobel Peace Prize recipient and former head of Doctors Without Borders Dr. James Orbinski travels to Somalia, Rwanda and the Congo, where he confronts disturbing truths. This documentary follows Orbinski's incredible journey as he recalls troubling memories of violence and despair but also finds signs of solidarity, compassion and true humanitarianism.
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