Our top eco documentaries to watch in 2023

Documentary films are an amazing way to learn more about a new topic or something you have a keen interest in. It’s great to have so much content available at our fingertips, but it can be overwhelming to find the right resources for what you need so we’ve picked out a few which had a real lasting impact on us to make a difference.

The Minimalists: Less Is Now (2021)

The Minimalists released their Emmy nominated documentary following the success of their podcast “The Minimalists” where they talk about how to have a meaningful life with less "stuff". The documentary urges people to think about the immediate need to re-evaluate the consumer process and how to live with less.

Where to watch: Netflix

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David Attenborough - A Life on Our Planet (2020)

One of David Attenborough’s most impactful documentaries which shares his account of the negative human impact on the planet and his hopes for the future. He describes this film as a “witness statement” following decades of observations working all across the world on environmental projects and seeing first-hand the way the world has changed. We’d be surprised if you watched this and didn’t immediately feel like you need to do something!

Where to watch: Netflix

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Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret (2014)

Cowspiracy begins with American filmmaker, Kip Anderson, beginning his quest into looking into sustainability and the biggest sources of global warming pollution, quickly discovering that one of the main culprits is agriculture and factory farming; an industry that not many of us see behind the scenes or are aware of the true impact. 

Where to watch: Netflix

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Seaspiracy (2021)

Produced by Kip Anderson, this film follows on from Cowspiracy but focuses solely on the environmental impact of fishing taking into account the human impact on marine life. It reveals some surprising facts about plastic pollution, overfishing, farming and whether “sustainable fishing” is actually sustainable! A real eye opening documentary.

Where to watch: Netflix

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Kiss the Ground (2020)

Woody Harrelson narrates this inspiring documentary about the importance of our earth and maintaining a quality ecosystem to support successful and sustainable farming. A really interesting approach to regenerative farming in order to not only reduce emissions but reverse some of the damage so far.

Where to watch: Netflix

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Chasing Coral (2017)

A documentary available on Netflix teaching us about coral and how it has been affected by bleaching due to human behaviour. Divers and experts document the disappearance of coral reefs and explain what changes we can make so help replenish the reefs.

Where to watch: Netflix and Youtube

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The True Cost (2015)

Available to watch on Youtube, this film delves deep into the garment industry and specifically fast fashion. We don’t often think where our clothes come from when purchasing from our favourite high street stores, but this documentary looks into the exploitation of workers, working conditions, production issues and overconsumption. It was initially launched during Fashion Revolution Week in April 2015 which highlights the issues of the fashion industry.

Where to watch: Youtube The True Cost

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When Two Worlds Collide (2016)

This multi award winning documentary looks into the struggles of indigenous Peruvians in the Amazon that are trying to protect and preserve their land in a fight against their government who are trying to destroy it. It includes some shocking footage and raises the question around whether we can really make a difference in the world without the support of our leaders.

Where to watch: Plex

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A Plastic Ocean (2016)

A team of researchers travel to 20 locations around the world and investigate the impact that plastic has on not only marine life, but human life as well. With some recognisable faces having their say along the way, the adventurers uncover startling truths about plastic and our own food systems and discuss what changes we need to make to reverse the damage.

Where to watch: Amazon

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Details correct as of date of publish