Earth Day isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s a moment to pause, reflect, and reconnect with our planet. With climate headlines becoming increasingly alarming, from record-breaking temperatures to the urgent warnings about ocean plastic predicted to triple by 2040, it’s clear that awareness and action are needed more than ever.
Whether you’re looking for inspiration, education, or just a gentle reminder of Earth’s beauty, movies have the unique power to move us. This Earth Day, we’ve curated 20 must-watch films, from eye-opening documentaries to heartwarming animated favorites, designed to spark conversations, ignite action, and remind us why every effort counts in protecting our shared home.
16 Earth Day Movie Options
The list below are our top picks for educational movies and documentaries that embrace earth day. There is something for adults, kids, and families! These are a great way to start conversations about making a difference.
After spending a day doing some Earth Day activities, these movies are a great way to snuggle up and finish the day together.
DisneyNature
Disney has a collection of movies just for kids that promote awareness of nature. The documentaries will take kids on a worldwide journey and tell tales of nature and the importance of caring for it.
Watch DisneynatureAn Inconvenient Truth (2006)
Former Vice President Al Gore presents a compelling documentary on the dangers of climate change and the urgent need for action. This Academy Award winning documentary uses a visuals and humor to educate viewers on the future of our planet.
Watch an Inconvenient TruthWALL-E (2008)
In a future where Earth is uninhabitable, a small waste-collecting robot named Wall-E embarks on a journey that could change the fate of humanity. This Pixar animated film shows Wall-E abandoned and alone. But with his optimism and perseverance he takes a journey looking for a better future.
Watch Wall-EThe Lorax (2012)
An animated adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s classic tale about a young boy who discovers the importance of environmental conservation. The story is a look at the dangers of consumerism and industrialization – done in a way that kids young and old will enjoy.
Watch The LoraxBefore the Flood (2016)
Leonardo DiCaprio explores the effects of climate change and discusses potential solutions with global leaders and scientists.
Watch Before the FloodChasing Ice (2012)
Photographer James Balog documents the rapid melting of glaciers through time-lapse photography, providing visual evidence of climate change.
Watch Chasing IceRacing Extinction (2015)
A team of activists exposes the hidden world of endangered species and the race to prevent mass extinction. The film exposes topics like illegal wildlife trade, overfishing, and the impact of climate change.
Watch Racing ExtinctionPlanet Earth (2006 & 2016)
A groundbreaking documentary series showcasing the diverse habitats and wildlife of our planet. Each season is filled with various habitats and how the changing earth is affecting them in the wild.
Watch Planet EarthA Plastic Ocean (2016)
Investigates the devastating impact of plastic pollution on marine life and the environment. A filmmaker and diver take us on a worldwide journey and share how bad the plastic pollution really is.
Watch A Plastic OceanThe Biggest Little Farm (2018)
The Biggest Little Farm follows a couple’s journey to create a sustainable farm. The couple move from Los Angeles to a 200-acre farm to start a career in self-sustaining farmland. The movie highlights the challenges and rewards of eco-friendly agriculture.
Watch the Biggest Little FarmFernGully: The Last Rainforest (1992)
An animated tale where fairies and a human work together to save the rainforest from destruction. Tells the tale of forestry and logging and how these little forest dwellers save their home.
Watch Fern GullyKiss the Ground (2020)
Kiss the Ground is a 2020 documentary narrated by Woody Harrelson that explores regenerative agriculture as a viable solution to climate change. The film highlights how practices like cover cropping, composting, and reduced tillage can restore soil health, enhance biodiversity, and sequester atmospheric carbon.
Featuring insights from scientists, farmers, and activists, it presents a hopeful message that healing the planet is achievable through sustainable farming methods. The documentary is available for streaming on Netflix.
Jane (2017)
Jane Goodall spent her life working with primates. This documentary focuses on her life and work with chimpanzees and more. Viewers will see a journey that includes stunning imagery and the importance of conservation.
Watch JaneBorn to Be Wild (2011)
Explore the amazing people who work hard every day to save wild animals. The documentary features orphaned orangutangs and elephants and showcases the importance of animal rescue.
Watch Born to Be WildEarth Day (2017)
Earth Day is a documentary that explores the impact of human existence upon the Earth and what can be done to prevent an ecological disaster. With footage shot around the world, Earth Day both entertains and educates the viewer on the latest global warming and climate change efforts to restore our Earth.
Watch Earth DayThe True Cost (2015)
Just how much of an impact do the clothes you buy have on the earth? More than you may think! This documentary covers fast fashion and how the impact to both our environment and people is not good.
Watch the True Cost