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#1 - My Octopus Teacher (2020, Netflix)

Filmmaker James Reed finds himself up close and intimate with an octopus off the African coast. Almost everyday for nearly a year, Reed documented his encounters with the octopus, forming an unlikely but heartwarming bond with her over time. My Octopus Teacher is a tear jerking documentary and a beautiful example of the coexisting and learning experiences that can occur when humans allow nature to do the teaching for once.

#2 - 14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible (2021, Netflix)

As the sport of mountaineering progresses, many are finding new ways to push the boundaries and propel themselves to the top. 14 Peaks follows the journey of a seasoned Nepalese climber as he attempts something few have ever accomplished, in a shorter time than anyone thought possible: summit all 14 of the world's 8,000-meter peaks in under seven months. Nirmal Purja is a charismatic, prideful protagonist working to bring honor back to his home country. His trip through the Himalayas is inspiring and gut wrenching all at once.

#3 - Fantastic Fungi (2019, Netflix)

Fungi outdate every living species known to man, and their uses and qualities are still widely misunderstood. Despite this, Fantastic Fungi is one of the most informative documentaries ever made, sharing information about the magical organisms beneath our very feet. Who knew mushrooms were so damn interesting? Add the mesmerizing timelapses of rare and intricate species of fungi growing, and you get an entertaining and enlightening documentary about the future of medicine.

#4 - Dancing with the Birds (2019, Netflix)

You think dating is complicated until you witness some of the world’s strangest birds attempt to attract mates. The mating rituals of the bird kingdom are fascinating, and Dancing with the Birds captures that with perfection. Plus, the killer soundtrack makes the film even more entertaining to watch.

#5 - The River Runner (2021, Netflix)

In the world of extreme sports, there are not many more dangerous than whitewater kayaking. Athlete Scott Lindgren has an amazing story, and The River Runner perfectly captures his journey from novice to becoming the first man to paddle Tibet’s four great rivers. It is an exhilarating documentary tale that keeps the audience rooting Lindgren on from the edge of their seat.

#6 - Night on Earth (2020, Netflix)

This list wouldn’t be complete without the Netflix miniseries Night on Earth. Not only is it beautiful, but the documentary uses revolutionary camera technology to see nature in a whole new light. The entire series is unlike any other footage of nature out there, showcasing the nightly activities of the world’s creatures that have never before been caught on camera. It is absolutely a must watch.

#7 - Free Solo (2018, Disney Plus)

Free Solo has been touted as the greatest climbing movie ever made, and it is obvious why. Alex Honnold attempts the impossible, a grueling climb up one of the sheerest rock faces in the world, without a single rope to catch his fall. The story of Honnold climbing El Capitan is legendary, and this documentary perfectly captures the energy and excitement of his feat.

#8 - Magical Andes (2019-, Netflix)

Everyone will benefit from knowing the stories of the South American Andes Mountains. Full of rich culture, breathtaking views and diverse organisms, the world’s longest mountain range is home to some of the most unique locations in the world, and this 6-part series aims to perfectly capture the life of its inhabitants. It is a stunning biography of a largely untouched part of the globe.

#9 - Dear Rider (2021, HBO Max)

Despite being mocked and doubted, Jake Burton, founder of Burton Snowboards, dedicated his life to the sport of snowboarding. He single-handedly turned the sport into a worldwide phenomenon in just a few years. Dear Rider follows his fascinating journey to transform snowboarding from a pipe dream into a global commodity adored by its millions of fans.

#10 - The Ivory Game (2016, Netflix)

To put it bluntly, this is a tear-jerking, gut-wrenching documentary. The issue of elephant poaching is widely ignored, but this documentary sheds a necessary light on the situation. It leaves the viewer with the grim message: there is no end in sight. The Ivory Game is a moving film that warns of the consequences of a booming ivory market and how countries are letting it happen right under their noses.

Top 10 Nature Documentaries