In a world increasingly shaped by climate headlines, environmental documentaries have become more than just films—they’re tools for awareness, education, and action. From the frontlines of deforestation to the rising seas of small island nations, these stories show what’s at stake—and why it matters.

With streaming platforms giving these films a global audience, the best ones do more than present problems. They introduce change-makers, challenge complacency, and spark movements. If you’re looking to get informed or inspired, this list of top environmental documentaries is a great place to start.

Whether you’re passionate about wildlife conservation, clean energy, food systems, or climate justice, these powerful true story docs of 2025 and recent years capture the urgency—and hope—of this critical moment.

1. The Human Element (2025)

In this standout release of the year, environmental photographer James Balog returns with a follow-up to his earlier works. The Human Element explores how earth, air, fire, water, and humanity interact—and often collide.

Why it’s powerful: Stunning visuals and deeply personal stories remind viewers that climate change isn’t abstract—it’s already shaping people’s lives today.

2. To the Last Drop (2024)

This investigative documentary takes a close look at water rights and corporate control in North America. With a focus on Indigenous communities and rural towns, it’s a sobering exploration of who gets water—and who doesn’t.

Why it’s sparking change: It’s led to policy discussions and public outcry in regions facing long-term drought. A must-watch among climate change films focused on equity and justice.

Promotional image for The Territory showing a forest with a fiery border under the National Geographic logo.

3. The Territory (2022)

Produced in part by the Uru-eu-wau-wau people of the Amazon, this National Geographic film tells the story of Indigenous resistance against illegal land grabbing and deforestation in Brazil.

Why it’s essential: It puts a human face on environmental activism and gives voice to communities often left out of climate conversations.

4. Eating Our Way to Extinction (2022)

Narrated by Kate Winslet, this film explores how industrial agriculture and meat production affect the planet. Featuring scientists, activists, and farmers, it makes a case for shifting how we think about food.

Why it’s thought-provoking: It’s one of the few top environmental documentaries that connects everyday food choices to deforestation, ocean collapse, and public health.

5. I Am Greta (2020)

Following the rise of climate activist Greta Thunberg, this documentary offers an inside look at her global journey—from school strikes to international speeches.

Why it’s inspiring: Beyond the headlines, it shows the emotional and personal cost of activism. A humanising portrait of a youth-led movement.

6. Breaking Boundaries: The Science of Our Planet (2021)

Hosted by Sir David Attenborough and Professor Johan Rockström, this film breaks down the nine planetary boundaries we must stay within to avoid environmental collapse.

Why it’s important: It’s both a crash course in Earth systems science and a call to action. The visuals and data are striking, but the solutions are equally compelling.

7. 2040 (2019)

Filmmaker Damon Gameau presents a positive, solutions-focused documentary about what the world could look like if we adopted existing technologies to fight climate change.

Why it stands out: In a genre often dominated by bleak predictions, this is an optimistic, family-friendly film full of hope and innovation.

8. Youth v Gov (2022)

This powerful courtroom documentary follows 21 young plaintiffs suing the U.S. government over its role in climate change. It’s a story of resilience, frustration, and belief in legal justice as a path to reform.

Why it’s impactful: It highlights the emotional weight of environmental litigation and brings legal battles to life for a broad audience.

9. All That Breathes (2022)

Set in New Delhi, this poetic documentary follows two brothers who care for injured birds of prey affected by pollution. Quiet, lyrical, and meditative, it connects environmental issues with daily life and spirituality.

Why it deserves more attention: It won major festival awards but remains lesser known. It is a beautiful addition to the category of true-story docs with a strong emotional core.

Five people stand amid airplane wreckage in a rural setting, under a word FIN in movie poster style.

10. Fin (2021)

Directed by Eli Roth and produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, this documentary investigates the global shark fin trade and ocean destruction. It mixes hidden camera footage, expert interviews, and undercover journalism.

Why it’s gripping: It’s not easy to watch, but it’s one of the most urgent ocean-focused climate change films available today.

Why These Films Matter

Documentaries are uniquely positioned to educate and motivate. They combine emotional storytelling with facts and evidence, often reaching audiences that might never read a police report or attend a protest.

Watching a good environmental documentary can:

  • Spark conversations with friends and family
  • Shift personal habits, from food choices to energy use
  • Encourage activism and civic engagement
  • Support movements and organisations doing on-the-ground work
  • Influence public policy and voting behaviour

They’re more than just entertainment—they’re fuel for change.

Where to Watch Them

Most of these films are available on major streaming platforms:

  • Netflix: Breaking Boundaries, I Am Greta, Youth v Gov
  • Disney+ / National Geographic: The Territory
  • Amazon Prime Video: Eating Our Way to Extinction, Fin
  • Apple TV / Rentals: 2040, All That Breathes
  • Documentary-specific platforms: WaterBear, CuriosityStream, and Kanopy (library access)

By supporting these documentaries, viewers also support the filmmakers, journalists, and communities involved in bringing these stories to life.

Themes to Watch in 2025’s Environmental Documentaries

As we move through 2025, certain topics are becoming more central in the environmental film world. Expect new documentaries to dig deeper into:

  • Climate migration and displacement
  • Intersectional environmentalism, including race, gender, and class in climate action
  • Greenwashing and corporate responsibility
  • Renewable energy innovations
  • Regenerative agriculture and soil restoration
  • Biodiversity collapse and species recovery efforts

The best true-story documentaries of 2025 don’t just inform—they empower. They show what’s possible and invite viewers to be part of the solution.

Final Thoughts: Watch, Learn, Act

The planet is changing fast—but so is our ability to understand and respond. Top environmental documentaries help close the gap between data and emotion. They make complex issues human, urgent, and personal.

As the list of climate change films grows, so does their impact. These aren’t just stories about the planet—they’re stories about people, power, and possibility.

So if you’re ready to learn, to care, and to act, these true story docs of 2025 and beyond are the perfect place to start.