The best documentaries by Sir David Attenborough

Find out all about his most popular documentaries plus where you can watch them.

David-Attenborough

by Lorna White |
Updated on

All of Sir David Attenborough's brilliant documentaries about the natural world and the impact of climate change have been popular across the globe.

With so many documentaries by David Attenborough, we've rounded up some of our favourites that teach us some important lessons about the environment, plus where you can watch them.

Our Planet (2019) and Our Planet II (2023)

This documentary focuses on the importance of conservation, taking a closer look at the endangered animals in their home regions, as well as highlighting human impact on the environment.

The second instalment of this series, Our Planet II is being released June 14, 2023. This second series has a focus on how and why our animals migrate each year, telling some of the most dramatic stories of the natural world through spectacular cinematography as Sir David narrates.

Where to watch: Netflix

Wild Isles (2023)

Extraordinary. Dramatic. Beautiful. Sir David Attenborough celebrates the wonders of British wildlife. It's our home, as you've never seen it before.

One of David's more recent wildlife series, which you can catch up with on BBC iPlayer is a five-part series focusing on the British Isles, and why our little slice of the world is so important when it comes to nature and wildlife.

Speaking about the Wild Isles documentary series, David said: "In my long lifetime, I have travelled to almost every corner of our planet. I can assure you that in the British Isles, as well as astonishing scenery there are extraordinary animal dramas and wildlife spectacles to match anything I have seen on my global travels."

From rivers, to the coast, to woodland and meadows – with some familiar critters as well as ones you may not have expected.

The year the Earth changed (2021)

Following a year like no other due to the coronavirus pandemic, David is exploring how lockdown impacted the environment, and what we can learn from this.

The documentary is available to watch on Apple TV+.

In an interview with the BBC, David said he hoped that viewers would take away some important messages from his new film.

"Human beings, even with the best will in the world, cannot but restrict the natural world. That's what we're doing, we're pushing it aside, even the most considerate of us.

"That's almost inevitable to some degree, but let us realise we are intruders, that we are latecomers, and that the natural world actually by-and-large would do much better if we weren't there at all."

Speaking about the climate summit that is set to take place at the end of this year, David shared how important it is for leaders of the world to agree on these important subjects.

"We have got to get together and the nations of the world have got to agree that it'll mean some things people will have to give up, others will have to be understanding, all those problems have got to be sorted out, we haven't done it before but we have to do it now."

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet (2020)

This very special documentary was as David put it, his 'witness statement'. In this film, David shares first hand his experience how he's seen the planet change over the years due to humanity's impact. This film was first released in October 2020.

Where to watch: Netflix

Frozen Planet (2011)

This seven part documentary series shone a light on the coldest parts of our planet, in both the Arctic and Antarctic. It focussed on how climate change is impacting the ice caps and glaciers. It was originally released in 2011.

Where to watch: BBC iPlayer

Planet Earth II (2016)

This 2016 series is a sequel to Planet Earth and looks at the world's Islands, Mountains, Jungles, Deserts, Grasslands and Cities. Fans will be pleased to hear that Planet Earth III is rumoured to be coming out in 2022.

Where to watch: BBC iPlayer

Extinction: The Facts (2020)

This 2020 film shows how humans are causing a mass extinction, and the things we can do to put a stop to it and protect all the Earth's species and reverse these affects.

Where to watch: BBC iPlayer

Blue Planet II (2017)

Perhaps David Attenborough's most favourite documentary when you talk to fans, Blue Planet focussed on the wonders of marine life and was first released in 2017.

Where to watch:BBC iPlayer

Deep Ocean: Giants of the Antarctic Deep (2017)

There's something so fascinating about the ocean, and this documentary is about the first scientific research on the extraordinary forms of life that thrive in the Southern Ocean.

Where to watch: BBC iPlayer

Seven Worlds, One Planet (2019)

In this documentary series, David reveals the extraordinary wildlife stories and unseen wilderness of our seven unique continents with an environmental message.

Where to watch: BBC iPlayer

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