13 must-see environmental documentaries

From climate change and plastic pollution to mass agriculture, here's a list of 13 documentaries worth watching (or rewatching!). We've tried to focus on documentaries that tell the truth, certainly, but remain full of beauty and hope. A rollercoaster of emotions that will leave you with a fierce determination to protect our planet.

1. Our planet

This powerful documentary series, comprised of eight episodes narrated by David Attenborough, features stunning and breathtaking images: we rediscover forests and oceans in their most pristine state. What we consider our home is a planet made up of diverse ecosystems, each more beautiful and fascinating than the last. We humans are just a small part of it. Unfortunately, we act like predators and threaten this precious balance. The documentary tells us that nature may well one day fight back and reclaim what is rightfully hers. She doesn't need us, but we need her.

2. A life on our planet

This is a biographical film format, where David Attenborough (again! Am I a fan? Yes, absolutely) recounts his career memories. Over the years, he has witnessed the evolution and destruction of nature. How we eat, how we consume, how we travel: the way we live as humans is destroying what we consider our home. If, at any point, the film makes you uncomfortable, it's probably because the truth is often unsettling. But the world-renowned naturalist also shares his vision for the future, and for future generations. The documentary ends on a very positive note, with concrete ways for all of us to begin making a difference.

3. An ocean of plastic

This documentary by Craig Leeson sheds light on marine ecosystems. We discover the consequences of our modern civilization. We all know that plastic is a problem, but do we truly understand how serious it is? In this moving documentary, we measure the interconnectedness between our plastic consumption and the health of our planet.

4. Minimalism

The most pressing problems facing our planet stem from our excessive lifestyles. We consume and waste too much. Minimalism is a documentary that explores the concept of minimalism and how owning less can lead to a more balanced life. Watching this documentary might inspire you to seriously declutter your home!

5. Cowspiracy

This documentary, which was crowdfunded in 2014, focuses on the meat industry. Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn explore the devastating environmental impact of animal agriculture. While some of their claims have been challenged, it remains clear to us that the meat industry plays a major role in deforestation, water pollution, and climate change.

6. Seaspiracy

"The oceans will be emptied of their fish within the next 27 years." Produced by Kip Andersen and directed by Ali Tabrizi, this documentary explores the various effects of industrial fishing on our ecosystem. Plastic pollution, but also overfishing, slaughter, and even modern slavery: you'll see just how complex the problem is. If you're not yet ready to switch to a vegan diet, this documentary will certainly make you reconsider what you put on your plate.

7. The Wisdom of the Octopus

It might seem surprising to mention this film here, but I think it deserves a place. My Octopus Teacher is the touching (true) story of a friendship between Craig Foster and an octopus. By showing just how intelligent and sensitive this cephalopod is, it makes you want to learn more about marine life, and ultimately, to protect it.

8. A Brave Blue World

I have access to clean tap water. It's a privilege, and I'm aware of it. So many people on Earth don't have access to safe or drinkable water. Many still don't have access at all. This documentary from Water.org (the organization co-founded by Matt Damon) addresses the issues of water scarcity, water safety, and explores solutions for managing water sustainably.

9. Kiss the Ground: Regenerative Agriculture

The solution might be right beneath our feet. When we talk about ecology, we often mention air or ocean pollution. This documentary aims to show that the soil could actually be our best tool for improvement. It presents ideas on how to implement better agricultural practices through regenerative agriculture.

10. Chasing Coral - Climate in Peril

Living corals are bright and colorful. They are tiny but essential. Beyond their beauty, they are also the guardians of our oceans' biodiversity. They protect marine life, and they protect our shores. This documentary explores the rapidly spreading phenomenon of coral bleaching. A must-see before your next trip to the sea.

11. There's something in the water

If you've never heard of environmental racism, this documentary is a must-see. Directed by Elliot Page and Ian Daniel, it sheds light on toxic industrial practices and government inaction that disproportionately affect impoverished communities. While the documentary focuses on North American lands, you can imagine that these kinds of problems exist globally.

12. Tomorrow

Cyril Dion and Mélanie Laurent's documentary is a source of inspiration. They traveled the globe with their team to discover the best solutions and initiatives to our most pressing problems, both environmental and social. They meet individuals and entrepreneurs who are fighting to make things better. They offer a positive vision of our future.

13. 2040

I'll finish with the most optimistic and playful film on this list. 2040 is a hopeful documentary. Australian filmmaker Damon Gamon wonders what 2040 will look like for his daughter. He travels the world in search of the best existing solutions and gives us a vision of what the world could be like if we started using them on a large scale. The solutions for a better future already exist; they're right here!