10 documentary tips about the animal kingdom

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Raise your hand if you like watching documentaries about the animal kingdom!

It's no surprise to anyone that animal life is one of the main focuses when it comes to documentaries.

Knowing how certain animals behave in their natural habitats is something that generally attracts our curiosity.

And it is thanks to the fascination that nature and the animal kingdom are capable of provoking in us that documentaries about the animal kingdom are so successful!

And that's what we've created this content with! Throughout this material, you'll get to know 10 suggestions for documentaries about the animal kingdom!

There are several options and different themes for you to choose which one suits you best! 

10 suggestions for documentaries about the animal kingdom

Cowspiracy: The Secret to Sustainability

You know those documentaries that, besides being very informative, also help us reflect on certain themes and subjects? Cowspiracy is definitely one of those!

Even though it is not specifically a production that talks about the animal kingdom itself like the other documentaries on the list, this is one of the most important films in this content.

Available on Netflix, the documentary invites viewers to reflect on the impact caused by humanity on Earth and animal life.

Issues such as intensive agriculture are intensifying this and even how large companies and environmental groups are ignoring this progress.

Among the themes explored in the documentary are issues such as the emission of gases that intensify the greenhouse effect, deforestation, water waste and the unbridled consumption of food of animal origin – highlighting the negative aspects of this point.

Since its release in 2014, Cowspiracy has been a huge success – so much so that it has received several awards, including best foreign film at the 12th edition of the Festival de films pour l'environnement.

Our Planet

Another documentary that is also available on Netflix is Our Planet. In the miniseries format, the production explores all the beauty of the animal kingdom in a unique way. 

Directed by David Attenborough – a naturalist and important environmental activist – through the lens of the documentary, we are able to understand a little more about the routine and life of animals that live in different habitats – from the African savannah to coastal regions and the sea.

In addition to being one of those productions that draw attention for its beauty, throughout its 8 episodes, the documentary also helps us reflect on our importance in preserving both nature and the animal world.

For those who are passionate about animal life and want to know more about it, the documentary is an excellent option!

Professor Octopus

Have you ever imagined a friendship between a human being and an octopus? I bet you haven't, right? That's why this item will surprise you so much!

In this production, we follow the development of a curious friendship, to say the least: a South African filmmaker and an octopus!

The story takes place at the Cape of Good Hope, off the coast of South Africa.

Amidst a seaweed forest at the bottom of the sea, a true connection is born between Craig Foster and the invertebrate animal.

The Netflix original documentary was so successful that it won the 2021 Oscar for Best Documentary, as well as an Emmy nomination. It's definitely worth watching!

Unusual Friendships

Still on the topic of unlikely friendships in the animal kingdom, we also have Unusual Friendships. In the documentary, the focus is entirely on the emergence of friendships in the animal world that stray from the traditional. 

While the vast majority of relationships developed between animals tend to be between animals of the same species, in this program we see how animals can act in ways that are beyond what is expected, resulting in very curious combinations. 

Earth at Night 

If animal life and nature itself are already extremely fascinating, a true spectacle takes place at night.

And there’s nothing better than being able to witness such moments through specialized lenses!

In this documentary, we are able to follow the routine of several species that have nocturnal habits and learn more about how they behave while the rest of the world sleeps.

It's very interesting, as we can observe and understand a little more about how these species behave.

72 Dangerous Animals: Latin America

This is for those who like to learn more about some dangerous animals of the most diverse species.

In series format, this documentary is divided into 12 chapters and, in it, we get to know the most deadly creatures that are part of Latin America and in different habitats.

In addition to this version, the program also has a version focused on animals from Asia, entitled 72 Dangerous Animals: Asia.

72 cute animals

Not really into dangerous animals and want something a little lighter? Our list has that too!

If your type of show doesn't include learning about dangerous animals, the documentary 72 Cute Animals might be your new favorite documentary.

Following the same format as the documentary in the previous topic, this one focuses on much less dangerous animals that, instead of causing fear, win everyone over with their cuteness! 

In Search of Corals

Anyone who likes the sea will love In Search of Coral.

This documentary follows a group of divers, photographers and scientists from different countries who document the disappearance of coral reefs.

The production helps us understand how climate change affects our seas and marine life.

Honeyland

This is perhaps the only documentary on the list where animal life is treated as a kind of 'backdrop', but at the same time, it also plays a very important role. 

Although the documentary follows the life of Hatidze – and her long line of beekeepers – as she faces the arrival of a 'competitor' family who do not accept her teachings, bees play a fundamental role in the documentary, alerting us to their importance for our planet. 

Earth

And last but not least, we have Earth. Released in 2015, the documentary explores all the diversity and riches of our planet. 

In addition to the breathtaking photography, the documentary also invites us to reflect on our relationship, both with the planet itself and with the animals that live here with us!

Conclusion

As you can see throughout the content, there is no shortage of options for those looking for documentaries about the animal kingdom.

And the best part is that there is also a huge variety of approaches, meaning there are options for all tastes. Now just choose yours and press play!

Did you like this content? Then try reading it too What are the best documentaries on Netflix?