10 outdoor & adventure documentaries and wildlife series to watch right now!

My name is Lauren and I have watched way too many outdoor and adventure documentaries and wildlife series…

Oh you too? Great! Let’s be friends! I think it’s safe to say at this time in the world it is perfectly ok to be indulging in a little more TV than usual.

I know a good majority of us are getting restless with our new stay at home all the time routine. Here in New Zealand, we started a country wide lockdown on April 26 and I would be lying if I said I haven’t had a few days of wanting so badly to get out and explore!

I’ve been doing my best to somewhat stay busy. Besides working on more blog content and reminiscing about past adventures like last year’s trip to the Rockies, I have found my adventure and travel inspiration from the lovely world of Netflix and the Disney Plus.

I have to stay I have learned a lot and am inspired more than ever so I wanted to share some of my favourite outdoor and adventure documentaries and wildlife series on Netflix and Disney plus. Most of these films have come from National Geographic which means they’re totally awesome! Enjoy!

Netflix

1. Our planet

The soothing narration of David Attenborough takes you through a series highlighting the beauty of habitats around the world and how climate change is effecting them. The videography is absolutely stunning but at times difficult to watch because of the challenges the world is facing. It is a film that will inspire change and give you a better understanding of how you can help. I highly suggest also watching Out Planet: behind the scenes to get a look at how they filmed the documentary. I have to say, it is mind-blowing!

2. National Parks Adventure

If you want to get inspired to travel the United States, turn to the National Parks Adventure film. This one follows a group of adrenaline loving adventure seekers, one of whom is the talented Rachel Pohl, as they moved through National Parks in America including Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, Yosemite, and Arches. The film does an amazing job of highlighting the beauty in these parks and I can confidently say that my urge to visit has increased tenfold.

3. Night on earth

What is life like at night. Where do animals go, what do they do. Night on earth is like something I have never seen before. The documentary is a 6 part series taking you from the deserts of Africa to jungles to the deep blue sea filming and following animals at night. It’s so interesting to see what these animals actually do and how they come alive in the dark. It’s pretty incredible to see what technology can do for us and I feel privileged that is it brought to us right in our home. This film like many reminds me of how amazing this planet is, light or dark.

4. Earth- one amazing day

If seeing diverse landscapes and learning how our ecosystems work together in different areas every single day lights you up, than this one is for you. The cast is made up of only the best- a zebra foal, a penguin and friends, a sperm whale and it’s family and a sloth. If this isn’t the best cast of a film I honestly don’t know what is. The cinematography is beautiful and the narration is very interesting. I of course finished this film with an even deeper appreciation for the world we live in and the wonders it holds.

Disney Plus

5.Into the Grand Canyon

Whether you’ve been to the Grand Canyon before or not yet this film will really have dreaming as deep as the canyons. The film follows Pete McBride and Kevin Fedarko as they take on the very dangerous but rewarding challenge of hiking the Grand Canyon from end to end. Their main reason behind the mission is to raise awareness of the proposed developments into the canyon. This is a great film to remind us that there are parts of the world that truly should be left to their own beauty and ultimately untouched.

6. Before the flood

This ones a doosey I must say. It follows Leonardo di Caprio on his mission as a United Nations messenger of peace. The film takes you his journey as he travels to world to see the effects of climate change right before his eyes. Viewers learn about the politics surrounding climate change and what is involved to actually make a difference. I thoroughly enjoyed this film and was reminded pretty quickly that the decisions we make today affect the future. Leonardo was very transparent about his feelings of frustration over the decisions being made by leaders and also his pessimism of whether or not we will get a hold of such a tragic issue soon enough. Despite this, the film showed possible solutions to the problem and I’m choosing to stay hopeful for the future.

7. America’s National Parks

This is an epic 8 part series that takes you through 8 of the National Parks in the United States. There is a big focus on the wildlife in each region and it is amazing learning about the food chains and how the animals coexist with each other. As well as wildlife, you get a good taste for the stunning landscapes that lie within the country. I found this series was a great escape during a time of lockdown and isolation. It left me feeling excited to prioritize future places I would live to travel to without the sad FOMO feeling!

8. Free solo

Be prepared to be on the edge of your seat. This film follows a climber, Alex Honnold on his lifelong mission to climb El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. This is a 3000ft climb and he does it with no ropes. I have to say my mind switched from you are a crazy man why would anyone do this to appreciating the immense physical and mental strength one can possess. Exhilarating and very inspirational. We don’t have to take on the hardest challenges in the world but this film certainly revs up the motivation to push oneself out of their comfort zone, even just a little.

9. Continent 7 Antarctica

The place in this world I would love to see more than anywhere, Antarctica. This docusery is a 6 part series and the first-ever long-form documentary filmed there. The documentary follows scientists and survival experts as they study and research the amazing continent. Be prepared for the hard truths of how climate change has affected this area and the wildlife and how it will continue to do so. The geology of the landscape is absolutely fascinating and transports you to a whole other world.

10. Into the Okavango

The opening statement of this documentary: “Since humans appeared on Earth, 77% of tall wilderness has been destroyed. 10% of that loss occurred since 1990. If that doesn’t capture your attention, I don’t know what will. This documentary is filmed in Africa and follows a team of explorers on a four-month risky expedition to save the river systems that feed the largest wetland wilderness in the world, The Okavango Delta. I have to say I was captivated by the first music queue. Again, the cinematography is outstanding and spoke right to my emotions. There was a perfect mix of learning about wildlife, culture, landscape, and political issues. I have to say I learned so much in this film, they had me on the edge of my seat and I felt very moved. This is a film I highly recommend and one of my top 3 choices.

I hope these suggestions inspire you, move you and satisfy that want for the adventure that we all are so craving right now.

Have you seen any of these documentaries? What did you think? Any to add?

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