If you’re worried about climate change and are passionate about climate justice, take a peek at my recommendations for 2021.

To celebrate Plastic Free July 2021, I wanted to share 21 documentaries, TV shows, and films that you absolutely have to see. The list is in no particular order, but all share important insights into the climate crisis.

1. Cowspiracy

This Netflix documentary reveals the ethical and environmental impact of animal farming. Animal farming is the leading cause of global warming, water depletion, animal extinction, deforestation, and dead zones in the ocean.

2. Seaspiracy

From the creators of Cowspiracy, this Netflix original shared the reality of commercial fishing, the secrecy around the trade, and the harm that humans are causing to marine wildlife.

3. I Am Greta

This documentary about Swedish activist Greta Thunberg highlights her constant fight for climate justice. You can watch it on BBC iPlayer.

4. Down to Earth with Zac Efron

This TV show follows Zac Efron travelling the world in search for healthier and more sustainable ways on living. It’s a slightly more upbeat show to watch on Netflix with some important takeaways within. You can watch it on Netflix

5. Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things

This documentary on Netflix shares the hard truths about society’s overconsumption. It highlights the benefits of a minimalist lifestyle not only to the environment, but also your own wellbeing.

6. Our Planet

From the creators of Planet Earth and Blue Planet, Our Planet shows breath-taking footage of animals and ecosystems not normally seen by humans. Check it out on Netflix.

7. There’s something in the water

This documentary explores the horror of environmental racism. Set in Canada, There’s Something In The Water highlights the life threatening consequences that indigenous and black communities are facing for the profits made by large corporations. You can watch this on Netflix.

8. Chasing Corals

Coral is a fundamental part of a huge ecosystem, but they are dying. This eye-opening documentary on Netflix shares what is happening, and what can be done to stop it.

9. A Plastic Ocean

A provocative documentary on Netflix showing the problem with plastic in our oceans, including how it impacts our food chain. The doc also talks about potential solutions so we can make a change.  

10. Rotten

This Netflix doc reveals secrets within the food industry and how profit is valued more than humanity and animal welfare.

11. My Octopus Teacher

You can watch My Octopus Teacher on Netflix. It’s about a filmmaker who becomes friends with an Octopus and learns a great deal on the way.

12. Dark Waters

This drama based on a true story is a must watch for understanding the human’s impact on the environment. Known as one of the greatest cover ups in American history, this tragedy effects everyone worldwide. Check it out on Amazon Prime.

13. When Two Worlds Collide

This documentary follows the classic tale of people vs. power and profit. Set in and around the Amazon Rainforest in Peru, When Two Worlds Collide tells the story of the lethal protests in 2009. You can watch this documentary on Apple TV.

14. Waterschool

An inspiring Netflix documentary following the lives of 6 girls living along the Amazon, Nile, Mississippi, Daube, Ganges, and Yangtze River. The focus is on water sustainability and educating communities.

15. Islands Of Faith

Islands Of Faith delves into 7 different communities across Indonesia to show how their religion informs how they treat the environment. You can watch it on Netflix.

16. The Ivory Game

Illegal ivory trade is fuelling the staggering death of elephants. This Netflix documentary exposes the dark world of ivory trafficking and the devastating impacts it has.

17. Broken

Plastic pollution has exploded over the last few decades. This Netflix docuseries explores who is to blame for this. Is it the consumer? You decide.

18. Kiss The Ground

This film on Netflix shows the importance of something that is often overlooked – soil.

19. Vanishing of the Bees

SAVE THE BEES! This slightly older film on Amazon Prime narrated by Elliott Page shares the importance of bees, but how they’re being wiped out at an alarming rate.

20. This Changes Everything

This documentary urges viewers to stop thinking that we control nature. Instead, it highlights the dangerous war between capitalism vs climate. Watch it on Amazon Prime.

21. The End of Meat

Plant based diets could reduce greenhouse emissions by up to two thirds, but how practical is it? This Amazon Prime documentary explores the possibility of going meat free and what impact that would have.

Related Information

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Check out TheSprout’s environment info page for more information and advice about what you can can make the most of the outdoor and help the environment.