Top David Attenborough Documentaries Every Nature Lover Must Watch: New Scientist Staff Picks

In celebrating David Attenborough’s 100th birthday on May 8th, we cannot overlook the powerful imagery associated with him.

Life on Earth, the pioneering 1979 series showcasing the iconic gorilla scene, opened the door to Attenborough’s
immersive narration and breathtaking visuals that have captivated audiences for decades. His documentaries span from ocean depths to the complexities of plant life, chronicling humanity’s fight against climate change.

Join us as we delve into the documentaries that have profoundly influenced our team and merit special recognition today.

Life on Earth holds special significance for many. Its iconic gorilla encounter and its pioneering approach set the foundation for future nature documentaries. Attenborough’s exploration of the Grand Canyon showcases a remarkable intersection of science and storytelling.

Reflecting on this series often evokes nostalgia, especially for those who first experienced it in their formative years, evoking the haunting opening music by Edward Williams.

Reporter Michael Le Page

Plants inhabit a realm unseen. Morning glories greet the sun, while brambles silently dominate the forest floor. Attenborough’s unparalleled storytelling takes us through the secret life of plants.

Although technology like time-lapse and high-speed photography existed, The Private Life of Plants pioneered their large-scale use. This innovation brought to light the hidden intelligence and mechanics of plant life.

Revisiting the series today evokes nostalgia from its playful graphics and unique visuals that enhance the captivating narratives. Don’t miss the behind-the-scenes episode of Life
showcasing the filmmakers’ dedication to their art. Watch it here.

Thomas Lewton, Features Editor

Blue Planet unravels the mysteries beneath the ocean waves, revealing rarely-seen wildlife. Attenborough’s storytelling continues to inspire a passion for marine conservation.

Twenty-five years later, the haunting memory of orcas hunting on a gray whale continues to resonate with viewers, emphasizing Attenborough’s impactful narrative style that draws us into the world of nature.

Despite lacking the extreme detail offered by newer imagery, Blue Planet redefined documentary filmmaking and ignited a lifelong passion for the ocean within many, including myself here at New Scientist.

Eleanor Parsons, Magazine Editor

The haunting images of nighttime lions chasing a juvenile elephant have left a profound impression since the original series aired in 2006. Planet Earth set a benchmark for high-definition wildlife filmmaking.

Noteworthy moments include a starving polar bear stalking a walrus, an eagle preying on a crane, and dolphins beaching themselves to catch fish. This is true mastery of storytelling and visuals in television.

Each subsequent series has evolved, with the latest reflecting the contemporary issues of wildlife adapting to urban environments, showcasing animals alongside human activity.

While each series aims to inspire wonder rather than despair, it’s undeniable that our planet faces monumental changes.

Reporter Michael Le Page

Polar bear in Frozen Planet

BBC

Frozen Planet offers a poignant glimpse into the unique species inhabiting Earth’s polar regions. Presented by Attenborough, the series combines stunning visuals and heartfelt narratives, equipping viewers with critical knowledge about climate change impacts.

Not only does the series point out the hazards of global warming, but it also cultivates genuine concern for these geographical wonders.

Bethan Ackerley, Associate Editor

Turtle swimming over a coral reef in A Life on Our Planet

Netflix / David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet

David Attenborough’s extraordinary life serves as a lens through which we assess the changes our planet has undergone. The documentary A Life on Our Planet released amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, reflects on the Earth’s ecological degradation, showcasing the vibrant life observed during Attenborough’s career.

This film also thoughtfully discusses challenges faced by future generations, emphasizing climate change and biodiversity loss. Despite its somber themes, it also presents actionable solutions for the pressing environmental issues we face today.

Bethan Ackerley, Associate Editor

Rapetosaurus, a long-necked sauropod from Madagascar featured in Prehistoric Planet

Apple TV

Prehistoric Planet is a remarkable achievement in bringing extinct species back to life, recognized for its accuracy, and was developed with the endorsement of paleontologists.

The series showcases iconic dinosaurs and lesser-known species, allowing a fresh perspective on their lives, including fascinating behaviors like swimming and mating.

The latest series revisits the Ice Age, capturing a plethora of prehistoric creatures, though it’s worth noting that Tom Hiddleston now takes over narration from Attenborough, altering the series’ signature charm.

Reporter Michael Le Page

Pigeon, a star of Wild London on the London Underground

BBC/Passion Planet Limited/Simon de Granville

This recent addition to the David Attenborough collection has quickly become a household favorite after its debut on New Year’s Day. Wild London showcases remarkable wildlife findings in the urban landscape.

While introducing the expected foxes and pigeons, extraordinary moments reveal lionesses fighting in urban areas and pigeons commuting on the Tube, challenging our perceptions of city wildlife.

Shifts in urban wildlife dynamics, including peregrine falcons and other species flourishing in the city, add dimension to the narrative of London’s ever-changing ecology.

Local landscapes, from community gardens to parks, invite urban dwellers to appreciate the hidden natural beauty surrounding them, aligning with Attenborough’s own belief in the city’s charm.

Penny Sarche, Editor-in-Chief