The Best Science Documentaries You Can Watch Right Now

Dec. 11, 2022

If you’re looking for a new way to learn about science, why not try watching some documentaries? There are so many amazing science documentaries out there that can help you gain a better understanding of the world around us. Whether you’re interested in learning more about astronomy, climate change, or biology, there’s sure to be an educational and entertaining documentary that will suit your interests.

 

How can I learn something new and interesting?

A man holding a transparent orb while pointing to the sky

One of the best benefits of watching science documentaries is that they provide an opportunity to learn something new and interesting. With every documentary you watch, you will gain new knowledge that can help you better understand our world and all its wonders. From astronomy to zoology, there is something for everyone in science documentaries. Plus, since these type of films are often well-researched and fact-checked by experts, you can be sure that what you’re learning is accurate and up-to-date.  

 

Can I be entertained by watching science documentaries?

The Earth and a reflection of the sun upon it

Science documentaries don’t have to be boring! Thanks to modern filmmaking techniques like CGI effects, stunning visuals, sweeping camera angles, and immersive soundtracks, many of today’s science docs are as entertaining as any Hollywood blockbuster. Plus, some even feature celebrity narrators like David Attenborough or Morgan Freeman who bring their own unique styles to the stories being told on screen. So if you’re looking for a fun way to pass some time while still learning something new in the process, watching a science documentary might just be what you need!

 

What can I look for by watching this genre?

A microscope looking at a myriad of stars in the sky

Watching science documentaries can also help us appreciate nature in ways we never thought possible before. From exploring remote rainforests to discovering amazing species living in our oceans, science documentaries make us realize how interconnected our ecosystems really are—and how important it is for us to protect them from further harm or destruction. These types of films also show us how resilient nature can be—for example by featuring species that have been able to survive despite extreme environmental changes or catastrophic events like natural disasters. Seeing animals or plants thriving in difficult circumstances can give us hope for life on Earth even during trying times!

 

Is there a human element to these films?

The silhouette of the profile of a man through a blue background

Another great thing about science documentaries is that they often feature inspiring stories from real people who are making incredible discoveries or working on groundbreaking research projects. These personal anecdotes provide an interesting human element which can make even the most complex topics relatable and easy to understand for viewers at home. It also helps show how important these discoveries can be for all of us as a species, no matter what field we work in or what kind of lifestyle we lead.  

 

Which science documentaries can I watch online right now?

 

Conquering Cancer

Two women wearing masks and hugging each other

Doctors, scientists, patients and families are united in a single purpose: to eradicate cervical cancer. This documentary film demonstrates us that such a purpose can be obtained with the help of all these individuals.

 

Curiosity and Control

A man dressed in white while inspecting some tree branches

Via the lens of experts from both sides of the Atlantic, this documentary comes upon diverse natural history museums and zoological gardens to take on how an exemplary relationship with Nature should look like.

 

Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey  

The closeup of an eye

This documentary series is hosted by renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and is a follow-up to Carl Sagan's classic 1980 television series "Cosmos." In this series, Tyson guides viewers on an epic journey through space and time. Each episode explores different scientific topics such as the Big Bang Theory and dark matter.

 

The Blue Planet

A manta ray in a blue ocean

The Blue Planet is an 8-part BBC Nature documentary that dives deep into our planet's oceans. Narrated by David Attenborough, this documentary follows marine biologists as they explore all kinds of fascinating creatures living beneath the surface of the sea

 

Planet Earth II

A leopard in snowy mountains

 

This sequel to 2006's Planet Earth follows wildlife documentarians as they explore different ecosystems around the world—from jungles to deserts—while capturing breathtaking footage of both rare and common animals in their natural habitats.

 

Endgame 2050

A man with glasses with a studio setup in the background

Not only the most prestigious environmental organizations and instances such as the United Nations have shown that humanity has backed itself into an ecological endgame as we get closer to the year 2050, but even the most recent academics on the subject have demonstrated just that. With an appearance from Moby and reputable scientists, this documentary portrays an environmental reality that will need to radically change to avoid taking the ecosystem to its end.

 

On An Unknown Beach

An ocean with some technology infrastructure

On An Unknown Beach takes a look at the diverse activities of three very different explorers, while at the same time taking the role of filmmaking investigators themselves to test the horizons of what a documentary can be. At New Zealand, these three individuals undergo extraordinary experiments, including the construction of sound landscapes, state-of-the-art underwater investigation and self-examining journeys in order to look for answers about life on Earth.

 

Life in the Undergrowth

A man appreciating a centipede

This five-part BBC documentary series is narrated by David Attenborough and explores the world of invertebrates. With incredible and detailed closeup footage, viewers can get an up-close and personal look at some of the planet’s most fascinating creatures.

 

The Day After Trinity

Robert Oppenheimer looks to the horizon

This Academy Award nominated film tells the story of J. Robert Oppenheimer, physicist who developed one of history’s most significant inventions - the atomic bomb. The film follows him through his work on this project as well as his struggles with moral dilemmas posed by his invention. It’s a unique look into one man’s journey to create something that would change our understanding of science forever.

 

The Botany of Desire

A man with a brown hat and suit

Based on Michael Pollan’s book The Botany of Desire, this documentary examines how plants have shaped human history in unexpected ways. It focuses on four plants—apples, tulips, potatoes, and marijuana—and how they have evolved alongside us over time. The Botany of Desire highlights how plants can manipulate us humans to achieve their own goals—such as spreading their seeds far and wide—while also introducing viewers to some interesting characters along the way.

 

Science documentaries: a window into the whys and wherefores of our universe

A man sitting in some stairs in space

Ultimately, if you're looking for an entertaining yet educational way to spend some quality time with loved ones or by yourself, then watching science documentaries is definitely the way forward. Whether it's exploring different perspectives or broadening your mind with newfound knowledge, these amazing films will give you an unforgettable experience every single time! So next time someone suggests watching a documentary instead of another show on TV, don't hesitate—you won't regret it!
 

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