Science documentaries are programs that are educative, and the best of them are entertaining in a way that captures the undivided attention of even those with the least interest in science. These documentaries go into detail about various aspects of the world and universe around us. They help viewers understand a lot of things that happen around them, leaving them informed and cultivating a new kind of perspective. Of all the nonfiction films made, science documentaries are some of the most important to humans.
Watching these documentaries is an easy way to discover new things and facts and keep you in the know how about how the universe operates, and where it’s headed. Below is a list of some of the best science documentaries of all time that offer important and detailed insight into various subjects.
1. The Emperor Of All Maladies
This 2014 documentary is all about cancer. Unfortunately, cancer has become such an epidemic nowadays that chances are you or someone you know has suffered from the disease. No one is immune to it, and this documentary shows that by 2030 there will be a whooping 22 million new cases of the disease. This documentary is in three parts, prepared by Ken Burns, and based on a cancer ‘biography’ by Siddharta Murkhejee. It takes you through causes of cancer, advancements scientists and medics have made in trying to fight it, and even has personal stories. It’s literally a one stop shop for everything you need to know about cancer.
2. Planet Earth II
There’s so much of this world that you have not yet seen from the comfort of your home or country, and this is what David Attenborough seeks to bring to you in Planet Earth II. It documents animals found all over the world, some very rare and unknown. Some of these animals live in harsh and unimaginable conditions, and Planet Earth II explains their behaviors and how they survive. When you watch this one, you will discover lots of creatures you never thought existed. It also has incredible cinematography that makes it a joy to watch.
3. The Blue Planet
Another David Attenborough documentary, this one contains eight episodes, each spanning 50 minutes. The Blue Planet is all about the oceans and the life within them. Oceans cover 70% of the earth’s surface, so there’s a lot more life going on in there than what we see on land. In this documentary, you’ll learn about species of fish, plants, insects, and animals you never thought existed in the water. Excellent photography underwater captures these creatures and provides a breakdown of their behaviors and how they survive. This documentary has won several awards, a testimony to the fact that it’s one of the best science documentaries out there.
4. Chasing Coral
Chasing Coral is a 2017 documentary that sheds light on the alarming rate at which the world’s coral reefs are disappearing. The documentary demonstrates the factors leading to this which include climate change and human impact. It documents the experiences of marine biologists, divers, oceanographers, and photographers as they try to save these dying coral reefs around the world.
