Earth Day isn’t just about recycling and turning off lights (though please do those too). It’s a time to reflect on our beautiful, bizarre planet and the science, stories, and superheroes working to protect it. For those of us who lean a little nerdy—science buffs, tech geeks, nature lovers, animation fans—Earth Day is the perfect excuse to dive into documentaries that entertain and educate.

Whether you’re into deep-sea creatures, climate science, sustainable farming, or how astronauts see the Earth from space, there’s a documentary out there to scratch your eco-curious itch. Here are ten nerdy Earth Day documentaries worth watching —plus where to stream them.

1. Our Planet (2019)
Where to Watch: Netflix

If you love jaw-dropping visuals and Sir David Attenborough’s soothing voice, Our Planet is the ultimate binge. This eight-part docuseries uses cutting-edge tech to capture the majesty of Earth’s ecosystems—from arctic tundras to deep rainforests. It doesn’t shy away from the effects of climate change, either. Each episode offers a sobering but hopeful message about what we stand to lose—and what we can still protect.

Nerd Level: 🌍🌱📡
Best For: Fans of BBC’s Planet Earth and cinematography geeks.

2. The Biggest Little Farm (2018)
Where to Watch: Hulu, Disney+

This feel-good documentary chronicles the real-life journey of filmmaker John Chester and his wife, Molly, as they transform barren land into a thriving, biodiverse farm. It’s equal parts hopeful, nerdy, and emotional. If you love systems thinking, soil science, animal behavior, or permaculture, this one’s a must-watch.

Nerd Level: 🐓🌾🧑‍🌾
Best For: Eco-optimists, biology nerds, and fans of sustainable agriculture.

3. Fantastic Fungi (2019)
Where to Watch: Netflix

You don’t have to be a mycologist to love this one—but you might want to become one after watching it. Fantastic Fungi is a trippy, visually stunning dive into the world of mushrooms. Narrated by Brie Larson and featuring fungi legend Paul Stamets, the film explores how mushrooms connect ecosystems and may even help save the world.

Nerd Level: 🍄🧠🔬
Best For: Biology geeks, psychedelic science enthusiasts, and nature lovers with a mystical streak.

4. The Year Earth Changed (2021)
Where to Watch: Apple TV+

Narrated by David Attenborough (yes, again—he’s basically Earth’s narrator), this short documentary captures the surprising ways nature bounced back during the COVID-19 lockdowns. From clearer skies to animals reclaiming urban spaces, it’s a touching reminder of how deeply connected we are to the planet—and how quickly it can recover if given the chance.

Nerd Level: 🦢🌤️🌎
Best For: Urban ecology fans, animal behavior nerds, and pandemic-era reflection.

5. Kiss the Ground (2020)
Where to Watch: Netflix

Starring Woody Harrelson and featuring climate scientists and regenerative agriculture experts, Kiss the Ground explores how we can reverse climate change—literally—by healing the soil. If you’re into carbon sequestration, sustainable farming, or the idea that the smallest things (like microbes) can have the biggest impact, this one’s for you.

Nerd Level: 🌱🧪🧬
Best For: Climate nerds, soil science fans, and sustainability warriors.

6. The Pollinators (2019)
Where to Watch: Prime Video, Apple TV, Tubi (free with ads)

Bees are in trouble—and so is our food system. This documentary follows the beekeepers who truck hives across the U.S. to pollinate crops, exposing how fragile and industrialized our food chain really is. It’s equal parts science lesson, road trip, and wake-up call.

Nerd Level: 🐝📊🌻
Best For: Pollination nerds, ag-tech geeks, and fans of The Secret Life of Bees—but real.

7. Chasing Ice (2012)
Where to Watch: Prime Video, Peacock, Apple TV

Photographer James Balog set out to document disappearing glaciers using time-lapse photography. The result? Visually powerful evidence of global warming that feels almost otherworldly. Chasing Ice combines climate data with art, turning melting glaciers into something both beautiful and heartbreaking.

Nerd Level: ❄️📷📉
Best For: Climate activists, visual learners, and documentary lovers who appreciate a strong narrative arc.

8. Fire of Love (2022)
Where to Watch: Disney+, Hulu

Part romance, part volcanology deep dive, Fire of Love tells the story of French scientists Katia and Maurice Krafft, who dedicated their lives to studying volcanoes—and documenting them up close. It’s romantic, thrilling, and full of scientific awe. Think: Wes Anderson meets National Geographic.

Nerd Level: 🌋💔📽️
Best For: Earth science lovers, hopeless romantics, and fans of beautifully weird true stories.

9. Down to Earth with Zac Efron (2020–2022)
Where to Watch: Netflix

Okay, hear us out: Zac Efron + sustainable travel = unexpectedly nerdy good time. This docuseries follows Efron and wellness expert Darin Olien as they explore innovative sustainability efforts around the globe—from water filtration in France to geothermal energy in Iceland. It’s educational, upbeat, and surprisingly earnest.

Nerd Level: 💧♻️✈️
Best For: Casual viewers, green tech nerds, and anyone who wants to learn while globe-trotting from the couch.

10. A Life on Our Planet (2020)
Where to Watch: Netflix

Sir David Attenborough’s “witness statement” is arguably one of his most personal and urgent. Part memoir, part call to action, A Life on Our Planet outlines how the Earth has changed during his lifetime and what we must do to restore it. Deeply emotional, scientifically grounded, and full of real solutions, this one should be required Earth Day viewing.

Nerd Level: 🧓🌍📖
Best For: Planetary nerds, lifelong Attenborough fans, and those looking for big-picture solutions.

Honorary Mentions:
– Eating Our Way to Extinction (2021) – Netflix
– Seaspiracy (2021) – Netflix
– Mission Blue (2014) – Netflix
– My Octopus Teacher (2020) – Netflix
– Life on Earth (1979–) – Prime Video, BBC iPlayer

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re celebrating Earth Day on April 22 or just looking to expand your eco-nerd knowledge base, these documentaries offer something for everyone. From soil microbes to space views of our blue marble, these films invite us to fall in love with the planet all over again—and understand how to protect it.

So grab your favorite snacks (maybe skip the single-use plastic), turn down the lights, and get nerdy for the Earth. 🌎💚