Top Films About Sustainability, Documentaries about the climate crisis, Movies about the planet, Must-see films about issues facing our planet

Learning more about the plight of our planet and the role that humanity plays in both causing harm and doing good is important.

The more we know about the problems and solutions, the better equipped we will all be to live in a sustainable way.

There are literally hundreds of amazing films on the most important topics, but here are just 16 of the top films about sustainability that could be a great place to start.

Breaking Boundaries

Source: New on Netflix News

Hosted by David Attenborough and scientist Johan Rockström, the film dives into the nine climate boundaries. 

It explains what our current situation is in each of those boundaries - which ones we’re staying in the safe zone, and which we’re going past the tipping point (points of no return).

It also stresses on the importance of what actions we needed to take now to collectively meet our goal of zero emissions by 2050.

Life on Our Planet

Source: Netflix

David Attenborough is one of the most inspiring people in the field of environmentalism, and has inspired many to live in a more sustainable way.

This naturalist has brought us many documentaries over the years, but this is the most hard-hitting.

A must-watch for anyone who wants to take a long hard look at life on our planet – and the harm humanity does.

Inhabit: A Permaculture Perspective

Source: Films For Action

Permaculture is a key concept that anyone who is interested in sustainability should learn about. This is one of the very best documentaries made on this subject, and serves as an excellent introduction. 

2040

Source: CW Seattle

Filmmaker Damon Gameau spends this film travelling the world in search of new approaches and solutions to climate change.

He meets with many innovators and change-makers in a number of fields to draw in their expertise.

Brave Blue World

Source: IMDb

This documentary delves into the world of water, providing a hopeful insight into how humanity is adopting new technologies and innovations to rethink how water is managed.

This is an inspiring look at the world's water crisis, with interviews with celebrities including Matt Damon and Jaden Smith. 

An Inconvenient Sequel

Source: FiReFilms

Al Gore's 'An Inconvenient Truth' polarized opinion. But, there is no doubt that it brought the climate crisis to many people's attention. This follow up film is also a must-watch.

Follow the former Vice President of the US as he pursues the inspirational idea that climate change can be overcome with human ingenuity and passion. 

Years of Living Dangerously

Source: Centre for Media & Social Impact

This documentary TV series from the US involves a number of high-profile celebrity names.

It has been lauded for its look at the effects of climate change around the world, and what solutions are being found.

Before the Flood

Source: Disney+

In this film, actor Leonardo Di Caprio sets out on a journey, as a UN Messenger of Peace, to meet scientists, activists and world leaders to discuss our climate crisis and possible solutions.

Youth Unstoppable

Source: Penn State

This fascinating film captures the vibrant, formerly largely untold story of the global youth climate movement.

This is the story of a generation of young people who are rising up, to reject existing paradigms and shape the world they will inherit, and who have become the most powerful force in the international climate debate. 

The Biggest Little Farm

Source: Food Renegrade

Discover more about sustainable land management by following the ups and downs of a couple attempting to establish a 200 acre farm in California.

Fools and Dreamers: Regenerating a Native Forest

Source: Happen Films

An inspiring story of how farmland in New Zealand has been regenerated into beautiful native forest over the course of the last 30 years.

Chasing Coral

Source: Netflix

In this film, we follow a team of photographers, divers and scientists as they set out to document the disappearance of the world's coral reefs. 

Cowspiracy

Source: Geographical Magazine

This eye-opening documentary sheds light on the impact of animal agriculture on the environment and delves deeper to inspire us all to find solutions to the most pressing environmental issues. 

The True Cost

Source: The True Cost

This documentary focuses on fast fashion.

Contrasting runways with slums, this is another eye-opener, that shows the true costs to people and to the environment of the fashion industry and what we wear. 

Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things

Source: Minimalism, YouTube

This film takes the audience inside the lives of minimalists from all walks of life, all of whom are trying to live with less.

This is an interesting watch, especially for those with an interest in sustainability who struggle to leave a consumerist mindset behind. 

A Plastic Ocean

Source: Plastic Oceans International

This is one of a number of films and documentary series that have come out over the last few years that have shed light on the problem of plastic in our oceans, and the fragile state they are in.

The devastating impact of our reliance on plastic and throwaway culture is ably explored in this film. 

These films are just a starting point. There are plenty more things to watch that can educate, inform and inspire. We all have to engage more with the massive challenges that humanity faces now, and in the years to come.

Watching films about sustainability can challenge us, enthuse us, and give us the information we need to be part of the solution, rather than part of the problem. 

In addition to seeking out some of the above, it is also worth exploring inspiring videos on YouTube, and even looking into online courses that will help you learn what you need to live in a more sustainable way.