Climate change and environmentalism are at the forefront of many people’s minds. Movies focusing on these important topics can entertain us while also educating viewers and encouraging eco-friendly action. If you’re wondering what are some of the best environmentally themed movies to watch, here is a comprehensive guide to the top films in this genre.
If you’re short on time, here are some quick recommendations for great eco-movies: An Inconvenient Truth, Avatar, Wall-E, The Day After Tomorrow, Erin Brockovich.
Documentaries Exposing Environmental Issues
An Inconvenient Truth
One of the most iconic documentaries on climate change, An Inconvenient Truth features former Vice President Al Gore as he presents a comprehensive and alarming look at the state of our planet. This eye-opening film highlights the devastating consequences of global warming and emphasizes the importance of taking action to combat climate change. Through powerful visuals and compelling storytelling, An Inconvenient Truth serves as a wake-up call to individuals and governments alike.
Before the Flood
Produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, Before the Flood takes viewers on a journey across the globe to explore the impact of climate change. This thought-provoking documentary delves into various environmental issues, such as deforestation, species extinction, and rising sea levels. With interviews from experts and influential figures, including Barack Obama, Elon Musk, and Pope Francis, Before the Flood offers an in-depth analysis of the challenges we face and the potential solutions that can help create a sustainable future.
Chasing Ice
Chasing Ice documents the groundbreaking work of photographer James Balog as he captures the retreat of glaciers due to climate change. This visually stunning film showcases the undeniable evidence of global warming, as Balog’s time-lapse photography reveals the dramatic transformation of landscapes over several years. Chasing Ice not only raises awareness about the rapid disappearance of glaciers but also serves as a testament to the power of photography in conveying the urgency of environmental issues.
Racing Extinction
Racing Extinction sheds light on the alarming rate of species extinction caused by human activities. The documentary exposes the illegal wildlife trade, habitat destruction, and pollution, all of which contribute to the loss of biodiversity. Through undercover investigations and stunning cinematography, Racing Extinction uncovers the hidden aspects of our impact on the planet and instills a sense of responsibility to protect and preserve the world’s diverse ecosystems.
Sci-Fi Films with Environmental Themes
Avatar
One of the most visually stunning and environmentally themed sci-fi films is James Cameron’s Avatar. Set on the distant planet of Pandora, the film explores the destructive nature of human colonization and the importance of preserving natural resources. The movie depicts a conflict between the indigenous Na’vi people and a mining corporation seeking to exploit the planet’s valuable resources. Through breathtaking visuals and a compelling story, Avatar serves as a reminder of the fragility of our own planet and the need to protect it.
Wall-E
While Wall-E is an animated film, it delivers a powerful message about the impact of consumerism and waste on the environment. The movie is set in a future where Earth has become uninhabitable due to excessive pollution and waste. The main character, Wall-E, is a trash compactor robot left behind to clean up the mess. The film highlights the importance of recycling, sustainability, and the consequences of disregarding the environment. Wall-E is a heartwarming and thought-provoking film that appeals to both children and adults.
Soylent Green
Soylent Green is a classic sci-fi film that presents a dystopian future devastated by overpopulation and environmental degradation. Set in the year 2022, the film follows a detective investigating a murder in a world suffering from food shortages and overcrowding. As the investigation unfolds, the audience learns the disturbing truth about the main food source for the population. Soylent Green serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of overconsumption and the importance of sustainable practices.
The Lorax
Based on the beloved children’s book by Dr. Seuss, The Lorax is a colorful and engaging film that teaches kids about the importance of environmental conservation. The story follows a young boy named Ted who sets out to find a real tree in a world where nature has been replaced by artificial creations. Along the way, he encounters the Lorax, a creature who speaks for the trees and fights against the exploitation of nature. The Lorax is a delightful film that encourages viewers of all ages to take responsibility for protecting the environment.
Dramatic Movies Highlighting Eco-Struggles
Erin Brockovich
Erin Brockovich is a powerful film based on a true story that showcases the fight against environmental pollution. Starring Julia Roberts, the movie follows Erin Brockovich, a single mother who takes on a major corporation accused of contaminating the water supply in a small town. The film highlights the importance of standing up for what is right and fighting for justice, even when facing seemingly insurmountable odds. It serves as a reminder of the impact that individuals can have in tackling environmental issues.
Promised Land
Promised Land is a thought-provoking drama that delves into the controversial topic of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. The movie stars Matt Damon as a corporate salesman who visits a rural town to convince its residents to allow fracking on their land. As the story unfolds, he begins to question his own beliefs and the potential consequences of his actions. Promised Land sheds light on the environmental and social implications of fracking, encouraging viewers to consider the trade-offs between economic gain and environmental sustainability.
Dark Waters
Dark Waters is a gripping legal drama that exposes the dangers of industrial pollution. Based on a true story, the film follows a corporate defense attorney played by Mark Ruffalo, who uncovers a shocking truth about a chemical company’s role in contaminating the drinking water of a community. As he fights for justice, he faces immense pressure and personal sacrifices. Dark Waters raises awareness about the harmful effects of toxic chemicals and the importance of holding corporations accountable for their actions.
Woman at War
Woman at War is a unique and captivating film that explores environmental activism in a lighthearted yet thought-provoking way. The story revolves around a middle-aged woman, Halla, who leads a double life as a passionate environmental activist. She takes on the government and industrial giants in her mission to protect the Icelandic highlands from the construction of a new aluminum plant. With a touch of humor and a strong female protagonist, Woman at War highlights the significance of individual action in the face of environmental challenges.
The above movies offer compelling narratives that shed light on different environmental struggles. They serve as a reminder of the importance of environmental conservation and the power of individuals to make a difference. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and let these movies inspire and entertain you while raising awareness about pressing environmental issues.
Thrilling Action Movies with Environmental Backdrops
If you are a fan of action-packed movies that also tackle environmental themes, then you are in for a treat. These movies not only provide thrilling entertainment but also shed light on the urgent need to protect our planet. Here are some must-watch action movies with captivating environmental backdrops:
The Day After Tomorrow
In this disaster film directed by Roland Emmerich, viewers are taken on a thrilling journey into a world where climate change leads to extreme weather events. The movie follows the story of a climatologist who tries to save his son and other survivors from a global superstorm. The Day After Tomorrow serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of neglecting our environment and the importance of taking action to combat climate change.
Snowpiercer
Snowpiercer, directed by Bong Joon-ho, presents a dystopian future where a failed climate-change experiment has left the Earth frozen. The remaining survivors live on a perpetually moving train, with a stark divide between the wealthy and the poor. This action-packed film explores themes of class inequality and environmental destruction, making it a thought-provoking watch.
Geostorm
Geostorm, directed by Dean Devlin, takes place in a future where satellites control the weather to combat climate change. However, when these satellites malfunction, catastrophic weather events threaten the entire planet. The movie follows a team of scientists who must race against time to prevent a geostorm that could wipe out humanity. Geostorm serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of tampering with nature in the name of progress.
Waterworld
Waterworld, directed by Kevin Reynolds, is set in a post-apocalyptic future where global warming has caused the polar ice caps to melt, submerging most of the Earth’s land. The remaining survivors navigate this water-covered world, searching for a mythical dryland. This action-packed film showcases the resilience of humanity in the face of environmental disaster and raises awareness about the consequences of climate change.
Watching these thrilling action movies with environmental backdrops not only offers an exciting cinematic experience but also prompts us to reflect on the importance of protecting our planet. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and immerse yourself in these thought-provoking films!
Conclusion
Environmentally themed movies cover a range of genres from hard-hitting documentaries to fantastical sci-fi tales. But they all aim to entertain audiences while bringing awareness to pressing ecological issues. The films listed in this guide offer some of the best cautionary tales, touching dramas and thrilling adventures with environmental backdrops. Watching these movies is an impactful way to learn more about climate change, pollution, conservation and sustainability challenges facing our planet.