The 20 best nature documentaries

This Emmy-nominated show is basically Nature Documentary 101. There's all sorts of wild animals, fun facts and long monologues about natural phenomona. It's a formula that won't go extinct anytime soon since audiences around the globe will always be interested in what else is living on this planet.

More Planet Earth! This time with more caves, deserts, oceans and David Attenborough! The soothing narrator whisks us away to volcanoes and mountains and snow leopards in the wild, all of which are made of never-seen-before footage.

The ocean has always been a cute, inviting place for children to explore in movies (Finding Nemo, anyone?). But if you keep swimming, you'll find a galaxy stranger than space. This documentary dives into the aquatic mysteries of life, highlighting the creatures that you probably never knew existed. 

Listen, I know the prospect of watching hipsters leave the city to start a farm might sound boring. And you might be wondering how they will survive without their boutique coffee shops and clothing stores? But no need to worry: this documentary thrives off their mission to create a more natural world, with all sorts of furry animals on their farm. 

Imagine if a French New Wave director made a documentary about volcanoes. Now imagine Wes Anderson did the costumes. That's what you get with Fire of Love, an intoxicating portrait of two scientists who made it their mission to understand volcanic eruptions.

It's exactly what it sounds like--a march of the penguins. Across miles of tundra, these penguins march to a place where they can mate and raise children in an incredibly moving film that shows their lives in a more human light.

Dear hunters, please stop killing elephants. They are just too adorable, which is the key reason this documentary works so well. As the filmmakers try to prevent elephant hunting, they show the creatures in their most adorable forms, with the mothers cuddling their children by the trunks. It's easy to shoot with a camera; impossible to shoot with a gun.

It's the most-watched documentary show on television for a reason. The footage of nature will blow your mind. The high-definition shots of salmon leaping out of Alaskan lakes and animals crossing the Serengeti need to be seen to be believed. It's an exploration of how certain seasons can create natural phenomena that might inspire you to see one yourself.

Scared of the dark? Good. This documentary about animals at night will have you cowering behind your fingertips, at least until you're too mesmerized to notice your hands on the couch.

You know we couldn't just have one elephant movie on here. If you want a more optimistic approach than Ivory Game, throw this one on for the movie equivalent of puppy videos on the internet. It's a walk through grassy fields with some very fun elephants.

Many of us watch these movies not just to be entertained but to be energized. This story of multiple species becoming besties will put a smile on your face from the very first scene when we are introduced to the unlikeliest of pals in the unlikeliest of places. A deer and a dog become friends? Who doesn't want to see that?

Who doesn't enjoy a little truffle sprinkled on their pasta? It can elevate a decent dish into something memorable. But why are those dishes so expensive? The Truffle Hunters answers this question with a warm, mysterious hike through the prickly woods of truffle hunting. We learn about how it's tracked down, about the people who pick it, and about the Italian woods where the best stuff is grown. It's a savory documentary that almost anyone can enjoy.

Maybe you're looking for something a little more action packed, the kind of doc where animals fight and stalk their prey. In which case, you should checkout this series about the animals who treat everyday like a battle. Every day is a struggle to survive for Meerkats and Zebras, who must cross crocodile-infested waters to safety. It's like a war movie without explosions.

David Attenborough is to nature docs what Liam Neeson is to revenge flicks. He shows up in at least three a year. This time, he discusses arctic life, which is every bit as cool as it sounds. 

See, what'd I tell you? More David Attenborough! The man's voice lends itself expertly to this deep sea adventure, thanks to his genuine curiosity about the fish.

There's a dolphin on screen for two hours, so it's safe to say that most people are going to agree with me on this one. As we follow a dolphin's adventure, you will be sucked into a whirlpool of gorgeous scenery, interesting facts, colorful coral and incredible dolphins. If that doesn't sound cool to you, you might want to check with your doctor for a lack of heart.

Jane Goodall is a primatologist who changed the way we think about chimpanzees, as well as how we think about animals in general. In this fascinating documentary, we get a look at her life's work dating back to the early days when her husband shot everything she did with chimps. It's one of those rare nature docs that is more about humans than animals.

The appeal of this one is in the title, which lets you know there will be lots of baby animals on screen. Mainly, it's a chance to watch adorable creatures learn how to navigate the world one step at a time.

This one is basically a travelogue of America's National Parks. Ever wanted to visit Yosemite? Yellowstone? This doc might help you to start planning your trip.

Arguably the greatest travelogue in movie history. This adventure takes us around the globe as two surfers try to find new spots. It's a fun, funny and wonderful doc for people who surf and people who don't. Basically, it's a good time for everyone.