There’s something about a good documentary that cuts through stats and headlines and makes the climate crisis feel real – not only in a depressing way, but also in a “wow, maybe I can actually do something” kind of way.
These 18 films and series dig into the food system, fast fashion, plastics, activism, and the future of the planet in a way that’s both eye-opening and motivating.
Sustainability Documentaries That Will Inspire You
1. The Story of Stuff (2007)
Short but powerful, this animated documentary unpacks where our stuff comes from, where it goes, and the environmental and social costs hidden in everyday products. Its clear, straighforward style makes it a perfect intro to consumption systems for people who feel overwhelmed by longer films.
Where to watch: Often free on platforms like YouTube or educational sites (availability varies by region).
2. SLAY (2021)
This film explores the environmental and ethical impacts of animal skins, leather, and wool in fashion, challenging many assumptions about “natural” textiles. Even if you don’t wear clothing made from these materials, it provides a fresh perspective on the things many of us take for granted.
Where to watch: Often available through WaterBear Network or purchase/download platforms (availability varies by region).
3. Buy Now, Pay Later (2024)
A deep look at fast fashion’s role in overconsumption and the debt industry that fuels it. It’s a sharp, contemporary examination of why we buy so much and what it really costs beyond the price tag.
Where to watch: Netflix (in most regions).
4. Seaspiracy (2021)
An impactful investigation into the commercial fishing industry and ocean health. It questions “sustainable seafood” labels and highlights systemic corruption and ecological damage in our oceans.
Where to watch: Netflix (various regions)
5. Worn Stories (2021)
Not strictly a sustainability documentary, but this heartfelt series explores the emotional lives of our clothes and the stories people attach to what they wear. It’s especially great for anyone trying to buy less and cherish more.
Where to watch: Netflix (global).
6. A Plastic Ocean (2016)
A visually striking film that transitions from mesmerizing underwater footage to a sobering look at how plastic pollution has spread throughout the world’s oceans. It’s a classic that connects everyday habits to global consequences.
Where to watch: Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube rental (varies by region).
7. RiverBlue (2017)
This documentary exposes the devastating impact of textile dyeing on rivers around the globe and highlights brands and innovators working to change the industry. It’s both eye‑opening and instructive.
Where to watch: RiverBlue official site (global streaming), Apple TV, Vimeo (region check).
8. Chasing Ice (2012)
A compelling classic in climate storytelling. Photographer James Balog spent years documenting glacial retreat, giving powerful visual evidence of climate change. It’s a reminder of how real and rapid change can be.
Where to watch: Available to rent/own on major platforms (varies by region).
9. You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment (2024)
This 2024 docuseries on Netflix follows pairs of identical twins as they switch between a plant‑based diet and an omnivorous diet for eight weeks, tracking changes to their health, gut microbiome, and more. It’s surprising, personal, and makes you think about how food connects to both our bodies and the planet, long after the show is over.
Fun fact: this series actually gave me the final push to go fully vegan, and made me more deeply consider how food connects to the planet.
Where to watch: Netflix (available in many regions worldwide)
10. Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy (2024)
A 2024 Netflix documentary that digs into the machinery of consumerism, from planned obsolescence to the flood of cheap goods and environmental waste that follows. It’s thoughtful and unsettling, and a great reminder about why conscious consumption matters.
Where to watch: Netflix (check your country)
11. Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things (2016)
More than just decluttering your closet, this film connects consumer culture to mental health, purpose, and environmental impact, making it a fitting watch for anyone pursuing a simpler, more intentional life.
Where to watch: Platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime, depending on your region.
12. Kiss the Ground (2020)
A hopeful and beautifully shot film about regenerative agriculture, soil health, and how farming differently could help reverse climate change. It makes composting feel heroic and food systems feel like climate solutions.
Where to watch: Netflix and other platforms (region‑dependent).
13. The True Cost (2015)
A must‑watch on the human and environmental cost of the fashion industry. It’s still one of the most referenced sustainability films for good reason, connecting labor, waste, and environmental damage in accessible, heartbreaking ways.
Where to watch: Available to stream or rent on multiple platforms (check your region).
Some Family‑Friendly & Feel‑Good Picks
14. My Octopus Teacher (2020)
A beautiful, slow‑paced documentary about a filmmaker who forms an unlikely bond with an octopus while free‑diving in South Africa. It’s meditative, emotional, and a reminder of nature’s intelligence and wonder.
Where to watch: Netflix (global).
15. The Year Earth Changed (2021)
Narrated by David Attenborough, this film reflects on how wildlife responded to the global slowdown in 2020, offering gentle hope amid environmental concern.
Where to watch: Apple TV+.
16. 2040 (2019)
A positive, solutions‑focused documentary made by a father imagining a climate‑resilient future for his daughter. It looks at real innovations that could scale if we choose them.
Where to watch: Vimeo, Apple TV, Google Play (check region).
17. Our Planet (2019)
Technically a series, but its breathtaking visuals and strong messaging about ecosystems, biodiversity loss, and human impact make it irresistible. It’s a great way to understand what we stand to lose and protect.
Where to watch: Netflix (global).
18. The Biggest Little Farm (2018)
A heartwarming story of two people leaving city life to build a regenerative farm. It shows how patience, care, and working with nature can slowly bring a landscape back to life.
Where to watch: Hulu (US), Prime Video, Apple TV, Disney+ in some regions (check local availability).
How to Get the Most Out of These
🌲 Pick one documentary to watch this week, not all of them at once. You don’t want to overload yourself.
🌲 After watching, write down 1–2 small changes you can make (e.g. eat one more plant-based meal, repair instead of replacing something).
🌲 Share the film with a friend and talk about what you learned. Conversation leads to action.
🌲 Keep streaming availability in mind: regional libraries, VPNs, or public library digital platforms might help if something isn’t available in your country.
Watching these documentaries might not change your whole life, but they can definitely shift your perspective. They help you to take a closer look at your routines, your choices, your stuff… and see how they connect to something bigger.
If one film motivates you to choose differently, I’d say that’s a win. And if it inspires you to share the story or make something better in your day-to-day, even better.