People often turn to fiction to ignite their sense of wonder, but the natural world can be equally fascinating. The various creatures and phenomena around the planet are sometimes more alien than any sci-fi flick and more magical than any fantasy tale. However, they can also be just as dangerous to the unprepared.
Plenty of documentaries have taken advantage of this over the years. They depict the struggles of countless animals as they try to survive their daily lives. Oftentimes, this is thanks to specialized skills and tools honed over millions of years of evolution, and advanced filmmaking techniques and equipment can capture it all. Viewers can then experience the thrill of these animals, up close and personal. One can almost feel the danger through the screen.
8 Animal
It's a simpler name than most, but it's no less appropriate. Each episode of this show focuses on a specific branch of the animal kingdom, demonstrating the various species within that branch. Viewers see the common traits that relate them, as well as the differences that help them thrive in their respective environments.
It makes for an interesting comparison. The creatures that people think of as similar, in reality, can contrast radically. That's not just down to their appearances, tools, and behaviors, but also their relations with each other. Because the perspective is so intimate, those qualities are all the more apparent. Indeed, a closer look can reveal many unique features beneath the surface of a supposedly simple sight. As such, a minimalist title like "Animal" might be perfect.
7 Our Planet
It figures that a David Attenborough work would make the cut. Among his long list of nature docs, this one shows the role the environment plays in animals' daily lives. For instance, annual food patterns and changing weather can lead to mass migration. These creatures must adapt to survive, after all.
This gives the series an enormous scope. That tremendous sense of scale comes from not just the number of animals onscreen, but also landscapes as gargantuan as they are gorgeous. Every sequence comes with sprawling sights spanning for miles. For the icing on the cake, it's all accompanied by a sweeping score fit for a cinematic epic. How fitting to showcase the vastness of an ecosystem.
6 Walking With Dinosaurs
This remains the most iconic dinosaur documentary ever made, and with good reason. Walking with Dinosaurs takes viewers through the entire reign of these prehistoric giants, from the humble beginnings of the Triassic to the colossal days of the Jurassic to the merciless climax of the Cretaceous. Not only do the perils and pitfalls of these eras befall the dinosaurs, but also the airborne and underwater reptiles of the time. Sadly, these exploits often end in death.
This miniseries excels in both tragedy and majesty. In many ways, it looks and sounds just as good today as when it first aired. Crisp footage of biomes across the globe combine seamlessly with visual effects which hold up surprisingly well. The creators bring these titans back to life with both detailed CGI and practical animatronics. Walking with Dinosaurs had no shortage of ambition in its production, and that ambition pays off in spades.
5 Night On Earth
Though presenting the African savannah and other scorching locales is nothing new, this documentary demonstrates them in darkness. What's more is that it does so with unprecedented clarity thanks to innovative night vision technology. Now, viewers can witness these animals' evening exploits as if it's daytime, albeit on an alien planet. That manipulation of color and lighting makes this piece visually and atmospherically distinct from other nature docs.
That distinction extends to the creatures of the night. Audiences can not only experience previously-unseen activities of familiar animals like lions, but also a slew of new critters. Scorpions, spiders, and lizards thrive in the dark, as it's where they accomplish vital tasks like hunting and attracting mates. This gives Night on Earth a different perspective on a well-worn setting, yet one that's no less important or fascinating.
4 The Crocodile Hunter
One can't forget this wildlife host. He paved the way for countless other nature shows, and you can still feel his impact in this field. This hit show sees Steve Irwin travel the globe, researching, wrangling, and relocating animals for the sake of conservation. This often goes hand-in-hand with the daily challenges of Australia Zoo. Much of that challenge comes down to the creatures he encounters.
The Crocodile Hunter puts himself right in amongst the most dangerous animals, be they carnivores or herbivores. His lifetime experience lets him get close enough to showcase their gifts while avoiding the danger himself. He may not be much for self-preservation, but his enthusiasm is infectious as he outlines their behaviors and defense mechanisms. Each moment is packed with adrenaline as a result. In the end, Irwin's hand-on approach helps viewers appreciate wildlife as much as he does.
3 Walking With Beasts
This sequel series takes the Walking with Dinosaurs treatment and applies it to the mammals that came after. That means sabre-toothed cats, mammoths, and even human ancestors like Australopithecus. Suffice it to say, the show looks different from its predecessor.
The focus on mammals (and their fur) unfortunately leads to CGI which hasn't aged as well, but Walking with Beasts proves itself in other ways. It treats its subject matter with the same pathos and gravitas; useful information still complements the visuals; and the animals' portrayals remain authentic rather than showy. Above all, it sparks the same intrigue and wonder in its audience.
2 Surviving Paradise: A Family Tale
Everyone knows there's safety in numbers. Surviving Paradise depicts another day in the life of Africa's animals, but it frames the tale from the perspective of family. Prides of lions, packs of hyenas, herds of elephants, and more all have their own versions of such familial ties.
By zeroing in on this concept, the film effectively conveys the role of group dynamics in daily wildlife. These critters rely on one another not only in getting food, but also in rearing their young. It's hard not to get emotional when observing these tight knit bonds. The surface-level cuteness would be more than enough to attract audiences. However, it's all more meaningful once you understand the significance.
1 72 Deadliest Animals
Now, this title is more direct than others. This intense series breaks down the 72 most dangerous creatures from several countries. Each season covers a new place: Latin America, Asia, or Australia. The creators factor in the animals' weaponry, how widespread they are, and their attacks on humans. These ultimately determine who will take the top spot.
As one can guess, the show is sensationalized beyond belief. It comes complete with heavy metal music, flashy editing, and a WWE-style narrator. That's not to say it's not educational, though. It still offers plenty of interesting factoids and statistics, and it presents these in an energetic way. Because of that, it may hold more appeal for viewers put off by the slow pace of most nature docs.