Our team compiled the best national geographic documentaries and here is what they came up with
National Geographic documentaries are some of the most popular documentary films in the world. Known for their stunning visuals, captivating storylines, and inspiring stories, National Geographic documentaries have earned the respect and admiration of audiences everywhere. From stories about the natural world to tales of exploration, adventure, and discovery, National Geographic documentaries have something for everyone.
Here is a list of 20 of the most popular National Geographic documentaries, along with a detailed documentary summary, documentary rating, year of release, actors starring or voicing it, and why the documentary was appreciated.
1. Free Solo (2018)
This gripping documentary follows Alex Honnold as he attempts to become the first person ever to climb the 3,000-foot-high El Capitan in Yosemite National Park without a rope. With stunning cinematography and an emotionally charged narrative, Free Solo explores the mental and physical challenges of this death-defying feat. Documentary rating: 8.2/10. Year of release: 2018. Actors starring/voicing it: Alex Honnold. Why the documentary was appreciated: The documentary was praised for its breathtaking visuals and powerful story of human courage and resilience.
2. The Hunt (2015)
This National Geographic documentary follows a pride of lions as they stalk their prey in the wilds of Botswana. With remarkable footage and detailed narration, The Hunt brings the viewer inside the lion’s world to witness their daily struggles and successes. Documentary rating: 8.1/10. Year of release: 2015. Actors starring/voicing it: None. Why the documentary was appreciated: The Hunt was praised for its beautiful cinematography and intimate look at the lives of wild lions.
3. Life Below Zero (2013)
This National Geographic documentary follows a group of people living in some of the harshest and most remote parts of Alaska. From the people who live off the land to those who brave the elements to make a living, Life Below Zero offers an eye-opening glimpse into the lives of these inspiring individuals. Documentary rating: 8.0/10. Year of release: 2013. Actors starring/voicing it: Sue Aikens, Chip and Agnes Hailstone, and Erik Salitan. Why the documentary was appreciated: Life Below Zero was praised for its vivid depiction of life in the Alaskan wilderness and its strong characters.
4. The Blue Planet (2001)
This groundbreaking documentary offers an unprecedented look at the deep sea and its inhabitants. With stunning visuals and captivating narration, The Blue Planet provides an in-depth exploration of the deep ocean and the life that inhabits it. Documentary rating: 8.0/10. Year of release: 2001. Actors starring/voicing it: David Attenborough. Why the documentary was appreciated: The Blue Planet was praised for its striking visuals and for providing an unparalleled look into the underwater world.
5. Jane (2017)
This National Geographic documentary chronicles the life and work of renowned primatologist Jane Goodall. With captivating footage and intimate interviews, Jane offers an inspiring look at a pioneering scientist and her incredible work. Documentary rating: 7.9/10. Year of release: 2017. Actors starring/voicing it: Jane Goodall and Robert Redford. Why the documentary was appreciated: Jane was praised for its intimate look at Goodall’s life and her revolutionary work in the field of primatology.
6. Into the Wild (2007)
This National Geographic documentary follows the story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and adventure. With captivating narration and beautiful cinematography, Into the Wild offers an inspiring look at a life lived without boundaries. Documentary rating: 7.8/10. Year of release: 2007. Actors starring/voicing it: Emile Hirsch. Why the documentary was appreciated: Into the Wild was praised for its powerful story and stunning visuals.
7. The Great Human Odyssey (2015)
This National Geographic documentary chronicles the story of human evolution from its humble beginnings to the modern world. With stunning visuals and captivating narration, The Great Human Odyssey provides an in-depth look at the history of the human species. Documentary rating: 7.8/10. Year of release: 2015. Actors starring/voicing it: Christopher Lloyd. Why the documentary was appreciated: The Great Human Odyssey was praised for its beautiful visuals and its detailed exploration of human evolution.
8. America: The Story of Us (2010)
This National Geographic documentary explores the rich history of the United States through interviews, reenactments, and stunning visuals. With its comprehensive look at the nation’s past, present, and future, America: The Story of Us provides an inspiring look at the American experience. Documentary rating: 7.7/10. Year of release: 2010. Actors starring/voicing it: Liev Schreiber. Why the documentary was appreciated: America: The Story of Us was praised for its sweeping narrative and its captivating look at the history of the United States.
9. When Whales Walked (2016)
This National Geographic documentary follows a team of scientists as they uncover the mysteries of whale evolution. With stunning visuals and captivating narration, When Whales Walked provides a unique look at the evolution of these majestic creatures. Documentary rating: 7.7/10. Year of release: 2016. Actors starring/voicing it: None. Why the documentary was appreciated: When Whales Walked was praised for its captivating look at whale evolution and its stunning visuals.
10. Inside North Korea (2015)
This National Geographic documentary offers an intimate look at life inside North Korea. With unprecedented access, Inside North Korea provides a unique look at the country’s culture, people, and politics. Documentary rating: 7.6/10. Year of release: 2015. Actors starring/voicing it: None. Why the documentary was appreciated: Inside North Korea was praised for its revealing look at life inside the secretive nation and its unique perspective on the country’s culture and politics.
11. Valley Uprising (2014)
This National Geographic documentary tells the story of the pioneers of rock climbing in Yosemite Valley. With stunning visuals and captivating narration, Valley Uprising offers an inspiring look at the lives of these daring adventurers. Documentary rating: 7.6/10. Year of release: 2014. Actors starring/voicing it: Peter Sarsgaard. Why the documentary was appreciated: Valley Uprising was praised for its thrilling narrative and its intimate look at the lives of rock climbers in Yosemite.
12. Restrepo (2010)
This National Geographic documentary chronicles the story of the soldiers of the U.S. Army’s 2nd Platoon, who are stationed in the dangerous Korengal Valley in Afghanistan. With gripping footage and powerful narration, Restrepo provides an unflinching look at the realities of war. Documentary rating: 7.5/10. Year of release: 2010. Actors starring/voicing it: Tim Hetherington and Sebastian Junger. Why the documentary was appreciated: Restrepo was praised for its honest look at the realities of war and its moving portrayal of the soldiers’ experiences.
13. The Lost City of Z (2017)
This National Geographic documentary follows the story of British explorer Percy Fawcett and his quest to uncover the lost city of Z. With captivating footage and an inspiring story, The Lost City of Z provides an eye-opening look at the life of an explorer and his obsession with uncovering a lost civilization. Documentary rating: 7.3/10. Year of release: 2017. Actors starring/voicing it: Charlie Hunnam. Why the documentary was appreciated: The Lost City of Z was praised for its captivating story and its stunning visuals.
14. Life in a Day (2011)
This National Geographic documentary chronicles the events of one day in the life of people around the world. With stunning visuals and captivating narration, Life in a Day provides an inspiring look at the lives of people from all corners of the globe. Documentary rating: 7.3/10. Year of release: 2011. Actors starring/voicing it: None. Why the documentary was appreciated: Life in a Day was praised for its unique look at life around the world and its captivating visuals.
15. Sacred Planet (2004)
This National Geographic documentary chronicles the beauty and diversity of the world’s cultures and environments. With stunning visuals and captivating narration, Sacred Planet provides an inspiring look at the beauty of the planet and its people. Documentary rating: 7.2/10. Year of release: 2004. Actors starring/voicing it: None. Why the documentary was appreciated: Sacred Planet was praised for its stunning visuals and its inspiring look at the diversity of cultures and environments around the world.
16. The Lost Tomb of Jesus (2007)
This National Geographic documentary follows a team of archaeologists as they attempt to uncover the lost tomb of Jesus. With stunning visuals and captivating narration, The Lost Tomb of Jesus provides an in-depth look at the search for the tomb and its potential implications. Documentary rating: 7.2/10. Year of release: 2007. Actors starring/voicing it: None. Why the documentary was appreciated: The Lost Tomb of Jesus was praised for its captivating look at the search for the lost tomb and its potential implications.
17. Into the Okavango (2018)
This National Geographic documentary chronicles the story of the Okavango Delta in Botswana and the fight to protect its fragile ecosystem. With stunning visuals and captivating narration, Into the Okavango provides an inspiring look at the beauty of the delta and the people who are working to protect it. Documentary rating: 7.1/10. Year of release: 2018. Actors starring/voicing it: None. Why the documentary was appreciated: Into the Okavango was praised for its captivating look at the Okavango Delta and its inspiring story of conservation and preservation.
18. Born to be Wild (2011)
This National Geographic documentary follows a team of animal rescuers as they care for orphaned orangutans and elephants in the wilds of Borneo and Kenya. With stunning visuals and captivating narration, Born to be Wild provides an inspiring look at the lives of these rescued animals. Documentary rating: 7.1/10. Year of release: 2011. Actors starring/voicing it: Morgan Freeman. Why the documentary was appreciated: Born to be Wild was praised for its beautiful cinematography and its moving story of animal rescue and rehabilitation.
19. The Great Migrations (2010)
This National Geographic documentary chronicles the incredible journeys of some of the planet’s most amazing creatures. With captivating footage and captivating narration, The Great Migrations provides an inspiring look at the lives of these remarkable creatures as they travel across continents in search of food and a place to call home. Documentary rating: 7.0/10. Year of release: 2010. Actors starring/voicing it: None. Why the documentary was appreciated: The Great Migrations was praised for its captivating look at the incredible journeys of some of the planet’s most amazing creatures.
20. The Human Family Tree (2010)
This National Geographic documentary chronicles the story of humanity’s journey from a single ancestor in Africa to the diverse and interconnected world of today. With captivating footage and inspiring narration, The Human Family Tree provides an eye-opening look at the history of the human species. Documentary rating: 7.0/10. Year of release: 2010. Actors starring/voicing it: None. Why the documentary was appreciated: The Human Family Tree was praised for its captivating look at the history of the human species and its inspiring story of diversity and interconnectedness.