5 Earth Day Movies you can’t go wrong with

As a science teacher, Earth day always holds a special place in my heart. April 22nd every year, my students take a day to celebrate the magnificent Earth we get to call home. These five movies not only help to embrace the beauty of our world, but also bring awareness to the importance of taking care of it as much as we can. These movies are all family friendly and safe to show a class of any age. 

WALL-E (2008) is a beautifully crafted animated film by Pixar that takes place in a distant future, where Earth has been abandoned due to overwhelming pollution and waste. The film follows WALL-E (short for Waste Allocation Load Lifter: Earth-Class), a small, lonely robot whose job is to clean up the planet by collecting trash. Over the centuries, WALL-E has developed a sense of curiosity, wonder, and even loneliness. He spends his days cleaning up trash, collecting interesting objects, and watching old movies.

One day, WALL-E discovers a small plant growing among the garbage and keeps it safe. His routine changes when a sleek, advanced robot named EVE arrives on Earth in search of signs of life. WALL-E shows EVE the plant, which she takes back to a spaceship that will return it to the humans who now live in a space station called Axiom. WALL-E follows her, and together they journey through space, uncovering the fate of humanity and the future of Earth.

The film beautifully balances humor, heart, and environmental commentary, using very little dialogue. Its visuals tell a poignant story about the consequences of consumerism, environmental neglect, and the importance of taking care of the planet.

Why WALL-E Should Be Watched on Earth Day

1. Environmental Awareness: WALL-E is a stark reminder of what could happen if humanity continues to disregard the health of the planet. The Earth in the film is barren, covered in mountains of waste, with no plants or animals left. Watching it on Earth Day serves as a timely reminder of the environmental impact of pollution and the importance of sustainability.

2. Hope for Change: Even though the movie starts with a seemingly hopeless situation, WALL-E represents the possibility of change, symbolized by the small plant he finds. It’s a hopeful message that even small actions can make a difference, encouraging viewers to take responsibility for the planet’s future.

3. Celebrating Nature and Reconnecting: The film underscores the beauty and importance of nature, showing that life can return to Earth if humans take the steps necessary to heal the planet. Watching WALL-E on Earth Day can inspire people to reconnect with nature and consider their role in protecting it.

4. Minimalism vs. Excess: The movie contrasts a world of rampant consumerism with the quiet, simple life that WALL-E leads. It encourages reflection on how modern society’s excess consumption impacts the planet, pushing us to reconsider our habits and think about living more sustainably.

Ultimately, WALL-E isn't just a movie about a robot—it’s a film about humanity’s future, and it’s a perfect choice for Earth Day because it challenges us to think critically about our relationship with Earth and the environment. Plus, it’s just a great watch with a powerful message that’s sure to stay with you long after the credits roll.

The Lorax (2012), based on the classic Dr. Seuss book, is an animated film that tells the story of environmental destruction and the importance of protecting nature. It’s set in a colorful, artificial world called Thneedville, where everything, including trees, is manufactured. The people of Thneedville live in a place devoid of natural life, surrounded by plastic and synthetic objects. The protagonist, a young boy named Ted, is on a quest to find a real tree for his crush, Audrey, who dreams of seeing one. In his search, he learns about the once-beautiful world that was destroyed by the greed of a character called the Once-ler.

The Once-ler, a once-ambitious entrepreneur, tells Ted the story of how he came to the land, cut down the Truffula trees to make Thneeds (a versatile product), and turned his thriving business into a massive, polluting empire. As he continued cutting down the trees without regard for the environment, the Truffula forest and all the animals who relied on it began to disappear. The Lorax, a small, wise creature who “speaks for the trees,” tries to warn the Once-ler and protect the environment, but his efforts are ignored.

As the Once-ler tells his story, Ted realizes that the destruction of the natural world was driven by greed and a lack of concern for the future. In the end, Ted takes it upon himself to make things right, finding a way to plant the last remaining Truffula seed and begin the process of restoring the natural world.

Why The Lorax Should Be Watched on Earth Day

1. Environmental Advocacy: At its core, The Lorax is a celebration of environmentalism. The film teaches the importance of preserving nature and not taking the Earth’s resources for granted. It emphasizes how human actions, driven by greed and consumerism, can lead to irreversible harm to the environment. Watching it on Earth Day reinforces the value of environmental awareness and responsibility.

2. The Dangers of Overconsumption: The Once-ler’s rise to power is based on the over-exploitation of natural resources, with little regard for the consequences. This mirrors the real-world problems of deforestation, pollution, and the depletion of natural resources. The film serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of unchecked industrialization and the importance of sustainability.

3. The Power of One Individual to Make a Difference: One of the key messages of The Lorax is that even a single person can make a difference in the world. Ted’s journey to find a real tree and restore nature demonstrates how small actions can have a profound impact. Earth Day is about empowering individuals to take action, and The Lorax serves as a reminder that it’s up to each of us to protect the planet.

4. Rejuvenating Hope and Action: Like WALL-E, The Lorax carries a hopeful message that change is possible, even in the face of environmental devastation. The last Truffula seed represents the possibility of regeneration and renewal. It encourages viewers to take action to restore and protect our own world, rather than resigning themselves to the belief that it’s too late.

5. A Fun and Thought-Provoking Story: While the film delivers a powerful environmental message, it’s also entertaining, with its whimsical animation, catchy songs, and memorable characters. This makes it accessible for audiences of all ages, allowing children and adults alike to reflect on the importance of nature while having fun.

Ultimately, The Lorax is a great choice for Earth Day because it’s a reminder that the Earth’s future depends on how we treat it today. It encourages all of us—regardless of age—to “speak for the trees” and take steps to protect our planet.

A Plastic Ocean (2016) is a powerful and eye-opening documentary that explores the devastating impact of plastic pollution on the world’s oceans. It begins with journalist Craig Leeson setting out to film blue whales, but instead, he stumbles upon vast amounts of plastic floating in what should have been pristine ocean waters. Disturbed by the discovery, he teams up with free diver Tanya Streeter and a group of scientists and researchers to investigate the root of the problem—and its far-reaching consequences.

The film takes viewers across 20 locations around the globe, from the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean to the shores of developing countries where plastic waste clogs rivers and coastlines. It reveals how plastic doesn't just float on the surface—it breaks down into tiny microplastics that are ingested by marine life, which then enters the food chain, ultimately affecting human health. It also examines the role of consumer culture, poor waste management, and industrial practices that have led to a global crisis.

Despite its grim subject matter, A Plastic Ocean also highlights solutions—innovations in recycling, the importance of reducing single-use plastics, and community-driven efforts to clean up coastlines and change consumption habits.

Why A Plastic Ocean Should Be Watched on Earth Day

1. Reveals the Hidden Crisis: Most people don’t see the extent of ocean pollution firsthand. A Plastic Ocean makes the invisible visible, showing just how deeply plastic has infiltrated marine ecosystems and how interconnected our actions are with the health of the planet.

2. Inspires Urgency and Action: The film delivers a wake-up call that is hard to ignore. It clearly shows that plastic pollution isn't just an ocean issue—it's a human issue, affecting our food, our health, and our environment. On Earth Day, when global attention is focused on the planet, this documentary helps channel concern into real awareness and motivation.

3. Educational and Eye-Opening: It combines science, storytelling, and stunning cinematography to create a compelling educational experience. Watching it on Earth Day is perfect for sparking conversations in classrooms, families, or community groups about how we can reduce our plastic footprint.

4. Focuses on Solutions: While the problem is huge, A Plastic Ocean doesn't leave viewers feeling hopeless. It highlights technologies and community efforts that are already making a difference. That aligns with Earth Day’s message of collective responsibility and optimism about the future.

5. Empowers Viewers: After watching, many people feel inspired to make personal lifestyle changes—like cutting down on plastic use, supporting legislation to reduce plastic production, or participating in clean-up efforts. The film empowers people with knowledge and gives them the “why” behind the action.

In short, A Plastic Ocean is not just a documentary—it’s a call to action. Watching it on Earth Day helps bring home the message that every plastic item we use has a lifecycle, and that the oceans—and the creatures and people who depend on them—pay the price. It’s a must-watch for anyone who cares about the planet’s future.

The Biggest Little Farm (2019) is a heartwarming and visually astonishing documentary that follows the journey of John and Molly Chester as they leave their urban lives behind to create a sustainable farm in the Californian countryside. The film chronicles their ambitious and at times challenging journey as they work to restore a barren, depleted piece of land into a thriving, biodiverse farm.

With no prior farming experience, the Chester's face numerous obstacles—poor soil, pests, droughts, and financial challenges—as they strive to build a farm that embodies the principles of regenerative agriculture. Throughout the film, they learn that farming is not just about planting crops but about creating an ecosystem where every element—from animals to plants to microorganisms—works in harmony with one another. Their efforts ultimately lead to the creation of Apricot Lane Farms, a model of biodiversity that includes orchards, pasture-raised animals, wetlands, and other natural elements that work together to support a healthy, thriving environment.

The film is not just about farming, though; it’s about a deep connection to the land and a commitment to healing it. As the Chester's learn, they’re not simply working the land—they’re restoring it, and in doing so, they’re healing the earth, both ecologically and emotionally. The sensational cinematography captures the beauty of the land, the cycles of nature, and the trials and triumphs of building something from the ground up.

Why The Biggest Little Farm Should Be Shown on Earth Day

1. Celebrates Regenerative Agriculture: At its core, The Biggest Little Farm showcases the power of regenerative farming practices—an approach that works in harmony with nature, restoring soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystems. The film highlights the importance of sustainable agriculture and how it can be a force for good in combating climate change, soil degradation, and loss of biodiversity. On Earth Day, when people are reflecting on the state of the planet, this documentary offers a solution that is both practical and inspiring.

2. Encourages Connection to Nature: The Chesters’ journey is one of deep connection with the land, showing how humans can live in harmony with nature instead of exploiting it. Earth Day is a reminder of the need to reconnect with the planet, and this film beautifully demonstrates how this connection can be mutually beneficial. It encourages viewers to think about how they interact with the Earth—whether through their choices in food, lifestyle, or efforts to restore natural environments.

3. Demonstrates the Importance of Biodiversity: One of the film’s central themes is biodiversity, and how creating a diverse, thriving ecosystem is essential for healthy agriculture. By showing how the Chesters integrate animals, plants, water systems, and soil health, the film highlights the importance of maintaining balanced ecosystems. On Earth Day, this serves as a timely reminder that a healthy planet is one where diversity is celebrated and protected.

4. Inspires Hope and Resilience: The Biggest Little Farm is a story of resilience—of finding hope and success after many failures. The Chesters’ perseverance in the face of challenges shows that positive change is possible, even in the face of adversity. Earth Day is a time to reflect on both the challenges our planet faces and the hope that comes from collective action. The film inspires individuals to take on the fight for environmental preservation, one small step at a time.

5. Educates on Sustainable Practices: By showcasing the Chesters' learning process—how they learn from their mistakes and adapt to nature's rhythms—the film provides valuable lessons on sustainability and responsible land stewardship. It's an excellent educational tool for viewers of all ages, showing them how to make conscious decisions about food production, land use, and sustainability.

6. A Beautiful Tribute to Nature: The film’s cinematography is absolutely stunning, with sweeping shots of the farm and the animals that call it home. It’s an aesthetic celebration of the Earth’s beauty, which is exactly what Earth Day is all about—taking the time to appreciate the planet and the incredible diversity of life it supports. Watching the film can reignite a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world.

In conclusion, The Biggest Little Farm is an inspiring and uplifting film that shows how we can work with nature to restore the planet, not just extract from it. Its message of hope, resilience, and sustainable living makes it a perfect film to watch on Earth Day. The Chesters' journey is a powerful example of how each of us, no matter where we start, can play a role in making the Earth healthier and more vibrant. Whether you’re already passionate about environmental conservation or just beginning to think about sustainability, this documentary is an invitation to take part in the global movement to protect our planet.

My Octopus Teacher (2020) is an intimate and extraordinary documentary that follows the journey of filmmaker Craig Foster as he forms a profound connection with a wild octopus living in the kelp forests off the coast of South Africa. After struggling with burnout and a sense of disconnection from the natural world, Craig begins free diving in a local marine reserve, where he encounters the octopus. Over the course of nearly a year, Craig returns to visit the octopus regularly, documenting her behaviors, her remarkable intelligence, and the subtle ways she navigates her environment to survive.

The film doesn’t just showcase the octopus’s fascinating abilities—it also explores the deep emotional and spiritual bond that forms between the human and the creature. Craig’s experience becomes transformative, not just because of the rare insights he gains into the life of the octopus, but because of how it reconnects him to the wild and to a sense of belonging in nature. The documentary is as much about the inner journey of the filmmaker as it is about the life of the octopus, making it a deeply reflective and humbling experience.

Throughout the film, impressive underwater cinematography captures the beauty of the ocean, the biodiversity of the kelp forests, and the mesmerizing behaviors of the octopus, from camouflage and hunting to building dens. It’s a quiet, meditative look at life in the sea and a reminder of the wonders that are all too often overlooked.

Why My Octopus Teacher Should Be Watched on Earth Day

1. Celebrates the Beauty of Nature: One of the most compelling reasons to watch My Octopus Teacher on Earth Day is its breathtaking portrayal of marine life. It’s a film that invites viewers to marvel at the intricacies of the natural world, reminding us of the planet's beauty and the incredible creatures that inhabit it. Watching it brings attention to the fragile ecosystems that sustain life on Earth, encouraging us to appreciate and protect them.

2. Encourages Connection to the Environment: Craig’s relationship with the octopus is a profound example of how spending time in nature can foster a deeper connection to the world around us. In a time when many are disconnected from the environment, My Octopus Teacher shows the power of forging personal relationships with nature. It’s a reminder that the more we engage with the natural world, the more we become aware of our role in preserving it.

3. Raises Awareness About Ocean Conservation: Through the lens of the octopus’s life, the film subtly touches on broader environmental concerns, like the fragility of marine ecosystems and the threat posed by climate change and pollution. The kelp forest, where Craig observes the octopus, is an example of a vital ecosystem that could be threatened by rising ocean temperatures and human activity. Watching this film on Earth Day can spark conversations about the importance of protecting our oceans.

4. Personal Transformation and Ecological Reflection: The film also serves as a reminder of how our relationship with nature can shape our emotional and psychological well-being. Craig’s emotional transformation mirrors a larger societal shift that Earth Day encourages—one where humans recognize their interconnectedness with the environment, not just as caretakers, but as stewards. It's about finding harmony with nature, rather than exploiting it.

5. A Lesson in Patience and Respect: The film emphasizes patience, humility, and respect for other species. Craig never forces interaction with the octopus; instead, he lets her guide the relationship. This approach is a powerful metaphor for how we should treat the environment—with respect, understanding, and a willingness to learn from it.

In summary, My Octopus Teacher is an extraordinary documentary that offers a quiet, profound meditation on the interconnectedness of life. Its celebration of the natural world, its exploration of human-animal relationships, and its call for environmental stewardship make it an ideal film to watch on Earth Day. It not only inspires a deeper appreciation for the oceans but also encourages viewers to consider their own personal connection to the planet and how they can protect it. The film is a reminder that, in the end, the health of the Earth depends on the depth of our respect and care for its creatures and ecosystems.

If all else fails, you can show anything that Sir David Attenborough has narrated. Planet Earth, Our Planet, Blue Planet - All phenomenal documentaries that show the Earth in it's most natural form. Sir David Attenborough is not only a renowned British narrator and presenter, but an actual biologist, ensuring no matter which one you choose it is destined to be an incredible time for everyone.

Happy Earth Day!

UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.

-The Lorax by Dr. Suess