The best David Attenborough documentaries to watch
He may be considered a UK national treasure, but Sir David Attenborough is much more than that – he’s an international treasure. Earlier this month, the legendary documentarian turned 91 years old, marking 65 years on our screens. To celebrate his wonderful contribution to the world, we’ve picked out five of his best documentary series for you to revisit. And while you’re at it, why not introduce the grandkids to this TV icon?
1. The Blue Planet (2001)
In this eight-episode series, described as “the first ever comprehensive series on the natural history of the world’s oceans,” Attenborough takes us into the never-before-seen depths of the ocean. He showcases some of the most unusual and beautiful marine life on the planet from the beaches of Costa Rica, to the underwater volcanoes of New Zealand to the vast, frozen life in the Arctic.
2. Planet Earth (2006)
Attenborough’s recent Planet Earth II was an utter triumph, but before that was Planet Earth, the highly-acclaimed global nature series that took five years to make. Covering 11 different habitats across the world in each episode, Planet Earth was seen in over 130 countries and won four Emmy awards – so what are you waiting for?
3. Life (2009)
Following in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, in Life, Attenborough studies the extreme evolutionary changes and behaviours that creatures have had to develop simply to survive. From the unbelievable combative mechanism of the Venus flytrap to the varied and bizarre life that has survived in the deepest cracks of the ocean, Life will change the way you see every living being in the world.
4. Frozen Planet (2011)
You’ve never seen our bright blue orb quite like this before. Frozen Planet takes us into the most frigid, isolated and barely-habitable corners of the Earth to see just how life has blossomed in the unlikeliest places. The highly-acclaimed, Emmy-winning series follows everything from polar bears and arctic wolves to penguins, seals and killer whales.
5. David Attenborough’s Natural Curiosities (2013–2015)
Natural Curiosities is Attenborough going back to his roots. Exploring all the weird and wonderful quirks among the most fascinating creatures on the planet, this 21-episode series revisits old hoaxes, debunks myths and delves into legends (think unicorns!). At just 30 minutes an episode, it’s the perfect bite-sized dose of Attenborough goodness!
Image credit: Mark Tipple/Atlantic Productions.