You don’t have to be an environmental activists to know the planet is in rough shape and it’s our fault. Stopping the climate destruction that’s already wreaking havoc on communities and countries around the world requires all of us to do more, at every level, and that means finding ways to raise the issues and inform ourselves wherever we are and in all manner of contexts. Entertainment and cinema have long been vehicles for informing the public, changing attitudes, and motivating ourselves to action, so here is a list of the top 10 best films to watch to celebrate Earth Day.
Earlier this month, I gave you my list of the best films to watch for Arbor Day, a tree-themed and forest-themed list of viewing options. You can read that list here, and of course you could add those movies to the ones in the list below, to expand your viewing plans for more than just today or the weekend, since this is also Earth Week. Ideally, you’ll keep these lists handy and continue to add some of the films to your viewing plans year-round.
I avoided repeating any of those films on this list, even though some of the selections below are indeed about forests and trees as well. The criteria are pretty simple and obvious here, and there were plenty of films to choose from with environmental themes, but I wanted a mix of many approaches and for all manner of tastes.
There’s a little of everything on this list. A few documentaries and a cult classic, some fun sci-fi and some comedy, true stories and animated fantasy, big ideas and simple concepts, sorrow and joy, success and failure. Which is to say, the list is a lot like the reality of environmental activism and humanity’s approach to global warming so far. It makes for an eclectic set of recommendations that’s sure to give everyone at least a few viewings they’ll appreciate.
And now, without further ado and in no particular order, here are the 10 best films to watch for Earth Day!
- An Inconvenient Truth — Former Vice President Al Gore’s ultimate environmental documentary won two Oscars, including Best Documentary, and is a must-watch.
- Wall-E — A family-friendly look at climate destruction and runaway corporate greed, with a hidden warning that unless we learn from history we’re doomed to repeat it.
- The Day After Tomorrow — Outrageously unrealistic, it’s hyperbolic presentation of the immediacy of Global Warming is a fun and exciting way to envision the topic.
- Princess Mononoke — A testament to environmental storytelling and statement that broader harmony with nature necessarily includes harmony among ourselves.
- Erin Brockovich — The best feature adaption of a true story of environmental activism, fueled by Julia Roberts’ powerhouse performance and PG&E’s evil villainy.
- The Cove — A shocking, painful documentation of human abuse and massacre of one of the most intelligent species on the planet, and of governments covering it up.
- FernGully: The Last Rainforest — Among the most popular environmentally themed films around, animated or otherwise, and the most family-friendly on the list.
- Silent Running — A terrific cult classic sci-fi film proving people already knew the dangers to our environment 50 years ago and were proclaiming the need for action.
- Grizzly Man — This shocking documentary is both a testament to loving and appreciating wild animals, and to the fact humans best help animals by avoiding them.
- Pom Poko — Bittersweet satire of human shortsightedness and missed opportunity, magical yet heartbreaking, with more animated raccoon testicles than expected.
And there you have it, dear readers, my compilation for you of the very best movies to watch for your Earth Day celebration. Pick a few, pick a lot, and give them a watch tonight and this weekend — some for the whole family and/or friends, some just for the grownups, some just for you personally.
But don’t stop there, add films like this to your viewing throughout the rest of the weekend and Earth Week, and recommend them to your friends and family as well. Because we won’t save this planet if we only think about it one day a year, and if we don’t save this planet then we won’t save ourselves. It’s that simple.
Happy Earth Day, everybody, and remember to stay safe and health as the Covid-19 pandemic continues.
