On April 22, 1970, the world began taking part in a celebration of our planet. Earth Day has become an annual event that finds new ways to demonstrate support for environmental protection. Since its inception, a wide range of events have been coordinated globally both by EarthDay.org and numerous other companies and organizations who want to do better by our planet and the creatures that inhabit it.
Disney has been at the forefront of the Earth Day movement for many years, from their conservation efforts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park to the launch of Disneynature film production in 2008. These films, which have traditionally been released on Earth Day, not only aim to share engaging and thought provoking stories about the world’s wildlife, but also support related organizations through the Disney Conservation Fund. This year’s newest film follows one of my favourite animals: Polar Bears!
To celebrate this important day for the world, we’re counting down the best Disneynature films Disney+ has to offer. As always, this list is incredibly subjective and biased and there hasn’t been a single Disneynature film that hasn’t captivated us to our core.
12. Wings of Life (2011)
Narrated by Meryl Streep, this story follows small winged creatures like bats, butterflies and hummingbirds and the ever-increasing threats of the natural world around them. Described as a “beautiful love story in danger” this is arguably the most simple and dramatic of the Disneynature films. Visually it’s absolutely stunning, but the story isn’t nearly as compelling or entertaining as the studio’s other films.
11. Oceans (2009)
It’s evident that this is one of the early Disneynature releases, as “Oceans” strays far from the formula we’ve come to love. Narrated by Pierce Brosnan, “Oceans” scope doesn’t follow a specific animal. Instead, it focuses on facts and details about the journey of the ocean with an endless scope of creatures being followed. It’s interesting to see how these aquatic creatures interact with each other in this close up way, but is also incredibly more violent and political than you would come to expect from Disney.
10. The Crimson Wing: Mystery of the Flamingo (2008)
The first film to be released under the Disneynature banner, Crimson Wing is narrated by journalist Mariella Frostrup. It follows the adventures of a single chick and the flamingos that arrive in Lake Natron in northern Tanzania to continue the circle of life. It’s clear that Disney was still finding its voice and rhythm with this film in terms of storytelling. However, the imagery is so overwhelmingly beautiful, that it’s easy to get sucked into the world of lesser flamingos.
9. Chimpanzee (2012)
Disneynature really began to find its groove with the release of “Chimpanzee”. Narrated by Tim Allen, it follows the story of a young chimp named Oscar. This is one of the first Disneynature films that delves deeper into the personalities of the animals they’re following, making you deeply care for Oscar and investing in his journey of triumph and family bonds. It isn’t the most memorable or groundbreaking nature film, and does lean a little too heavily into Disney storytelling tropes, but it might just be the sweetest tale about a chimp you will ever see.
8. Born in China (2017)
Arguably the most challenging and expansive film Disneynature has produced to date, “Born in China” spreads its focus on three animals: the panda, the golden monkey and the snow leopard. It’s incredibly impressive how much Disney is able to make the stories of these vastly different animals seem so seamless. Although they all live on different terrains, each is struggling to protect and feed their families. John Krasinski adds a soothing and emotional element to the narration, and gently guides us through a film that can sometimes feel a bit overstuffed.
7. Monkey Kingdom (2015)
A story of forbidden love and motherhood, “Monkey Kingdom” is set in the jungles of South Asia and follows toque macaque Maya and her son Kip. Considered to be at the bottom of the hierarchy, Maya’s journey is that of an underdog, whose resilience helps her rise to the top of the chain despite every obstacle in her and her family’s path. “Monkey Kingdom’s” storytelling is much more layered than “Chimpanzee” and Tina Fey’s wry and witty narration adds another layer of entertainment and intrigue to one of Disneynature’s most enjoyable films.
6. Bears (2014)
Brown bears may be known for living mundane lives during hibernation, but when it’s time for them to come out, their journey is truly impressive. John C. Reilly’s narrations as he follows Mother Sky and her two impressionable cubs, Amber and Scout, perfectly embodies the essence of the bears. It feels as though he knows exactly what they are thinking. Like many other Disneynature films, “Bears” is all about family and a mother’s love. She is constantly put at risk to protect her cubs from domineering male bears, other predators and threats of the environment. It’s equal parts nerve wracking and heart warming.
5. Polar Bear (2022)
This is a story about survivors. This coming of age tale follows a young female “ice bear” who is guided by the wisdom of her own mother as we are taken on a full circle journey. In many ways “Polar Bear” returns to Disneynature’s roots. While narrator, Catherine Keener does help characterize the bear as thoughtful and courageous, we don’t get an official name for the protagonist and her family. Although there are moments of laughter and silliness, the overall tone of the film is much more serious as the animals suffer loss as they attempt to triumph over the adversity of the ever changing environment around them. “Polar Bear” is a gorgeous film that reminds us all of the importance of protecting the earth’s most precious creatures.
4. African Cats (2011)
Set in the north of the Maasai Mara in Kenya, “African Cats” follows the mother-daughter lioness pairing of Mara and Layla as well as a mother Cheetah named Sira. The drama and weight of the journeys each of these cat families goes through keeps you on the edge of your seat. It’s easy to quickly fall in love with these families, which makes so much of the gut wrenching things they go through that much harder. Samuel L. Jackson might just be the best narrator Disneynature has ever found. He ensures that every moment feel as though there is a heightened sense of danger. “African Cats” is without a doubt one of Disneynature’s most captivating films.
3. Dolphin Reef (2020)
Disneynature took another attempt at diving into the ocean, but this time with a better understanding of their successful formula. Echo, a young Pacific bottlenose dolphin, is the star of “Dolphin Reef”. He isn’t ready to grow up despite his mother’s wishes for him to learn to find his own food. Natalie Portman’s narration eloquently and charmingly breathes life into each aquatic creature we meet along the way, while also enhancing the stakes when it comes time for Echo and his friends to survive the threats of Killer Whales and dangers of the vast ocean. It’s a truly magnificent, light-hearted and visually stunning film that serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping the ocean clean.
2. Elephant (2020)
Full disclosure, Elephants, along with Polar Bears, are my favourite animals and this Disneynature film turns me into an emotional puddle of pure happiness. Narrated by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, “Elephants” tells the story of Shani and her adorable son Jomo as they make an epic journey across the Kalahari Desert. Faced with natural elements, viscous predators and a lack of resources, this family story can make the heart ache. However, the tough to watch moments are perfectly balanced with joyous moments as it’s evident how important the herd and ancestry is to the Elephant community. It’s the most gorgeous and intimate story ever told about these majestic and endangered creatures.
1. Penguins (2019)
As soon as “Penguins” begins, it’s impossible to not immediately fall in love with Steve, an Adélie penguin. A goofy outcast who is on a quest to build a nest, find a life partner and start a family, “Penguins” has no right to be as cute and endearing as it is. Ed Helms’ narration captures Steve’s lovable spirit, and helps to make some of the most difficult moments to watch bearable. Seriously, Steve is really put through the ringer having to survive leopard seals and killer sharks all in the name of protecting his loved ones. Antarctica is the picturesque backdrop of this underdog hero’s journey, and is the best example of the magic Disneynature is able to capture.
What’s your favourite Disneynature film? Let us know in the comments below or on one of our social media channels. And make sure to follow Frozen Mouse Fever for all your Disney needs.
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