A powerful documentary can do more than just entertain you for a couple of hours. It can completely change your perspective on the world and ignite a desire for adventure. The best films transport you to breathtaking landscapes, introduce you to incredible wildlife, and connect you with diverse cultures. They can also open your eyes to the importance of traveling with intention. Eco-tourism is about making choices that protect natural environments and support local communities. It’s a way to explore our beautiful planet responsibly. This list of documentaries will not only give you a serious case of wanderlust but will also inspire you to make your next journey a force for good. Get ready to add some incredible destinations to your bucket list.

"Our Planet" (2019)

David Attenborough's voice has guided us through the natural world for decades, and "Our Planet" is one of his most visually stunning and urgent works. This eight-part Netflix series showcases the planet's remaining wilderness areas and their animal inhabitants in glorious high definition.

Each episode focuses on a different habitat, from the icy Arctic to the deep oceans and the vast African plains. The series does more than just display beautiful scenery. It directly connects the health of these ecosystems to the global climate, showing how human activity in one part of the world can impact another. You see firsthand how fragile these habitats are and the immediate threats they face. The series is a powerful call to action, encouraging viewers to appreciate and protect what is left of our planet’s wild places. It inspires you to seek out travel experiences that contribute to conservation efforts.

After watching, you might feel a pull to see the jungle ecosystems of Costa Rica. Look for lodges and tour operators that are certified for their sustainability practices, directly funding rainforest preservation and hiring local guides.

"Down to Earth with Zac Efron" (2020)

This series follows actor Zac Efron and wellness expert Darin Olien as they travel the globe searching for healthy, sustainable ways to live. It's a fun, accessible look at how different cultures are tackling environmental challenges with innovative solutions.

"Down to Earth" makes sustainability feel exciting and achievable. Efron and Olien explore everything from renewable energy in Iceland to community-supported agriculture in London. The show highlights destinations that are leading the way in green living. It emphasizes the importance of learning from local communities and supporting businesses that prioritize the health of their environment. The series proves that an eco-conscious trip doesn't mean sacrificing comfort or fun. It means engaging more deeply with a destination and its people.

Inspired by the Iceland episode, plan a trip to see the Northern Lights. You can stay in a hotel powered by geothermal energy and take a tour that educates you on the country's unique volcanic landscape and commitment to clean power.

"Seaspiracy" (2021)

This hard-hitting documentary dives deep into the environmental impact of the global fishing industry. It's a provocative film that uncovers how issues like plastic pollution, ghost nets, and overfishing are devastating marine ecosystems.

"Seaspiracy" will fundamentally change the way you look at the ocean. It makes a strong case for the importance of marine protected areas and the need for greater accountability in the seafood industry. For travelers, it highlights the significance of choosing tour operators who respect marine life. The documentary encourages you to ask critical questions about the impact of your tourism choices. Are the boat tours you take disturbing wildlife? Does your resort support marine conservation? The film motivates you to become a guardian of the ocean, whether you're snorkeling in a coral reef or simply walking on the beach.

Consider a trip to the Galápagos Islands, a living laboratory of evolution with strict tourism regulations. A journey here directly supports one of the world's most successful conservation models, ensuring the protection of its unique marine and terrestrial species.

"Virunga" (2014)

"Virunga" is a gripping, Oscar-nominated documentary that tells the story of the rangers risking their lives to protect Africa’s oldest national park and its endangered mountain gorillas. The film is part nature documentary, part investigative journalism, and part political thriller.

The film showcases the incredible beauty of Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the profound connection the rangers have with the gorillas they protect. It also exposes the threats from armed conflict and corporate interests seeking to exploit the park's natural resources. "Virunga" is a testament to the power of conservation-focused tourism. It shows that the money tourists spend to see the gorillas is a crucial source of funding that keeps the park operational and gives local communities a powerful economic incentive to protect this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Safely visiting Virunga is the ultimate eco-tourism experience. By trekking to see the mountain gorillas, you are directly funding the park's ranger force and conservation efforts. It's a powerful way to ensure these majestic creatures have a future. Always check current travel advisories before planning a trip to this region.

"Chasing Coral" (2017)

A team of divers, photographers, and scientists sets out on an ocean adventure to document the alarming disappearance of coral reefs around the world. The film is both a beautiful love letter to these underwater ecosystems and a devastating account of their rapid decline due to warming ocean temperatures.

"Chasing Coral" uses stunning time-lapse photography to reveal the phenomenon of "coral bleaching" in a way that is impossible to ignore. The film makes it clear that these vital ecosystems are on the brink of collapse. It motivates travelers to seek out "reef-safe" sunscreens, as common chemicals can harm coral. It also inspires you to support tour operators that practice responsible diving and snorkeling, avoiding any contact with the reefs. The documentary turns every beach vacation into an opportunity to be mindful of your impact on marine life.

Plan a snorkeling or diving trip to a destination with a well-managed marine park, such as Bonaire in the Caribbean. The island nation has protected its entire coastline for decades, and the fees from dive tags directly fund conservation and research.

"The Biggest Little Farm" (2018)

This documentary follows a couple who leave their city life behind to build a sustainable farm on 200 acres of barren land in California. Over several years, they transform the dry, depleted soil into a thriving, biodiverse ecosystem.

"The Biggest Little Farm" is a beautiful story about working in harmony with nature rather than against it. It demonstrates the principles of regenerative agriculture, a practice that restores soil health and biodiversity. The film encourages a deeper appreciation for where our food comes from. For travelers, it sparks an interest in agritourism: visiting farms, wineries, and ranches that practice sustainable methods. It inspires you to connect with the land, eat locally grown food, and support farmers who are healing the planet.

Explore the farm-to-table scene in a region known for its agriculture, like Tuscany, Italy, or Vermont in the USA. Stay at a farm stay (agriturismo) where you can learn about organic farming, take cooking classes with ingredients grown on-site, and see regenerative principles in action.

Watching these films does more than just provide entertainment; it plants a seed of curiosity and responsibility. They show us that our travel choices matter. Every trip is an opportunity to support conservation, empower local communities, and connect with our planet on a deeper level. The next time you feel the urge to explore, let the lessons from these powerful documentaries guide you. Plan an adventure that not only creates lasting memories but also leaves a positive footprint on the world you're so eager to see.