54 Films from the BBC Natural History Unit

A breathtaking journey into the natural world reveals a realm far stranger and more magical than we ever thought possible. The adventure takes us from enchanted forests to the depths of the underworld, across alien planets and fantastical oceans, over…

David Attenborough narrates the story of how scientists in Argentina unearthed and put together the remains of the biggest dinosaur ever found – a completely new species of long-necked titanosaur.

High in the world's mountains is a breathtaking, icy land. But it's not a place stuck in the past. For thousands of years, the people and animals who live there have adapted to thrive in this extreme environment, finding ways…

A team of pioneering tropical scientists journeys to Brazil's Pico da Neblina, the country's highest and most remote mountain. They have rare permission to explore the peak in search of undiscovered creatures and plants.

Sir David Attenborough explores the recent discovery of a 200-million-year-old Ichthyosaur along the Jurassic Coast of southern England. Employing advanced technology and CGI, Attenborough vividly recreates the fossilized creature, bringing to life what this ancient animal was like during the…

This BBC Four documentary follows Sami reindeer herders in Norway as they migrate across the Finnmark mountains, north of the Arctic Circle. The herd's journey, a little over 160 miles, takes a week, moving from winter feeding grounds to coastal…

Deep Blue is a BBC Natural History Unit documentary film. Using stunning footage, this film takes viewers on an epic journey to explore our oceans and the diverse life within them – a captivating experience for audiences of all ages.

Wildlife cameraman Gordon Buchanan journeys to the Arctic, venturing into the heart of the Sami people's traditional lands. He documents their deep connection to the reindeer that are central to their way of life.

This installment of the series focuses on animals adapted to the harshest winter environments.

This documentary recounts the remarkable story of Koko, the only gorilla known to use sign language, and her enduring connection with Penny Patterson. What began as a university research project to teach a baby gorilla sign language blossomed into a…

Experience a breathtaking journey across Africa, exploring its diverse landscapes. Water, the essential element, shapes this continent, bringing life wherever it flows. It travels on the wind, rushes through powerful rivers, and creates thriving underwater ecosystems.

"Woolly Mammoth: Secrets from the Ice," presented by anatomist Dr. Alice Roberts, explores the mysteries surrounding this iconic extinct animal. Woolly Mammoths captivated humans long after they disappeared from the continents of Asia and Europe at the end of the…

This short film follows a chipmunk and a small mouse as they embark on an adventure in the world beneath our feet. Through their journey, they experience growth and learn about the challenges of life.

Liz Bonnin embarks on an international journey to expose the true extent of the world's plastic pollution and investigate potential solutions to this growing environmental threat. Following plastic's path across the globe, Liz will demonstrate the crisis is far more…

David Attenborough explores the captivating history of birds of paradise, detailing how these stunning creatures have fascinated explorers, naturalists, artists, filmmakers, and members of royalty alike.

The Scottish midge is a tiny insect with a notorious reputation. As one of the few biting flies in Britain that feeds on human blood, it can be a major problem for anyone living or working in Scotland. But why…

Biologist Patrick Aryee investigates the surprising reasons behind the success of small creatures, examining animals as little as a lemur and as small as an armadillo.

Sir David Attenborough explores the groundbreaking discovery of a massive prehistoric skull belonging to a pliosaur – a colossal marine reptile often called the Tyrannosaurus rex of the ocean.

Ewan McGregor narrates a compelling look at the wild Shetland ponies, following their breeding season as they struggle to survive on the isolated islands.

Deep in the Pacific Ocean lies the Great Barrier Reef, a natural wonder off the northeast coast of Australia. This vibrant ecosystem shelters unique marine life. Conservationist Iolo Williams joins Emmy-winning cinematographer and marine biologist Richard Fitzpatrick on a dive…

Newly released footage documents the surprising resurgence of nature during the global lockdown. With human activity significantly reduced across the planet – in oceans, skies, and on land – Earth experienced a period of recovery and renewed vitality.

Nestled in Cumbria, Northwest England, the Lake District is a mountainous landscape dotted with lakes, including Windermere, England's largest and deepest. Tourism thrives throughout the year, drawing visitors for walks, water activities, and lake cruises, alongside experiences of traditional rural…

David Attenborough explores the extraordinary life and death of Jumbo, a famous elephant who is rumored to have inspired the film *Dumbo*. Attenborough teams up with scientists and conservationists to uncover the truth behind this massive African elephant – an…

In this seasonal special, Gordon Buchanan explores the lives of animals thriving in winter landscapes. He shares how they survive: a polar bear mother nurturing her cubs, an owl finding food under the snow, and penguins huddling for warmth. Gordon…

This documentary follows a Japanese team of scientists studying the elusive world of deep-sea sharks. Fewer than 50 megamouth sharks have ever been seen. Over four years, the team used small submarines in Suruga Bay and Sagami Bay to film…

This is the story of the remarkable recovery of wolves in Europe, a continent where they had nearly disappeared.

EARTH, from Disneynature, follows the journeys of three animal families: polar bears, elephants, and humpback whales. It's an epic adventure showcasing the courage and magnificence of these creatures as they navigate life across the planet.

One Life offers stunningly intimate footage of animal behavior, providing an unparalleled connection with the natural world. The film also includes a bonus disc with exclusive behind-the-scenes content, featuring a making-of featurette narrated by Daniel Craig.

This coming-of-age story follows Kolo, a young meerkat pup, as he grows up in the Kalahari desert. It's an inspiring look at how one family's bond with each other and their environment demonstrates resilience and strength. Shot with innovative techniques,…

A remarkable discovery in the BBC archives has restored color to David Attenborough's early *Zoo Quest* series, revealing the story of its creation. First broadcast in 1954, *Zoo Quest* was a hugely popular show that launched Attenborough's career as a…

This film offers an extraordinary look into the hidden lives of bats. Using advanced night-vision technology, the cameras document the secret world of a greater horseshoe bat colony over a four-month period.

A breathtaking exploration of nature's immense power. In a single day, we follow the sun's path, from towering mountain peaks to isolated islands and deep jungles.

Filmed with innovative aerial technology that mimics birds in flight, this 3D film offers an incredible journey across the globe's most stunning landscapes. Viewers witness the Earth's most spectacular wildlife events firsthand: snow geese flying over Monument Valley and New…

The film presents an uninterrupted, natural soundscape of birdsong at sunrise. It captures the vibrant chorus of birds in three distinct British habitats: woodland, heathland, and parkland.

In Costa Rica, locals refer to the annual arrival of sea turtles as the "arribada," a spectacular event where tens of thousands of turtles gather on the Pacific coast to lay their eggs. "Turtle Beach" follows Canadian naturalist and cinematographer…

Filmed with hidden cameras, this documentary offers an unprecedented look at polar bears, the world’s largest land predators. It portrays their lives intimately, showing how their intelligence and curiosity allow them to adapt to a rapidly changing environment with diminishing…

Every year, over 1.2 million wildebeest undertake a 1,800 kilometer circular journey across the Serengeti and Masai Mara, relentlessly pursued by Africa's predators. Using innovative spy cameras – hidden in the air, water, or disguised as natural objects – this…

This film explores a nation holding onto its past while facing a future of significant change. Cuba’s rich culture, well-preserved colonial buildings, and natural beauty offer a deep look into its history and character. The audience journeys through stunning landscapes,…

This film is a special look at the albatross, one of the world's most recognizable birds. It showcases all 18 species with footage filmed in locations around the globe, including New Zealand, Cape Town, the Galapagos Islands, and Antarctica.

Professor Alice Roberts teams up with entomologist Tim Cockerill inside a home teeming with spiders for a special documentary exploring how spiders live within our houses.

Wildlife cameraman Gordon Buchanan journeys to Churchill, a town on the coast of Canada's Hudson Bay. Each autumn, polar bears congregate there, preparing for the winter hunting season.

In this book, Helen Macdonald journeys along Britain's longest river throughout the year, observing salmon, beavers, and the tiny organisms that are key to scientific discovery.

Chris Packham explores some of the most unusual winter phenomena on Earth, combining cutting-edge science, expert insights, and firsthand observations.

This film follows a year in the life of a remarkable village nestled in the French countryside.

Narrated by Cate Blanchett, EARTHFLIGHT offers a fully immersive journey across the globe, experiencing flight from a bird's perspective. Filmed over four years in eleven countries across four continents, the film uses innovative aerial techniques and advanced 3D cameras to…

This is the story of a penguin chick who hatches later than the others and is smaller than its siblings. It follows the chick's journey as it grows and learns to navigate life with its family.

Incredible Predators offers a groundbreaking look at how the world's most formidable hunters thrive. Using advanced filming, the documentary provides unprecedentedly close perspectives on their remarkable hunting strategies – whether on land, in the ocean, or in the sky.

Alice Roberts explores the growing popularity of wild swimming – swimming in natural bodies of water like cavernous pools, rivers, and lakes – in a film inspired bykende Muir's classic book, *Waterlog*.

Antarctica is Earth's most extreme place – colder, higher, and drier than anywhere else. Though remote, events there impact everyone on the planet.

Korea, once a kingdom of palaces and emperors, is now known for its modern cities and a history marked by division. While the conflict between North and South often defines the country to those outside, there's a deeper side to…

David Attenborough, Hans Zimmer, and Dave collaborate on a special Natural History event: Planet Earth: A Celebration. This one-hour program features eight of the most remarkable scenes from Planet Earth II and Blue Planet II, including racer snakes battling iguanas,…

In this film, Sir David Attenborough presents his most cherished recordings of animal song, sounds that have profoundly changed how we understand communication in the natural world. Each recording – from the song of a giant lemur to the whale's…

Ewan McGregor narrates a special exploring the North Atlantic's wildlife from a Viking perspective. The film blends historical recreations with stunning natural history footage, showcasing massive reindeer herds, enormous gannet colonies, adorable Arctic foxes, seal-hunting orcas, symbolic ravens, and giant…