84 Fascinating History and Science Documentaries

"Hidden Faith of Our Founding Fathers" explores a largely unexplored question: the true religious beliefs of America's founders. While many were Freemasons, it's often assumed they were devout Christians seeking to establish a Christian nation. This documentary examines whether their…

Throughout their history, the planets in our solar system have endured dramatic disasters, caused by events both from space and within. This film journeys back in time to explore these violent events that profoundly shaped planets like Earth. We'll discover…

Director James Cameron collaborates with NASA scientists on an expedition to the Mid-Ocean Ridge. This underwater mountain range encircles the globe and supports extraordinary life.

The legendary Grail isn't gold or ancient knowledge; it's the 3,000-year-old DNA within the mummies. This DNA holds the potential for a cure for malaria.

The discovery of a 4.4 million-year-old *Ardipithecus* skeleton significantly changes our understanding of human evolution, offering compelling proof that walking upright was the earliest key trait shared by our ancestors.

Using immersive IMAX 3D, a young woman named Julie embarks on an extraordinary journey back to the age of dinosaurs. She explores a breathtaking underwater world populated by colossal creatures that dominated the oceans long before dinosaurs rose to power.…

A Discovery Channel Quest expedition led by Dr. Joann Fletcher and scientists from the University of York Mummy Research Team searches for the lost tomb of Queen Nefertiti in the Valley of the Kings. If discovered, it would be a…

This film presents a detailed overview of various well-known pirates and pirate crews, punctuated by commentary from several animated experts. It includes movie clips, paintings, and repeated video footage, but ultimately fails to effectively depict the dramatic and violent reality…

Filmmaker Werner Herzog receives rare permission to film within the Chauvet caves of southern France. His camera documents the world's oldest known cave paintings, offering a breathtaking look at early human artistry in their original environment.

In 10,000 B.C., the Earth faced dramatic change. A mini ice age emerged, causing the extinction of giant animals like saber-toothed tigers and woolly mammoths, as early humans arrived in North America. Facing cold and starvation, these vulnerable communities risked…

Titans of the Ice Age takes viewers to the stunning, frozen worlds of North America, Europe, and Asia ten thousand years before modern times. Stunning CGI recreates this mysterious period, showcasing creatures like saber-toothed cats and giant sloths alongside the…

A groundbreaking discovery in Turkey in 1995 – a complex older than the pyramids and Stonehenge – is challenging everything we thought we knew about human history. Only recently have experts fully grasped the site's importance, forcing them to reconsider…

Blackbeard, Henry Morgan, Ann Bonny, and Black Bart Roberts: pirates and buccaneers, larger than life and more dangerous than legend, set sail for plunder. Filmed in high definition, *True Caribbean Pirates* recounts the rise of piracy in the Caribbean and…

Against breathtaking visuals of the natural world – aerial shots, underwater footage, and wildlife photography – evolutionary biologist Armand Leroi guides us on a compelling journey. He revisits the original expedition and reveals the evidence that fueled Charles Darwin's groundbreaking…

This historical drama follows an ordinary pioneer family as they experience the challenges of the American West's development from the 1830s to the end of the 19th century. The film offers a personal look at their lives during the turbulent…

This History Channel program explores the enduring legend of Robin Hood: was he a real person who stole from the wealthy to help the less fortunate? The program examines the folk hero's origins, suggesting he's based on several historical figures,…

Each year, thousands of emperor penguins undertake an incredible journey to Antarctica to raise their families. They walk tirelessly, day and night, for 70 miles across the coldest, driest, and darkest continent on Earth. This true story is filled with…

This nature documentary follows a family of chimpanzees in the rain forests of Ivory Coast and Uganda. We experience the world through Oscar, a young chimp, as he navigates life in the African jungle – a journey filled with humor,…

Ice World, a Discovery Channel documentary, portrays the lives of three individuals living in England 24,000 years ago during the last ice age. Their existence resembles that of Plains Indians, complete with teepees, buckskin clothing, and long hair. Aki and…

In the dense jungles of South Asia, a mother monkey and her infant face a challenging life within the Temple Troop. This lively community of monkeys navigates a complex social order while living in ancient ruins. They must fight to…

This visually stunning documentary takes viewers on a global journey through different landscapes and time periods to explore the connections between all living things. The film features breathtaking cinematography, showcasing the beauty of Earth while presenting a thoughtful story about…

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.

Dinosaurs Unearthed offers a captivating exploration of two significant dinosaur discoveries. Dino Autopsy follows paleontologists as they study one of the most complete dinosaur mummies ever found, preserved with skin and tissue. This unique specimen provides unprecedented insights into dinosaur…

William Still was a key, though often overlooked, figure in the Underground Railroad. He dedicated himself to guiding as many escaping slaves as possible to freedom in Canada. With bounty hunters legally allowed to recapture former slaves in free states,…

Based on the award-winning BBC1 series, Planet Dinosaur 3D brings the world of dinosaurs to life with stunning stereoscopic animation. This ambitious program uses cutting-edge research and the latest fossil discoveries to depict the rise and fall of these incredible…

For years, historians assumed the Aztecs revered the Spanish conquistadors and offered little resistance to their arrival. However, a new documentary challenges this view. Recent discoveries near Mexico City – including over 550 bodies, some appearing to be European –…

In a television studio, Stephen Hawking, Arthur C. Clarke, and Carl Sagan (appearing remotely) engage in a discussion about the Big Bang theory, the concept of God, the nature of human existence, and the potential for life beyond Earth.

"The Collective Evolution 2: The Human Experience" is a documentary exploring all facets of life. It examines who we are and the purpose of our existence, delving into the essential elements of the human experience: the planet, the body, and…

African Cats follows the lives of lions, cheetahs, and other animals on the savanna. It centers on Mara, a lion cub learning from her mother; Sita, a single mother cheetah raising five cubs; and Fang, a lion leader protecting his…

This film chronicles the history of Native American peoples. It covers their diverse cultures and societies from pre-colonial times through the present day. The story explores their interactions with European settlers, the conflicts that arose, and the ongoing struggles for…

Two women, Scarlett and Giselle, arrange to marry each other's grooms. They discover their grooms are the same person: Jack Sparrow. The film follows them as they find themselves in an auction led by an Auctioneer. This short film is…

In Botswana's Okavango Delta, an outcast lioness and her two cubs must struggle for survival against numerous dangers. Their only hope is to reach Duba Island, offering them an uncertain future. The story unfolds in one of the few remaining…

Nikolaus Geyrhalter's *Homo Sapiens* examines the limits of human life and the decline of industry, questioning what defines us. The film presents a series of unsettlingly empty landscapes from around the globe: abandoned cities, decaying infrastructure, and asphalt overtaken by…

More than just a story about a Thanksgiving dinner, the Pilgrims' journey is a foundational part of American history. This comprehensive documentary offers the most complete account of the Pilgrims and their voyage to and settlement in the New World.…

Director Koreyoshi Kurahara follows Flep and Leila, two foxes in Hokkaido, Japan, through a year of challenges. The island's long winters and brief summers shape their lives. After Flep wins a fight for Leila's affection, they become mates and have…

In the late 1600s, over 150 people were accused of witchcraft. Following the well-known Salem Witch Trials, 19 people were executed and one died under immense pressure. This documentary explores this dark period in American history, revealing surprising details about…

Port Royal, Jamaica – the legendary city of pirates – was once the most notorious place on Earth, but it was destroyed by an earthquake that sank it into the ocean. Now, a dive team is employing advanced technology to…

Blackfish examines the troubling effects of keeping highly intelligent and emotional animals like killer whales in captivity. The documentary focuses on Tilikum, a notorious orca who has been involved in the deaths of three people, including a trainer. It reveals…

Wild Ocean offers a breathtaking, large-screen look at one of nature's most impressive migrations. Experience an underwater feeding frenzy teeming with dolphins, sharks, whales, gannets, seals, and billions of fish. Filmed along the Wild Coast of South Africa, this documentary…

Join a breathtaking voyage spanning 100,000 light-years to explore pivotal moments in the Milky Way's past. National Geographic uses advanced science to create a detailed, 3-D CGI model of our galaxy. Journey to the center to investigate supermassive black holes,…

This film recounts the story of the discovery of Ida, a remarkably well-preserved 47-million-year-old primate fossil found in a German shale quarry in 1983. For two decades, Ida remained with a private collector before Norwegian paleontologist Dr. Jørn Hurum recognized…

Alastair Fothergill and Keith Scholey document a year in the lives of Sky, an Alaskan brown bear, and her cubs, Scout and Amber. The film follows the family from their awakening after winter hibernation. Throughout the year, they rely on…

David Attenborough, renowned for his natural history documentaries, explores the core of his work: Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection. This film offers a personal reflection by Attenborough on his own life and how he embraced Darwin's groundbreaking…

In Patagonia, a wild and remote region at the southern tip of South America where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet, National Geographic explores Tierra del Fuego, a stunningly desolate island. This area is home to wildlife like Magellanic penguins,…

Charlton Heston hosts this documentary which considers the theory that the Sphinx could be significantly older than traditionally believed. John Anthony West investigates whether water erosion patterns on the Sphinx suggest an age of 10,000 years. The film also explores…

Over the next century, experts warn that a combination of growing population, dwindling resources, and climate change could lead to devastating consequences. *Earth 2100* presents possible futures, not predictions, serving as a cautionary message about potential outcomes.

Journey back to prehistoric America, where dinosaurs reigned supreme. These powerful creatures lived, hunted, and died across the land that is now home. Witness millions of years of evolution unfold. Discover the Zuniceratops, a unique North American dinosaur with horns…

A sweeping visual journey takes us from Earth to the far reaches of space. We witness the birth of stars, explore alien worlds, encounter black holes, and journey into the unknown depths of the universe.

"Finding Atlantis," a National Geographic Channel film hosted by Professor Richard Freund of Hartford University, explores a quest to locate the legendary lost city. Freund details his efforts to find Atlantis, long considered myth, using advanced technology like ground-penetrating radar,…

For years, geneticists and archaeologists have believed that human life originated in Africa. In this PBS special, Dr. Spencer Wells presents evidence and theories supporting this idea. He argues that Africa was initially inhabited by a small population, and that…

Two years after the discovery of "Sue," the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton ever found, authorities take possession of the remains. They assert that "Sue" was illegally taken from government property.

Most people picture dinosaurs as the first animals on Earth, but this prequel to "Walking with Dinosaurs" explores the world of strange creatures that lived millions of years earlier. From the Cambrian Period 530 million years ago to the Early…

National Geographic presents a playful yet insightful look at modern life. Through striking visuals, the film reveals the components of an average human existence and the impact of our daily actions on the planet. This unique journey explores the people…

Dinosaurs were powerful creatures, but also incredibly strange. Some predators had unusually large or oddly shaped body parts. Join leading paleontologists on a global journey to discover some of the most surprising dinosaurs: Mamenchisaurus, with a neck longer than its…

Journey into Amazing Caves is an extraordinary IMAX adventure that explores the depths of the earth to reveal the secrets of life in underground environments.

Join astronomers and astrophysicists as they explore light years beyond the Milky Way in *Understanding The Universe*, part of TLC's popular television series. Narrated by Candice Bergen, this informative and engaging video uses graphic models and stunning animation to explain…

Over the last 200,000 years, humanity has drastically altered the Earth's delicate natural order, a system that thrived for 4 billion years. Global warming, dwindling resources, and widespread species loss demonstrate humanity’s threat to its own survival. However, despair is…

In 2004, NASA's Spirit and Opportunity rovers landed on Mars with a projected lifespan of just a few months. However, their mission unexpectedly extended to five years, transforming from a short-term search for water into a remarkable feat of exploration.…

Alex Gibney's film examines Stuxnet, a computer virus created in 2010 by international cybersecurity experts. It's believed the virus was developed by the U.S. And Israel to disrupt Iran's nuclear facilities. But the sophisticated malware unexpectedly spread beyond its intended…

This is the story of Scotland's earliest history. Beginning 10,000 years ago, it's a visually stunning look at our prehistory, featuring the impressive monuments of Orkney and the Isle of Lewis, alongside the fortress of Dunadd and the sacred Kilmartin…

Director Werner Herzog and cinematographer Peter Zeitlinger travel to Antarctica to document the lives of those who live and work there, and to film the continent's distinctive environments. Herzog’s narration states the film will deviate from conventional Antarctic documentaries focused…

Jonathan Scott tells the remarkable story of the leopard, the only major cat thriving across much of the globe while other big cats face decline. Focusing on leopard mothers and their cubs in East Africa, the film explores the natural…

James Cameron, joined by Bill Paxton and a team of leading historians and marine experts, undertakes an unscripted expedition to the wreck of the Titanic. The ship sank almost a century ago, claiming the lives of nearly 1,500 people.

This documentary explores the untold story of Charles Darwin's creation of *On the Origin of Species*, the book that revolutionized our understanding of the natural world, explaining its diversity through the processes of life and death. Over twenty years, Darwin…

Born to Be Wild follows orphaned jungle animals as they grow up under the care of the people who rescue them. The film is set in two different locations: the rainforests of Borneo, where Dr. Birute Galdikas helps baby orangutans,…

These are some of the largest pyramids on Earth, immense structures of stone and earth that dominate the landscape, symbols of a powerful civilization. But the people who built them were not pharaohs. This is Teotihuacán, a majestic ancient city…

The film follows the Johnson family – Chris (Rob Hartz), Ellen (Kathleen Cameron), and their son Casey (Hy Rillero) – living in Los Angeles, California, among the few who survive a global pandemic that begins "sometime in the future." The…

Follow astronomers in their quest to find a habitable planet—a new Earth. Witness the launches of the space missions Kepler and CoRot, and the exciting discoveries of potentially habitable worlds. A controversial finding emerges: a planet in a twilight zone…

Using IMAX 3D, the film follows seven astronauts on the Space Shuttle Atlantis as they work to fix the Hubble Space Telescope.

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.

The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing. Experts say its construction was so advanced, even today's technology might not allow us to replicate it. Using the newest research…

Alaska's wild coastline is home to an extraordinary array of wildlife. During the brief Alaskan summer, animals thrive in the abundant sunshine before the return of long, dark winters. This film explores the lives of these creatures as they navigate…

Filmmaker Ken Burns presents a comprehensive look at Mark Twain, widely regarded as the greatest American author.

The Bible recounts God's destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah due to their wickedness, and his support for Joshua in the conquest of Jericho, another city deemed irredeemably wicked. Are these biblical accounts historical fact or merely moral…

In North America, 70 million years ago during the Cretaceous period, a young Edmontosaurus named Scar journeys with his herd south for the winter. The animated documentary drama reflects new scientific discoveries about dinosaurs, including evidence of feathered Tyrannosaurs.

How did life begin? Billions of years before dinosaurs, Earth was full of living things. Microscopic organisms filled the oceans, and creatures thrived in the soil. But the fundamental question remains: how did life evolve from simple beginnings into complex…

220 million years ago, dinosaurs were starting to rule the Earth. But another group of reptiles was on the verge of a remarkable change: pterosaurs were learning to fly. The story of how and why these mysterious creatures took to…

The world's most celebrated telescope, responsible for groundbreaking discoveries about the universe, is in jeopardy. The Hubble Space Telescope has revealed the birth of stars and planets, the power of supernovas, and the existence of supermassive black holes, fundamentally altering…

This film showcases stunning footage of omnivorous bears, from polar bears in the Arctic to black bears in the Northern Rockies. Witness salmon-fishing grizzlies on Alaska's McNeil River and a close look inside a den with a mother black bear…

NOVA's "Becoming Human" investigates how recent discoveries are reshaping our understanding of early humans. The film explores the origins of modern humans – examining where our abilities for art, innovation, and survival originated, and how we share up to 5%…

This film chronicles the story of Timothy Treadwell, known as "Grizzly Man," and his thirteen summers spent living in a National Park in Alaska, dedicated to protecting grizzly bears. Through distinctive footage, the documentary offers an intimate look at a…

Dr. Spencer Wells studies 200 randomly selected New Yorkers and discovers they are all related. In a diverse neighborhood of a diverse city in a diverse country, National Geographic scientists collect cheek swabs from these individuals to trace ancestral origins…

Scientists are calling it the "Pit of Death," others "Dinosaur Pompeii." The site contains dinosaur corpses piled high, with many newly discovered, well-preserved skeletons – some never seen before. These include a bizarre ancestor of the T. Rex, an ancestor…

This special explores the history of our world, revealing surprising connections to everyday life. It unveils how the universe's origins are woven into our existence – from background radiation from the Big Bang to the stardust in a wedding ring,…