90 National Geographic Documentary Films

*Eye of the Leopard* chronicles the extraordinary journey of a single leopard, Legadema, from her birth at eight days old to nearly three years of age. The film follows her daily struggles for survival – evading predators like baboons and…

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…

For over two decades, Maurice and Katia Krafft have journeyed globally. They are often among the first to arrive at volcanic eruption sites, from Iceland to Hawaii, Africa to Indonesia. Follow them as they put their lives at risk to…

"We Feed People" follows acclaimed chef José Andrés and his organization, World Central Kitchen, charting their journey over a decade. Starting as a small team of volunteers, the nonprofit has grown into a leading humanitarian aid group, highly respected for…

When three of the Pelletier children are diagnosed with a progressive, incurable eye disease, the family embarks on a sweeping adventure to experience the world's wonders.

Archaeologist K. Martinez, who has spent two decades searching for Cleopatra's tomb, now focuses her efforts on a submerged site in the Mediterranean. She teams up with Bob Ballard, the discoverer of the Titanic, along with Egyptian Navy and diving…

Kingdom Of The Oceans takes viewers on a stunning journey beneath the waves, showcasing the beauty of marine life. Filmed in over 50 locations and featuring 80 different species, this four-part special explores the underwater world, from coastlines to the…

The historic flight of Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, hid a private life. Her life partner, Tam O'Shaughnessy, reveals their secret 27-year relationship and the choices they made because of it.

Scientists study ancient remains found deep underground, dating back over 250,000 years. Their discoveries challenge our understanding of early humans and force us to reconsider the definition of humanity.

In the heart of Kenya's Samburu National Reserve, this documentary series chronicles the lives of wild elephants. It follows a newborn calf, Breeze, from its earliest days, and the experiences of the elder matriarch, Harmattan. Through these stories, the series…

In the isolated Shetland Islands, a man develops an unexpected bond with a wild otter.

David Fortney uses unique cameras and techniques to showcase the beauty of national parks in unprecedented ways. His fluid, masterful cinematography and use of serial photography create the feeling of flying over and through the landscapes.

This film explores the Battle of Gettysburg, examining the conflict through both individual experiences and the broader military strategy.

Journey to the remote battlegrounds of northern Botswana, where lions and hyenas fiercely compete for territory. This film reveals an intense, age-old conflict through stunning, rarely-seen footage, including extensive night filming. Witness the Southern Clan, ruled by a strong hyena…

For seven years, three couples who BASE jump push their boundaries with the extreme sport, challenging their relationships and their own mortality. Their commitment to the thrill of jumping is severely tested when they risk everything.

This is a suspenseful story about a dog who suddenly becomes violent and destructive. Once a beloved pet, the dog's unpredictable attacks disrupt his community, turning a peaceful neighborhood into one filled with fear. The film explores themes of trust…

Director Brett Morgen uses previously unseen footage from the National Geographic archives to tell the story of Jane Goodall, the pioneering researcher whose chimpanzee studies transformed how we understand the natural world.

Alex Honnold and Tommy Caldwell embark on a challenging climb of Devils Thumb in Alaska. Facing extreme weather and difficult terrain, they test their endurance and resolve. The demanding climb also puts their close friendship to the ultimate test.

"In The Womb," a 2005 National Geographic Channel documentary, meticulously examines the development of an embryo within the uterus. The film utilizes extensive computer-generated imagery to illustrate the actual stages of this process.

Renowned wildlife filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert follow Africa's largest free-roaming elephant herds through northern Botswana. Over two years, this documentary captures unprecedented elephant behavior. It shows a rare instance of an abandoned infant being adopted, a coordinated rescue of…

Bertie travels to the Serengeti as the great wildebeest migration begins. His mission: to film the cheetah, the world's fastest land animal. While observing a mother protecting her cubs and a group of young males working together on hunts, he…

A documentary film.

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.

Twenty-five years after the acquittal of officers involved in the Rodney King beating ignited widespread protests, violence, and looting in Los Angeles, *LA 92* uses powerful, previously unseen archival footage to transport audiences back to that turbulent time.

Tadeusz, a junior high student, visits his grandfather, a forester who lives in an old forest. While hunting together, his grandfather shares local rumors about a sunken treasure in the lake.

This is the true story of twelve boys and their soccer coach who become trapped in the Tham Luang cave in Thailand after a sudden rainstorm. They find themselves isolated deep inside the mountain, surrounded by flooded tunnels. A team…

Based on the folk tale of Siljan, a boy who transforms into a stork after an argument with his father and leaves home, the film explores the connection between a farmer and a white stork.

This film offers an intimate look at the life and work of a highly influential public servant. Starting with advising presidents on the AIDS crisis in the 1980s, he has guided seven U.S. Presidents through major global health emergencies including…

This drama documentary adapts Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard's 2012 book, "Killing Kennedy: The End of Camelot." It chronicles the intertwined lives of John F. Kennedy and Lee Harvey Oswald from winter 1959-1960, culminating in the events of November 1963…

Vietnam in HD is a six-part series offering an unprecedented look at the Vietnam War, featuring thousands of hours of unfiltered footage – much of it captured by soldiers on the ground. The series details every major event of the…

Director James Cameron and historian Simcha Jacobovici embark on an expedition to locate the legendary lost city of Atlantis, using the writings of the ancient Greek philosopher Plato as their guide.

Following a fatal plane crash that leaves four young siblings stranded in the Colombian rainforest, a tense rescue operation begins, bringing together Indigenous trackers and the military in a desperate race against time. This documentary presents the first-ever firsthand account…

A young honey badger, orphaned at birth, fights his way to become the most formidable predator on the African savanna.

A Mongolian family faces hardship when their new camel colt is rejected by its mother. To resolve this, they seek the help of a musician who performs a ritual intended to persuade the mother to accept her offspring.

Deep in the misty highlands of Angola, three skilled KhoiSan trackers undertake a spiritual journey. They seek to rediscover the legendary "ghost elephants" of Lisima. These creatures were once thought lost to modern technology, but their existence is preserved in…

This film examines the impact of climate change on the world's environment and explores potential solutions for protecting endangered species, ecosystems, and indigenous communities globally.

This film is the first to explore unexplained outbreaks of wildlife deformities and their potential consequences. Inspired by a real-life ecological mystery, thousands of grotesquely deformed frogs have appeared in Minnesota's waters. Through the experiences of a single mother and…

Newly revealed trial testimony exposes startling details about World War II and the Nazi regime's operations.

A man's attempt to eradicate a large rat infestation in his newly renovated townhouse turns into a compelling struggle for survival. The story explores the complex relationship between the homeowner and the rodents, as their peaceful coexistence escalates into a…

This film follows the final months of the twenty-year war in Afghanistan, focusing on the close bond that develops between American Green Berets and the Afghan officers they trained.

A diverse group of prisoners escapes from a Siberian gulag during World War II. They begin a dangerous journey through five countries, fighting for freedom and trying to survive.

This film explores the lives of four women navigating the chaos of their own anxieties and the demands of family. They each try to find peace, but their attempts at redemption offer only fleeting hope. It's a close-up look at…

A 19-year-old is drawn into a dangerous world of crime when stolen money disappears. Hunted by a local gangster's debt collectors, he must navigate a perilous underworld to find answers and escape. Meanwhile, two street kids find the missing funds…

This is the true story of the incredible rescue of twelve boys and their coach who were trapped in a flooded cave in Northern Thailand in 2018. The world watched as a daring operation unfolded to bring them home safely.

This film follows Georgia Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney from 2000 to 2004, documenting the repeated instances of voter disenfranchisement during that period. McKinney actively investigated these election issues and became personally involved in a controversy after publicly questioning the Bush Administration…

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…

After the 1970s, Ron Burgundy, San Diego's most popular news anchor, moves to New York to lead the city's first 24-hour news channel.

A century after the Titanic sank following a collision with an iceberg on its first voyage, scientists and historians continue to study the wreck. Using advanced underwater technology, submersibles have captured high-definition 3D footage of the ship's remains, aiming to…

Filmmaker Reinhard "Leo" Kuenkel captured an unprecedented attack on the African savanna: four cheetahs being brutally taken down by two male lions. To understand this extraordinary event, Kuenkel teams up with lion expert Craig Packer. They meticulously analyze the footage,…

Greg Grainger's documentary showcases the Australian wilderness and its diverse wildlife, from eucalyptus forests and deserts to rainforests and coral reefs. The film features action sequences with iconic Australian animals like kangaroos, dingos, platypuses, koalas, and wombats. Viewers will also…

This film offers a snapshot of Syria in 2017, a nation grappling with ongoing war and widespread instability. It presents personal stories of resilience alongside insights from international political experts.

Andrew goes back to his hometown for his mother's funeral, and finds himself reconnected with people from his past. At the same time, he decides to stop taking his strong antidepressants. He meets Sam, a woman dealing with her own…

This documentary, which became a two-season TV series, features scientists and experts discussing a hypothetical world without humans. They explore how Earth, animals, and plants might evolve in humanity's absence, and the consequences for human-made structures and infrastructure left behind.

This film isn't about gun control. It explores the underlying anxieties of the United States and the 280 million Americans who can legally own a Uzi. Examining Columbine High School security footage, the home of NRA President Charlton Heston, a…

Yellowstone National Park is home to multiple wolf packs vying for dominance. Packs maintain order through established rules, but the arrival of a black wolf threatens to disrupt this established way of life.

A passionate and perilous love story unfolds between Katia and Maurice Krafft, two adventurous French scientists, and their shared obsession: volcanoes. Their lives become inextricably linked to the fiery forces of nature, leading them on a relentless pursuit of scientific…

In Syria's Ghouta province, a dedicated team of female doctors runs a hidden field hospital. Led by pediatrician Dr. Amani, they provide vital care to the countless children and civilians affected by the brutal Syrian civil war, offering a glimmer…

Dogs represent humanity's greatest creation. With hundreds of breeds, they exhibit more diversity in size and personality than any other animal. National Geographic explores how humans have shaped dogs' looks, abilities, and personalities over time, and the ongoing work to…

A French nuclear test accidentally creates a terrifying new threat: an iguana that grows to enormous size after exposure to radiation. The giant reptile begins attacking ships in the Pacific, causing widespread panic. Marine expert Niko Tatopoulos and his team…

Venture into the remote backcountry of Yellowstone National Park to discover its hidden wilderness, far from the usual tourist paths. Here, you'll witness spectacular sights: towering, newly discovered waterfalls; rare glimpses of wolf and grizzly bear behavior; and unique ecological…

For over forty years, Jacques-Yves Cousteau's underwater explorations became a symbol of a passion for science and the natural world. As he worked to protect the environment, he engaged the world, warning over 50 years ago about warming seas and…

In 2009, shortly after takeoff on US Airways flight 1549, the plane flew into a flock of birds, which resulted in the loss of power in both engines. With no other option, the Captain made the unprecedented decision to attempt…

Scientists at the Smithsonian Institution are in a desperate race to protect endangered frogs. A deadly fungus is spreading rapidly, threatening amphibian populations across the globe.

"Wild Life," from Oscar-winning filmmakers Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, tells the story of conservationist Kris Tompkins and her extraordinary life's work. After meeting later in life, Kris and Doug Tompkins, who had previously helped build major outdoor brands like…

Katie Couric journeys throughout the United States, engaging in conversations with scientists, psychologists, activists, authors, and families to explore the multifaceted topic of gender.

In November 2018, a devastating wildfire erupted in the Sierra Nevada foothills, destroying the town of Paradise and becoming the deadliest in California's history. The film follows the Paradise community as they navigate the year after the fire, starting the…

Since encountering non-Native Brazilians, the Indigenous Uru-eu-wau-wau people have experienced a decline in their numbers and threats to their way of life. Despite being promised control over their rainforest land, they've been targeted by illegal logging and mining, and more…

Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Lynsey Addario looks back on her experiences covering conflicts in the world's most dangerous places, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Within their family groups, gorillas and chimpanzees constantly compete for leadership and status.

In a world where talent and beauty can be deceptive, violin virtuoso Ryan Harrison becomes the main suspect in a murder. He's drawn to his lover, Lauren Goodhue, whose husband is dead, but he struggles with betraying her. As the…

Following the tragic death of world-renowned climber Alex Lowe in an avalanche, his closest friend and climbing partner became his widow's husband and helped raise their three sons. This deeply personal film, directed by Alex's eldest son Max, documents the…

This documentary marks 50 years since the film that changed Hollywood. It includes rare footage and interviews with famous directors, Steven Spielberg, leading shark experts, and conservationists. The film reveals the behind-the-scenes challenges and how it created the summer blockbuster,…

THE MISSION chronicles the story of John Chau, an American Christian missionary who was killed while attempting to contact and convert a remote tribe of uncontacted indigenous people. Using exclusive interviews and archival footage, the film examines the complex issues…

The vaquita, the world’s smallest whale, is on the brink of extinction due to habitat destruction caused by Mexican cartels and the Chinese Mafia. These groups illegally harvest totoaba fish, known as the "cocaine of the sea," in a lucrative,…

To build a brighter future for her son Fadi, divorced Muna Farah moves from Palestine to rural Illinois, arriving as America is grappling with the aftermath of the Iraq War. Muna and Fadi must now rebuild their lives, finding support…

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…

In April 2013, a terrorist attack at the Boston Marathon's finish line caused widespread chaos. The attack, the deadliest on U.S. Soil since 9/11, triggered a massive and highly publicized manhunt. Approaching the one-year mark, National Geographic Channel presents a…

Powell. McChrystal. McCaffrey. Petraeus. Clark. National Geographic Channel presents an unprecedented gathering of the nation's top war generals in the two-hour special, *American War Generals*. This program offers a comprehensive look at 50 years of military history, spanning from the…

The uncovering of abuse and missing children at a Canadian Indian residential school sparks a crisis on the adjacent Sugarcane Reserve.

Aftermath: Population Zero explores a world emptied of people. The film examines the consequences of humanity's sudden disappearance, depicting an interactive environment left behind.

Director Christopher Quinn documents the experiences of three Sudanese refugees – Jon Bul Dau, Daniel Abul Pach, and Panther Bior – as they grapple with the trauma of their past and navigate the challenges of building new lives in America.

The hajj, a deeply spiritual journey, has traditionally been hidden from outsiders, with non-Muslims barred from entering Mecca. For the first time, a team of Muslim filmmakers gains unprecedented access to Islam's holiest site during the annual pilgrimage. They are…

This film follows Alex Honnold's attempt to be the first person to free solo El Capitan, the 3,000-foot granite wall in Yosemite National Park. Without ropes or safety equipment, this climb is considered the most significant achievement in rock climbing.

This film examines the remarkable 40,000-year relationship between humans and dogs, exploring the world’s oldest inter-species friendship. In collaboration with scientists, we trace the genetic evolution of our canine companions, revealing how humans have shaped dogs to thrive in different…

Dr. Martin Pepper, an adventurer-geologist, is determined to prove his theory: the real Atlantis was located on the Greek island of Santorini and destroyed by the largest volcanic eruption in recorded history. He uses new sonar scans of the seabed…

Harold Crick, an IRS agent living a predictable life, experiences a sudden shift when he begins hearing a voice describing his every action.

National Geographic explorer Carlton Ward Jr. Describes the Florida Panther as "like ghosts" in this compelling film dedicated to preventing its extinction. The panther, the only large cat remaining in the eastern U.S. And Florida's state animal, symbolizes Florida's dwindling…

Boone Smith and Howard Quigley collaborate on a project in Belize: to capture, film, and equip jaguars with tracking collars. Their goal is to gather further information about the animals.

In 2020, filmmaker Matthew Heineman received unprecedented access to a major New York City hospital as the COVID-19 pandemic began. The film follows the doctors, nurses, and patients working on the front lines during the initial surge of the virus,…

Though often overshadowed by cars, horses once held a central role in human society. This video journeys back to a time when wild horses roamed freely across continents – the plains of America, the mountains of South America, and the…