Whether you’re looking for environmental movies for students on Earth Day or looking for an environmental movie to hit on environmental issues, this blog post is for you! I’ve even included links to some FREE discussion questions to aid as movie guides for each of these films.
In this blog post, I’m listing 12 environmental movies for students!
1.) An Inconvenient Truth
This documentary is one of the types of environmental movies for students that tells all. Weaving together both facts and honesty, this is an informative documentary about global warming and the consequences of extreme weather events. This film follows former Vice President Al Gore’s campaign to educate people about global warming. The main points in this documentary include evidence of global warming and the need to immediately act to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Click Here For a Full Review.
Discussion Questions:
- What is the impact of human activity on greenhouse gases? What kind of human activities can increase greenhouse gas emissions?
- What can we expect to happen as a result of global warming?
- Discuss the Montreal Protocol. Discuss the Kyoto Protocol. What is the purpose of each Protocol? What impact will it have?
2.) Before The Flood
When you see environmental movies for students done by National Geographic, you take notice because you can be assured there is scientific evidence of the claims made in the movie. The documentary is both informative and inspiring. In this documentary, follow Leonardo DiCaprio through the world as he examines the effects of climate change. In addition, the film discusses the consequences of not acting on climate change. Combining the impact of humans on our natural world, this documentary creates a sense of urgency in our need to find solutions to the current climate crisis. Click Here for a Full Review.
Discussion Questions:
- How old was Leonard DiCaprio when he became a climate activist?
- What will happen if climate temperatures continue to stay the same as they have in the past decade, or if they increase?
- Discuss meat consumption and the environment. Is there a correlation between beef and carbon footprint?
- What is the impact of precipitation on climate change?
- Are there any changes you may want to make after watching this documentary?
3.) The True Cost
Fast Fashion has been a hot topic of conversation in the last few years. This documentary is an excellent eye-opening documentary to teach about the global issues involving the fashion industry. These issues are both environmental and ethical! I love considering this documentary in my environmental movies for students who are older because is not just talking about environmental science, but it also talks about the connection between fashion and, capitalism, and poverty. This is a great film because it has an immediate connection to students. We all wear clothes! So understanding the environmental impact of the fashion industry through this film can be powerful.
Discussion Questions:
- What is fast fashion?
- Is it a problem that we treat clothing like it is disposable? Why?
- Does fashion production have an impact on public health? Give some examples
- Are there any changes you may want to make after watching this documentary?
4.) Chasing Ice
We hear often about the melting ice as a result of global warming, but what does that mean? Moreover, what is the impact of this melting ice on planet Earth? Have students follow along with this documentary film to observe the evidence presented to understand the changes taking place on our planet as a result of climate change. I love when environmental movies for students come with resources! This movie comes with student discussions for middle school students and high school students. You can find a full review and discussion questions here!
Discussion Questions:
- What can ice core samples reveal about climate change?
- Think about Balong as a leader. What are the characteristics of a good leader? What are some ways leaders can overcome challenges? Did this team face challenges? How did they overcome them?
- Is climate change new? Has the climate always changed? Can humans have an impact on climate change or is it only by natural causes?
- Imagine you were having a conversation with someone who does not believe in human-induced climate change. How would you explain climate change to them, use some examples for the film.
- Has your perspective on climate change changed any after watching this documentary?
5.) WALL-E
Wall-E will always be a favorite of mine (along with The Lorax!). This animated movie gets the point across in a very obvious way that is still incredibly appropriate for younger students while also being enjoyable for the whole family. There are several environmental themes this movie touches on including environmental degradation, the impact of trash, and pollution. Students will understand the impact of technology as well as the need for human connection, history documentation, and environmental conservation.
Discussion Questions:
- What does Wall-E stand for? What was his responsibility? What does EVE stand for? What was her responsibility?
- What is Earth like in the movie? Compare how our Earth is different or similar as the Earth portrayed in the movie.
- How would you describe the humans in the movie Wall-E? What are their attitudes towards Earth?
- Are there any changes you may want to make after watching this movie?
6.) The Lorax
Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax is the best animated film about environmental stewardship and environmental management for students of all ages (even younger children!). It is even one of my favorite family movies to watch with the kids at home. The rhyming nature of the movie brings humor and relatability to the important message of this movie. You can even pair this movie with The Lorax book for a compare and contrast. I’ve created several resources to help you build lesson plans around this movie/book.
Related Post:
- 12 Intriguing Lorax Discussion Questions That Will Kickstart Conversation
- 15 Best Ways to Celebrate Dr. Seuss Week: Caring for the Earth With Lorax Activities
7.) A Plastic Ocean
There’s a statistic that is often quoted which states by 2050 we will have more plastic in the ocean than fish. That is a reality none of us want to face, but it is something that may become a reality based on our current actions. Allow your students to follow along as this film investigates the impact of plastic pollution on marine life and ecosystems. From microplastics in the ocean to the impacts of plastic on our food chain, this is great movie to explore plastics in our natural environment. Click Here For a Full Review.
Find discussion questions from the filmmaker here (page 20)!
8.) Tomorrow
A thought-provoking and hopeful documentary sure to create young environmental activists. This movie has major themes about fighting climate change, as well as realistic ways to make sustainable changes. I love that this movie serves as an educational resource, but also as a symbol of hope. There is always hope for tomorrow. Click Here For a Full Review.
Discussion Questions:
- What are some alternatives presented to topics like agriculture, energy, economics, democracy, and education?
- What are some of the things this documentary says are not sustainable? Why?
- Why is the way human treat nature important?
- Discuss the overall message of this documentary. Has it changed your perspective? How?
9.) Happy Feet Two
Here’s another movie that can double as environmental movies for students and your next family movie night. Sing along with this animated movie as your students learn about environmental advocacy and how climate change is impacting wild animals. This article tale discusses bird habitats, food webs, and human impacts on the artic. Click Here For a Full Review.
Discussion Questions:
- What is an oil spill? Is an oil spill good or bad for the environment?
- Where do the penguins live? What is the climate there? What does it look like?
- Think about the character Lovelace. What litter does he have around his neck? How does litter on the ground impact the animals and our environment?
Here is a great reference for some activities to do along with the movie here!
10.) Wasteland
A true story documentary that truly captures the concept of recycling and repurposing through art and creativity. This is one of the best films for showing the state of waste management in the way in which environmental messages can be communicated through creative processes. Based on Brazillian garbage pickers in Rio De Janeiro, the documentary is heart-warming and celebratory while telling a compelling narrative about waste and recycling. Click Here For A Full Review.
Discussion Questions:
- Reflect on the catadore’s working conditions at the Jardim Gramacho landfill. How does that make you feel?
- Can art be used to address social issues? Is using art an effective way to bring about change?
- Do you truly believe “one man’s garbage is another man’s treasure”
- Discuss one thing that shocked you while watching this movie.
11.) Bee Movie
A fun and engaging movie that is great for younger and older students. bees, bugs, and butterflies, pollinators are incredibly important to our lives! While this movie is not 100% scientifically accurate, it is still worth watching! Understanding that the majority of crops in the United States are dependent on bees makes the environmental message in this movie incredibly important. Click Here For a Full Review.
Discussion Questions:
- Do we really need bees? Why are they important?
- Did you know where honey came from before the movie? Explain how we get honey.
- What happened when the bees stopped pollinating flowers?
- What does it mean to work as a team? How does the movie show teamwork? Is everyones job important?
12.) Kiss the Ground
This documentary truly emphasizes that even the smallest and seemingly insignificant portions of our planet are important to our ecosystem. Soil is not only incredibly important for life as we know it contains an enormous amount of healing power – and it may be just what we need to solve our climate crisis. Click Here For a Full Review.
Find the official Screening Kit and Discussion Guide Here!
If you’re looking for environmental movies for students I hope this list of movies was helpful!
Each of these movies has incorporated elements of conservation, sustainability, human health, natural resources, and the interconnectedness of humans and nature. Although I’ve provided some context and review, please check the age appropriateness of the movies for your students.
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