60+ Awesome Nature Movies & Documentaries to Inspire Your Next Adventure
- Luna DeLamer
- Jul 18
- 10 min read
(Plus a Few Bonus Backpacking Itineraries Inspired by These Classics)
I grew up in a very small town. There were dirt roads, multiple generations of families in the same town, and your momma knew what you did on the walk home from school before you even stepped foot in the door. You know the type? I loved it, in a way. That small town charm, the simplicity. But even as a kid, I felt it, that pull for something more.
Movies became my portal to the great unknown. Something bigger. Somewhere wilder.
I’d sit cross-legged in front of our grainy TV, totally absorbed by the whip-cracking thrill of Indiana Jones or the fearless energy of Steve Irwin wrangling crocodiles. Every time, I’d feel the pull of adventure calling from the other side of the screen.
I didn’t just want to watch them, I wanted to be them.
Fast forward a few decades, and I’ve backpacked across Europe, trekked jungles in Southeast Asia, camped in the dunes of North Africa, and found true beauty in the wilderness of the Sierras.
This adventurous life that I lead was all inspired by my on-screen heroes, that burning desire fueled my need to see and do more.
So if you’re like me and you’re always craving fresh air and exploring the unknown, but your boots are still by the door, these nature movies and series might be the spark you need to start planning your next escape.
Whether you’re into nature adventure films, wilderness movies, or environmental documentaries, here are 60(ish) of the very best to transport you into the wild.
Because sometimes, the first step toward adventure… could be hitting play.
Travel & Trekking Films That Follow Epic Journeys
These awesome nature movies follow people walking (or crawling) through wild places. Road trips, pilgrimages, thru-hikes, and soul-searches.
500 Days in the Wild (2023) – Filmmaker Dianne Whelan hikes, paddles, and snowshoes 24,000km across Canada’s Trans Canada Trail, all while exploring Indigenous wisdom, environmental stewardship, and her own limits. A slow, soulful epic.
Mile... Mile and a Half (2013) – A group of artists hike California's John Muir Trail and capture every breathtaking moment along the way. Part trail doc, part visual poem, it’s a love letter to the Sierra Nevada.
Happiness for Beginners (2023) – A recently divorced woman signs up for a backcountry survival course to reboot her life. Romantic, funny, and full of forest therapy vibes.
Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016) – A rebellious kid and his reluctant foster uncle go bush in New Zealand. Hilarious, heartwarming, and packed with lush, untamed scenery. Absolutely hilarious if you have that sense of humor.
Wild (2014) – This list would be incomplete without this epic movie. Wild is an epic bio-drama that is based on Cheryl Strayed's 2012 memoir Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail.
The Way (2010) – Martin Sheen stars in this moving story about the El Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. Filled with laughter and drama, ‘The Way’ takes you on a journey alongside a father’s pilgrimage for his son.
Into The Wild (2007) – Based on the true story, top student and athlete Christopher McCandless abandons his possessions and hitchhikes to Alaska to live in the wilderness.
A Walk in the Woods (2015) – A lighthearted tale of two old friends attempting the Appalachian Trail, equal parts comedy and contemplation.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013) – A daydreamer becomes an adventurer in this whimsical, globe-trotting story.
Seven Years in Tibet (1997) – This adventure drama is a classic and is based on the true story of Heinrich Harrer, an Austrian mountain climber.
Tracks (2013) – One woman, one dog, four camels, and 1,700 miles across the Australian desert.
Expedition Happiness (2017) – A German couple and their dog convert a school bus and road trip North America.
The Motorcycle Diaries (2004) – Follow Ernesto Guevara de la Serna "Che" along with his friend Alberto Granado, on a transformational ride through South America.
The Longest Way (YouTube short film, 2009) – One man. One IMPRESSIVE beard. 4500km on foot across China. Check out his blog to see his latest journeys.
Jaw-Dropping Nature Documentaries Worth the Hype
The gold standard for wildlife documentaries and environmental documentaries, these titles showcase our planet like you've never seen it before.
The Sir David Attenborough Collection – it wouldn’t be worth even writing this blog if I didn’t include the grandaddy of our planet, Sir Davey A. He is not only the voice of the natural world, but he is also always advocating for a better planet. Here are just a few of his must-watch masterpieces:
A Life on Our Planet (2020) – Part memoir, part wake-up call. This one hits deep.
Our Great National Parks (2022) – Narrated by Barack Obama, this series explores the world’s most awe-inspiring protected spaces. Ideal for planning your future dream hikes.
Down to Earth with Zac Efron (2020) – Zac Efron and wellness expert Darin Olien globe-hop to explore sustainable living, local wisdom, and very Instagrammable food.
Breaking Boundaries: The Science of Our Planet (2021) – A hard-hitting documentary that dives into Earth’s environmental tipping points, narrated by Sir David Attenborough, naturally.
Jane (2017) – A touching, beautifully assembled look at the life of my personal hero, Dr. Jane Goodall, with stunning archival footage.
Free Solo (2018) – Watch Alex Honnold climb El Capitan without ropes. Warning: your palms will sweat and you’ll get fizzy knees.
The Alpinist (2020) – Marc-André Leclerc’s solo climbs are wild enough, but his philosophy on solitude and nature is next level.
The Dawn Wall (2017) – A powerful climbing doc about resilience and friendship on Yosemite’s toughest route.
My Octopus Teacher (2020) – A South African filmmaker forms a bond with a wild octopus. It’s weirdly beautiful and changed my soul.
Chasing Ice (2012) – Timelapse glacier footage that makes climate change visible, and terrifying.
Baraka (1992) – An absolutely work of art. No narration. Just visuals from across the globe, reminding us how interconnected it all is.
The Wild Andes (2018) – Breathtaking, lesser known doc on life in one of the world’s longest mountain ranges.
Epic Wilderness Survival Movies
Not all wilderness movies are dreamy and feel-good, some are gritty tales of endurance and survival.
127 Hours (2010) – Aron Ralston’s real-life ordeal in a Utah canyon is both hard to watch and impossible to look away from.
The Revenant (2015) – Leonardo DiCaprio takes you on a suspenseful and thrilling ride into a frontiersman’s expedition and survival after being mauled by a bear.
Arctic (2018) – Mads Mikkelsen becomes stranded in the coldest of places, now he must decide whether to stay in the safety of his camp or venture into the unknown.
The Way Back (2010) – The Way Back takes you on a brutal 4,000-mile journey across the vast and sometimes unforgiving Siberian landscape
Touching the Void (2003) – Two climbers. One epic disaster. This true, harrowing tale set in the Peruvian Andes will have you on the edge of your seat.
The Mountain Between Us (2017) – Not all survival stories star mountaineers. Join Idris Elba and Kate Winslet as they fight their way home from being stranded in the snowy wilderness.
All Is Lost (2013) – A solo sailor (Robert Redford) becomes lost at sea after colliding with a shipping container.
Against the Ice (2022) – A gripping Arctic survival film based on real Danish explorers.
Jungle (2017) – Daniel Radcliffe stars as a backpacker lost in the Amazon. And no, he doesn’t use an Apparition spell.
Everest (2015) – Based on the 1996 disaster. A chilling reminder that the mountain always decides.
Awesome Nature Movies for Families and Young Explorers
You’re never too young (or old) to fall in love with the natural world. These nature films and series for travelers and young explorers are perfect for a family movie night.
The Legend, Steve Irwin. If, like me, you spent your childhood shouting ‘Crickey!’ whilst wrestling your cat (totally pretending it was a tiger), then you understand the importance he had on all of us. Let’s be honest, to 90’s kids, he was the gateway to nature for an entire generation - boundless enthusiasm, wild animals, khaki everything… what’s not to love?
The Crocodile Hunter (1996–2004) – Steve and Terri Irwin’s original series is still an absolute blast, equal parts educational, chaotic, and heartwarming. His love for animals was pure magic.
Croc Files (1999–2001) – A bite-sized spinoff for kids, focusing on fascinating (and often misunderstood) creatures.
The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course (2002) – Yes, it’s a movie. Yes, it’s as wild as you remember. Steve’s big screen debut mixes slapstick spy drama with wildlife rescue missions. Cheesy? Absolutely. Entertaining? You bet.
Bindi the Jungle Girl (2007) – Steve’s legacy lives on through Terri, Bindi, and Robert. These shows carry on the family’s mission to protect wildlife, with a fresh generation of eco-superstars.
Up (2009) – Ahh, yes. The emotional whiplash the first 5 minutes gave us haunts my soul to this day. Nonetheless, the journey between these two unlikely companions is sure to set the wanderlust off. After all, the wilderness must be explored!
The Wild Thornberrys Movie (2002) – Nostalgic 90s energy, globetrotting wildlife adventures, and one girl who can talk to animals (sorry, spoiler alert). A rite of passage for budding eco-explorers.
March of the Penguins (2005) – Morgan Freeman narrating penguin parenting in Antarctica. Classic.
Born in China (2016) – Follows pandas, snow leopards, and golden monkeys in stunning Chinese landscapes.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019) – A true story of innovation, nature, and resilience in rural Malawi.
The Lorax (2012) – Dr. Seuss’ tale of environmentalism with a musical twist.
FernGully: The Last Rainforest (1992) – 90s kids know. Still a powerful eco-message wrapped in animation.
Whale Rider (2002) – A Māori girl connects with her heritage and the ocean. Beautiful and empowering.
A Turtle’s Tale: Sammy's Adventures (2010) – Follow a sea turtle’s journey across the world’s oceans. Perfect for young explorers.
From the Screen to Your Vision Board, Let These Adventures Guide You
Ready to take the leap from screen time to trail time? Good. Because these travel inspiration films aren’t meant to stay locked in your streaming queue. Check out these super cool adventures based on some of these super cool films and series.
Trek the Camino de Santiago (Inspired by The Way)
For over a thousand years, pilgrims have walked the Camino in search of meaning, challenge, and soul searching. Ready to follow in Tom’s footsteps?
1 Week Itinerary – Camino Francés: Sarria → Santiago
Distance: ~116 km (72 mi)
(115 km from Sarria: official pilgrim office stats)
Duration: 5–6 days (20–25 km/day)
Elevation: ~2,373 m ascent, ~2,587 m descent
Difficulty: Moderate – rolling terrain, well-marked trails
Crowds: Busy – 64% of French camino pilgrims start here
Key Experience: Monte do Gozo – first glimpse of the cathedral
Warning: Book albergues early in summer; pack blister prevention.
Full Itinerary – Camino Portugués: Porto → Santiago
Distance: ~260 km (162 mi)
Duration: 10–14 days (20–25 km/day)
Elevation: ~4,200 m cumulative ascent (moderate hills)
Difficulty: Moderate – gentle terrain, varied scenery
Highlights: Douro River, coastal options, Lisbon-to-Porto route
Warning: Coastal paths can be windy.
Camino Essentials
Pilgrim Credential: Required to receive Compostela certificate
Stamps: Get two daily (“sellos”) at albergues, cafes, churches
Albergues (Pilgrim Hostels): €5–15/night, open May–Oct
Top tip: there is a literal free wine fountain at Irache Monastery reserved for those doing the hike.
Backpack Torres del Paine (Inspired by The Motorcycle Diaries)
Chile’s Torres del Paine is a world class wilderness arena. Rugged, dramatic, and absolutely breathtaking.
1 Week Itinerary – “W” Trek
Route: Pudeto → Paine Grande → French Valley → Grey → Base Torres
Distance: ~80 km (50 mi)
Elevation: ~2,700 m of ascent
Duration: 4–5 days
Difficulty: Moderate–Strenuous – long days, some steep sections
Highlights: The towers, Grey Glacier, Valle Francés
Must-Do: Book campsites/refugios in advance; park entrance & permits needed
Warning: Weather is volatile (wind, rain, snow); prepare accordingly.
Full Itinerary – “O” Circuit
Route: Complete loop via John Gardner Pass
Distance: ~120 km (75 mi)
Elevation: ~5,160 m cumulative ascent
Duration: 8–10 days
Difficulty: Strenuous – long days, remote sections
Highlights: John Gardner Pass, remote glaciers, quiet backcountry
Warning: GPS essential; section may be closed during bad weather.
Yosemite Valley & El Capitan (Inspired by Free Solo, The Dawn Wall)
Yosemite is a granite temple; whether your visit involves a day hike or a wall climb, it's unforgettable.
Day/Overnight Itinerary – Four-Mile Trail to Glacier Point
Route: Valley Floor → Glacier Point → return
Distance: ~15.5 km (9.6 mi) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: ~975 m (3,200 ft)
Time: 4–6 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous – steady climb, no water on trail
Highlights: Iconic views of El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls
Warning: Trail closes seasonally and can be hazardous in winter; bring sufficient water.
Full Itinerary – El Capitan Big Wall Climb
Routes: Freerider, The Nose, Dawn Wall
Vertical Gain: ~900 m (2,950 ft)
Time: 2–7 days on route
Difficulty: Expert-only – sustained technical climbing
Permits: Mandatory wilderness climbing permit; quotas apply via NPS
Note: Non-climbers can observe from El Capitan Meadow
Warning: Extreme risk, only for highly experienced climbers with full safety gear.
Scottish Highlands (Inspired by Outlander, The Eagle)
This legendary trail delivers dramatic landscapes and a storybook feel, perfect for daydreamers and explorers alike.
Weekend Itinerary – Milngavie → Balmaha
Distance: ~31 km (19 mi) over 2–3 days
Elevation: ~600 m total ascent
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate – gentle hills, well-signposted
Highlights: Loch Lomond views, Crainlarich countryside, Conic Hill panorama
Tip: Visit Oak Tree Inn in Balmaha for whisky and Loch-sa snacks (get it? Lotsa, loch-sa?)
Warning: Summer midges are no joke - bring repellent, bug hat, and a prayer.
Full Itinerary – West Highland Way (Milngavie → Fort William)
Distance: ~154 km (96 mi)
Duration: 7–9 days
Elevation: ~3,650 m cumulative ascent
Difficulty: Moderate–Strenuous – varied terrain, some boggy sections
Highlights: Rannoch Moor, Glencoe, Devil’s Staircase, view of Ben Nevis
Accommodation: Bothies, hostels, B&Bs
Warning: Rapid weather shifts, dress in layers and waterproof everything.
Practical Tips to Go From Couch to Campfire
Start small: You don’t need to cross continents. Try a weekend backpacking trip or a national park hike.
Use gear guides from real hikers (like this one I wrote on how much food to bring).
Document your journey: Whether it’s a photo every mile or a short film, storytelling makes your adventure last forever.
Leave No Trace: Respect the land that inspired these movies. Pack it in, pack it out.
Join a local group: Whether it’s a climbing gym or hiking club, surrounding yourself with nature lovers makes it easier to take the leap.
That’s a Wrap!
The best nature movies do more than wow us with scenery, they remind us who we are when we strip everything else away. Whether it’s survival, exploration, or quiet wonder, these stories are a mirror and a map.
So the next time you’re feeling stuck, open up one of these adventure documentaries, or wilderness movies, and let them push you outside again.
Which one will you watch first? Got a favorite I missed? Drop it in the comments, I’m always looking for new inspiration.