Jun 25, 2020
9 uplifting forest films that will transport you into nature from home
Discover stunning nature films that bring forest magic into your home this winter. Escape into serenity and wildlife with these 9 breathtaking cinematic journeys.
As the days grow shorter and the chill of winter settles in, there’s nothing quite like escaping into the beauty of nature—even if it’s from the comfort of home. These stunning films bring the tranquillity and magic of forests, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes right to your screen. Cosy up and let these cinematic journeys refresh your spirit.
As fall and winter settle in, many seek moments of warmth, wonder, and tranquillity. Forests have long been places of solace, where we can reconnect with nature’s rhythms and recharge our spirits. And while we may not all have the luxury of wandering through a forest in person, a good nature film can bring some wild magic into our homes.
So, here’s a list of some of the most enchanting, awe-inspiring films that celebrate the beauty, complexity, and mystery of forests and nature. These films aren’t about horror or heart-pounding thrills—they’re about serenity, discovery, and the undeniable pull of the natural world. So, curl up with a cosy blanket and escape into the forest with us.
Baraka (1992)
Baraka is a breathtaking, wordless journey through 24 countries, capturing the essence of nature and humanity in stunning, sweeping cinematography. The film takes viewers deep into forests, deserts, and cities alike, exploring the diversity of life and the profound connection between humanity and the Earth. Its beautiful forest scenes remind us of the unity and tranquillity found in nature, making it a deeply moving meditation on the environment and the human spirit.
Fantastic Fungi (2019)
Fantastic Fungus is a must-watch if you’ve ever marvelled at the hidden world beneath your feet. This documentary explores the wonders of fungi, uncovering the crucial role mushrooms and mycelium play in the forest ecosystem. With mesmerising time-lapse photography, the film reveals the beauty and interconnectedness of life, showing us how these often-overlooked organisms contribute to forest health and resilience. It’s a fascinating, eye-opening journey into nature’s underground network.
Il était une forêt (Once Upon a Forest, 2013)
Explore the last primary forests of the world and uncover their hidden beauty with pioneering botanist Francis Hallé and the director Luc Jacquet in Il était une forêt. This luscious forest documentary film takes place in Gabon and Peru and grew out of many years of research and footage to encapsulate the awe-inspiring complexity of our prehistoric forests.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Some of the most iconic scenes from Steven Spielberg’s E.T. take place in the redwood forests of America’s Pacific Coast. We’re thinking moon, bike, treetops specifically. The forest scenes from E.T., considered by many to be one of the greatest films of all time, were filmed near Crescent City in California. Return of the Jedi’s forest moon of Endor was also filmed here.
Planet Earth II (2016)
Planet Earth II brings the planet’s most remote and captivating landscapes to our screens, with episodes that immerse viewers in the grandeur of forests around the world. From the dense jungles of the Amazon to the towering redwoods of California, each episode showcases extraordinary wildlife and their survival challenges in the forest. This series celebrates the richness of life and the astonishing beauty of our world’s last wildernesses.
Winged Migration (2001)
This mesmerising documentary follows bird migrations across continents, capturing their journey over forests, mountains, and oceans. The sweeping cinematography offers an intimate look at birds in flight, allowing us to see the forests they rely on from an aerial perspective. Winged Migration gives us a new appreciation for the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the incredible determination of these winged travellers as they cross continents on their seasonal journeys.
Gorillas in the Mist (1988)
The misty rainforests of central Africa are the atmospheric backdrop for this film about the life of primatologist Dian Fossey. Fossey left everything to live with the mountain gorillas of Rwanda’s Virunga National Park in 1966. Gorillas in the Mist transports us into the foliage of the gorillas’ fragile habitat and allows us to sit and observe them alongside Sigourney Weaver as the iconic and fierce protector of our last mountain gorillas.
March of the Penguins (2005)
While it doesn’t take place in a forest, March of the Penguins offers a heartwarming glimpse into the resilience and determination of life in one of Earth’s harshest environments. Following the annual journey of emperor penguins in Antarctica, this documentary shows the extraordinary lengths these creatures go to to survive and raise their young. The film serves as a reminder of the endurance found in nature and the interconnectedness of all ecosystems on our planet.
A River Runs Through It (1992)
In A River Runs Through It, we follow a young Brad Pitt up to his knees in water, fly-fishing his way through life and family matters. The seemingly endless forests of Montana are the backdrop for the story, written by Norman Mclean who worked for a time for the United States Forestry Service. This epic American film leaves you with a lasting sense of water flowing through everything and feeding the forests around it.
Have we missed your favourite forest film?
Got another forest film that would make us all feel good right now? Let us know! And if you think now is an excellent time to put your money into the future of our forests, why not choose your own tree and join our growing movement that’s rewarding sustainable forestry in Europe? Find out how to grow a forest with EcoTree.
