These documentaries about the Arctic delve into its awe-inspiring landscapes, unique wildlife, the resilient communities that call the Arctic home, and the profound impact of climate change on this fragile ecosystem.
Documentaries About The Arctic
As the world grapples with the consequences of global warming, these films serve as both a visual testament to the beauty of the Arctic and a stark reminder of the urgent need to protect it for future generations.
Of course, there are many documentaries about the Arctic to watch but these are some of the best to get you started that cover a range of topics, from wildlife to climate change.
On a personal note, I have visited the Arctic Circle several times, from the north of Norway up to Svalbard deep in the Arctic in winter. It’s a magical place and one of the most stunning places I have been.
Frozen Planet I and II (2011 and 2022)
Frozen Planet is a documentary series that explores the polar regions of Earth, focusing on the wildlife and ecosystems of the Arctic and Antarctic. The series is narrated by Sir David Attenborough and consists of several episodes per season, each highlighting different aspects of life in these extreme environments.
The episodes cover a wide range of topics, including the adaptations of animals to survive in freezing conditions, the seasonal changes in the polar regions, and the impact of climate change on these environments. The cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the stunning landscapes and showcasing the behaviour of various species.
Although it shows both the Arctic and Antarctic it is still one of the most amazing shows you will see about the Arctic, which actually is the main overall focus.
Chasing Ice (2012)
Chasing Ice follows the efforts of photographer James Balog and his team from the Extreme Ice Survey as they document the effects of climate change on glaciers.
James Balog, a photographer and environmentalist, set out to visually capture the dramatic changes occurring in the world’s glaciers by deploying time-lapse cameras in various locations, including Iceland, Greenland, and Alaska. The documentary presents stunning visuals of glaciers receding and ice formations collapsing over several years.
The film not only showcases the beauty of the natural world but also serves as a powerful call to action. This is one of the best documentaries about the Arctic that shows the impacts of climate change and the urgency of addressing environmental issues.
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The Last Ice (2020)
The Last Ice focuses on the Inuit communities of the Arctic and their way of life amidst environmental changes, particularly the impact of melting sea ice. The documentary sheds light on the challenges these indigenous communities face as they confront a rapidly changing environment due to climate change.
Produced by National Geographic, “The Last Ice” is part of the Pristine Seas project, which aims to explore and protect the last wild places in the ocean. The film highlights the cultural significance of the ice to the Inuit people and emphasizes the importance of preserving the Arctic ecosystem.
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To the Arctic 3D (2012)
To the Arctic 3D focuses on the impact of climate change on the Arctic ecosystem and its wildlife, particularly polar bears. It tells the story of a mother polar bear and her two cubs as they navigate the challenges posed by the changing Arctic environment.
The film utilizes 3D technology to provide an immersive experience, allowing you to witness the stunning landscapes and wildlife of the Arctic. It also aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving this fragile ecosystem and the effects of climate change on polar bears and other Arctic inhabitants.
“To the Arctic 3D” is both an educational and visually captivating documentary that highlights the need for conservation efforts in the Arctic region.
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Kingdom of the White Wolf (2019)
Kingdom of the White Wolf is a National Geographic documentary series that follows wildlife photographer and filmmaker Ronan Donovan as he journeys into the Arctic wilderness to study and document the elusive and majestic Arctic wolves.
The documentary explores the lives of these white wolves in the remote and harsh environment of the Arctic. It provides insights into their behaviour, survival strategies, and the challenges they face in their habitat.
Donovan’s journey involves tracking the wolves and observing their interactions, shedding light on the intricacies of wolf social structures and the impact of environmental changes on their way of life.
This is one of my favourite documentaries about the Arctic as wolves are one of my favourite animals and this is an extraordinary look into these Arctic wolves.
Joanna Lumley in the Land of the Northern Lights (2008)
Joanna Lumley in the Land of the Northern Lights follows British actress Joanna Lumley as she embarks on a journey to witness the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).
During the documentary, Lumley travels to the Arctic Circle in Norway to experience the mesmerizing natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights. She explores the landscapes of the Arctic region and learns about the science and mythology behind the auroras.
Lumley’s journey also involves meeting local people and understanding their connection to the Northern Lights.
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Arctic Secrets (2016)
Arctic Secrets is a series that takes you into the far north of the Arctic zone looking at the indigenous Inuit people that live there and the animals that inhabit the area, as well as the landscapes.
The massive tundra of Nunavik is particularly impressive to see.
Polar Bear (2022)
Polar Bear is one of the most recent documentaries about the Arctic specifically about polar bears.
It follows the dramatic life of a mother polar bear as she survives the trials and tribulations of life on the Arctic Tundra and the threats to her environment from the melting ice caused by climate change.
A really beautiful documentary to watch.
Arctic With Bruce Parry (2011)
Arctic with Bruce Parry is a documentary series that follows British explorer and former Royal Marine Bruce Parry as he ventures into the Arctic to live with indigenous Arctic communities and experience their way of life.
Throughout the documentary, Bruce Parry immerses himself in the cultures of the Arctic’s indigenous people, including the Inuit and the Nenets. He explores their traditional practices, rituals, and daily challenges, providing you with a glimpse into the unique lifestyles of these communities in one of the world’s most extreme environments.
Arctic Tale (2007)
Arctic Tale follows the life stories of a walrus and a polar bear in the Arctic. The narrative is presented in a storytelling format with a focus on the challenges these animals face in the changing Arctic environment.
The film is designed to be family-friendly and includes a narrative aimed at educating audiences about the impact of climate change on Arctic wildlife. Queen Latifah narrates the story, and the film combines breathtaking footage of the Arctic landscape with a compelling narrative about the struggles of survival faced by the featured walrus and polar bear.
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Being Caribou (2005)
Being Caribou follows the journey of a husband-and-wife team as they set out to document the annual migration of the Porcupine caribou herd in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
The documentary focuses on the ecological significance of the caribou migration and the challenges these animals face, including threats from oil development in the Arctic region.
The filmmakers immerse themselves in the caribou herd’s migration, attempting to follow the same route and document the experience to raise awareness about the impact of human activities on the environment.
Arctic Sinkholes (2022)
This documentary from PBS explores the dramatic and alarming Arctic sinkholes that are appearing across the Arctic from Alaska to the Siberian wilderness.
This documentary looks into the effects this could have on climate change due to the massive amounts of methane leaking from them as they become exposed after the permafrost that has covered them for millennia starts to melt.
Watch the full episode on YouTube for free:
Arctic Ghost Ship (2015)
Arctic Ghost Ship is a documentary that explores the mystery of the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, two ships from Sir John Franklin’s lost expedition to find the Northwest Passage.
The Franklin Expedition, led by Sir John Franklin, set out in 1845 to navigate the Northwest Passage but disappeared without a trace. In 2014, the wreck of one of the ships, HMS Erebus, was discovered in the Canadian Arctic by the Canadian Parks Service. Subsequent searches led to the discovery of HMS Terror.
“Arctic Ghost Ship” delves into the historical context of the Franklin Expedition, the efforts to locate the missing ships, and the discoveries made during the search.
Wild Nordic: Land of Ice and Snow (2019)
Wild Nordic is, as the title suggests, set in the Nordic countries of Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Finland. The far north of these countries lies within the Arctic Circle, and while the whole episode is not 100% set inside the Arctic area, much of it is.
It explores the wildlife in those regions and the dramatic landscapes. A must-watch for the beautiful nature of these countries.
Alone Across the Arctic (2019)
Alone Across the Arctic follows the explorer Adam Shoalts as he traverses across the Canadian Arctic by himself completely alone by foot and canoe.
This is an epic Arctic adventure and it’s one of the best documentaries about the Arctic to watch if you have ever dreamed of doing the same kind of thing.
Arctic
These documentaries about the Arctic provide a mix of scientific information, stunning visuals, and personal stories, offering you a comprehensive understanding of the Arctic and the issues it currently faces.
For more on cold places take a look at the 11 best documentaries about Antarctica.
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