Antarctica is one of the last great wilderness areas on Earth and these documentaries about Antarctica explore some of the great wonders of the continent.
Some of the best documentaries of the “frozen land.”
Tip: You can find some of these documentaries about Antarctica on Amazon Prime Video. You can sign up for a 30-day free trial here to watch.
Documentaries About Antarctica
Encounters at The End of The World (2007)
Encounters at The End of The World is probably the best overall documentary about Antarctica. Directed by Werner Herzog, this documentary takes viewers on a journey to the icy landscapes of Antarctica.
It offers a unique perspective on the continent, featuring interviews with scientists and individuals who live and work in this remote region. The film explores the psychological and emotional effects of living in such an environment.
Herzog showcases the stunning natural landscapes and wildlife of Antarctica. He captures mesmerizing footage of glaciers, icebergs, underwater creatures, and various forms of life that have adapted to this challenging ecosystem.
The film also delves into the motivations and dreams of those who are drawn to Antarctica. Herzog interviews scientists, researchers, and support staff who work on the continent, highlighting their passion for discovery and their unique perspectives on life.
Watch it here:
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March of The Penguins (2005)
This critically acclaimed documentary, narrated by Morgan Freeman, follows the annual journey of emperor penguins in Antarctica as they march to their breeding grounds and endure extreme conditions in order to raise their chicks.
The film highlights the extraordinary survival strategies and adaptations of Emperor penguins to the harsh Antarctic conditions. It explores their ability to endure extreme temperatures, withstand fierce winds, and navigate treacherous terrains in search of food and breeding grounds.
The documentary includes:
- The arduous journey of the penguins as they trek across the vast icy landscapes, enduring harsh weather conditions and obstacles in their path.
- The courtship rituals, where the penguins perform intricate dances and vocalizations to attract a mate.
- The hatching of the eggs and the delicate care the parents provide to protect them from the freezing temperatures.
- The challenges faced by the chicks as they grow and develop, include predation, hunger, and harsh weather conditions.
This is a favourite one of the documentaries about Antarctica for penguins.
Watch it here:
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Frozen Planet 1 & 2 (2011 & 2022)
Frozen Planet is a BBC series exploring all the frozen places on Earth, hence the name, with many places being in Antarctica and the Arctic. The series explores the diverse and captivating ecosystems found in the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
- Extreme Environments: The series highlights the extreme conditions found in the Arctic and Antarctic, including freezing temperatures, blizzards, and perpetual darkness or sunlight depending on the season.
- Wildlife and Adaptations: “Frozen Planet” showcases the remarkable adaptations of the diverse wildlife inhabiting the polar regions. It features iconic species such as polar bears, penguins, Arctic foxes, seals, whales, and a wide variety of marine life. The series captures their hunting strategies, mating rituals, and survival techniques.
- Climate Change and Environmental Impact: Throughout the series, the impact of climate change on the polar regions is a recurring theme. The filmmakers present the effects of melting ice, shrinking habitats, and the challenges faced by wildlife due to these changes.
Frozen Planet II particularly emphasizes the interconnectedness of polar ecosystems. This series is one of the best documentaries about Antarctica (and the Arctic) as far as nature goes.
Also, take a look at the first episode of the BBC series “Seven Worlds One Planet” which is about Antarctica and the wildlife there.
Watch the first season here:
And the second season here:
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Shackleton’s Captain (2012)
Shackleton’s Captain is a documentary film that tells the story of the remarkable voyage of the Endurance, led by Sir Ernest Shackleton during the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition of 1914–1917. The documentary focuses on Frank Worsley, the captain of the Endurance, and his role in navigating the ship through treacherous conditions after it became trapped in the ice of the Weddell Sea.
The ship eventually sank, forcing the crew to camp on ice floes and ultimately make a perilous journey in lifeboats to Elephant Island. Shackleton and a small group of men then set out on a daring rescue mission to South Georgia Island to bring help to the stranded crew.
This documentary uses historical footage, photographs, and reenactments to bring this dramatic story to life. It highlights the leadership and resilience of both Shackleton and Worsley, as well as the endurance and camaraderie of the entire crew. The film provides a gripping account of one of the most famous survival stories in the history of Antarctic exploration.
This is one of my favourite documentaries about Antarctica, especially after having read the book about the Endurance, which I also recommend reading.
Watch it here:
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Antarctica: A Year on Ice (2013)
This visually stunning documentary provides an intimate look at what it’s like to live and work in Antarctica throughout an entire year.
It showcases the extreme climate, isolation, and dedicated individuals who call this frozen continent their home, in a bit of a familiar vein as Encounters at The End of The World.
The film captures the stunning landscapes, extreme weather conditions, and the isolation faced by the individuals living on this inhospitable continent.
It emphasizes the profound isolation and extreme conditions endured by the individuals in Antarctica. It explores the relentless cold, perpetual darkness or sunlight depending on the season, and the psychological effects of living in such an isolated environment.
Watch it here:
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Antarctica: Ice & Sky (2015)
Directed by Luc Jacquet, this documentary tells the story of Claude Lorius, a French glaciologist who spent over 20 years in Antarctica studying ice cores. It chronicles his groundbreaking research and highlights the urgent need to address climate change.
It showcases the techniques used to extract ancient air bubbles trapped in the ice, providing valuable data on past climate conditions and atmospheric composition.
It includes interviews with Lorius himself, providing insights into his personal experiences, motivations, and the emotional impact of witnessing the effects of climate change firsthand.
One of the best documentaries about Antarctica for climate change.
Watch it here:
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Antarctic Edge: 70 Degrees South (2015)
This documentary about Antarctica takes you to the West Antarctic Peninsula, one of the fastest-warming places on Earth. The film follows a team of scientists as they conduct research in this remote region to understand the effects of climate change on the Antarctic ecosystem.
It showcases their efforts to gather data, study wildlife, and raise awareness about the pressing environmental issues facing Antarctica. It explores the rapidly warming temperatures, melting ice shelves, and the subsequent impact on the local wildlife, including penguins, seals, and krill populations.
It features interviews with scientists, providing insights into their research goals, challenges, and the significance of their work in understanding climate change.
Watch it here:
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The Lake at the Bottom of the World (2022)
The Lake at the Bottom of the World is one of the newest documentaries about Antarctica, having been released in 2022.
It follows scientists as they head to the interior of Antarctica, which is an almost unknown place, on a mission to explore a lake 3,600 feet below the ice.
It shows the harsh conditions they have to be in on their mission and how crucial the equipment they use is for their exploration.
Watch it here:
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Our Planet | Frozen Worlds (2019)
The “Frozen Worlds” episode of “Our Planet” takes viewers into the frigid realms of the Arctic and Antarctic regions, showcasing the unique wildlife and ecosystems found in these frozen environments and is one of the best documentaries about Antarctica for that.
The episode explores the challenges faced by the animals living in these extreme conditions and highlights the impacts of climate change on their habitats. It presents the diverse array of wildlife, including polar bears, Arctic foxes, seals, penguins, and whales, and highlights their remarkable adaptations to survive in the icy landscapes.
It raises awareness about the urgent need for environmental conservation and emphasizes the importance of taking action to protect these fragile environments.
Netflix put the episode Frozen Worlds from their Our Planet series up for free on their YouTube channel.
The Last Ocean (2012)
This documentary explores the pristine marine environment of the Ross Sea in Antarctica, which is one of the last untouched wilderness areas on Earth. It delves into the complex issues surrounding commercial fishing and conservation efforts in the region.
“The Last Ocean” highlights the importance of conserving marine ecosystems and protecting biodiversity. It explores the delicate balance of life in the Ross Sea, including the abundance of wildlife such as penguins, seals, and whales, and the critical role they play in the ecosystem.
The film draws attention to the destructive fishing practices that target Antarctic toothfish in the Ross Sea. It examines the impacts of such practices on the marine environment and advocates for sustainable fishing methods.
This is one of the best documentaries about Antarctica for marine conservation in fishing.
Watch on Amazon:
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The Great White Silence (1924)
The Great White Silence is left until the end as it’s by far the oldest of the documentaries about Antarctica.
It was released in 1924! However, this is one of the best documentaries about Antarctica to watch as it gives a glimpse, just like The Endurance documentary, into what the life conditions were like back then in Antarctica.
This documentary about Antarctica documents the ill-fated British Antarctic Expedition led by Captain Robert Falcon Scott, which took place from 1910 to 1913.
It shows the expedition’s scientific endeavours, exploration of the Antarctic landscape, and the ultimately tragic fate of Scott and his team. It provides a unique and historic visual record of the journey and the challenges faced by the explorers.
You can watch it free on YouTube or if you want the highest quality watch it on Amazon:
Watch on Amazon:
Watch on YouTube:
One sneaky extra that isn’t a documentary about Antarctica:
The Thing (1982)
This is one of the best sci-fi/horror movies ever made and, yes, it’s all set in Antarctica, at an American research station. Some of the effects are a little dated now but it shows the extreme remoteness of life in Antarctica. As well as plenty of scares!
Watch it here:
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Antarctica Documentaries
These documentaries about Antarctica provide a range of perspectives on the continent, from its breathtaking landscapes and wildlife to the scientific research conducted there and the environmental challenges it faces.
Tip: You can find some of these documentaries about Antarctica on Amazon Prime Video. You can sign up for a 30-day free trial here to watch.
I personally spent several weeks in Svalbard high up in the Arctic Circle and interviewed 4 friends who worked there for an article about what it’s like living in the Arctic that you may find interesting.
For more on Antarctica look at the 20 best books about Antarctica and the Arctic.
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