In a struggling world that is incredibly affected by climate change and environmental degradation, it’s no surprise that the media has emerged as a medium to foster conversation on this topic. Movies are definitely one of them. The film not only provides audiences with a thought-provoking and educational documentary, but also a film that has the power to encourage us all to look within ourselves and try to understand what each of us can do. Provide.
Many films are not only entertaining, but also highlight the urgent need to protect our planet and have hope for a better tomorrow. In this list, we look back at some of the best environmental films that tackle these issues and inspire action, from psychological dramas to horror films.
10 “Okja” (2017)
Director: Bong Joon-ho
Image via Netflix
Although it’s not director Bong Joon-ho’s best film to date (Parasite definitely takes that spot), Okja is a genre-bending, entertaining action-adventure that mixes sci-fi elements with dark humor. is. The main focus of the story is on a young girl (Ahn Seo-hyun) who risks everything to stop her best friend from being kidnapped by a multinational corporation. This fascinating animal is named after the movie’s title.
Okja’s thought-provoking message about the consequences (ethical and environmental) of consumerism and corporate-driven animal agriculture is one of its most important aspects. Garland’s film is not only well presented with stunning cinematography and visual effects, but also sends a valuable environmentalist message about mass meat production, highlighting the importance of developing natural resources and protecting animal welfare. I’m guessing.
Release date June 28, 2017
Cast Tilda Swinton, Sheena Kamal, Michael Mitton, Colm Hill, Kathryn Kirkpatrick, Jose Carias
Runtime 120 minutes
9. “The boy who used the wind” (2019)
Director: Chiwetel Ejiofor
Image via Netflix
Based on the memoir of the same name by William Kamkwamba and Brian Mealer, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is a moving and moving story about a 13-year-old boy (Maxwell Simba) in Malawi who devises an unconventional method of salvation. Focused on enlightening journeys. His family and the entire village suffered from starvation.
Chiwetel Ejiofor’s captivating directorial debut does a great job in how it depicts environmental issues, namely the effects of deforestation and how it ultimately leads to hunger and crop failure. are. At its heart, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is a thoughtful film that emphasizes the importance of tackling climate change through beautiful scenery and great direction. Not only is it emotionally appealing, but it’s also visually pleasing.
Release date: January 25, 2019
Running time 1 hour 53 minutes
8. “Inugashima” (2018)
Director: Wes Anderson
Image courtesy of Fox Searchlight Pictures
Like other Wes Anderson pictures, Isle of Dogs is a visually appealing stop-motion film with a unique textured look. Inspired by traditional Japanese art and culture and set in Japan, the 2018 film follows the journey of a young boy (Koyo Rankin) as he searches for his lost dog.
Whether you’re talking about the movie’s instantly recognizable original character designs or its heartwarming adventure/social commentary premise, Isle of Dogs is nothing short of amazing. Although touching on important themes of loyalty and friendship, Anderson’s photographs primarily focus on environmental destruction, with the garbage-strewn wasteland that is the film’s main setting a key element. In addition to touching on environmental concerns, Isle of Dogs is supported by engaging storytelling and a great score.
Release date March 23, 2018
Runtime 101
7 “Annihilation” (2018)
Director: Alex Garland
Image via Netflix
Ex Machina may be one of Alex Garland’s best films. However, Annihilation also deserves audience attention. Perfect for fans of eco-horror, this 2018 film depicts a biologist who signs up on a secret expedition into a mysterious zone where the laws of nature don’t apply. The cast includes Natalie Portman and Tessa Thompson.
Annihilation is an existential environmental film that succeeds with its original story and stunning cinematography, offering viewers a thought-provoking content that taps into real-life issues and the destruction of humanity. I am commenting on this trend. The theme of decay is often highlighted, and the uncontrollable and larger-than-life forces of nature are also often metaphorized through the mysterious “The Shimmer” at the center of the story. At its core, it contemplates how everything is connected, so that changing one thing can ultimately affect everything else around it.
Release date February 23, 2018
Running time 115 minutes
6 “Avatar” (2009)
Director: James Cameron
Image courtesy of 20th Century Studios
James Cameron is known for several different projects, most notably the Avatar series. Set primarily in the beautiful world of Pandora, this visually immersive 2009 film follows a paraplegic Marine torn between following orders and protecting the world he now considers home. (Sam Worthington).
Avatar’s stunning world-building, featuring an abundance of animals and natural scenery, is sure to captivate audiences who haven’t seen it yet. Although it is more suitable for fans of the fantasy genre, it ultimately arouses the interest of almost everyone thanks to its groundbreaking visuals and fascinating story. Cameron’s films have dealt with the theme of environmentalism from the beginning, particularly by showing how wonderful and powerful nature is, while emphasizing the importance of protecting it from destructive humans.
Release date December 18, 2009
Running time 162 minutes
5. “Children of Men” (2006)
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Image courtesy of Universal Pictures
Children of Men’s haunting depiction of a near-future scenario is one of the most memorable aspects of Alfonson Cuaron’s film. The story is set in 2027, a world where women have become infertile for some reason. A former activist agreed to help transfer a pregnant woman to a shelter at sea.
It may not be the most obvious choice, but the surprising Children of Humanity is an environmentalist picture for a variety of reasons. Haunting depictions of completely broken worlds and decaying cities are at the top of the list. But what makes this picture so thought-provoking is that it somehow feels closer to reality, especially when it comes to how we deal with environmental issues and a crumbling society. Social commentary on topics such as immigration and the refugee crisis also plays a major role.
human children
Release date January 5, 2007
Runtime 109 minutes
4 “Wall-E” (2008)
Director: Andrew Stanton
Image courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
What better movie to teach young audiences about the importance of caring for the Earth instead of ignoring it than Andrew Stanton’s WALL-E? This animated adventure epic follows a lonely robot tasked with cleaning up a trash-covered planet as he meets and eventually falls in love with another robot. Together, they embark on a life-changing journey.
WALL-E is an educational film suitable for audiences of all ages. A commentary on pollution and waste takes on a prominent aspect, beginning with a dark picture of the Earth in a state of decay. Additionally, Stanton’s film shines a scathing light on consumerism, overconsumption, and how disconnected humanity has become from nature. But at the same time, by depicting the plants growing inside, he also conveys a message of hope.
Release date: June 22, 2008
Runtime 103
3 “First Reform” (2018)
Director: Paul Schrader
Image via A24
If you’re looking for an environmental film with a strong religious approach, you might want to check out Paul Schrader’s First Reformed. Starring Ethan Hawke in a powerful performance, A24’s psychological drama follows the pastor of a small congregation as he grapples with the despair brought on by tragedy, worldly concerns, and a troubled past.
First Reform is concerned not only with environmental issues such as climate change, but also with combating spiritual crises. Still, the central theme is certainly the characters’ growing concerns about ecological degradation and morality, especially after an interaction with environmental activist Michael (Philip Ettinger). Additionally, Schrader’s provocative photographs effectively criticize big business’s involvement in the world’s state of decline and serve as a call to action for all the environmental problems happening in the world.
Release date: May 18, 2018
Running time 113 minutes
2 “Princess Mononoke” (1997)
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Image from Studio Ghibli
Another animated film notable for the way it deals with environmental issues is Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke. This family-friendly story follows Ashitaka, a confident young warrior who finds himself in the middle of a war between the gods of the forest and a mining colony.
Beautifully animated as always when it comes to Studio Ghibli pictures, Princess Mononoke is poignant and even educational, with its sharp commentary on the conflict between nature and humanity. It provides audiences with complex depictions of important issues and depicts thought-provoking scenarios that reflect the real-world challenges of balancing human and technological progress with environmental conservation. Princess Mononoke warns viewers of the consequences of destruction and even suggests that a balance between industry and nature is possible in the end.
Princess Mononoke (1997)
Release date: July 12, 1997
Cast: Yoji Matsuda, Yuriko Ishida, Yuko Tanaka, Kaoru Kobayashi, Masahiko Nishimura, Tsunehiko Kamijo
Runtime 134 minutes
1 “Interstellar” (2014)
Director: Christopher Nolan
Image courtesy of Paramount Pictures
When it comes to the best movies with a strong message of environmentalism, it’s hard not to mention Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar. The story is set in a future where Earth is uninhabitable, and a farmer and former NASA pilot (played well by Matthew McConaughey) is tasked with piloting a spaceship through a wormhole to find a new planet. .
While packed with an intense and moving sci-fi story, Interstellar also delves into environmental issues. Its complex story is about humans finding a new home because they have such good intentions that they literally completely destroy all of the earth’s resources. There’s no doubt that Nolan’s films rank very highly among his best, whether it’s for their incredible acting and unforgettable soundtracks, or their memorable storytelling and direction. there is no. This sheds a powerful light on what could potentially happen if humans fail to respect the environment.
Release date: November 7, 2014
Running time 169 minutes
Next article: From ‘Annihilation’ to ‘The Ruins’: 8 Scary Eco-Horror Movies
