Sustainability on Screen: Top 10 films on sustainability

Nothing touches us as much as stories. Through visual narratives and striking images, films manage to convey emotions and knowledge better than any other medium. They can convey abstract concepts such as the climate change and make environmental destruction more tangible by embedding it in storytelling that makes us think and shows different perspectives.

This gives us the opportunity to see places from different parts of the world and hear from people who are directly affected by environmental changes. Our top 10 films on sustainability therefore offer not only information, but also powerful images and stories that inspire you to change your own Way of life to rethink.

Top 10 films on sustainability

From food to fashion – our selection of films on the topic of sustainability examines the problem of climate change from different perspectives and encourages reflection and rethinking.

1. Before the Flood
2. Our planet
3. Breaking Boundaries – The Science Behind "Our Planet"
4. An inconvenient truth
5. Cowspiracy: The secret of sustainability
6. seaspiracy
7. The True Cost – The Price of Fashion
8. 2040 – We're saving the world!"
9. Joko Winterscheidt Presents: The World's Most Dangerous Show
10. Minimalism: Less is now

1. Before the Flood

Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio, who is also a UN Goodwill Ambassador for Climate Change, takes us on a journey around the world to document the devastating effects of global warming on the environment and humanity. He speaks to scientists, politicians and activists to explore the causes of the climate catastrophe and possible solutions. The film shows the urgency with which global action must be taken and provides insights into which interest groups are putting the brakes on it.

Year of publication: 2016
director: Fisher Stevens
Streaming via: Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV and others

2. Our Planet

This impressive documentary series on Netflix, narrated by naturalist David Attenborough, shows the stunning beauty and diversity of our planet in eight episodes, while also pointing out the dramatic impact of human activities on nature. Each episode focuses on different habitats, from deserts to the depths of the ocean, and aims to highlight the urgency of protecting these unique ecosystems to emphasize.

Year of publication: 2019
director: Alastair Fothergill, Keith Scholey
Streaming via: Netflix

3. Breaking Boundaries – The Science Behind “Our Planet”

The sequel to "Our Planet" is based on the research results of Professor Johan Rockström. The scientist shows how human civilization has put the Earth's stable ecosystem at great risk by exceeding planetary boundaries. The documentary, hosted by David Attenborough, shows which critical thresholds we have already crossed. It makes clear why rapid action is essential to avoid irreversible damage. The film also offers possible solutions to secure the future of our planet.

Year of publication: 2021
director: John Clay
Streaming via: Netflix

4. An inconvenient truth

A must-see classic of sustainability films: In the award-winning documentary, former US Vice President Al Gore raises awareness of the dangers of climate change. Although the film is almost two decades old, it has not lost any of its relevance today. Al Gore uses scientific evidence to explain how man-made climate change is threatening the planet and encourages immediate action. Gore's remarks are complemented by personal stories and historical events that illustrate the urgency of the climate crisis. For anyone who wants to know more, the sequel "An Inconvenient Truth - Our Time is Running Out" from 2017 is recommended.

Year of publication: 2006
director: Davis Guggenheim
Streaming via: Amazon Prime Video, Sky Store, Apple TV and others

5. Cowspiracy: The secret of sustainability

 "Cowspiracy" reveals the devastating environmental impact of industrial livestock farming. After all, it is responsible for the deforestation of forests, water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and the loss of Biodiversity Therefore, the film questions why environmental organizations often ignore this aspect and shows that a plant-based diet could be an essential step towards a more sustainable world. The film encourages us as viewers to critically question our own lifestyle.

Year of publication: 2014
director: Kip Andersen, Keegan Kuhn
Streaming via: Netflix

6.Seaspiration

The devastating effects of global fishing on the oceans are highlighted in the Netflix production “Seaspiracy”. It takes its name from the successful documentary “Cowspiracy”. The film shows the destruction of marine ecosystems through overfishing, ghost nets and Plastic wasteIn addition, environmental activist Ali Tabrizi exposes abuses in the fishing industry in his film and criticises organisations such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) for a lack of transparency and misleading Sustainability certificatesThe film's central message is an urgent call to stop eating fish in order to protect marine habitats and stop overfishing.

Year of publication: 2021
director: Ali Tabrizi
Streaming via: Netflix

7. The True Cost – The Price of Fashion

This documentary is also one of the evergreen films on the subject of sustainability. After all, it impressively reveals the dark side of the fashion industry, especially the catastrophic social and ecological impacts of Fast fashion industryDirector Andrew Morgan shows the working conditions in developing countries where clothing is produced for Western markets. He also draws attention to the environmental pollution caused by the production and disposal of clothing. "The True Cost" challenges us as viewers to think about our consumption habits and choose more sustainable alternatives.

Year of publication: 2015
director: Andrew Morgan
Streaming via: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Plex

8. 2040 – We save the world!

In this optimistic documentary, filmmaker Damon Gameau embarks on an imaginary journey to find out what the world might look like in 2040 if we start tackling climate change today and live and do business in a truly sustainable way. He focuses on technological solutions and ecological approaches that are either already available or have a realistic potential to make a major contribution to reversing climate change by 2040. The film's messages are supported by numerous interviews with academics, eco-experts and entrepreneurs.

Year of publication: 2019
director: Damon Gameau
Streaming via: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Plex

9. Joko Winterscheidt Presents: The World's Most Dangerous Show

In the six-part documentary series, entertainer Joko Winterscheidt explores the topic of climate change in a very personal way. Known for his entertaining TV campaigns, in this series Joko tackles one of the most pressing problems of our time. On his journey he meets people who are committed to a more sustainable world. He also wants to find out whether technology and business can stop climate change. In the series he shares his experiences and thoughts - from despair to hope to the realization that there are no easy solutions.

Year of publication: 2023
director: Vincent Urban
Streaming via: Joyn, Amazon Prime Video

10. Minimalism: Less is now

The inspiring documentary tells the story of Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, who managed to Minimalism into a movement. The film shows how the two break out of a cycle of excessive consumption and dissatisfaction in order to lead a more conscious and fulfilling life. They discover that less is often more and that minimalism can lead to greater happiness and more satisfaction. With practical tips, the film motivates people to let go of unnecessary possessions and to appreciate the really important things in life.

Year of publication: 2021
director: Matt d'Avella
Streaming via: Netflix

Conclusion: Cinematic signposts

From documentaries that convey scientific knowledge to personal stories about the fight against the climate crisis, each of our top 10 films on sustainability will make you think and inspire you to take action and change your own Lifestyle The films not only offer knowledge, but also practical solutions and examples of how we can all contribute to a sustainable future. Because the climate crisis is a global and at the same time individual challenge that affects each and every one of us.