10 Excellent Examples of Environmental Storytelling in Movies and Television
From documentaries and comedies to animations and epics, eco-conscious storytelling is affecting. That's why EMA champions environmental storytelling in any genre. The environment is relevant to every story. To prove our point, we host our annual EMA Awards to celebrate movies and shows that get it right, from comedy to drama.
Don't get overwhelmed! We are here to help you start your green cinematic journey. Read on for a list of ten films that showcase exceptional environmental storytelling.
An Inconvenient Truth
An Inconvenient Truth, an EMA Award-winning documentary starring Vice President Al Gore, is one of the most impactful films about sustainability. It is credited with raising awareness about climate change on a global scale. We can't tell you how many people attend our events, so cite this documentary to explain why they want to get involved.
Avatar
James Cameron's fantasy phenomenon brings viewers to an otherworldly planet called Pandora, which humans colonize. The film is an epic adventure filled with lessons on living in harmony with nature and preserving Indigenous wisdom. The sequel won our EMA Award for Best Feature!
Avatar: The Last Airbender
At first glance, Avatar: The Last Airbender appears to be a simple children's animated series. But upon further inspection, this beloved series touches on themes of climate justice, environmental racism, and connection to nature with an epic storyline that resonates across generations.
Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy
This eye-opening documentary pulls back the curtain on overconsumption, revealing how the world's top brands keep their customers in an endless shopping cycle.
Photo by NIKO TAVERNISE/NETFLIX/NIKO TAVERNISE/NETFLIX - © 2021 Netflix, Inc.
Don't Look Up
This apocalyptic dark comedy stars Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo DiCaprio as two astronomers who go on a media tour to warn humankind about the world's end. The film won Best Feature at the 2022 EMA Awards.
Our Oceans
This five-part series, narrated by Barack Obama, delves into the mystery and wonder of Earth's five oceans. Captivating and accessible nature documentaries such as this are a great way to inspire curiosity about our planet.
Our Planet
Narrated by David Attenborough, this delightful docuseries explores the many wonders of our planet, from vast deserts to ocean waters. At its heart, Our Planet reveals how climate change impacts Earth's delicate ecosystems and reminds us of the importance of protecting nature.
Snowpiercer
Directed by Bong Joon-ho, Snowpiercer is a sci-fi dystopia in which humans accidentally freeze the Earth in a failed attempt to cool the planet. To survive, the remaining human population must live on a heated train and navigate social injustice, food insecurity, and violence.
Photo by Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment - © 2012 Universal Pictures
The Lorax
Based on Dr. Seuss's children's book, this animated film features a star-studded cast, including Zac Efron, Taylor Swift, Danny DeVito, Ed Helms, and Betty White. This imaginative story explores the environmental toll that corporations can have on the planet. The film won the 2012 EMA Awards for Best Feature.
WALL-E
In this Pixar animated film, WALL-E is the last robot on Earth, left behind by humans to tidy up a waste-ridden planet. When he receives an unexpected visit from another robot named EVE, they embark on an adventure to save the planet from environmental ruin. Children's media must teach kids about humans' impacts on our planet and the importance of stewardship.
What are your favorite movies and TV shows with an environmental message? Tag us on social @green4ema, and we'll share.
Katy Ho (she/her) is a Chinese Canadian writer, activist, and daughter of refugees who explores the intersections of gender, climate, and pop culture through her work. When she’s not writing about feminism and climate justice, you can find her hosting book club meetings, visiting her local thrift store, and coaching the next generation of climate leaders.
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