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16 of the Best Animal Documentaries You Can Stream Right Now

Prepare to Laugh, Cry, and Say, "Aww!" With These 16 Animal Documentaries

With adorable animals and interesting educational tidbits, what's not to love about an animal documentary? C'mon, I can't be the only one who (probably a little obnoxiously) says "Aww!" every few minutes. Animals are such intriguing creatures we can consistently learn more about, and I'm always down for a good fun fact (minus any about insects . . . *shudder*). If you're looking for an exciting and informational animal documentary to watch on Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime, we've got a list of 16 options for you ahead. You'll probably want to watch more than one!

Image Source: Everett Collection

Expedition: China

See animals like pandas, monkeys, and cranes in this Disney nature documentary. It's got an investigative format, and is just under 90 minutes long, so it's great for kids or times when you don't want a huge commitment.

Watch Expedition: China on Netflix.

My Octopus Teacher

My Octopus Teacher won a 2021 Oscar for Best Documentary Feature, so you know it's interesting! It's about a man who befriends an octopus and realises how similar humans are to cephalopods.

Watch My Octopus Teacher on Netflix.

Absurd! Planet

Want to watch a humourous docuseries that introduces you to animals you probably haven't heard of before? Absurd! Planet is the perfect fit. Learn about monkeys, frogs, penguins, and more — and all the wonderfully weird things they do.

Watch Absurd Planet on Netflix.

Pandas

Pandas is about the life of Qian Qian, a captive-born panda cub who's preparing to live in the wild. Bonus: It's narrated by Kristen Bell!

Watch Pandas on Hulu.

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Animal Babies: First Year on Earth

Baby animals are the only creatures cuter than adult animals. Animal Babies: First Year on Earth is about six baby animals as they take on the challenges of surviving in the wild.

Watch Animal Babies: First Year on Earth on Amazon Prime Video.

Our Planet

We especially appreciate animal documentaries that talk about climate change, and Our Planet does just that. Covering a variety of environments, this docuseries talks about how climate change affects living creatures.

Watch Our Planet on Netflix.

Catwalk: Tales From the Cat Show Circuit

If you're looking for a unique cat documentary, check out Catwalk: Tales From the Cat Show Circuit. This film is about cat owners and their cats in Canadian competitions, and the reactions are priceless!

Watch Catwalk: Tales From the Cat Show Circuit on Netflix.

Dogs with Jobs

Dogs are great pets for emotional support, but they can also do so much more! Check out Dogs with Jobs, a comedic and dramatic docuseries, to see the many ways dogs work to make our lives better.

Watch Dogs with Jobs on Amazon Prime Video.

Journey to the South Pacific

Enjoy the under-the-sea adventure of your dreams by watching Journey to the South Pacific. This documentary is about a boy named Jawi who lives in West Papua, and encounters sharks, sea turtles, and other ocean life.

Watch Journey to the South Pacific on Hulu.

Dogs

Is your dog your best friend? If so (or even if not), prepare to have your heart warmed by Dogs, a docuseries about the relationships between dogs and their owners. And the best part? Season two is coming!

Watch Dogs on Netflix.

72 Cutest Animals

A documentary specifically about the cutest animals?! Yes, please! Watch these precious animals and learn about how their attractiveness helps them survive in 72 Cutest Animals.

Watch 72 Cutest Animals on Netflix.

The Riot And The Dance: Earth

In The Riot and the Dance: Earth, you'll follow Dr. Gordon Wilson as he travels the world, exploring the Earth and all of God's creatures.

Watch The Riot and the Dance: Earth on Hulu.

Seasons

The thought-provoking Seasons explores European forest life after the last Ice Age. Using real animal footage, it explains how the lives of animals and humans have been connected for a very long time.

Watch Seasons on Amazon Prime Video.

All the Wild Horses

All the Wild Horses is a documentary about the endurance horse riders from around the world who compete in the untamed Mongol Derby — often called the longest and toughest horse race on the planet.

Watch All the Wild Horses on Hulu.

Malika the Lion Queen

Narrated by none other than Angela Bassett, Malika the Lion Queen is about a lioness in South Africa's Kruger National Park. It follows her from a cub to queen of her pride.

Watch Malika the Lion Queen on Hulu.

Serengeti

Tons of animals live in Serengeti's savannah, one of the most unusual habitats on Earth. But how do they survive the vastly changing seasons and great migrations? Find out in Serengeti.

Watch Serengeti on Amazon Prime Video.

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