Labor Day weekend is here.
That means a retreat to the woods or a beach for some of us. For others it's the perfect moment to hit the couch and gorge ourselves on streaming cinematic adventures (when we're not grilling hot dogs, of course).
The good news is there's an incredible variety of compelling science-and-nature-oriented documentaries and series streaming on Netflix right now — from shows that unmask the mysterious depths of the ocean to documentary films that tell harrowing tales of mountaineers risking their lives.
But there's a dark side to all of that choice: It's a lot to choose from.
So I polled the Tech Insider team and came up with 16 of the best science documentaries, series, and feature-length films to watch online — a list including classics and newcomers alike.
Here are our favorites, listed in no particular order:
"Blackfish" (2013)
What it's about: This film highlights issues with the sea park industry through the tale of Tilikum, a killer whale in captivity at SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida. Tilikum has killed several people while living in the park.
Why you should see it: Sea parks are extremely popular family destinations. This documentary opens your eyes to the troubles with keeping wild animals in captivity through shocking footage and emotional interviews, highlighting potential issues of animal cruelty and abuse when using highly intelligent animals as entertainment. Sea parks make billions of dollars off of keeping animals captive, often at the expense of the health and well-being of its animals. [Click to watch]
"Particle Fever" (2013)
What it's about: This documentary follows six scientists as they prepare for one of the biggest and most expensive experiments in history: recreating conditions from the Big Bang with the launch of the Large Hadron Collider in Europe. Their aim is to unravel the mysteries of the universe and the origins of matter.
Why you should see it: "Physics is often considered a forbiddingly dense subject, but 'Particle Fever' gives you a window into physics without breaking your brain. It documents the discovery of the famous Higgs boson particle that many physicists think holds the key to understanding the universe. Instead of getting bogged down with the complexities of particle physics, the film focuses more on the human drama of the discovery, and how it could change our understanding of the world around us."—Kelly Dickerson, science reporter at Tech Insider. [Click to watch.]
"Planet Earth" (2006)
What it's about: Actress Sigourney Weaver narrates this dazzling high-definition documentary series, which offers incredible footage of the world's breathtaking natural wonders — oceans, deserts, ice caps, and more. (Note: This is the US version of the BBC production.)
Why you should see it: "Planet Earth is why HDTV was invented. It has some of the most amazing visuals ever. And then when you learn to the depths at which they went to get the footage, such as camping out for days on end in camouflage, you have such a great appreciation that the people behind it. They truly want to give you a one of a kind experience," said Sam Rega, producer and director for Business Insider Films.
"You've never seen nature like this. I'd argue that Planet Earth, with its high definition footage that took five years to shoot, changed the way nature documentaries were made — all for the better.
"It's a journey around the globe to the incredibly varied environments that make up our world. Every episode shows you things you've never seen: caves with their eyeless creatures, jungles brimming with life, and to the mountains which tower over us. Plus, David Attenborough."—Kevin Loria, science reporter at Tech Insider. [Click to watch.]
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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