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- The Day After Tomorrow
- 20th Century Fox
For decades, scientists have studied the effects of climate change, though it's often hard to get the general public to care about these findings. While articles and studies can accurately delve into the ways climate change affects air quality, availability of resources, extinction of species, and destruction of daily life for communities across the globe, sometimes it takes an artistic spin to help get a message across.
Thus, it's no wonder that the state of the planet has been increasingly reflected in cinema in recent years - both in documentaries which depict real-life examples, as well as narrative films that present dramatized versions of where unchecked climate change may lead. The subject can be a powerful narrative device and thematic backdrop, with ecological, societal, and personal ramifications on local and global scales.
The following movies place a special emphasis on what could happen if the Earth is not prioritized, with varying degrees of hopeful or apocalyptic outlooks. For film fans who need a spark to inspire some personal involvement in this fight, or seasoned climate activists who need a bit of a diversion from the work, these movies are exactly the place to turn for a reminder that Earth is, indeed, worth saving.
- 126 VOTES
What It's About: Earth has become a desolate wasteland covered in garbage, with humanity having long-abandoned the planet on massive starliners. WALL-E, the last of many robots intended to clean the planet, develops sentience over centuries of solitude. When a robot named Eve arrives on Earth on a mission, WALL-E falls in love and embarks on a journey across the galaxy to help humanity rediscover the beauty of their home planet.
The Message: The film argues that personal actions, both big and small, are needed to enact change and preserve the environment. People in the past trusted robots would fix the Earth’s problems while they left, but this utterly failed - the robots on Earth shut down (except WALL-E), while the automated vessel chose to follow its builder's command to keep the ignorant passengers in space. Through their efforts to save one Earth’s last plants, WALL-E and Eve inspire humanity to return to Earth and rebuild a sustainable future.
Most Memorable Moment: The film's opening does an excellent job showing just how damaged the Earth has become in this future. Space debris litters the planet's orbit, while down below stacks of garbage as tall as skyscrapers fill the landscape. This is juxtaposed with WALL-E, who, alongside his cockroach friend, is one of the only sentient beings shown on Earth prior to EVE’s arrival.
- Actors: Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin, Fred Willard, John Ratzenberger
- Released: 2008
- Directed by: Andrew Stanton
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- 231 VOTES
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What It's About: In a world where efforts to reverse global warming plunged the Earth into a new ice age, the last of humanity survives aboard a perpetually moving train called the Snowpiercer. It is divided into a rigid class system, with the wealthy elites living in luxury at the front and the lower classes confined to squalid conditions at the rear. The oppressed rear passengers, led by Curtis Everett, plot a daring uprising to seize control of the train. As they fight their way towards the front, they uncover dark secrets about the true nature of their existence.
The Message: Though it's a very stylized, dystopian vision, Snowpiercer highlights the consequences of humanity's failure to address climate change. The events of the film are the direct result of a failed attempt to counteract global warming. The frozen, supposedly uninhabitable world beyond the train is given a heavy amount of focus for the danger it presents to any who would venture outside.
Most Memorable Moment: After the film’s climax and the subsequent derailment of the train, the surviving characters step out into the world. While it is frozen and relatively barren, the presence of a polar bear shows that life outside of the train was not totally extinguished. This confirms previous speculation that the outside world was survivable, giving hope that life is more resilient than it seems.
- Actors: Chris Evans, Song Kang-ho, Tilda Swinton, Jamie Bell, Octavia Spencer
- Released: 2013
- Directed by: Bong Joon-ho
- 325 VOTES
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What It's About: One of the most famous films about climate change, An Inconvenient Truth features former Vice President Al Gore's campaign to teach people about the catastrophic effects of climate change, such as increasing sea levels, hurricanes, and both global warming and cooling effects. He emphasizes the importance of governments, businesses, and individuals all working together to stop further damage.
The Message: The film calls for immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to slow global warming. Through a combination of scientific data and evocative visuals, Gore communicates the alarming consequences in the present and future, including rising temperatures, melting glaciers, and increasing frequency of extreme weather. The takeaway is that everyone should be concerned about climate change and put in whatever efforts they can to help stop it.
Most Memorable Moment: The film features footage of a massive glacier falling into the ocean, a visual that was not as ingrained in contemporary discourse as it is now. This illustrates the rapid retreat of ice due to global warming, and the subsequent sea level rise. Viewers are confronted with the visceral impact of climate change as they witness the sheer size of the glacier crumbling into the ocean.
- Actors: Billy West
- Released: 2006
- Directed by: Davis Guggenheim
- #77 of 279 onThe Greatest Documentaries of All Time
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- 47 VOTES
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What It's About: This infamous disaster film begins as abrupt climate change triggers extreme weather events worldwide. While catastrophic storms and freezing temperatures engulf the planet, climatologist Jack Hall races against time to save his son - and humanity - from the onset of a new ice age.
The Message: The film uses somewhat exaggerated visuals to illustrate the potential for rapid shifts in the Earth's climate. It shows the vulnerability of the icecaps to global warming, portraying the rapid melting of polar ice as a harbinger of extreme change. Through its portrayal of disaster and resilience, it serves as a cautionary tale for what might happen if leaders (or indeed, the general public) ignore warnings about the severity of climate change.
Most Memorable Moment: While The Day After Tomorrow features iconic shots of places such as New York City becoming frozen, one of the movie's more grounded scenes of disaster comes earlier. Hall and his team are working on an ice shelf when a massive crack forms, stretching for miles. The scene invokes footage of real-world glaciers cracking and falling into the ocean, which is in some ways scarier than the exaggerated apocalyptic weather seen later on.
- Actors: Dennis Quaid, Jake Gyllenhaal, Ian Holm, Emmy Rossum, Sela Ward
- Released: 2004
- Directed by: Roland Emmerich
- #59 of 167 onThe 150+ Best Futuristic Dystopian Movies
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- 516 VOTES
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What It's About: An alien named Klaatu arrives on Earth alongside an indestructible robot (which is nicknamed GORT by the US military). The former’s mission, is revealed to involve collecting Earth’s non-human life before deploying GORT to destroy humanity, all in the name of saving the planet. After eventually having a change of heart, Klaatu evades capture by the military with the help of a scientist and her stepson and attempts to prevent humanity's annihilation.
The Message: Klaatu’s sole mission is to save Earth from humanity's mistreatment. He believe that humans have no capacity for change, even after conferring with another of his kind that there is also “another side” to humans. His eventual decision to call off the activation of GORT is based on trust, inspired by those he befriended, that humanity as a whole can forge a new path.
Most Memorable Moment: As GORT manages to escape from the scientists studying it, it establishes the insurmountable odds faced by humanity. The robot then transforms into innumerable self-replicating nano-machines, which form into a massive swarm that consumes everything man-made. This makes it quite clear - if it wasn't already - that Klaatu changing his mind is the only chance for humans to survive.
- Actors: Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly, Kathy Bates, Jaden Smith, John Cleese
- Released: 2008
- Directed by: Scott Derrickson
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- 617 VOTES
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What It's About: A boy named Ted ventures into a barren land when he comes across a dilapidated building. There he meets the Once-ler, who recounts the story of how his greed led to the destruction of the Truffula tree forest. As he discovered the Truffula trees could be manufactured into a type of clothing called a Thneed, the Once-ler thoughtlessly set out to make as many as possible and get rich, while ignoring warnings from the forest's guardian, the Lorax, about the consequences of these actions.
The Message: By showing the consequences of industrialization and pollution in great detail, the story urges viewers not to exploit nature for profit as the Once-ler did. The beauty of the natural world is spoiled by waste from Thneed manufacturing, and animals that inhabit the forest are forced to leave as he ramps up production of his Truffula-based products. The forest is eventually reduced to one last tree, costing the animals their homes and the Once-ler his livelihood as he is left as the area's last inhabitant.
Most Memorable Moment: In spite of the colossal damage he has caused, the Once-ler retains enough of a conscience to at the very least preserve the last seed. The film ends as the Once-ler drops a single Truffula tree seed down to Ted. He encourages the boy to plant it and make sure it grows strong so that the forest might one day return.
- Actors: Danny DeVito, Ed Helms, Zac Efron, Taylor Swift, Betty White
- Released: 2012
- Directed by: Chris Renaud
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- 724 VOTES
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What It's About: Astronomers Randall Mindy and Kate Dibiasky discover that a massive comet is on a collision course with Earth. Though they try to warn the world, they face skepticism and indifference from politicians, the media, and the public. Their efforts to avert certain disaster are increasingly hampered by denial-driven efforts to silence them.
The Message: Don't Look Up is a satire on society’s frequent denial and inability to change when faced with disaster. Though it can be seen as an allegory for any kind of public crisis, star Leonardo DiCaprio explained that it was primarily meant to reflect the broad public attitudes towards climate change. In the film even when action is ultimately taken by governments and companies, it was only for self-serving reasons and failed to succeed.
Most Memorable Moment: A scene that plays a major role setting the tone of the film comes early on: Mindy and Dibiasky appear on a talk show to try and spread their warning, but the gravity of their findings is completely lost on the hosts. Despite their best efforts to stay on topic, the hosts repeatedly pivot away from gravity of the news towards trivial fluff, like the name of the comet.
- Actors: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, Rob Morgan, Jonah Hill
- Released: 2021
- Directed by: Adam McKay
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- 813 VOTES
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What It's About: This sci-fi epic focuses on Cooper, a widowed astronaut who lives on a future Earth plagued by environmental decay and food shortages. Along with a team of scientists, he embarks on a daring mission through a wormhole near Saturn, in search of a new habitable planet for humanity. As they journey through the depths of space, the team struggles with the physical challenges of their mission, as well as the daunting psychological weight of knowing the fate of humanity relies on them accomplishing something that may not be possible.
The Message: While the film doesn’t spend much time pinning Earth’s woes on human activity, humanity is shown to have largely turned away from the science that could repair the environment in favor of short-term survival. Though the premise of leaving the planet over fixing it is of questionable wisdom, it nonetheless shows what might be necessary if the climate change is ignored. In the real world, resource depletion and the management of crop-borne diseases are still very relevant subjects that should be focused on to avoid a potential future like Interstellar's.
Most Memorable Moment: The film’s climate-focused visuals are best encapsulated in the opening scene's dust storm. Cooper and his family must cover their faces and take shelter, taking care to seal openings in their home. The scene was inspired by the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, which was partially a result of human activity causing mass erosion.
- Actors: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Michael Caine, Bill Irwin
- Released: 2014
- Directed by: Christopher Nolan
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- 911 VOTES
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What It's About: This acclaimed Studio Ghibli film follows the journey of Ashitaka, a young prince cursed by a boar god, as he seeks a cure and encounters a conflict between industrial humans and forest gods. He becomes entangled in the struggle between Irontown, led by Lady Eboshi, and the spirits in a nearby forest, defended by the human Princess Mononoke. Ashitaka gradually learns of the delicate balance between nature and humanity as he and Mononoke navigate the conflict.
The Message: Princess Mononoke depicts the importance of keeping balance with nature, even as human society continues to develop industrially and technologically. The film portrays the destructive impact that deforestation, pollution, and humanity's pursuit of resources have on the natural world. Ultimately, it uses fantasy elements to stress the connections between of all living beings, and the importance of living in harmony with nature rather than exploiting it.
Most Memorable Moment: The film pulls at heartstrings when Lady Eboshi shoots the deer-like Forest God, succeeding in her plan to separate its head from its body. The Spirit’s body proceeds to go into a rage, its blood killing everything around as it searches for the taken head. With striking, grim visuals, this moment emphasizes how nature can quickly become unforgiving if humans push it too far.
- Actors: Claire Danes, Billy Bob Thornton, Gillian Anderson, Billy Crudup, Minnie Driver
- Released: 1997
- Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
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What It's About: In this documentary, famed biologist David Attenborough recounts his life experiences and observations of the natural world. He also reflects on his extensive career as a broadcaster and naturalist, showcasing how he has witnessed firsthand the drastic changes Earth has undergone due to human activity.
The Message: Attenborough presents a compelling narrative about the urgent need for decisive measures to protect and restore the natural world. If that can be done, potentially through acts such as the restoration of land to its natural state, then he believes there is hope for a sustainable future. Otherwise, he believes the natural world is headed down a dark path that will take humanity with it. In this way, he manages to convey the staggering risks at hand while also providing a ray of hope - albeit, hope that is meant to spur viewers to take action and spread awareness.
Most Memorable Moment: A sequence that has resonated with viewers is when Attenborough reflects on just how damaged the natural world has been in his lifetime. He talks about environments that he once believed were “untouched,” only to now realize that they were as affected by humanity as anywhere else. He warns of the damage that just a few decades can cause, and the need to initiate change before even more species and environments are irreversibly damaged.
- Actors: David Attenborough, Max Hughes
- Released: 2020
- Directed by: Alastair Fothergill, Jonathan Hughes, Keith Scholey
- 118 VOTES
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What It's About: A young girl named Hushpuppy lives with her father, Wink, in a community called the “Bathtub" in the Louisiana bayou. As a powerful storm approaches, threatening to flood their home, they must navigate the rising waters - but as Wink falls ill, Hushpuppy is forced to fend for herself amidst the flood, while prehistoric creatures called aurochs slowly approach.
The Message: Through Hushpuppy, her community's struggle against rising waters, and the threat of the aurochs, the film promotes the idea of living in harmony with the natural world. Both imaginative visuals and real-world environmental threats are mixed together to present the protagonists with uniquely heartbreaking challenges. It underscores the need to respect and preserve the environment, recognizing that our actions have consequences not only for ourselves but for all life.
Most Memorable Moment: Hushpuppy’s dream of the aurochs exiting the melting glaciers reflects the impacts that climate change can have on developing minds. In her imagination, the animals represent the looming threat and chaos faced by the residents of the Bathtub, demonstrating how the scale of some disasters can only be expressed through a degree of fantasy.
- Actors: Quvenzhané Wallis, Dwight Henry, Levy Easterly, Lowell Landes, Pamela Harper
- Released: 2012
- Directed by: Benh Zeitlin
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- 1210 VOTES
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What It's About: In a dystopian future, detective Robert Thorn investigates the murder of a wealthy executive of the Soylent Corporation, which makes several highly-processed food products for the overpopulated and impoverished world. As Thorn investigates further, he discovers that the corporation's newest product, Soylent Green, is made from human remains.
The Message: The film portrays a bleak future stemming from the unchecked exploitation of natural resources. Disregard for the environment has led to widespread pollution, food shortages, and societal collapse. With the notoriously grim twist ending, Soylent Green serves as a cautionary tale, urging viewers to consider the impact of unregulated societal development.
Most Memorable Moment: The film’s most infamous scene is its ending sequence, when Thorn exclaims the truth - “Soylent Green is people!” - to the crowd surrounding him as he is carried away. The fate of society is left ambiguous, as it is not clear how receptive people are to his assertion.
- Actors: Charlton Heston, Edward G. Robinson, Leigh Taylor-Young, Chuck Connors, Brock Peters
- Released: 1973
- Directed by: Richard Fleischer
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- 139 VOTES
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What It's About: In this documentary, Leonardo DiCaprio travels the world, visiting areas most immediately affected by climate change. Scientists, activists, and people affected by climate change are interviewed to gain a deeper understanding of the many facets of the crisis.
The Message: The film documents the urgent need for action to address climate change, showcasing how, for many around the world, it's already a major threat, and time is running out to make a difference. With a personal touch, the documentary makes direct appeals to all viewers to make even the smallest of changes, whether it's altering personal behaviors to become more sustainable, supporting environmentally friendly policies and leaders, or merely spreading awareness.
Most Memorable Moment: The melting ice of the Arctic is prominently featured in the film as DiCaprio travels to Greenland. While speaking with a researcher there, he's taken aback by the volume of melt water flowing through a crevice below him. The camerawork does an impressive job in capturing the scale of the ice sheets themselves and their degradation.
Released: 2016
Directed by: Fisher Stevens- Actors: Leonardo DiCaprio, Barack Obama, Elon Musk
- Released: 2016
- Directed by: Fisher Stevens
- 145 VOTES
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What It's About: As catastrophic events unfold worldwide, governments initiate a global effort to ensure the survival of humanity via massive vessels. Amidst the chaos, a struggling writer named Jackson Curtis embarks on a perilous journey to reach safety with his family. They're endangered by earthquakes, tsunamis, and the eruption of Yellowstone, as they race against time to board the massive arks.
The Message: Unlike some other disaster films, 2012 positively portrays global unity in the face of catastrophe. The construction of the arks, for instance, is shown to be a massive cooperative project, intended to ensure the survival of not only humanity but many animal species. While the disasters here are not caused by human activity, the mindset behind the response is a relatively healthy one that can be applied to both natural and manmade disasters in real life.
Most Memorable Moment: The eruption of Yellowstone is one of the more chilling scenes of the film. The potential for an actual eruption of the Yellowstone caldera is one that is often characterized as “overdue,” though there is pushback from scientists on how this is framed by the media. The scene in 2012 contributed to the popularization of this discussion, providing a visual for how destructive the event could theoretically be if or when it occurs.
- Actors: John Cusack, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Amanda Peet, Oliver Platt, Thandie Newton
- Released: 2009
- Directed by: Roland Emmerich
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- 151 VOTES
2040
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What It's About: 2040 is a documentary by Damon Gameau that uses “fact-based dreaming” to envision of a positive future for humanity that could be a reality by the year 2040. Bucking the doom-and-gloom perspective that is often associated with discussions of the climate, it presents a hopeful narrative by showcasing innovative solutions to current environmental and social challenges. Using interviews, animation, and real-world examples, the documentary presents a hypothetical world dominated by renewable energy and sustainable agriculture.
The Message: By focusing on practical, achievable changes, 2040 inspires viewers to reconsider their role in shaping the future. Additionally, its positive tone helps get through to people who may have become apathetic to climate change, assuming it is already too late to address it. This angle empowers people to avoid falling into despair and, instead, take action towards creating a more sustainable society.
Most Memorable Moment: An important sequence explores the concept of regenerative agriculture, showing the power of soil regeneration in combating climate change and ensuring food security. These scenes highlight the potential of sustainable farming, arguing that it enhances the soil's health and long-term usability.
Released: 2019
Directed by: Damon Gameau - 161 VOTES
Burning
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What It's About: Burning provides a comprehensive exploration of the causes and consequences of the 2019 and 2020 Australian wildfires, examining several contributing factors, such as climate change, land management, and government responses. The documentary also features firsthand accounts of the destruction wrought by the fires and the ongoing challenges that followed.
The Message: The filmmakers interview not only scientists, but also firefighters and residents of affected communities, to highlight the importance of every stage of the disaster - prevention, limitation, and aftermath. With footage of the firefighting, the film highlights the heroic efforts involved in battling the blazes. It also heavily documents the ecological impact on Australia's unique biodiversity.
Most Memorable Moment: The film does not shy away from criticizing then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison. His handling of the crisis was widely seen as inept and triggered calls for him to step down, but it's still important that this project is willing to lay blame rather than tiptoeing around a politician's reputation.
Released: 2021
Directed by: Eva Orner
