Go Green With These Movies To Celebrate Earth Day
We all have heard the phrase “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle” growing up. Now more than ever, protecting our environment is crucial for the future of our planet. Whether you're into cute critters or stories on eco-adventures, these Earth Day movies will remind you to be kinder to Mother Nature. Pop Culture Planet contributor Paola Cardenas breaks down movies to celebrate Earth Day.
Wall-E
What would we do without cute robot Wall-E?
For a lot of us, our earliest memories of a film about protecting our planet is none other than the last robot known as Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-Class, or just Wall-E for short. The film tracks Wall-E’s (Ben Burtt) 700 year journey cleaning up the planet one piece of trash at a time. When he meets EVE (Elissa Knight), they embark on an adventure to find and restore life back on Earth. Wall-E tells a story about the consequences of corporate greed and the importance of reversing environmental disasters.
Wall-E is on Disney+.
Here We Are: Notes For Living On Planet Earth
Based on the book by Oliver Jeffries, Here We Are: Notes For Living On Planet Earth is where imagination comes to life!
Ever since Finn (Jacob Trembley) was a baby, his dad (Chris O’Dowd) and mom (Ruth Negga) have taught him everything there is to know about Earth. As he grows older and more curious, he realizes no matter how much he learns about Earth, it’ll never be enough. He embarks on a journey to visit The Museum Of Everything to enthrall himself into a magical world of exploration from space to the deep blue sea.
Watch the animated short film Here We Are: Notes For Living On Planet Earth on AppleTV+.
FernGully: The Last Rainforest
Let’s take a dive down memory lane with a 1992 classic FernGully: The Last Rainforest.
Set in the Australian rainforest, the film follows fairy Crysta (Samantha Mathis) as she accidentally shrinks logger Zak (Jonathan Ward) into fairy-size after saving his life from a falling tree. The idyllic forest has been untouched by the evil Hexxus (Tim Curry) as he’s been captured in a tree for a long time. Unfortunately, humans return to logging in the forest and cut down Hexxus’ tree. Rallying the fairies and animals, Crysta and Zak desperately try to save their home in a race against time and Hexxus' growing powers. The film focuses on important environmental themes, such as the impact of deforestation and of protecting nature.
I Am Greta
We all know young activist Greta Thunberg, right? Despite becoming a meme, she has also managed to become one of the youngest and prominent advocates for climate change.
In the documentary I Am Greta, viewers are taken on Greta’s journey as she prepares to speak at the UN Climate Action Summit in New York City. Through never-before-seen footage and intimate conversations, Greta’s story is powerfully told in her fight to save the planet and urge others to express the same passion.
I Am Greta is available on Hulu.
Madagascar
It’s the king of New York, Alex the lion!
Madagascar gave us amazing characters, catchy songs, humor like no other, and a story about friendship. We’re introduced to Marty the zebra (Chris Rock), Gloria the hippo (Jada Pinkett Smith), Melman the giraffe (David Schwimmer), and Alex the lion (Ben Stiller) who live at the Central Park Zoo. When they end up stranded in the wilds of Madagascar, they have to adapt to their new environment with the help of their penguin friends Skipper, Rico, Kowalski, and Private. The beautiful landscape and plethora of animals in the film will make anyone appreciate wildlife. With themes of identity and courage, these animals have truly become beloved icons on screen.
Adventure awaits you with Madagascar on Peacock.
Okja
From the man who gave us Parasite, director Bong Joon-ho shares the story of a young girl and her mighty genetically modified elephant friend Okja.
Mija (Seo-Hyeon Ahn) and Okja have been best friends for a blissful 10 years in South Korea, until Okja is taken by multinational conglomerate Mirando Corporation. Devastated, Mija sets out on a rescue mission to save Okja from being tested on and bred. The combination of thrilling action sequences and poignant social commentary prompts viewers to reflect on animal rights, the ethics of food production, the bond between human and animals, corporate greed, and more.
Follows Mija’s journey with Okja on Netflix.
Seaspiracy
A documentary highlighting our friends in the deep blue sea is Ali Tabrizi’s Seaspiracy.
The commercial fishing industry poses its own threats to our oceans with microplastics and fishing exploitation. Tabrizi sets out to bring light to these issues and advocate for sustainable practices by interviewing diverse subjects such as non-profit organizations, fishing company executives, and advocates alike. Not only does the documentary cover these issues, but also the effects it has on the rest of the environment.
Seaspiracy is on Netflix.
The Lorax
I speak for the trees when I say The Lorax is a classic Earth Day movie.
The beloved animation film tells a compelling story about the great artificial city Thneedville and a young boy named Ted (Zac Efron). When he meets his crush Audrey (Taylor Swift), she tells him a story about the trees that once lived here. Curious and in love, he sets out to find the tree and runs into the Once-ler (Ed Helms). Old and isolated, the Once-ler recounts his story of being a young entrepreneur that turned to chaotic greed as he chopped down all the trees for money.
The film's message about preserving nature and the consequences of unregulated industrialization will resonate strongly with audiences of any age. Additionally, the vibrant animation and comedic and memorable characters make The Lorax an engaging and visually stunning movie.
Unlock the Once-ler’s story with The Lorax on Peacock.
Don't Look Up
Adam McKay’s Don’t Look Up is a satirical story about two astronomers trying to warn the public about a comet threat, but no one seems to care.
Kate Dibiasky (Jennifer Lawrence) discovers an unknown comet heading towards Earth and confirms her examination to her professor Doctor Randall Mindy (Leonardo DiCaprio). The head of NASA’s planetary defense coordination office Teddy Oglethorpe encourages them to take their urgent news to the media. However, it seems like no one is listening and treating the situation as if nothing is happening. Through a scandal, the president (Meryl Streep) finally tries to divert the comet’s path, but discovers that it’s comprised of rare elements. Opposing social media campaigns ensue and it’s up to the public to decide how to survive.
Don’t Look Up is on Netflix.
