Yahoo Movies The best movies that tackle climate change
From dramas, thrillers to documentaries movies at the front and centre in the battle for a greener future
Grappling with the climate crisis in Hollywood still proves challenging, fiction films often fumble with the subject, overlooking it entirely or mishandling it, despite the success of documentaries in tackling the issue.
So, when filmmakers do get it right it's a welcome change with examples ranging from Adam McKay's Netflix hit, Don't Look Up, to the pioneering Soylent Green spark debates, emphasising that addressing the climate crisis can be divisive
With COP28 taking centre stage this month, here's our standout climate movies that have navigated this complex terrain with impressive finesse.
Don't Look Up (2021)
Adam McKay directed and wrote this Netflix hit, a dark comedy that explores society's response to a looming comet impact, serving as a metaphor for our handling of the urgent climate crises.
Leonardo DiCaprio assumes the role of a science professor, joined by Jennifer Lawrence as his younger student, to persuade those in power to acknowledge the glaring evidence of an undeniable threat of destruction.
Controversial for its satirical approach, opinions vary on its effectiveness. Critics described it as "a disastrous movie" that "shows McKay as the most out of touch" with others saying that the film "works neither as a comedy nor as social commentary."
Despite the film's mixed reviews it's still one to watch including A-listers Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchett, Jonah Hill, and Tyler Perry.
Breaking Boundaries: The Science of Our Planet (2021)
Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, this documentary explores the critical science behind Earth's life-support systems and the impact of human activities on the planet.
Directed by Jon Clay, and written by Attenborough, this documentary marvels at Earth's life systems. While not traditionally boxed, its educational value and visuals received widespread acclaim.
“It was indeed fantastic to witness: scientists raised the alarm and the world acted,” said Attenborough of the film with one critic echoing: "This film sounds the alarm like never before."
Before the Flood (2016)
Directed by Oscar winner Fisher Stevens, penned by Mark Monroe, and narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, this documentary explores the impacts of climate change globally and advocates for urgent action.
Although not a box office contender, DiCaprio's involvement garnered acclaim with critics praising its impact and information-rich narrative.
The film offers some stunning photography including the arctic ice and 'some horrifying vistas of the damage we have already done', according to one critic.
Read more: EU scientists say 2023 will be warmest year on record (The Hill 2-minute read)
Seaspiracy (2021)
Directed by Ali Tabrizi and produced by Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn, Seaspriacy gained attention for its bold exploration of the environmental impact of industrial fishing. It sparked discussions about overfishing, bycatch, and the broader consequences on marine ecosystems.
The film delves into the global fishing industry, exposing its environmental and ethical implications. Tabrizi investigates practices like overfishing, destructive fishing methods, and the impact on marine life.
Challenging preconceptions about sustainable fishing practices and raises awareness about the urgency of protecting our oceans, the film's strong message sparked debate and called for greater scrutiny of the fishing industry's practices. The film was described as an "emotional and hard-hitting" by one critic.
I Am Greta (2020)
Nathan Grossman directed and wrote this documentary, portraying the journey of climate activist Greta Thunberg as she speaks out and mobilises people around the world to address climate change.
Limited theatrical release and positive reviews highlighted its intimate portrayal. Roger Ebert critic Matt Fagerholm said of the film: "I Am Greta is inherently compelling as a behind-the-scenes document of the vulnerabilities masked by her forceful persona."
The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
Directed by Robert Wise, this classic sci-fi film tells the story of an alien visitor named Klaatu who comes to Earth with a powerful robot, Gort, to deliver a warning about humanity's destructive behaviour and its impact on the planet.
Staring Michael Rennie and produced by Julian Blaustein, the film was described by critics as a true sci-fi classic, intelligent and thought-provoking.
Widely acclaimed for its innovative special effects and Bernard Herrmann's iconic musical score. Critics praised its social commentary and lasting impact on science fiction cinema.
Snowpiercer (2013)
Bong Joon-ho directed and co-wrote Snowpiercer with Kelly Masterson, which is set in a frozen post-apocalyptic world and the last remnants of humanity live aboard a moving train.
The train that travels across the icy landscape is divided into social classes, with the underprivileged in the rear cars and the elite at the front. As a rebellion brews, led by Chris Evans's character Curtis, the lower-class passengers strive to reach the front and challenge the oppressive hierarchy. Tilda Swinton plays Minister Mason, a character representing the oppressive ruling class.
Grossing over $86 million worldwide, it garnered praise for its unique narrative and social commentary.
The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
Roland Emmerich directed and wrote this disaster film, grossing over $544 million worldwide.
The film revolves around climatologist Jack Hall, played by Dennis Quaid, who discovers that global warming is causing unprecedented and rapid climate shifts. As a series of extreme weather events devastate the planet, Hall must navigate treacherous conditions to reach his son Sam (Jake Gyllenhaal) in New York City. With the world plunged into a new Ice Age.
The story unfolds as the characters grapple with survival in the face of extreme cold, massive storms, and the societal collapse brought on by the sudden and catastrophic climate change.
Scientific inaccuracies were criticised, but it thrived on thrilling disaster sequences.
Soylent Green (1973)
Directed by Richard Fleischer and based on Harry Harrison's novel, this classic sci-fi film thrived despite its age stands out as a pioneer.
Starring Charlton Heston and Edward G. Robinson in a densely overpopulated New York City in 2022 — a concept that is eerily familiar — in a devastated world, people rely on a food source called Soylent Green. Heston plays a detective investigating a high-profile murder connected to a shocking secret about it.
The film's unsettling revelation of cannibalism adds a thought-provoking layer to its exploration of societal issues and the impact of unchecked human activity on the planet, and the film remains a significant work in the science fiction genre.
One critic said of the movie: "As the movie clearly states—the last gasp of food production in the face of global starvation."
Watch: Don't Look Up Trailer
