Explore the world: The best David Attenborough documentaries

For more than seven decades, Sir David Attenborough has brought the wonders of the natural world into our homes. From groundbreaking filming techniques to unforgettable wildlife moments, his documentaries have shown us nature at its most spectacular, fragile and surprising.

With Sir David set to celebrate his 100th birthday this May, there’s never been a better time to revisit some of the best David Attenborough documentaries ever made. His work helped shape the modern wildlife genre and remains some of the most beloved BBC nature documentaries of all time.

To celebrate his remarkable career, we’ve rounded up some of the most iconic David Attenborough documentary series you can stream right now on BBC iPlayer via Freely. From frozen polar landscapes and deep-sea mysteries to wildlife thriving in the middle of London, these are the documentaries that changed how we see our planet.

Planet Earth

If there’s one wildlife documentary that completely changed the game, it’s Planet Earth. 

With its state-of-the-art high definition imagery, this record-breaking documentary broke the boundaries that separated humans and nature and changed the views of the world! Filmed over four years across 64 different countries, this series features footage of some of the world’s most stunning natural wonders, from the oceans to the deserts to the polar ice caps!

Planet Earth II

Set nearly a decade after Planet Earth, this stunning documentary with improved technology captures further details such as animal behaviours in previously inaccessible locations as well as examining urban dwellings and how some animals have adapted to city life! With such an intimate feel to the filmmaking, this gorgeously filmed documentary makes you feel at one with nature in a way never felt before!

The Blue Planet and the Blue Planet II

Bringing the visual genius of Planet Earth II but with an extra sprinkle on top, both seasons of Blue Planet provide exemplar storytelling! Wowing us with the incredible underwater world, this documentary series shows us everything! From gender changing fish to an octopus with it's own armour, prepare to be amazed as David Attenborough shows us how little we know of our beautiful world!

Frozen Planet II

Now, many Attenborough documentaries have touched on polar animals over the years, however Frozen Planet II dives into their lives on another level. Venturing to the coldest areas of the world such as Svalbard, Norway in the Arctic circle, all the way down to Antarctica, this series shows new and rarely documented behaviours including a killer whales special seal hunting method!

Dynasties 

Get caught up in real life drama with Dynasties! Throughout five shows, this documentary series offers a deep inside into the heroic struggles of five endangered species as they battle for their survival and future! Exploring the behaviours and lifestyles of one family per episode, the show dives deep into the specific families in a style different to the usual Attenborough documentaries which makes it a must see!

Mammals

Found on every continent and in every ocean, from the hottest deserts to the coldest wilderness this group of animals have evolved to survive every corner of our planet! Sir David Attenborough reveals all on how they succeeded in conquering the Earth as well as telling us about the many problems mammals face in today’s constantly changing world!

Asia 

Fresh to our screens, Sir David Attenborough presents Asia, a seven-part series filmed over four years that immerses the audience into the natural wonders of the world’s largest continent! As the most diverse continent, reaching from the freezing Arctic Circle all the way down to the sweltering equator expect to see a vast array of content, from the highest mountain range to the deepest oceans, the tallest jungles and the world’s biggest cave! And of course, expect to meet some fascinating wildlife such as tiny fish that can climb trees as well as Asia's most shy animal – the red panda! 

Wild London

After a life spent travelling the globe, Sir David Attenborough turns his attention to his own backdoor – exploring the wildlife of England’s iconic capital! Having lived in London for 75 years, who better introduce us to the most spectacular wildlife secrets. Whether it’s herds of deer invading gardens, pigeons commuting on the tube or seagulls making a killing in the city, Sir David reveals alllll! And our favourite bit? Discovering the extraordinary ways animal adapt so survive in the urban jungles!

Parenthood

In Parenthood, Sir David narrates a fascinating look at the highs, lows and heroic efforts of animal parents across the globe. From lionesses helping raise each other’s cubs in the Kalahari to burrowing owls building underground homes for their chicks in Texas, every episode reveals the remarkable lengths animals go to protect the next generation.

Kingdom

In Kingdom we delve into the world of four-rival families – the leopard, hyena, wild dogs and lions as they each attempt to claim a rich corner of Zambian paradise as their home. But who will succeed in ruling this treasured kingdom? 

Life on Earth

Longgggg before wildlife documentaries became global spectacles, Life on Earth set the blueprint. With more than 100 filming locations and hundreds of scientific advisers, this groundbreaking series told the epic story of life on our planet, from the very first microscopic organisms to the animals and plants living around us today. It remains one of the most influential nature documentaries ever made.

Zoo Quest

Every legendary career has a starting point –  and for David Attenborough it was Zoo Quest. First broadcast in the 1950s, the series followed a young Attenborough travelling the world with a team from London Zoo in search of rare and remarkable animals. Along the way it captured many pioneering moments, including the first filmed footage of the Komodo dragon.

It was the beginning of one of the most extraordinary journeys in television history.

Whether you're a nature lover or just a fan of a good documentary, Freely has you covered, stream the best David Attenborough Documentaries now on BBC iPlayer!