Documentaries for Students: Science, Art, History and More

Looking for something interesting to watch after lectures or during a quiet evening at home? Documentaries are a great way to explore new subjects, discover different cultures and learn about people who have shaped the world.

Here are a few documentaries worth adding to your watchlist, covering everything from David Attenborough's work on the natural world to the history of ancient Egyptian art.

Biography Documentaries

Biography documentaries explore the lives, achievements and experiences of real people. They can introduce you to influential figures, their challenges and the events that shaped their lives.

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet

If you enjoy documentaries about nature and the people who study it, David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet is worth considering. In this film, broadcaster David Attenborough reflects on his life and the changes he has witnessed in the natural world. It also explores the environmental challenges facing the planet and possible ways forward.

The Remarkable Life of Ibelin

The Remarkable Life of Ibelin tells the story of Mats Steen, a Norwegian gamer whose life took an unexpected turn after his death. His family discovers the friendships he built while playing World of Warcraft, revealing a side of his life they had not fully known.

The documentary uses animation and online interactions to explore the relationships he formed through gaming. It is worth watching if you are interested in digital communities, friendship and the ways people connect beyond their immediate surroundings.

Scientific Documentaries

Science documentaries make complex subjects easier to explore through visual storytelling, expert explanations and real-world examples. From the history of life to the ecosystems beneath the sea, these recommendations offer different perspectives on how our planet works.

Our Planet

Narrated by David Attenborough, Our Planet explores the diversity of life on Earth, from forests and jungles to oceans, deserts and frozen landscapes. The documentary series also examines the effects of environmental change on wildlife and their habitats.

It is a good choice if you enjoy nature photography, wildlife and learning about the relationship between living things and their environments.

Life on Our Planet

If you are interested in evolution and the history of life, Life on Our Planet follows the development of life on Earth across billions of years. The series explores how different species adapted, survived and sometimes disappeared as the planet changed.

It combines natural history with visual reconstructions to explore the evolution of life and the forces that shaped it.

Secrets of the Neanderthals

Secrets of the Neanderthals explores what fossils and archaeological discoveries reveal about Neanderthals, including how they lived and why they eventually disappeared. Narrated by Patrick Stewart, the film examines evidence that challenges familiar ideas about these ancient human relatives.

It is a useful pick if you enjoy archaeology, human evolution or learning how scientists piece together the lives of people who lived thousands of years ago.

Our Oceans

Narrated by Barack Obama, Our Oceans explores the Pacific, Indian, Atlantic, Arctic and Southern oceans. Across five episodes, the series follows marine animals and examines how ocean environments support life.

The series also looks at the challenges facing marine ecosystems, including the effects of a changing climate. It is a good option if you want to learn about underwater wildlife and the environments that sustain it.

Art Documentaries

Art documentaries explore creativity in its many forms, including painting, sculpture, architecture and other forms of artistic expression. They can also introduce you to the people, ideas and experiences behind well-known works of art.

Jim Carrey: I Needed Color

Known for his acting career, Jim Carrey also creates visual art. Jim Carrey: I Needed Color is a short documentary that offers a glimpse into his artistic practice and his personal perspective on painting.

It is a useful pick if you enjoy creative projects or want to see a different side of a familiar public figure.

A World of Art: The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Museums offer a way to explore different periods, cultures and artistic traditions through objects and artworks. A documentary focused on New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art can introduce viewers to its collections and the stories behind the works displayed there.

This recommendation is particularly relevant to anyone interested in painting, sculpture, cultural history or museum collections.

Before watching, check that the original video is still available through the linked YouTube destination.

Treasures of Ancient Egypt

Art and history come together in Treasures of Ancient Egypt, a BBC documentary series presented by Alastair Sooke. The series explores Ancient Egyptian art through notable works, religious beliefs, architecture and the development of artistic traditions.

It is a useful starting point if you want to learn more about how art reflected the society and beliefs of one of history's best-known civilisations.

The Greatest Night in Pop

The Greatest Night in Pop looks back at the recording of We Are the World, the 1985 charity single featuring some of the biggest names in music. The documentary includes behind-the-scenes footage and recollections from artists and others involved in the recording.

Although it focuses on music rather than visual art, the film offers an interesting look at the creative process, collaboration and a major moment in pop culture. It is a good choice if you enjoy music history or want to see how a large-scale artistic project came together.

Travel Documentaries

Travel documentaries let you explore places, landscapes and cultures without leaving home. They can introduce you to destinations you have never visited and offer a closer look at the experiences of people who travel around the world.

Moroccan Travel Documentary by Karl Watson

Travel filmmaker Karl Watson has documented journeys in different parts of the world. His Moroccan travel documentary is an option for viewers interested in North African landscapes, architecture and travel experiences.

A travel documentary can offer more than a look at famous landmarks. It can also give you a sense of local environments and the practical experiences involved in exploring a destination.

You can watch the Moroccan travel documentary on YouTube. Check the video's availability before watching, as the original link could not be independently verified during this update.

How to Choose a Documentary to Watch

With so many subjects available, choosing a documentary can be easier when you start with what interests you most.

• For science and nature: Look for documentaries about wildlife, space, the environment or scientific discoveries.
• For inspiration: Choose a biography that explores someone's achievements, creative work or personal journey.
• For art and history: Explore films about museums, historical objects, architecture or artistic movements.
• For travel and culture: Choose documentaries that introduce you to a destination, its landscapes and its people.

Before starting a documentary, check its runtime if you have limited free time. If you are watching through a streaming platform, confirm that the title is available in your country. Some platforms require a paid subscription, while the availability of individual videos can change.

Make Your Free Time Count

Documentaries can turn a quiet evening into an opportunity to discover something new. Whether you want to learn about science, explore art, understand history or see more of the world, choose a subject that interests you and start there.

You do not need to watch everything at once. One well-chosen documentary can be enough to introduce you to a new idea, inspire a creative project or encourage you to learn more about a subject.