Feature-length films with a climate change-focused plot often come in the form of apocalyptic or post-apocalyptic epics like the 2004 blockbuster The Day After Tomorrow or the sensational 2015 action thriller Mad Max: Fury Road. While both films provide entertainment and provoke questions about mankind's exploitation of natural resources, their portrayals of the consequences of the Anthropocene are wildly exaggerated for cinematic spectacle. However, there does exist a canon of films that capture the dread, helplessness, and moral dilemmas of climate change and its existential threat to humanity. With compelling narratives, mesmerizing performances, and effective use of magical realism, these beautiful and haunting films offer a more grounded view of the intersection of storytelling and climate change reckoning. Additionally, these films offer a much-needed break from the onslaught of climate change documentaries that saturate our media streaming platforms.
In no particular order, here are my favorite films about climate change. Opinions are my own.
First Reformed (2018) - Directed by Paul Schrader
Princess Mononoke (1997) - Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012) - Directed by Benh Zeitlin
Woman at War (2018) - Directed by Benedikt Erlingsson
Night Moves (2013) Directed by Kelly Reichardt