As streaming continues to grow in popularity, wildlife documentaries have found a new home online. Streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ are home to some of the best wildlife documentaries ever made. With a wide array of options to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which streaming service is best for you. In this article, we’ll break down the best streaming services for wildlife documentaries, highlighting the pros and cons of each platform, and even answering some frequently asked questions.
Netflix
Netflix is the largest streaming service in the world, with over 200 million subscribers. While the platform may not have as many wildlife documentaries as some of its competitors, it still has a strong selection of titles that have garnered critical and commercial success.
Pros:
– A high-quality streaming experience with no ads
– A strong selection of original wildlife documentaries like Our Planet and Night on Earth
– Access to iconic documentary series like Planet Earth and Blue Planet
– Option to download titles for offline viewing
Cons:
– The selection of wildlife documentaries is limited compared to other dedicated platforms
– The library can vary by region
– No access to live TV programming
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is part of Amazon Prime, a subscription service that gives customers access to a variety of perks, including free shipping, music streaming, and access to Amazon’s original content. In terms of wildlife documentaries, the platform is home to a vast array of titles from different providers.
Pros:
– Access to a large selection of documentaries from channels like Animal Planet and BBC Earth
– Option to purchase additional titles not available through the Prime subscription
– A high-quality streaming experience with no ads
– Ability to download titles for offline viewing
Cons:
– Some titles are only available for purchase
– The library can be overwhelming, making it difficult to find specific titles
– Amazon Prime Video’s search function could be improved
Disney+
Disney+ is the newest streaming service on this list, but it’s quickly becoming a popular destination for families and those looking for nature and wildlife documentaries. The platform is home to Disney’s extensive catalog of nature films, including the True Life Adventures series and other titles from National Geographic.
Pros:
– A family-friendly platform with a strong selection of nature and wildlife documentaries
– Access to National Geographic content
– A high-quality streaming experience with no ads
– Affordable pricing
Cons:
– Limited library of exclusively nature and wildlife documentaries
– The platform is targeted towards a younger audience, limiting its selection of mature documentaries
– Not all titles are available in all regions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are there any free streaming platforms for wildlife documentaries?
A: Yes. Platforms like YouTube and Kanopy offer free access to a variety of documentaries, including some nature and wildlife titles.
Q: Can I stream live wildlife footage on any of these platforms?
A: Some platforms, like YouTube and National Geographic, offer live streaming of wildlife footage. However, none of the platforms in this article offer live TV programming.
Q: Are there any independent wildlife documentary filmmakers on these platforms?
A: Yes. Platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Vimeo offer independent filmmakers the ability to distribute their work.
Q: Can I watch wildlife documentaries offline?
A: All the platforms mentioned in this article offer some form of an offline viewing option, allowing you to download titles and watch them offline.
Conclusion
There you have it, our breakdown of the best streaming services for wildlife documentaries. Each platform has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately, the best choice for you depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re interested in an affordable, family-friendly platform, Disney+ is a great choice. For those who want access to a wide range of wildlife documentaries, Amazon Prime Video may be the best option, while Netflix offers a high-quality viewing experience with some of the best original content.