(Credits: Netflix)

Humans pride themselves on being the planet’s most intelligent creatures. But the ecosystem’s intricate balance is a collaborative effort. Animals are the unsung heroes here. Beyond their practical roles, they have also been imbued with rich cultural symbolism. From the majestic wolves that haunt our myths to the endearing Labrador Retrievers that steal our hearts, animals have been our guardians and companions throughout history. As a result, they have time and again snuck into the world of showbiz, especially on Netflix.

Animals have been woven into the fabric of our cultures, revered as sacred beings or cherished as loyal friends. In the grand symphony of life on Earth, they are the harmony that makes music truly sublime. Since showbiz is a punch-fest of representation, it’s only fitting, then, that the world of entertainment should celebrate these incredible creatures. Netflix, in particular, offers a treasure trove of animal documentaries that will educate, entertain, and inspire.

Whether you’re drawn to the exotic or the familiar, wild or wonderful, this Best of Netflix documentaries list will spoil you for choice. But while you’re at it, let’s trade the tyranny of top ten lists for a more curated approach. Instead of quantity, we’re prioritising quality with five documentaries that stand head and shoulders above the rest.

These are no ordinary documentaries; these will leave you moved and enlightened. So why not just get cosy, grab some popcorn, and let the fur buddies take centre stage?

Five Netflix animal documentaries to stream right now

Inside the Mind of a Cat (Andy Mitchell, 2022)

Inside the Mind of a Cat is actually the feline counterpart of Andy Mitchell’s Inside the Mind of a Dog. Originally released on August 8th, 2022, the documentary film revolves around new research, allowing cat people and behaviourists a look inside how cats behave. Inside the Mind of a Cat features multiple interviews with cat specialists, therapists, behaviourists, and the owners of the Savitsky Cats.

For those unaware, the Savitsky Cats are a group of trained cats that qualified for the quarter finals of America’s Got Talent. The documentary also sheds light on the time-worn mistake of expecting dog-like behaviour from cats. Cats may not be as eager to please as dogs. However, they’re not untrainable. With patience, persistence, and positive reinforcement, even the most independent felines can learn and thrive. So, in case you’re seeking a mix of education and entertainment, this is it.

Inside the Mind of a Dog (Andy Mitchell, 2024)

A dog is a man’s best friend. Serving as a follow-up documentary after the success of Inside the Mind of a Cat, Inside the Mind of a Dog aired on Netflix on August 9th, 2024. The Netflix documentary offers scientific insights into the workings of a dog’s mind. It chronicles their evolution and social cognition towards mankind, alongside exploring their special skills of communication.

Andy Mitchell reportedly sought the assistance of Brian Hare, professor of evolutionary anthropology and founder of the Duke Canine Cognition Centre, and Vanessa Woods, a research scientist in evolutionary anthropology and director of the Duke Puppy Kindergarten. Inside the Mind of a Dog revolves around the progress of companion dogs from kindergarten to their graduation as service dogs. It shows why dogs are worth studying and traces their journey, bringing a delightful and informative experience.

Living with Leopards (Alex Parkinson and Brad Bestelink, 2024)

Living with Leopards is a fascinating coming-of-age documentary film which follows the journey of two leopard cubs born in the majestic heart of the African savanna. Directed by British filmmaker Alex Parkinson, the film features world-class wildlife cinematographer Brad Bestelink. The film beautifully chronicles the journey of the cubs from infancy to adulthood.

Bestelink, the Creative Director and Director of Photography for the Natural History Film Unit Botswana, has narrated Living with Leopards. He spent four years in the Xudum concession in Botswana. And through Living with Leopards, he brings out his admiration for the creature’s intelligence, beauty, nature, and behaviour. The film captures the untamed and incredible journey of the cubs with rare and raw glimpses into their lives.

Surviving Paradise: A Family Tale (Renée Godfrey, 2022)

Coming from the directorial coattails of Renée Godfrey, Surviving Paradise: A Family Tale is a British nature documentary narrated by Rége-Jean Page. The documentary film doesn’t focus on a single animal, but it follows the entire animal kingdom and their challenges in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. The Netflix film captures Botswana in its rawest and untamed form. It’s disorderly, but that’s what makes Surviving Paradise a treat to watch.

Godfrey encapsulates the sense of adventure, while Page’s narration transports viewers. The film patiently explains and illustrates, allowing the audience a detailed insight into how skills and abilities are passed on. Moreover, Surviving Paradise explores the intricate family dynamics throughout the animal kingdom with a special focus on their blueprints of survival in Botswana’s Kalahari Desert during the severe dry season.

The Elephant Whisperers (Kartiki Gonsalves, 2022)

Set in the Mudumalai National Park on the border of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, The Elephant Whisperers is an Indian documentary film about the ingenious couple Bomman and Bellie’s bond with an orphaned elephant Raghu. Raghu was entrusted to their care, and the pair had to surpass several roadblocks to ensure its survival.

The Elephant Whisperers chronicles Raghu’s journey under Bomman and Bellie’s guardianship from infancy to adulthood. The Elephant Whisperers is not just an animal documentary; it’s a story of a family that instils hope in human-wildlife connections. The film won an Oscar at the 95th Academy Awards for ‘Best Documentary Short Film.’