From a shipwreck leading to the loss of more than 1500 lives to Nemo being separated from his loved ones, there is a lot that the shimmering expanse of blue that is our oceans are blamed for. It is not just the mysterious creatures that it harbors or the giant waves it stirs up, that are at the receiving end of daggers. It is also the fact that curiosity has, if not all the time, mostly killed the cat when it comes to the ocean. But one look out of the submarine and into these Netflix documentaries will tell you that it is not at all the case.

Netflix has honed the art of making documentaries that are equal part informative as shocking and beautiful to perfection over the years. And this stands especially true for its impressive catalog of titles that take you under the sea. These include a few gems that will make even the little mermaid never want to leave the sea.

6 Netflix Ocean documentaries that transport you to a whole new world

Documentaries have always been a strength of Netflix’s content. The platform has milked the genre effectively, leaving fans wanting more, like the recent hype around Barack Obama’s new Netflix documentary. So, it makes sense amidst all the true crime and celebrity documentaries, the streamer has always delved into nature’s greatest gift: Ocean. If you have been on a lookout for such works, these are for you.

6. Our Planet- Netflix’s first nature docuseries

Netflix ventured into the art of making nature documentaries through Our Planet in 2019. And although it is not entirely dedicated to the ocean, there are several episodes in the docuseries that explore the impact humans have had on the oceans. It is baffling to know that while 71% of the Earth’s surface is water, the detrimental effect that human beings and their actions have had on it is way greater.

The docuseries also boasts of wildlife filmmaker Alastair Fothergill as one of its creators. He is the same man who was behind BBC’s Planet Earth. The episodes in the first season that explore the seas are Coastal Seas and High Seas. From the interdependency of the water animals to the unreal scenic shots, the docuseries is a treasure box.

5. Moving Art

This docuseries is not much of an encyclopedia containing information on the vast ocean than it is a piece of visual splendor. Crafted by Louie Schwartzberg, it is a joint effort of divers, photographers, and researchers to do justice to the divine beauty that the ocean holds. Not only does this make way for scenic shots but also introduces you to unique phenomenons that take place under the blanket of the sea.

4. Chasing Coral

While we have a timeless cinematic masterpiece helmed by James Cameron that narrates what the ocean took from us, there is also a lot that humanity has taken away from it. Chasing Coral is a reality check of how there has been a massive depletion of coral reefs in the world.

Not only is this documentary a gift to the stimulus, but it also offers some solutions to conserving the beauty of what remains. The movie was directed by the renowned director Jess Orlowski and shone at its premiere during the 2017 Sundance Film Festival.

3. Seaspiracy

The tongue-in-cheek title of the documentary is just a trailer of what unfolds in its nearly two-hour-long runtime. Brought to life by Ali Tabrizi, Seaspiracy does not leave any stone unturned in, giving the viewers a sobering reality check. It explores and visualizes the destruction caused by plastic pollution, ghost nets, and overfishing.

One thing to know before stepping into this sea world is that the narrator does not mince his opinions. And if you are someone who enjoys seafood, you will feel quite seasick during the entire ride. That does not change the fact that this is one of Netflix’s top nature documentaries and there is a good reason for it. Although, brutal Seaspiracy emphasizes that there is no other time than now to mend our ways.

2. 47 Meters Down

This ocean title on Netflix is not made of the same thread as the rest. Firstly, it is fictional. Secondly, it is a fictional survival thriller that follows two sisters on a shark-diving adventure. While not really painting the ocean in a great light, its gritty visuals of white sharks definitely stay with you for a while.

1. Mission Blue

While Netflix has a very intriguing range of options when it comes to oceans, there is one that is a cut above the rest. This 2014 documentary has an Emmy and also a courageous Dr. Sylvia Earle fighting off pollution, overfishing, and climate change to the best of her ability. It is not just another documentary but almost a loving ode to the ocean.

Which among these Ocean titles on Netflix are you planning to watch? Let us know in the comments below.