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Biographical documentary

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet (2020): Cast & Ratings

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet (2020) movie poster

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet is a 2020 biographical documentary directed by Alastair Fothergill and Jonathan Hughes, starring David Attenborough. It runs 1 hour 23 minutes and earned $627,209 worldwide. It earned 1 award nomination, including Best Documentary at the BAFTA 2021. Critics gave it 96% on Rotten Tomatoes and 72 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 8.9/10.

IMDb rating
8.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes
96%
worldwide gross
$627.2K
award nomination
1
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David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 23m (83 min)
Original language
English
Studio
Netflix
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet About?

The premise of David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Reflecting on a lifetime dedicated to exploring the natural world, renowned naturalist Sir David Attenborough delivers a powerful and personal account. He reveals how humanity’s progress has significantly impacted the Earth’s delicate ecosystems, posing a serious threat to the planet's future. Despite the concerning reality, Attenborough remains hopeful, advocating for immediate and decisive action to protect the wonders of nature and build a sustainable world for generations to come.

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • biodiversity
  • environmental documentary
  • nature documentary
  • forest
  • bird
  • monkey
  • animal documentary
  • biographical documentary
  • global biodiversity
  • natural disaster
  • global crisis
  • wilderness
+38 more
  • documentary film maker
  • human impact on species extinction
  • human impact
  • ecosystem
  • habitat destruction
  • habitat loss
  • witness
  • nature
  • earth
  • life on earth
  • apollo 8
  • serengeti
  • extinction
  • holocene epoch
  • blue whale
  • natural world
  • wildlife
  • planet
  • natural history
  • climate change
  • sea
  • land
  • water
  • woods
  • life
  • iceberg
  • ice
  • frozen
  • snow
  • cold
  • fish
  • winter
  • city
  • chicken
  • night
  • dark
  • light
  • solar collector
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Cast & crew

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet Cast

David Attenborough stars in David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet. Directed by Alastair Fothergill, Jonathan Hughes and Keith Scholey.

From the directors

More from the Directors of David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet

More films directed by the directors of David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet, best-rated first: Ocean with David Attenborough, Dolphin Reef, Polar Bear and Deep Blue.

Ratings

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet 96% on Rotten Tomatoes and 72 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 8.9/10. Our Echo Score gives it 85/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in rewatch factor (70).

85 /100

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet Echo Score Breakdown

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet offers a compelling fusion of personal testimony and urgent environmental advocacy. Reviews emphasize its impactful first-person narrative, emotional resonance drawn from Attenborough’s extensive career, and striking visual sequences. While a few note a tendency toward familiar documentary pacing and occasional didactic tone, the prevailing sentiment praises its persuasive call to action. Overall, the film leaves a lasting impression as both a poignant memoir and an urgent appeal for biodiversity preservation.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 90

    In terms of art and craft, the documentary excels through its polished cinematography and cohesive editing. Critics highlight jaw-dropping landscape and wildlife photography, alongside seamless transitions between archival and contemporary footage. The production design and refined visual style elevate the presentation, creating a visually immersive experience. Ultimately, the film’s art direction reinforces its urgent environmental message.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    When it comes to character and emotion, the film benefits from Attenborough’s authentic presence and measured narration. Viewers respond to his tone of humble authority and personal reflections drawn from decades of wildlife observation. The emotional resonance is deepened by moments of sorrow for lost species and sparks of hope for renewal. Overall, the human touch drives the documentary’s emotional core.

  • Story & Flow 78

    In terms of story and flow, the narrative offers a clear progression from past discoveries to current ecological crises. The structure balances archival clips with modern footage, although some note that the first half can meander. Pacing is generally measured, providing adequate context for the overarching warning. In sum, the storyline effectively communicates urgency despite occasional lapses in momentum.

  • Sensory Experience 90

    In terms of sensory experience, the documentary delivers an impactful audiovisual landscape. The score and soundtrack underscore moments of wonder and urgency without overpowering the narration. Sound design remains unobtrusive while highlighting key environmental scenes. Visually, the film leverages an understated color palette and crisp imagery to maintain cohesion. Overall, the sensory elements reinforce the film’s persuasive intent.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    When it comes to rewatch factor, the film’s compelling message and striking visuals encourage a second viewing for enthusiasts of nature documentaries. However, its didactic tone and familiar narrative framework may limit broader replay appeal. Audiences may return for specific segments featuring archival footage and key environmental milestones. In the end, the documentary offers moderate lasting appeal for viewers invested in ecological themes.

Plot

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet Plot Summary

What happens in David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 5-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

From the once bustling city of Pripyat, now a desolate landscape after the catastrophic Chernobyl disaster in April 1986, David Attenborough reflects on his remarkable life journey. With a rich tapestry of archival footage showcasing his illustrious career and a diverse array of ecosystems, he poignantly narrates pivotal experiences while highlighting the intricate balance of wildlife and biodiversity on our planet. Attenborough emphasizes the critical interdependence between plants and animals, and warns that human actions are threatening this equilibrium. He asserts that if the natural world diminishes, humanity’s own survival is at stake.

Full summary

The whole story of David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet Box Office

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet grossed $627,209 worldwide.

2020 box office

Worldwide gross

$627.2K

International
$627.2K
Awards

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet Awards & Nominations

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet earned 1 award nomination, including Best Documentary at the BAFTA 2021.

1 nomination1 ceremony

Videos

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 2 trailers.

David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet | Official Trailer
  • Trailer David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet | Official Trailer | Netflix
Quiz

How Well Do You Know David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
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  10. Question 10: not answered

What major historical event does the film highlight that significantly impacted biodiversity?

Seen David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet?

From the blog

Articles About David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet

Our article about David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet: “The Art and Impact of Voice Narration in Documentaries”.

FAQ

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet FAQ: Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet, each answered in a sentence.

How long is David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet?

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet runs 1 hour 23 minutes (83 minutes).

When was David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet released?

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet was released on October 4, 2020.

Who directed David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet?

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet was directed by Alastair Fothergill, Jonathan Hughes and Keith Scholey.

More films by Alastair Fothergill

Who is in the cast of David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet?

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet stars David Attenborough.

How much did David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet make at the box office?

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet grossed $627,209 worldwide.

How is David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet rated?

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet has 8.9/10 on IMDb, 96% on Rotten Tomatoes, 72 on Metacritic and 84% on TMDB.

Was David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet nominated for any awards?

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet received 1 nomination across 1 ceremony.

Does David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet have a post-credit scene?

No. David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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