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Best climate change-focused films available to stream or rent now
From Adam McKay satires to Roland Emmerich disaster movies...
Radius-TWC
- George White
- , Patrick Cremona
Published: Thursday, 29 January 2026 at 2:55 pm
9 items
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When you think of films tackling the pressing issue of climate change, you're first thought might be to be consider the many powerful documentaries on the subject.
From Al Gore's influential An Inconvenient Truth to David Attenborough's striking A Life on Our Plant, there are no shortage of factual films that warn us of the dangers of the changing climate or outline what must be done to mitigate the impending crises.
But in addition to those docs, there are also several narrative films that explore the same themes through a number of different lenses. Whether you're after a star-studded sci-fi or an urgent indie drama , there are plenty of films that have taken on the intense topic without feeling preachy or dull.
Read on for some of the best climate change-focused films from across the years – and also check out our separate list of the best films to teach children about climate change.
Showing 1 to 9 of 9 results
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2013
Fantasy
Thriller
15
In a snow-ravaged world, a group of travellers fight for survival on a train that perpetually circumnavigates the globe. The vehicle's occupants are divided into a military ruling elite and their dishevelled captives. But now, 17 years after the train set out on its seemingly never-ending journey, the downtrodden, abused captives have had enough. Revolution is afoot. Bong Joon-ho's fantasy thriller, starring Chris Evans, Song Kang-ho, Tilda Swinton, Jamie Bell and Octavia Spencer
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2022
Thriller
Action
15
Crime thriller starring Ariela Barer and Sasha Lane. A small group of people from various walks of life converge on a remote cabin in Texas with a shared goal: to plan and carry out an attack on a stretch of oil pipeline. Despite various setbacks, they forge ahead with their act of environmental protest, hoping to inspire others to do the same.
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2021
Comedy
Drama
15
Two astronomers go on a media tour to warn humankind of a planet-killing comet hurtling toward Earth. The response from a distracted world: Meh.
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2017
Thriller
Drama
15
The minister of a small congregation in upstate New York grapples with a sense of mounting despair brought on by tragedy, worldly concerns and a tormented past. Drama, starring Ethan Hawke, Amanda Seyfried and Cedric Antonio Kyles - better known as Cedric the Entertainer
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2004
Sci-fi
Thriller
12
Disaster movie from Independence Day director Roland Emmerich, starring Dennis Quaid and Jake Gyllenhaal. When climatologist Jack Hall tries to warn Washington that the planet is facing an imminent, catastrophic climate shift, government officials fail to take him seriously. But, when the Earth abruptly plunges into a new ice age, it soon becomes clear that the human race is facing extinction.
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2021
Adventure
Family
PG
A fighter pilot travels back in time to save the future world from environmental disaster, but a side-effect turns her young again and no-one takes her seriously.
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2009
Sci-fi
Fantasy
12
James Cameron's epic science-fiction fantasy, starring Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver and Zoë Saldana. Paraplegic marine Jake Sully takes over his dead brother's mission on the distant planet of Pandora, where, by fusing his mind with a genetically engineered native body, he is required to infiltrate and gather intelligence about the local population. But Jake's loyalties become divided when he discovers a clandestine plot to drive out the locals and gain access to the planet's rich mineral reserves.
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2008
Sci-fi
Adventure
12A
Sci-fi remake starring Keanu Reeves and Jennifer Connelly. When a mysterious spacecraft lands in New York City, the American government hastily assembles a group of scientists. A humanoid called Klaatu (Reeves) and a giant robot emerge from the craft with a message that they have come to save the Earth, but when Dr Helen Benson (Connelly) learns of the scale of their intentions, she has to act quickly to protect the human race.
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1997
Adventure
Fantasy
PG
Animated action fantasy from the director of Spirited Away. When a young prince is cursed by an angry god, he travels east in search of a cure. However, he encounters a battle between the creatures of the forest and the inhabitants of the mining town who are threatening their existence. The leader of the forest animals is a human raised by wolves called Princess Mononoke.
See more Best climate change-focused films available to stream or rent now
Authors
George WhiteSub-Editor
George White is a Sub-Editor for Radio Times. He was previously a reporter for the Derby Telegraph and was the editor of LeftLion magazine. As well as receiving an MA in Magazine Journalism, he completed a BA in Politics and International Relations.
Patrick CremonaSenior Film Writer
Patrick Cremona is the Senior Film Writer at Radio Times, and looks after all the latest film releases both in cinemas and on streaming. He has been with the website since October 2019, and in that time has interviewed a host of big name stars and reviewed a diverse range of movies.
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