Source: Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics
20. Winged Migration (2003)
> Domestic box office, adjusted for inflation: $17.8 million
> IMDb user rating: 7.9/10 (11,960 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes user rating: 87% (5,000 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 95% (132 reviews)
> Directed by: Jacques Perrin
This Oscar-nominated documentary spans four years and seven continents as it tracks the unique migration patterns of several bird species. It’s dedicated to legendary French ornithologist Jean Dorst, who passed away when the film was still in production.
Source: Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
19. African Cats (2011)
> Domestic box office, adjusted for inflation: $17.8 million
> IMDb user rating: 7.5/10 (6,499 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes user rating: 77% (17,373 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 73% (79 reviews)
> Directed by: Alastair Fothergill & Keith Scholey
This Disneynature documentary centers around the real-life experiences of lions and cheetahs. It takes place in the heart of the African Savannah and features narration from actor Samuel L. Jackson. A portion of its proceeds was donated to the African Wildlife Foundation.
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Source: Dia Dipasupil / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images
18. Monkey Kingdom (2015)
> Domestic box office, adjusted for inflation: $17.9 million
> IMDb user rating: 7.2/10 (4,005 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes user rating: 76% (11,474 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 93% (56 reviews)
> Directed by: Alastair Fothergill & Mark Linfield
Another hit from Disneynature, this incredible documentary tells the story of a Sri Lankan monkey named Maya and her troop. Forced out of their home, the monkeys must learn to survive in a strange new environment. Tina Fey narrates.
Source: Courtesy of Fathom Events
17. They Shall Not Grow Old (2018)
> Domestic box office, adjusted for inflation: $18.1 million
> IMDb user rating: 8.2/10 (34,544 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes user rating: 91% (1,000 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 99% (156 reviews)
> Directed by: Peter Jackson
Director Peter Jackson uncovered never-before-seen-footage when making this WWI documentary about the experiences of those who were there. Through colorization, sound effects, computer restoration, and other techniques, it brings the past to life in stunning detail.
Source: Tristan Fewings / Getty Images
16. Bears (2014)
> Domestic box office, adjusted for inflation: $19.9 million
> IMDb user rating: 7.3/10 (6,844 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes user rating: 78% (22,638 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 90% (60 reviews)
> Directed by: Alastair Fothergill & Keith Scholey
From the same team behind “African Cats” comes this Disneynature documentary about the life of an Alaskan bear family. Against the backdrop of epic and unpredictable wilderness, a mother and her cubs struggle to survive.
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