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Imagine this: You’re sitting in a dark, air-conditioned theater, surrounded by strangers, munching on popcorn, and sipping on a cold drink. The lights dim, the movie starts, and suddenly you’re transported to another world. You’re witnessing breathtaking landscapes, marveling at majestic creatures, and feeling the thrill of adventure. That’s the power of movies – they can take us on a journey, both literally and metaphorically, and make us appreciate the world in a whole new way.

One of the most awe-inspiring aspects of nature is its ability to evoke a sense of wonder and amazement in us. The sheer scale and diversity of the natural world is mind-boggling, and it’s hard not to feel small and insignificant when confronted with its beauty. From soaring mountains to cascading waterfalls, from dense forests to sprawling deserts, nature has it all, and it’s no wonder that filmmakers often use it as a backdrop to tell their stories.

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Cinematography is the art of capturing moving images on camera, and it’s an essential element of filmmaking. Good cinematography can transport us to another world, evoke emotions, and even change the way we see things. When it comes to movies that make you appreciate nature, cinematography plays a crucial role. From sweeping aerial shots to close-ups of tiny creatures, from time-lapse sequences to slow-motion footage, the way nature is captured on film can be as stunning as the subject itself.

Sometimes, the cinematography can be so beautiful that it makes you wonder how you’ve never noticed the world around you before. You might find yourself looking at a flower or a tree in a new way, noticing details you’ve never seen before. You might feel a newfound appreciation for the natural world and a desire to explore it more. That’s the power of movies that make you appreciate nature – they can inspire us to look at the world with fresh eyes and a sense of wonder.

In this list, we’ll take a look at some of the best movies that make you appreciate nature. Whether you’re a nature lover or simply looking for some cinematic inspiration, these films are sure to take your breath away. Get ready to explore the natural world like never before!

The Tree of Life (2011)

The Tree of Life is not your typical nature movie. Instead of using nature as a backdrop, it explores the relationship between nature and spirituality, and how the two are intertwined. The film follows the lives of a family in 1950s Texas, with a focus on the relationship between a father and his two sons. But the film also delves into the origins of the universe, the evolution of life on Earth, and the meaning of existence.

Visually, the film is a work of art. Director Terrence Malick uses stunning cinematography to capture the beauty of nature, from the grandeur of the cosmos to the intricacies of a butterfly’s wings. The film also features a powerful score and a stellar cast, including Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain. The Tree of Life is a philosophical and emotional journey that will make you appreciate the complexity and beauty of the natural world.

A Good Year (2006)

A Good Year may not be the first film that comes to mind when you think of nature movies, but it’s a charming and visually stunning film that celebrates the beauty of the French countryside. The film follows a successful London banker who inherits a vineyard in Provence and decides to leave his city life behind to live there. As he learns to appreciate the simple pleasures of life and reconnects with his past, he also falls in love with a local woman.

The film features gorgeous shots of the vineyard and the surrounding landscapes, including the lavender fields of Provence. The natural elements, such as the sun-drenched hills and the rustic stone houses, are as much characters in the story as the human ones. The film also boasts a great soundtrack and a delightful performance by Russell Crowe. A Good Year is a feel-good movie that will make you want to pack your bags and move to the French countryside.

The Sound of Music (1965)

If you’re looking for a classic movie that celebrates the beauty of nature, look no further than The Sound of Music. This timeless musical tells the story of a nun-turned-governess who falls in love with the widowed father of seven children in Austria. The movie features stunning scenery of the Austrian Alps, where the family often goes on hikes and picnics.

The lush green hills, crystal clear lakes, and snow-capped mountains provide a picturesque backdrop for the heartwarming story. From the opening scene of Julie Andrews twirling on a mountaintop to the final shot of the family hiking over the hills, The Sound of Music will make you appreciate the natural beauty of Austria and inspire you to take a hike in the great outdoors.

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Life Of Pi (2012)

Life of Pi is a visually stunning adventure movie that takes place mostly on a lifeboat in the middle of the ocean. The movie follows the story of Pi, a young Indian boy who is stranded at sea with a Bengal tiger after a shipwreck. The movie explores themes of survival, spirituality, and the relationship between humans and animals. The ocean is a prominent feature throughout the movie, and director Ang Lee does an excellent job of capturing its power and majesty.

From the shimmering blue waters to the stormy waves, the ocean serves as both a beautiful and dangerous force of nature. The movie also features scenes of bioluminescent plankton and a breathtaking island that is home to meerkats. Life of Pi will make you appreciate the vastness of the ocean and the wonders that lie beneath its surface.

127 Hours (2010)

127 Hours is a true story of a man who gets trapped in a canyon in Utah while canyoneering and must resort to drastic measures to survive. The movie is a harrowing tale of survival and the human spirit, but it’s also a celebration of the beauty of nature. The canyon in which the story takes place is a stunning natural wonder, with towering cliffs, rushing waterfalls, and narrow canyons.

The movie features stunning cinematography that captures the beauty of the canyon, as well as the danger it poses to the protagonist. The use of time-lapse photography is particularly effective in showing the passage of time and the changing light of the canyon. 127 Hours will make you appreciate the beauty of the natural world and the importance of respecting its power.

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

Grab your camel and get ready to journey through the Arabian desert in this classic epic adventure film. Set during World War I, Lawrence of Arabia tells the story of T.E. Lawrence, a British officer who becomes a liaison between the Arab tribes and the British army. Along the way, Lawrence discovers the beauty and brutality of the desert landscape and the complex politics of the region.

The film is a visual masterpiece, with stunning shots of the vast desert landscapes and the intricate details of the Bedouin culture. The characters are well-developed, especially the enigmatic T.E. Lawrence, played brilliantly by Peter O’Toole. The film’s exploration of the relationship between humans and nature is particularly noteworthy, as Lawrence finds himself drawn to the desert and its people in a way that goes beyond political alliances.

Arrival (2016)

What would happen if aliens suddenly appeared on Earth? That’s the question at the heart of Arrival, a science-fiction film that explores the complexity of communication and the power of language. Linguist Louise Banks, played by Amy Adams, is tasked with deciphering the language of the mysterious extraterrestrial visitors in order to prevent a global catastrophe.

As Louise delves deeper into the aliens’ language, she begins to have vivid dreams that blur the line between reality and imagination. The film’s exploration of time, memory, and perception is intertwined with its depiction of nature, particularly the striking images of the alien spacecraft hovering over the landscape. The cinematography is breathtaking, with sweeping aerial shots and intimate close-ups that capture the wonder and terror of encountering the unknown.

Related: 11 Other Planets in Sci-Fi Movies That Would Be Better to Live on Than Earth

Okja (2017)

Get ready for a heartwarming and heart-wrenching adventure with Okja, a film about a young girl named Mija who befriends a genetically-engineered super-pig named Okja. When the corporation that created Okja comes to take her away, Mija sets out on a mission to rescue her beloved companion.

The film’s portrayal of the relationship between humans and animals is both touching and thought-provoking, as Mija and Okja’s bond is put to the test in a world where corporate greed and animal welfare collide. The visuals are stunning, particularly the scenes set in the lush Korean countryside where Mija and Okja live. The film’s use of nature as a metaphor for the struggle between the individual and the system is particularly effective, as Mija and Okja’s journey takes them from the idyllic countryside to the concrete jungle of Seoul.

The Revenant (2015)

Picture this: you’re deep in the wilderness, surrounded by towering trees, jagged mountains, and icy rivers. It’s the 1820s, and you’re a fur trapper, fighting for survival in a brutal and unforgiving landscape. That’s the world of The Revenant, a gripping adventure film that showcases the power and beauty of nature in all its glory.

Based on a true story, The Revenant follows Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio), a skilled trapper who is left for dead after a bear attack. But instead of giving up, Glass summons all his strength and determination to survive and seek revenge on those who betrayed him. Along the way, he battles freezing temperatures, hungry wolves, and treacherous terrain, all while experiencing visions of his past and his Native American wife.

What makes The Revenant stand out is its stunning cinematography, which captures the natural elements in all their majesty. From the breathtaking landscapes to the immersive sound design, every aspect of the film is designed to transport you to another world. And while the story is intense and sometimes brutal, it ultimately celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the power of nature to both challenge and inspire us.

Into the Wild (2007)

What would happen if you decided to leave society behind and venture into the wilderness, armed with nothing but your wits and a backpack? Such is Into the Wild, a thought-provoking drama that explores the relationship between humans and nature in a unique and unconventional way. The movie tells the story of Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch), a young man who left everything behind to explore the Alaskan wilderness, Into the Wild is a character-driven film that focuses on McCandless’s journey of self-discovery.

Into the Wild lays major emphasis on the philosophical and spiritual aspects of nature. The film challenges us to think about our relationship with the natural world and the ways in which we can find meaning and purpose in our lives. The stunning scenery and immersive sound design add to the film’s meditative and introspective tone, making it a must-see for anyone who has ever been drawn to the beauty and power of the great outdoors.

The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001 – 2003)

If you haven’t watched The Lord of the Rings trilogy yet, you’re missing out on a cinematic masterpiece. The films follow the journey of hobbit Frodo Baggins and his companions as they try to destroy the One Ring and defeat the evil Lord Sauron. But the storyline is only half of what makes this trilogy so great. The breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand, where the films were shot, serve as the perfect backdrop to the epic tale.

From the rolling hills of the Shire to the towering peaks of the Misty Mountains, every shot is a feast for the eyes. And let’s not forget the iconic scene of the Ents marching to war, or the battle at Helm’s Deep, both of which make excellent use of nature as a storytelling device. With stunning visuals and an engaging storyline, The Lord of the Rings trilogy is a must-watch for nature lovers and fantasy fans alike.

The World Photography Organisation has revealed the shortlist and finalists for the Professional competition of the World Photography Awards, sponsored by Sony. 

This year’s submissions are as diverse as they are creative, depicting everything from ostentatious buildings to magical abstract landscapes and thought-provoking series on real-world issues. 

© Jonathan Mattise/AP
Advocates gather for a rally at the state Capitol complex in Nashville to oppose several bills that target the LGBTQ community on Feb. 14.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee (R) said he intends to sign a controversial bill restricting where drag shows can take place in the state — the latest effort by Republican legislators across the country to target the performances amid broader backlash to expanded LGBTQ rights.

Tennessee’s House and Senate voted to make it illegal for anyone to engage in “adult cabaret” performances on public property or in a place where children might see them — claiming these practices may be harmful to children.

Lawmakers called out “topless dancers, go-go dancers, exotic dancers, strippers, male or female impersonators” who provide entertainment of an overly sexual nature. Broad language — restricting performances by these “or similar entertainers, regardless of whether or not performed for consideration” — has sparked fears in the LGBTQ community of a broad crackdown on drag performers, including in settings such as Pride parades.

Tennessee lawmakers also passed a separate bill earlier in February banning gender-affirming care for most trans minors.

“I intend to sign both of them,” Lee said, referring to the bills in a news conference on Monday.

The bill would be one of at least 26 introduced nationwide in the current legislative session by Republicans seeking to impose restrictions or conditions on drag events, as The Washington Post has reported.

Lee on Monday did not directly answer when asked if he knew of any specific incidents relating to drag shows that enacting this bill would solve.

“I think that the concern is what’s right there in that … building,” he said, gesturing toward the Dr. William Burrus Elementary School in Hendersonville, Tenn., where he was speaking to journalists. “Children that are potentially exposed to sexualized entertainment, to obscenity, and we need to make sure that they’re not.”

Lee also addressed a yearbook photo circulating online and appearing to show him in high school in 1977, dressed up as a woman. The photo prompted some local Democratic politicians and activists to accuse the governor of having a double standard.

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Lee, who was asked whether he remembered “dressing in drag in 1977,” said it would be “ridiculous” to conflate “something like that to sexualized entertainment in front of children.”

Lee’s office did not immediately respond to requests for further comment early Tuesday.

Jade Byers, a spokesperson for Lee, told the Tennessean in a statement that the bill restricting drag shows “specifically protects children from obscene, sexualized entertainment, and any attempt to conflate this serious issue with lighthearted school traditions is dishonest and disrespectful to Tennessee families.”

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The two chambers will have to reconcile their bills before sending the final version to Lee’s desk, according to the Tennessean.

A first violation of this law would be considered a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 11 months and 29 days and/or a maximum fine $2,500. Any further violation would be classified as a Class E felony, which could come with a prison term of between one and six years, and a fine of up to $3,000.

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Opponents argue that the bill discriminates against drag performers by signaling without evidence that drag shows — which can run the gamut from sexually explicit to family-friendly — may be harmful to children.

“The dangerous practice of banning LGBTQ+ events, spaces, and culture — including drag performances — is part of a large-scale attack on the LGBTQ+ community,” the Human Rights Campaign said in a statement. The advocacy group called the Tennessee bill an attempt to label LGBTQ+ people “as dangerous.”

The ACLU, in a statement about a separate bill under consideration by state lawmakers that would require “adult cabaret” performers to obtain a permit and ban minors from attending these performances, said that limiting drag performers’ expression violates their constitutional rights.

“Dance, fashion, and music — essential components of a drag performance — are all protected by the First Amendment. Yet, these laws are written so broadly and vaguely that they would allow government officials to censor performers based on their own subjective viewpoints of what they deem appropriate on any given day,” the group said.

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Proponents say drag performances are not appropriate for minors. Initiatives such as Drag Story Hour, in which drag performers read books to children in libraries and schools, have become a particular focus of controversy.

In Tennessee, the bill’s backers say they are not seeking to ban drag shows but rather limit children’s exposure to them. “I’m not trying to take away anyone’s First Amendment rights,” state Sen. Jack Johnson (R), who introduced the bill in November, previously told The Post. “But you should be able to take your kids to a public park or library and not be surprised by seeing sexually explicit entertainment taking place.”

‘Our state is at war with our family’: Clergy with trans kids fight back

Kimberly Kindy contributed to this report.

Police cut down the timber tripod structure with a chainsaw, but would not allow the act to be photographed or recorded.

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Finland’s National Police Board has vowed to investigate an incident at a logging protest in Lapland last week, when police stopped activists filming officers cutting down a log tripod the demonstrators had built to prevent logging activities.

Protesters managed to halt logging at the Aalistunturi fell site on several occasions before last week’s incident.

On Monday 20 February, a small group of demonstrators set up a tripod made of logs in the middle of the logging road. Police cut down the timber tripod structure with a chainsaw, but would not allow the act to be photographed or recorded.

Jyrki Kivirinta, the head of Oulu police department’s surveillance emergency operations unit, told newspaper Helsingin Sanomat that the photography ban was justified because the demolition of the structure was a tactical and technical method used by the police.

He said such methods should not be made public because they are, in principle, secret.

“They are not to be photographed,” he told HS.

Deputy chief of the Lapland police department, Jyrki Pelkonen, offered a similar opinion to local newspaper Lapin Kansa, saying that they were tactical and technical methods used by police.

However, University of Eastern Finland law professor Tomi Voutilainen told the local paper that he thought the police clearly overstepped their authority in the situation.

The logging site protesters, who call themselves Metsäliike, includes activists from groups including Extinction Rebellion, the Finnish Nature Alliance and Greenpeace.

They have demanded that the state-owned forest management firm Metsähallitus stop logging in the area until conservation proposals have been processed by the Ministry of the Environment.