- Life in the Undergrowth (2005)
- The Invisible Enemy (2015)
- The Secret Life of Bacteria (2017)
- Microbe Hunters (2013)
- The Human Microbiome (2018)
- Bacteria: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly (2010)
- The Antibiotic Hunters (2016)
- Bacteria: Nature's Alchemists (2019)
- The War on Superbugs (2014)
- Invisible Worlds (2012)
The microscopic world of bacteria is both fascinating and crucial to our understanding of life on Earth. These documentaries delve into the complex lives of these tiny organisms, exploring their impact on health, environment, and technology. From the beneficial to the pathogenic, these films offer a comprehensive look at the unseen forces shaping our world.

Life in the Undergrowth (2005)
Description: While not exclusively about bacteria, this series by David Attenborough includes a segment on soil bacteria, showcasing their role in decomposition and nutrient cycling.
Fact: This is part of a larger series that won multiple awards for its stunning cinematography and educational value.


The Invisible Enemy (2015)
Description: This documentary explores the history of bacterial warfare, from ancient times to modern bioterrorism, highlighting the invisible threats that have shaped human history.
Fact: The film includes interviews with experts from the CDC and former military personnel involved in biological defense programs.


The Secret Life of Bacteria (2017)
Description: A journey into the world of bacteria, revealing how these organisms can be both our greatest allies and our most formidable foes.
Fact: The documentary was produced with the collaboration of several universities, providing a scientifically accurate portrayal.


Microbe Hunters (2013)
Description: This film follows scientists as they track down and study various bacteria, offering insights into their behavior, survival strategies, and interactions with other life forms.
Fact: Features real-time footage of bacteria in their natural habitats, captured using advanced microscopy techniques.


The Human Microbiome (2018)
Description: An exploration of the trillions of bacteria living within and on the human body, discussing their influence on health, disease, and even behavior.
Fact: The documentary includes interviews with leading researchers in the field of microbiome studies.


Bacteria: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly (2010)
Description: This documentary provides a balanced view of bacteria, exploring their roles in both beneficial processes like fermentation and in causing diseases.
Fact: It was one of the first documentaries to discuss the potential of using bacteria for environmental cleanup.


The Antibiotic Hunters (2016)
Description: Focuses on the race to find new antibiotics as bacteria evolve resistance, highlighting the urgent need for new treatments.
Fact: The film was produced in collaboration with the Wellcome Trust, a global charitable foundation focused on health research.


Bacteria: Nature's Alchemists (2019)
Description: This documentary showcases how bacteria transform the world around us, from creating oxygen to breaking down pollutants.
Fact: It features stunning visuals of bacterial processes, captured through time-lapse photography.


The War on Superbugs (2014)
Description: An in-depth look at the global fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, exploring both the science and the societal implications.
Fact: The film includes a segment on phage therapy, an alternative to antibiotics.


Invisible Worlds (2012)
Description: Part of the BBC's Natural History Collection, this documentary uses cutting-edge technology to reveal the hidden world of bacteria and other microorganisms.
Fact: It was filmed using high-speed cameras and electron microscopes to capture the dynamic life of bacteria.
