If you were captivated by the emotional and thought-provoking documentary 'Lucy the Human Chimp' (2021), you'll love these 10 similar films and shows. This article explores titles that delve into human-animal relationships, scientific ethics, and extraordinary true stories, offering the same depth and intrigue that made 'Lucy' so compelling.

Winged Migration (2001)
Description: A visually stunning documentary that captures the migratory patterns of birds across the globe, emphasizing their beauty and the challenges they face.
Fact: The filmmakers used innovative techniques, including flying alongside birds in ultralight aircraft, to achieve intimate footage of their journeys.


Grizzly Man (2005)
Description: A poignant exploration of human-animal relationships, documenting the life and death of a man who lived among grizzly bears.
Fact: The film uses real footage shot by Timothy Treadwell, the subject of the documentary, during his 13 summers living with grizzlies in Alaska.


March of the Penguins (2005)
Description: A nature documentary that follows the annual journey of emperor penguins in Antarctica, showcasing their resilience and familial bonds.
Fact: Narrated by Morgan Freeman, the film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature and was a surprise commercial success.


The Elephant in the Living Room (2010)
Description: Investigates the controversial issue of keeping exotic animals as pets, showcasing the dangers and ethical concerns involved.
Fact: The film highlights the story of a man who keeps a lion and a bear in his suburban home, raising questions about animal welfare and public safety.


The Cove (2009)
Description: A documentary that delves into the ethical treatment of animals, specifically dolphins, and the hidden practices of the fishing industry.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2010 and was shot covertly to expose the dolphin hunting practices in Taiji, Japan.


Life (2009)
Description: A BBC nature series that showcases the diversity of life on Earth, focusing on the survival strategies and behaviors of various species.
Fact: The series took four years to produce and was filmed in over 50 countries, using cutting-edge technology to capture never-before-seen animal behaviors.


Project Nim (2011)
Description: Explores the complex relationship between humans and animals, focusing on a chimpanzee raised as a human child, highlighting ethical and emotional dilemmas.
Fact: The film is based on the true story of Nim Chimpsky, a chimpanzee who was the subject of a controversial language experiment in the 1970s.


Blackfish (2013)
Description: Examines the consequences of keeping orcas in captivity, focusing on the psychological and physical impact on these intelligent creatures.
Fact: The documentary led to significant public backlash against SeaWorld, resulting in changes to their orca shows and breeding programs.


The Secret Life of Pets (2016)
Description: An animated film that humorously explores the lives of pets when their owners are away, touching on themes of animal behavior and companionship.
Fact: The movie was inspired by the creator's own pets and their imagined adventures, becoming a box office hit with a sequel released in


Jane (2017)
Description: A documentary that follows the groundbreaking work of a primatologist, offering an intimate look at chimpanzee behavior and conservation efforts.
Fact: The film features never-before-seen footage of Jane Goodall's early research in Gombe, shot by her then-husband, Hugo van Lawick.
