Attention insect buffs! Journey with us as we bring you a closer look at the miniature world of nature's tiny titans. Watch this selection of movies about insects that showcase the incredible diversity, behavior, and significance of insects in our natural world.
To maximize your zoological exploration, consider these movies about animals as well.
You might also enjoy these posts:
- The Best Animal Movies on Netflix
- The Best Stuffed Animals in Movies and TV
- Animal Movies on Disney+
Movies About Insects
Insects are these little critters you find all over the place, like ants, bees, and butterflies. They're small creatures with six legs and hard outer shells. Insects come in a zillion different species, and they do all sorts of important jobs in the environment, from pollinating plants to breaking down stuff like dead leaves.
Check out these movies about insects we've picked just for you:
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Woody Allen, Dan Aykroyd, Anne Bancroft (Actors)
Antz
Get ready for a unique picnic experience as DreamWorks Animation brings you the romantic comedy adventure, Antz. Meet Z, an ordinary worker ant with one in a billion odds of winning Princess Bala's heart.
But when an extraordinary turn of events transforms Z into an unexpected hero, he embarks on a revolutionary journey celebrating individuality.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Jerry Seinfeld, Matthew Broderick, Renée Zellweger (Actors)
Bee Movie
Fresh out of college, Barry B. Benson (voiced by Jerry Seinfeld) faces the disheartening reality of having just one job option – producing honey.
However, his world takes an unexpected turn when he steps outside the hive for the first time and, against the bee code, strikes up a conversation with a human, Vanessa (played by Renee Zellweger), a New York City florist.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Dave Foley, Kevin Spacey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Actors)
A Bug's Life
Join a remarkable adventure alongside a tiny ant on a quest to find a group of fighters to aid in defending their home against menacing grasshopper bullies.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Julia Roberts, Nicolas Cage, Meryl Streep (Actors)
The Ant Bully
This film is based on the John Nickle illustrated story, where a boy, after spraying water from his toy gun on an anthill, magically finds himself reduced to the size of an insect.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- David Attenborough (Actor)
Attenborough: Life in the Undergrowth
Get ready to uncover the unusual, fierce, and unexpectedly stunning realm of invertebrates! Accompany David Attenborough on his groundbreaking journey into a magnificent miniature world that usually escapes our notice but thrives all around us.
This isn't just about regular bugs and beetles; it includes extraordinary cicadas, radiant glow worms, skillful silk-spinning spiders, and shimmering dragonflies – along with an array of other fascinating creatures and their surprising behaviors.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Bret Adee, Jack Algiere, Jeff Anderson (Actors)
The Pollinators
Countless honey bees are transported across the United States to pollinate essential crops we rely on for our food. The documentary ‘The Pollinators' narrates the tale of this journey through the perspectives of beekeepers and experts who sound the alarm, highlighting the vulnerability of both bees and our food production.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Björn Platz (Director)
Bugs: Nature's Little Superheroes
Believe insects are pests? Think twice. This movie reveals how these minuscule marvels hold the potential to tackle significant scientific challenges, including generating biofuel, combating drug-resistant bacteria, and even contributing to cancer cures.
Insects, Earth's most diverse animal group, possess an astounding array of nature's solutions.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Kurt Mündl (Director) - Kurt Mündl (Writer)
Sky Hunters – The World of the Dragonfly
They gracefully glide above water bodies and dwell along the shores of rivers and streams. With their captivating metallic hues and distinctive flight patterns, they are nature's airborne treasures. This documentary showcases dragonflies in a whole new light.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
Planet Insect
Researchers have found that insects exhibit surprisingly intricate behaviors and personality traits that bear a resemblance to our own.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Nerissa Bradley (Actor)
Edible Insects
NOVA explores the world of edible insects, from crispy crickets to nutritious fly larvae, and examines how these alternative food sources could positively impact our well-being and the environment as the planet heats up.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Scott Solomon (Actor)
Why Insects Matter: Earth’s Most Essential Species
Indeed, insects reign supreme on our planet. Across 24 enthralling lectures enriched with vivid visuals, Professor Scott Solomon passionately delves into his love for these remarkable beings.
Explore ‘Why Insects Matter: Earth's Most Crucial Creatures,' and prepare to discover evolutionary achievements beyond your wildest imagination.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Phil Coles (Director)
Insect World
We've all had our grievances with insects. They can be quite bothersome, buzzing, biting, and giving us the creeps. However, without these tiny creatures, we'd face significant challenges.
They play a crucial role in environmental cleanup, pollinating plants, and serving as the foundation of the food chain that sustains all living organisms.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
Macro Worlds
Although small in stature, insects have a significant impact on our broader ecosystem.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Mark Daniels (Director) - Mark Daniels (Writer) - Hélène Coldefy (Producer)
The Mystery of the Disappearing Bees
The fate of our food supply relies on a tiny but vital insect – the western honey bee, scientifically known as Apis Mellifera. It holds the title of being the most critical agricultural pollinator globally, as a third of our food production directly hinges on bee pollination.
This documentary unravels the narrative of a global ecological crisis that has been looming for generations.
If you enjoyed this list of movies, I have a monthly membership for parents and educators that want to teach or supplement lessons with shows and movies.
“I absolutely love sharing insect movies with my kids! It's like a mini nature lesson right in our living room. Watching the incredible world of ants, bees, and butterflies unfold on the screen not only entertains them but also teaches them about the importance of teamwork, diversity in nature, and the fascinating lives of these tiny creatures. It's a win-win – they get a kick out of the animated antics, and I get to sneak in some valuable lessons about the wonders of the insect kingdom.” –a Homeschooling parent
With Homeschooling with Shows and Movies membership, you will get resources every month, including:
- List of This Month’s Suggested Themes
- List of Monthly Observances
- List Of Movies for Unit Study
- Unit Study Resource
- Seasonal Activities (minimum of three)
- (BONUSES) Resources for you, the teacher
These resources are worth it if you'd like to easily incorporate shows and movies into your homeschooling.
What to expect in these movies about insects?
In these insect movies, get ready for a bug's-eye view of the world! You'll dive deep into the incredible lives of these tiny critters and discover how they're way more fascinating than you might have thought.
From their behaviors to their importance in our ecosystems, these films shed light on the often-unseen heroes of the natural world.
Which subjects are included in studying insects in an elementary school setting?
In an elementary school setting, the study of insects typically covers basic topics related to these creatures. Some common subjects include:
- Insect Anatomy: Learning about the body parts of insects, such as the head, thorax, and abdomen, as well as their antennae, legs, and wings.
- Life Cycles: Exploring the metamorphosis process of insects, including complete metamorphosis (e.g., butterflies) and incomplete metamorphosis (e.g., grasshoppers).
- Habitats: Understanding where insects live, their habitats, and the roles they play in various ecosystems.
- Behavior: Exploring insect behaviors, such as foraging, communication, and social structures (e.g., ant colonies).
- Diversity: Discovering the vast variety of insect species, including their different shapes, sizes, and colors.
- Importance: Learning about the ecological significance of insects, including their roles in pollination, decomposition, and the food chain.
- Conservation: Understanding the importance of protecting insect populations and their habitats.
What themes are found in movies about insects?
Movies about insects often revolve around several themes. You'll frequently encounter stories about perseverance and the little guy overcoming big challenges, much like the ants in “A Bug's Life.”
There are also themes of teamwork and community, as insects often work together in colonies or hives. Plus, there's the wonder of the natural world, showcasing the incredible diversity and beauty of these often-underappreciated creatures.
Related Questions:
What roles do insects play in ecosystems?
Insects are like the unsung heroes of ecosystems. They pollinate plants, helping produce fruits and seeds, and they act as nature's recyclers by breaking down organic matter like dead leaves, which enriches the soil.
Insects are also a vital part of the food chain, serving as meals for various animals, from birds to amphibians, making them essential for the balance of ecosystems.
What is the life cycle of common insects like butterflies or ants?
Butterflies go through a complete metamorphosis, starting as eggs that hatch into caterpillars. They then form pupae (chrysalises) and eventually emerge as adult butterflies.
On the other hand, ants have a simpler life cycle with four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Larvae are fed and cared for by worker ants until they undergo metamorphosis into adults, which can be workers, soldiers, or the queen.
What threats do insects face in the natural world, and how can we help protect them?
Insects face a range of threats in the natural world, including habitat loss due to human activities, pesticides, and climate change.
We can help protect them by creating insect-friendly habitats in our gardens, reducing pesticide use, and supporting conservation efforts that focus on preserving their natural environments.
- Remarkable Movies About Inventors and Inventions - January 28, 2024
- Stormy Stories and Sunny Sides: Movies about Weather - January 27, 2024
- Educational Circus Movies To Love - January 21, 2024