How to Train an Environmentalist; Yesterday’s Movies and TV Shows Responsible for Today’s Environmentalists

Theme: Fun, Environmental lesson, Kids movies and shows.

Reading Time: 25 minutes.

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We all know that movies and TV shows come and go, and while many create quite a buzz, others stand the true test of time.

The movies or TV shows that have influenced my path and fostered a love for animals and the environment are, in my opinion, the best ones of all! Below I will share them with you in the hope that you are inspired to pass them on to your children, your family and your friends. At the very least, I hope to share the nostalgia and perhaps you’ll even dust a few off and re-watch them for yourself.

So, here’s my top 20 kids’ movies and TV shows (without spoilers) that taught me (and many others) about animals and the environment before I was old enough to explore it myself. I hope and believe they will do the same for you and your children!

Enjoy the trip down memory lane with these pre-2003 classics.

Comment below to let me know what you think – or if I have forgotten any classics!

Don’t forget to subscribe for more fun and factual environmental articles 🙂

Note: I have included the ratings for each as instructed by the Australian classification, but as goes for most things, I encourage parents to always make their own decisions and assess them before allowing a child to watch them.

#20 Charlotte’s Web, 1973 (G).

Main Lessons:

• Animals have feelings and need love and care.
• Sympathy and compassion for animals.
• Friendship with and a love for animals.

So, number 20 hey, Charlotte’s Web? What is this doing here? Controversial I know! The agriculture industry is currently surrounded by much debate, and probably the least likely place for an environmental award. But Charlotte’s Web is the vessel for probably the most important and earliest messages and lessons any child (and future environmentalist) should learn: sympathy and compassion for animals (including farm animals and spiders). If you are like me, then you love Charlotte’s Web! And have probably cried many, many, many times watching it. I can assure you that this movie instilled a compassion for animals in little young me!

E.B. White’s beloved children’s tale is brought to life in this animated film, which finds the young farm pig Wilbur attempting to avoid a dire fate. Of all the barnyard creatures, Wilbur’s staunchest ally is Charlotte, a thoughtful spider who devises an intriguing plan to keep the gentle little swine out of the slaughterhouse. Although Charlotte’s efforts, which involve words written in her delicate web, seem far-fetched, they may just work.

You can purchase Charlotte’s Web on DVD here: https://www.fishpond.com.au/Movies/Charlottes-Web/9324915053939

#19 The Land Before Time, 1988 (G).

“Yep, yep, yep”

Main Lessons:

• Animals are friends
• Even big, scary, extinct animals started small (ish), innocent, and sometimes, cute.
• Mysteries of prehistoric animals.
• Adventure and Exploration.
• A gateway into the world of dinosaurs, fossils and palaeontology.
• The mystery of the natural world and the creatures it is (was) home to.

Number 19, The Land Before Time. This movie gives young children an important connection to the animals we possibly know the least about, the extinct ones. Be sure to have tissues on hand! So, so, sad!

Littlefoot, a young plant-eating dinosaur, and his protective mother are torn apart while trying to escape a vicious carnivore. Littlefoot receives some information from his mother explaining how to get to the legendary Great Valley, where he will be reunited with others of his kind. With his friend Cera, Littlefoot sets out for the fabled land, meeting a variety of new friends along the way while also being tracked by the carnivorous dinosaur that will not give up the chase.You can purchase The Land Before Time on DVD here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Land-Before-Time-1-3/dp/B01FR38J84/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=land+before+time+dvd&qid=1574941937&sr=8-1

#18 The Adventures of Blinky Bill, 1992 (G).

Main Lessons:

• Adventure awaits.
• Habitat loss (land clearing, encroaching)
• The magic of the natural world and the creatures it is home to.
• Friendship with and a love for animals.
• Importance of protected areas for animals.

To really get the ball rolling at number 18 it’s Blinky Bill, a much-loved Koala and children’s fictional character who can be both adventurous and somewhat mischievous. In series 1 Blinky Bill and his animal friends Nutsy the koala, Splodge the kangaroo, Flap the platypus, and Marcia the marsupial mouse rebuild the community in their home of Greenpatch after its destruction by humans and come to terms with their new neighbours, the ill-famed Dingo family.

Blinky Bill was created by Author and illustrator Dorothy Wall. The books are now considered quintessential Australian children’s classics which have never been out of print in Australia. Blinky Bill is an iconic Australian character who has been a friend to many generations of Australians through the books and of course the television series which kicked off in 1992. Producer/director Yoram Gross describes Blinky as having ‘… all the qualities of a true Australian larrikin – fiercely independent, eternally mischievous and brave far beyond his size’.

I could not find any new copies of the original Blinky Bill series on DVD but check out this link to browse the ever-expanding range of Blinky Bill entertainment including the many books here: https://www.amazon.com.au/s?k=the+adventures+of+blinky+bill&ref=nb_sb_noss

#17 101 Dalmatians, 1961 (G).

Main Lessons:

• Animals are more than fur coats.
• The fur and pelt industry.
• Friendship with and a love for animals.
• Adventure and exploration.

Perhaps you didn’t expect 101 Dalmatians would appear on this list but starting with small lessons is important and what greater way to engage children than the familiarity of dogs, which are friends to all.

In number 17, Dalmatian Pongo is tired of his bachelor-dog life. He spies lovely Perdita and manoeuvres his master, Roger, into meeting Perdita’s owner, Anita. The owners fall in love and marry, keeping Pongo and Perdita together too. After Perdita gives birth to a litter of 15 puppies, Anita’s old school friend Cruella De Vil wants to buy them all. Roger declines her offer, so Cruella hires the criminal Badun brothers to steal them so she can construct a fur coat.

You can purchase 101 Dalmatians on DVD here: https://www.amazon.com.au/101-Dalmatians-DVD/dp/B0775Z8D46/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=101+dalmations+dvd&qid=1574942083&sr=8-1

#16 Flipper, 1963 (Australian classification unknown).

Main Lessons:

• Animals are smart and with enough effort, we can communicate with and/or understand them.
• Importance of animal care and rehabilitation.
• Friendship with and love for animals.
• Importance of animals to live in their natural habitats.
• The magic of the marine environment and creatures that inhabit it.
• Adventure and exploration.

Number 16, Flipper (the original). Ok so admittedly this one, like a few others here, is well before my time, but it was also happily passed down to me by family. If you are currently living in Australia or grew up here, you may be more familiar with the 1996 version and remake starring Paul Hogan and Elijah Wood (also good fun), but all accolades here must go to the original.

In the Florida Keys, local 12-year-old boy Sandy Ricks comes across a dolphin that has been pierced by a harpoon. Rushing to help the poor animal, Ricks saves the dolphin’s life, cares for it until it regains its health and names it Flipper. Having grown close to Flipper through the healing process, Sandy is disheartened when his fisherman father wants Flipper to return to the ocean. However, their bond proves itself once more in another life-saving moment.

I couldn’t find Flipper (original) on Australian DVD so here’s a link for the search on amazon.com.au and maybe you can settle for the latter versions: https://www.amazon.com.au/s?k=flipper+movie&ref=nb_sb_noss

#15 Finding Nemo, 2003 (G).

“Fish aren’t meant to be in a box kid”

Main Lessons:

• Wildlife poaching and trafficking.
• “Fish aren’t meant to be in a box” (not in captivity)
• Dangers of overexploitation.
• Dangers of pollution.
• The magic of the marine environment and creatures that inhabit it.
• Adventure and exploration.
• Animals are friends.

Unfortunately, since the release of this movie there has been observed declines in numbers of particular species of reef fish due to poaching. However, regardless of the opportunity it seems to have highlighted to some people, with the right guidance, others can take some very important lessons from this tale.

At number 15, you meet Marlin, a clownfish, who is overly cautious with his son Nemo, who has an undersized fin. When Nemo swims too close to the surface to prove himself, he is caught by a diver and Nemo’s horrified father Marlin must set out to find him. Dory, a blue reef fish with short-term memory, joins Marlin and complicates encounters with sharks, jellyfish, and a host of ocean dangers. Meanwhile, Nemo plots his escape from a dentist’s fish tank.

You can purchase Finding Nemo on DVD here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Finding-Nemo-DVD-Lee-Unkrich/dp/B07765H6CJ/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Finding+nemo+dvd&qid=1574940569&sr=8-1

#14 Tarzan, 1999 (PG).

Main Lessons:

• We (humans) are not that different from the animals we share common ancestors with.
• Gorillas are not that different from us, and they are smart (and curious).
• The threat of hunting and encroaching to animals.
• The magic of the forest environment and creatures that inhabit it.
• Love for animals.
• Adventure and exploration.
• Animals need our protection.

If you like adventure, animals, muscular cartoon characters, romance, a bit of a cry, oh and Phil Collins (who doesn’t?), you must see this movie! At number 14, I present Tarzan.

Tarzan is a 1999 American animated adventure film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation for Walt Disney Pictures. The 37th Disney animated feature film, the tenth and last released during the Disney Renaissance era. It is based on the story Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs, being the first animated major motion picture version of the story. In this Disney animated tale, the orphaned Tarzan grows up in the remote African wilderness, raised by the gentle gorilla Kala. When a British expedition enters the jungle, Tarzan encounters the beautiful Jane and recognizes that, like her, he’s human. Falling in love with Jane, Tarzan is torn between embracing civilization and staying with his gorilla family, which becomes threatened by the ruthless hunter Clayton. The addition of a soundtrack written by Phil Collins and a heart-wrenching plot makes this movie a real tear-jerker.

You can purchase Tarzan on DVD here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Tarzan-DVD/dp/B077698DK1/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=Tarzan+dvd&qid=1574939711&sr=8-4

#13 Andre, 1994 (G).

Main Lessons:

• Importance of animal care and rehabilitation.
• Friendship with and a love for animals.
• Importance of reintroducing animals to their natural habitats as soon as possible.
• The magic of the marine environment and creatures that inhabit it.
• The fishing industry.

I can’t believe that this movie is not regarded higher by my friends and family! Yes, i took a vote. Despite their disregard for the movie I still snuck it into the top fifteen because of its important messages and fun vibe.

At number 13 Andre the film was an adaptation of the book A Seal Called Andre, which in turn was based on a true story. In a coastal Maine town, Harry Whitney and his family of animal enthusiasts nurse an ailing seal back to health. All the Whitneys care deeply for Andre, the abandoned seal, but Harry’s young daughter Toni grows particularly close to the animal. Unfortunately, as Andre grows healthy again, his playful antics begin to infuriate the fishermen of the town, and the Whitneys became a target of ridicule. However, Toni and her family stand by their friend.

Unfortunately, I could not find a suitable Australian version of this DVD so here’s a link to the trailer, watch it for yourself and you may agree that continuing the hunt yourself is worth it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vDp3_Hrw9Y

#12 Once Upon a Forest, 1993 (G).

Main Lessons:

• Habitat loss (land clearing, encroaching)
• Dangers of pollution (litter and chemical spill).
• importance of protected areas for animals.
• Animals are friends.
• Adventure and exploration.
• The magic of the terrestrial environment and creatures that inhabit it.

Number 12. Just like the next one, this too is worthy of a higher position, but somehow is less memorable to many. For years I have had memories of this tale, but due to it being less well known than others, I was always lost for the name until luckily, someone mentioned it when I was talking about this article. In the words of Grant Denyer, “it is on the list”, and deservedly so!

Once Upon a Forest is a 1993 British-American animated children’s film based on the Furlings characters created by Rae Lambert. In this animated tale, a toxic spill from an encroaching construction site threatens the life of one of the characters, a badger. So, three woodland creatures, wood mouse Abigail, mole Edgar and hedgehog Russell must brave a treacherous journey to find a cure. As the threat of the destructive humans looms ever closer, the animals are in a race against time as their remaining family and friends struggle to survive in the face of disaster.

To get this one on DVD suitable for Australia (region 4) I could only find it on fishpond.com.au, here’s the link: https://www.fishpond.com.au/Movies/Once-Upon-Forest-Angel-Harper/9321337109459

#11 Dr Doolittle, 1967 (Australian classification unknown).

Main Lessons:

• Importance of understanding and caring for animals.
• Ability to improve the health of animals.
• Friendship with, and love for animals.
• Adventure and exploration.
• The mystery of the natural world and the creatures it is home to.

Honestly, I think this film is responsible for my childhood dream of becoming a vet (unfulfilled) and my hobbies today of hiking, exploring, and of course my love for adventure. The original Dr Doolittle is the best! It may have featured much higher on the list if it wasn’t for the fact that practically no one has ever seen it! Which does not please me much at all.

Doctor Dolittle (also known as Dr. Dolittle) is a 1967 American musical film adapted from the novel series by Hugh Lofting and sits at number 11 on the list. It primarily fuses three of the books The Story of Doctor Dolittle, The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle, and Doctor Dolittle’s Circus. Dr John Dolittle (Rex Harrison) lives in a small English village where he specializes in caring for and verbally communicating with animals. When Dr. Dolittle is unjustly sent to an insane asylum for freeing a lovesick seal from captivity, his animals and two closest human friends, Matthew Mugg and Tommy Stubbins, liberate him. Afterwards, they join Emma Fairfax and set out by boat to find a famed and elusive creature: The Great Pink Sea Snail.

You can purchase the original Dr Doolittle on DVD here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Rex-Harrison-Triple-Pack-Dolittle/dp/B01N5GH0ZV/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=dr+dolittle+rex&qid=1574940881&sr=8-2

#10 The Animals of Farthing Wood, 1993 (G).

Main Lessons:

• Effect on animals when subject to habitat destruction and fragmentation.
• Effect on animals when subject to hunting.
• Importance of protected areas for animals.
• Importance of wildlife corridors.
• Animals are friends.
• The magic of the terrestrial environment and creatures that inhabit it.
• Adventure and exploration.

I have been trying for so long to get this one on DVD with absolutely no success… If anyone has it, I would love to get my hands on it to ensure my niece can watch it someday (suitable for Australian DVD players of course). Number 10, The Animals of Farthing Wood. This is one TV show that I have dearly missed from my childhood and I am experiencing ongoing withdrawals.

Based on the series of books written by English author Colin Dann, The Animals of Farthing Wood followed a group of animals who were forced to flee their homes when humans began clearing the woods to build suburban tract houses. Led by Fox, and assisted by Toad, the animals leave Farthing Wood and begin a journey to White Deer Park, a nature reserve where they would seek protection.

Unfortunately, this is not available in Australia on DVD but you may want to read the book instead: https://www.amazon.com.au/Animals-Farthing-Wood-Adventure-Begins/dp/0141368748/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=the+animals+of+farthing+wood&qid=1574939476&sr=8-5

#9 Bambi, 1942 (G).

Main Lessons:

• Innocence of animals
• Threat of hunting.
• Love for animals.
• The magic of the terrestrial environment and creatures that inhabit it.
• Adventure and exploration.
• The circle of life.

I watched this while writing this article, you know, for research purposes of course… and I can assure you it is still very relevant and easily watchable, even after years of modern tv shows and movies. Bambi is 1 hour and ten minutes of the cutest and most wonderful animation I think I have ever seen! If this article was grading on cuteness alone, Bambi would be number 1. It’s an old classic that is well and truly entitled to the number 9 spot for its important lessons and its timeless ability to convey them! I honestly feel like the first time I remember seeing this movie was during some of the earliest years of my life… because it was! The portrayal of Bambi since a newborn in this animation and its soft and friendly nature makes it easy for the youngest of children to connect and relate to.

Bambi is a 1942 American animated film produced by Walt Disney and based on the 1923 book Bambi, a Life in the Woods by Austrian author Felix Salten. The film was the fifth Disney animated feature film. The main characters include Bambi, a mule deer, his parents, the Great Prince of the forest and his unnamed mother, his friends Thumper (a pink-nosed rabbit) and Flower (a skunk), and his childhood friend and future mate, Faline. The animals roam the woods and do their best to live peacefully and happily if it were not for Man.

You can purchase Bambi on DVD here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Bambi-DVD/dp/B07765H56Q/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=bambi+dvd&qid=1574938995&sr=8-1

#8 Born Free, 1966 (G).

Main Lessons:

• Compassion and responsibility for animals when subject to human interference.
• Rehabilitation of animals to the wild.
• Animals born free should remain free (not in captivity).
• Love for animals.
• The magic of the terrestrial environment and creatures that inhabit it.

I’m going to have to admit that Born Free is a favourite to most environmentalists and animal lovers. This movie and the relationship described between Elsa and Joy makes this one, which slides into number 8, a hit! However, there were a few movies/shows with some more important lessons to teach us (forgive me mum) and in order to see its important messages, you will have to get past a fairly violent and selfish (from a human point of view) first 5 minutes.

In this heart-melting portrayal of Joy Anderson’s 1960 non-fiction book Born Free, married couple Joy and George Adamson raised Elsa the orphaned lioness. Joy and George had long lived in northern Kenya allowing George to continue his work as the senior game warden of the region. One of George’s main roles is to control dangerous animals that pose chronic threat to humans, livestock and/or crops. Through this work, George and his team end up in the possession of 3 young female cubs without parents. George and Joy wean and nurture the 3 cubs, who they adopt as their pets, but soon enough the pair realise that the cubs need a more suitable environment. Two of the cubs are sent to Rotterdam Zoo and Elsa, the smallest, is left with George and Joy. As Elsa grows into lioness maturity, George and Joy allow her to have greater freedom beyond their property, and into the wilderness of Kenya. This new-found freedom is bound to get a largely tame animal such as Elsa into some trouble.

To get this one on DVD suitable for Australia (region 4) I could only find it on fishpond.com.au, here’s the link: https://www.fishpond.com.au/Movies/Born-Free-Living-Free-McKenna-Virginia/9317731019142

#7 Fly Away Home, 1996 (PG).

Main Lessons:

• Human interference can be positive.
• Importance of successful ongoing migration and specifically migratory birds.
• Love for animals.
• Innovation has a place in conservation.
• Geese and goslings are soooooo cute (not the Ryan variety)!

Honestly, I almost forgot about this movie altogether, but it has some great lessons and provides the inspiration required to motivate children to protect animals and the environment. If you don’t believe me, re-watch it. Perhaps, just perhaps, I may have teared up when watching it as a child. Flying into number 7 is Fly Away Home.

Fly Away Home dramatizes the actual experiences of Bill Lishman who, in 1986, started training Canada Geese to follow his ultralight aircraft, and succeeded in leading their migration in 1993 through his program “Operation Migration.” The film is also based on the experience of Dr William J.L. Sladen, a British-born zoologist and adventurer, who aided Lishman with the migration. The movie follows the main character Amy, who is left an orphan after her mother’s death. Amy moves to Ontario to live with her father, an aviation expert, and both Amy and her father lead a flock of orphaned geese south for the winter.

You can purchase Fly Away Home on DVD here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Fly-Away-Home-Carroll-Ballard/dp/B000CCI1JS/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=fly+away+home+dvd&qid=1574939671&sr=8-1

#6 The Lion King, 1994 (G).

“Hakuna matata”

Main Lessons:

• Importance of healthy ecosystems.
• The circle of life.
• Trophic cascades (maintaining the balance of predator-prey interactions).
• Love for animals.
• The magic of the terrestrial environment and creatures that inhabit it.
• Adventure and exploration.

I know, I know, a favourite to all… how could it not be number 1? Right? Well, at number 6, The Lion King is a classic and a fan favourite I’m sure you have all seen. However, the environmental messages in this beauty are somewhat missed amongst the magic and energy of the tale.

In this coming of age, Simba, a newborn cub to the pride lands is born heir to the throne beyond his father Mufasa. Eventually, Simba is tricked by his cunning uncle, Scar. Scar desires the throne for himself and tricks Simba into leaving the pride lands for what seems like forever. The pride lands (an ecosystem), now ruled by Scar, is unbalanced as Scar and his army of hyenas continue to take until there is nothing left, meaning the pride lands become an overexploited ecosystem and deserted landscape. Nala, Simba’s childhood friend and future mate, leaves the pride lands in search of assistance only to find Simba in hiding. Eventually, Simba realises his destined path and it dawns on him that he must return to the pride lands and find the courage to restore order and resume his throne.

You can purchase The Lion King on DVD here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Lion-King-The-DVD/dp/B0776K7CB2/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=the+lion+king+movie&qid=1574774246&sr=8-3

#5 Storm Boy, 1976 (G).

Main Lessons:

• The circle of life.
• Importance of protected areas for animals.
• Compassion and responsibility for animals when subject to human interference.
• Rehabilitation of animals to the wild.
• Respect for indigenous Australians and landowners.
• The connection between indigenous Australians and the country.
• Love for animals.
• The magic of the coastal (delta) environment and creatures that inhabit it.
• Animals need our protection.

For me, number 5 must go to the Australian classic Storm Boy!

This movie conveys important environmental views and tells of the challenges that those accompanying those views tend to face. It encompasses sympathy and compassion for animals and teaches a respect for indigenous Australians which means Storm Boy is primed to turn anyone into a fan of the environment, its animals and its cultural heritage. I suggest every Australian must sees this movie!

Storm Boy is a 1976 Australian drama film based on the book of the same name by Colin Thiele. The story is about Mike, a lonely boy living in the coastal wilderness of South Australia’s Coorong near the mouth of the Murray River with his reclusive father ‘Hide Away’ Tom. They live amongst the isolated sand dunes facing the Southern Ocean. In search of friendship Mike encounters another recluse in the wilderness, Fingerbone Bill (David Gulpilil), an Aboriginal man estranged from his tribal people. Fingerbone Bill names Mike “Storm Boy” and enlists the child’s help caring for three orphaned pelican chicks. Once the birds reach near full size, Mike’s father insists the birds be released back into the wild. However, one pelican, who Mike has named ‘Mr Percival’ returns. Mike and Mr Percival form a deep friendship throughout the story until sadly, through the turn of unnecessary events, Mike and Mr Percival become separated. Through the assistance and guidance of Fingerbone Bill, Mike learns of the circle of life.

You can purchase Storm Boy on DVD here: https://www.amazon.com.au/STORM-BOY-Peter-Cummins/dp/B07MX1T13R/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=storm+boy+movie&qid=1574774323&sr=8-5

#4 Free Willy, 1993 (G).

Main Lessons:

• Animals should be “free” (not in captivity).
• Dangers of pollution (oil spills), threats of industry (illegal fishing/whaling).
• Importance of marine conservation.
• Love for animals.
• The magic of the marine environment and creatures that inhabit it.
• Animals need our protection.

Number 4, Free Willy! Ok, so when I think of this movie, and what the rebel main character Jesse has achieved, it makes me want to get out there and fight hard for our natural world. Free Willy is a 1993 American family drama film about a foster boy, Jesse, who befriends a captive orca. Importantly, in today’s current environment, the lessons it features are more relevant than ever.

Near the coastline of the Pacific Northwest, a pod of orcas is playfully swimming when the pod is hunted by a group of whalers, and one of them (Willy) is separated from the group and captured in a net. Willy is sent to an amusement park while his pod can do nothing to help. Sometime later in Seattle, Jesse, a troubled 12-year-old boy abandoned by his mother six years earlier, is apprehended by police for stealing food and vandalizing the theme park. Jesse is found a foster home and agrees to clean up the theme park where he eventually befriends Willy, who takes quite a liking to Jesse’s harmonica playing. Jesse goes to great lengths to stop the exploitation, ensure Willy’s safety, and secure the freedom of his new-found friend. The film is followed by Free Willy 2, 1995 (oil spills) Free Willy 3 1997 (illegal whaling) and Free Willy 4, 2010.

To get this one on DVD suitable for Australia (region 4) I could only find it on fishpond.com.au, here’s the link: https://www.fishpond.com.au/Movies/Free-Willy-Jason-James-Richter/9325336103784

#3 FernGully: The Last Rainforest, 1992 (G).

Main Lessons:

• Habitat destruction (land clearing).
• Animal ethics (testing and experimentation).
• Importance of protected areas for animals and plants.
• Animals are friends.
• The magic of the terrestrial environment and creatures that inhabit it.
• Adventure and exploration.

At number 3 I introduce one of my absolute favourites – it’s just so much fun to watch! When i think of this movie and story i am just filled with absolute love for our natural world. Not to mention it stars Robin Williams and is set in my home country, Australia. If you have seen it, or when you watch it, you may notice it is quite similar to a more recent movie with a very similar storyline (one that features oversized blue aliens), only FernGully was out a long long time before it.

FernGully: The Last Rainforest is a 1992 animated musical fantasy film adapted from the book of the same title by Diana Young. FernGully is set in an Australian rainforest inhabited by fairies including Crysta. Crysta accidentally shrinks a young logger named Zak and the pair rally the fairies and the animals, including Batty (voice of Robin Williams) to protect the rainforest, their home, from the loggers and a malevolent pollution entity, Hexxus.

You can purchase FernGully on DVD here: https://www.amazon.com.au/FERNGULLY-1-2-DISC/dp/B077687N26/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=ferngully+dvd&qid=1574939303&sr=8-1

#2 The Crocodile Hunter, 1996 (PG).

Main Lessons:

• Animals far and wide, no matter how big and scary or dangerous, are beautiful and important to the health and continuity of natural ecosystems.
• Animals are not always as they are portrayed.
• Importance of conservation.
• Adventure and exploration.
• The magic of the marine, freshwater and terrestrial environments and creatures that inhabit them.
• Love for animals.
• Animals need our protection.

If you said “Crikey, what’s this one doing at number 2?”

Steve Irwin would quickly respond “Yeah, I’m a thrill-seeker, but crikey, education is the most important thing!”, and he did say that, many, many times.

The Crocodile Hunter is a favourite to all Australian children (and adults). Hosted by Steve Irwin and his wife, Terri, it became popular thanks to Irwin’s unconventional approach to wildlife. Steve and Terri Irwin run a wildlife refuge and share a passion for educating the world about wildlife, including the much-feared crocodile and numerous venomous snakes. Steve’s speciality is the capture and relocation or rehabilitation of wild crocs. No animal appears too threatening to Steve, and his true respect and love for animals is contagious. If you are looking to educate or be educated on the specifics of Australian animals, look no further.

It doesn’t appear you can purchase the original Crocodile Hunter series on DVD but check out all the Irwin families merch and informational DVDs here and decide for yourself: https://shop.australiazoo.com.au/crocodile-hunter/entertainment/?sort=bestselling

#1 Captain Planet, 1990 (G).

Main Lessons:

• Not all heroes wear capes.
• Humans are now responsible for maintaining the health and continuity of natural ecosystems.
• It’s up to everyone to protect the Earth, you and I included.
• Pollution is a massive issue that needs our attention.
• Animals need our protection.
• The magic of Earth and all that inhabit it.
• Adventure and exploration.

Due to its ability to cover many, many topics surrounding the environment and animals and its ability to engage a young audience, number 1 must go to Captain Planet.

If I could go back to the days of watching Captain Planet after school, I would in a heartbeat! This series offers a superhero view of looking after our planet and caring for animals and the environment. Its ability to entertain children while conveying these messages has seen it land at number 1 on my list. Rightfully so I believe.

Gaia, the planet’s spirit, creates 5 powerful rings and assigns them to the “planeteers”. When the power of the five rings (Water, Earth, Fire, Wind, and Heart) are combined they summon an elemental warrior: Captain Planet. Captain Planet works with the planeteers to defend Earth from pollution caused by criminals and villains. As the show’s theme song says, Captain Planet is “gonna take pollution down to zero” by defeating the villains and taking out the trash! The animated series was co-created by media mogul Ted Turner, a noted environmentalist.

You can purchase all 6 seasons of Captain Planet on DVD here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Captain-Planet-Complete-Collection/dp/B077687P6B/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=captain+planet+dvd&qid=1574939183&sr=8-1

Well, that’s the top 20 countdown over, unfortunately. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments below. Did I miss any?

Thank you and enjoy,

W. A. Greenly.

W. A. Greenly’s upcoming articles include:

• The Mystery of the Australian Megafauna.
• Recycling Made Simple.
• The Climate Change Vortex.