Films about Plants: Top 10

Plants are a source of fascination and inspiration in the realms of science, art and cinema. Their silent, enduring presence often hides stories waiting to be told. That is why sometimes we use an app like Google Plant Identifier to understand everything about the sprawling vistas of lush greenery or the intimate portrayal of a single leaf. Filmmakers have tapped into the essence of plants to tell stories of growth, survival, and connection. 

1. "The Botany of Desire" (2009) - A Dance of Mutual Benefit

Based on Michael Pollan’s enlightening book, "The Botany of Desire" presents a compelling documentary that explores the symbiotic relationships between humans and plants. The film illustrates how we have selectively grown, bred and propagated certain plants for our pleasure and survival. It features four familiar species: the apple, tulip, marijuana and potato. It reveals how these plants have managed to satisfy human desires to become staples of our gardens and cultures. It shows how plants have shaped human desires just as much as humans have influenced plant traits. 

2. "The Happening" (2008) - Nature’s Reckoning

When Plants Fight Back

While M. Night Shyamalan’s "The Happening" might not have been a hit with critics, it undoubtedly presents a unique twist on the natural thriller genre. The film centers around a sudden, mysterious phenomenon because of which people in the Northeastern United States to commit suicide en masse. It’s later suggested that this alarming event is a result of plants releasing airborne toxins as a defense mechanism against human environmental abuses. "The Happening" explores the potential for nature to retaliate against exploitation.

3. "Fantastic Fungi" (2019) - The Mycelial Connection

The Underground Network

"Fantastic Fungi" takes viewers on a mesmerizing journey into the world beneath our feet, led by renowned mycologist Paul Stamets. The documentary shows the ecological role that fungi play in Earth’s ecosystem, e.g., their relationship with plants. It is not exclusively about plants. But the film highlights the essential symbiosis between fungi and plants, particularly through mycorrhizal networks that facilitate nutrient exchange and communication among trees.

4. "The Secret Life of Plants" (1979) - Perceiving the Unseen

Conventional Views on Plant Sentience

"The Secret Life of Plants" is a thought-provoking documentary based on the book by Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird. It is connected with the controversial theory that plants possess the ability to feel emotions and respond to human thought. Its scientific claims have been debated. But the film is a fascinating exploration of plant perception that features experiments that suggest plants can communicate, move with purpose and possibly even exhibit a form of consciousness. This documentary pushes the boundaries of traditional scientific thinking and invites viewers to consider a world where plants are much more than passive environmental fixtures.

5. "The Martian" (2015) - The Red Planet's Green Thumb

Cultivating Life Millions of Miles from Earth

In Ridley Scott’s "The Martian," Matt Damon stars as Mark Watney, a botanist and astronaut stranded on Mars who must rely on his scientific ingenuity to grow food in an inhospitable environment. Using only his knowledge and a limited supply of resources, Watney begins cultivating potatoes inside a makeshift habitat. It is a science fiction. It highlights the role of plants in human survival and the potential for future space exploration where astronauts grow their own food. "The Martian" is a thrilling survival story that shows the ingenuity required to farm in extreme conditions with the adaptability and resilience of plants.

6. "Greenfingers" (2000) - Redemption in the Garden

Horticulture Behind Bars

"Greenfingers," inspired by a true story, charmingly portrays the lives of English prisoners who find solace and eventual redemption through gardening. Led by Clive Owen’s character, a group of inmates participates in a nationwide gardening competition, discovering not only their talent for horticulture but also a new sense of purpose and community. The film explores the therapeutic effects of gardening and how it can lead to personal growth and transformation. "Greenfingers" demonstrates the healing power of plants and the ways in which they can bring about profound changes in people’s lives.

7. "The Lorax" (2012) - Speaking for the Trees

A Dr. Seuss Classic with a Timely Message

It is based on Dr. Seuss’s beloved book. "The Lorax" is an animated adventure that carries an environmental message about the importance of conservation. The film follows a young boy who discovers the story of the Lorax. He is a grumpy but charming creature who fights to protect his world from destruction by a greedy entrepreneur. "The Lorax" uses animation and catchy musical numbers to engage children and adults alike. It promotes a message of environmental responsibility and the need to protect our planet's precious plant life. It’s a fun way to teach younger audiences about the consequences of unchecked industrial growth and the importance of trees for the ecosystem’s balance.

8. "The Gardener" (2016) - A Personal Passion for Plants

"The Gardener" is a documentary that offers a look at the life and work of Frank Cabot. He is the creator of Les Quatre Vents, one of the world’s most exquisite private gardens located in Quebec, Canada. The film captures the art and philosophy of gardening as expressed through Cabot’s garden creations. Viewers are treated to a visual feast of diverse plant species, innovative landscape designs and the passionate dedication required to maintain such a breathtaking garden.

9. "Adaptation" (2002) - The Obsessive Quest for Orchids

"Adaptation," directed by Spike Jonze and starring Nicolas Cage, is a meta-fictional film that follows the struggles of a screenwriter attempting to adapt Susan Orlean's book "The Orchid Thief." The narrative cleverly intertwines the lives of the writer, the author, and the orchid poacher, John Laroche, who is obsessed with the rare ghost orchid. The film is about the lengths to which people will go to obtain these exotic plants, showcasing the intense passion and often eccentric behavior associated with orchid collectors. "Adaptation" explores themes of desire, obsession and the complexities of human nature mirrored in the pursuit of the elusive orchids and highlights the impact these plants can have on human lives.

10. "The Seed Hunter" (2015) - In Pursuit of Plant Preservation

In "The Seed Hunter," viewers follow Cary Fowler, an English botanist, as he embarks on a global quest to collect seeds that could be crucial in combating the impending threats of climate change and food shortage. The documentary highlights the vital work of seed banks and the importance of preserving plant biodiversity for future generations. Through Fowler’s journeys, the film reveals the challenges and triumphs associated with seed collection and preservation, offering a glimpse into the world of those dedicated to safeguarding plant species. "The Seed Hunter" is a reminder of the role that plants play in sustaining life on Earth and the need to protect them.

A Verdant Legacy Captured on Film

Films about plants not only educate us about the biological and ecological aspects of flora just like house plant identifiers do but also inspire us to reflect on our interactions with the natural world. They prompt us to consider our environmental responsibilities and the sustainable practices we can adopt to protect our planet.

We are invited to reconnect with nature in profound ways, so that the silent and beautiful world of plants receives the recognition and respect it deserves. These top 10 films about plants are sure to enrich your understanding and admiration of the botanical world.