Movies for Earth Day: 8 films to watch to honor the planet (and where to stream them)

Every Earth Day (April 22), we celebrate how awesome our planet is and acknowledge the need to protect this fabulous third rock from the sun.

The theme for this year’s fete is Planet vs. Plastics, calling for a united fight to drastically reduce plastics (hopefully 60% by 2040). In honor of all of us channeling our inner Cady Herons and gearing up to take on the Plastics (“Mean Girls” joke), we’ve assembled a list of eight movies, some showcasing the stuff of fantastical extremes, that emphasize how important it is to take care of our home and can help plant the first seeds.

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'The Day After Tomorrow' (2004)

Because nothing says get your life together like watching Lady Liberty drown.

Where to watch: AMC+ and The Roku Channel

'Annihilation' (2018)

Because Natalie Portman is a beautiful and brutal head-trip exploring the positives and negatives inherent in mankind's evolution.

Where to watch: Hoopla

'Elemental' (2023)

Because you'll gain a new appreciation for the air, earth, water and fire in this animated rom-com.

Where to watch: Disney+

'WALL-E' (2008)

Because watching this sentient robot collecting and compacting toxic garbage will leave you digging in the garbage to recycle.

Where to watch: Disney+

'Snowpiercer' (2014)

Because there is no greater illustration of the arrogance − and vanity − of last-ditch climate change efforts than a human-induced Ice Age.

Where to watch: Tubi

'Mad Max: Fury Road' (2015)

Because nobody wants this wasteland to be their reality.

Where to watch: Apple TV+

'Waterworld' (1995)

Because we can all appreciate land − and this Kevin Costner flick is a reminder that we need to preserve ours.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

'2012' (2009)

Because, once you get past the plot holes, implausible escapes and creative license with geological possibilities, it's … OK, yeah, no, you probably won't be able to see past all that for many of these movies. But the point remains: Treat Earth Day like your New Year's and make a resolution that's feasible for your lifestyle today.

Where to watch: Netflix

Contributing: Jaleesa M. Jones and Brian Truitt