If you are anything like me, chances are you spend hours streaming on Netflix. So, before you start season 7 of Gilmore Girls, check out these seriously awesome science-y movies and shows available right now! You might even learn something.

#1 – Particle Fever (2013) 1hr39min

‘The creation of the Higgs boson particle, an elusive key to unlocking secrets of the universe, unfolds on camera in this landmark documentary.’

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I got chills the first time I saw the trailer for Particle Fever. I remember hearing these words: “It could be nothing, other than just understanding everything.” Watch these intelligent and fiercely dedicated people explore the unknown and tackle the largest machine every built.

#2 – Brain Games (2011-2013) 2 Seasons

‘This interactive series uses games, illusions and experiments to illustrate how our brains manufacture our reality and often play tricks on us.’

You think you have a firm grasp on reality, but you have no idea. Brain Games is a truly mind-bending show. It reveals a new way to perceive your world with games, tricks, and eye-opening experiments. Fun for the whole family!

#3 – Nature: Snow Monkeys (2014) 53min

‘In Japan’s frigid Shiga Highlands, a troop of snow monkeys functions in a complex society of rank and privilege where each knows its place.’

This episode of Nature follows a tribe of snow monkeys through central Japan, showing how they keep friends and family close in order to survive. The shots are absolutely breathtaking, and there is nothing more adorable than snow monkeys relaxing in the arctic hot springs.

Side Note: This episode is narrated by Liam Neeson, which is rad! His voice is soothing and engaging. More like Love Actually Liam, not so much Taken, Taken 2, or Taken 3 – or his new movie Run All Night, which might as well be Taken 4.

#4 – More Than Honey (2012) 1hr35m

‘Already hailed as a definitive work on the subject, this comprehensive documentary examines the disappearance of honeybee populations worldwide.’

Bees are dying all over the world and they say it’s a mystery. 1/3 of our food wouldn’t even exist without bees. This beautiful documentary is slow-paced but it takes a fascinating look at the dynamics of the hive, pollination, diseases, parasites, the business of bees and their disappearance.

#5 – Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey (2014) 1 Season

‘Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson presents new revelations about time and space in this reboot of the original “Cosmos” documentary series.’

Carl Sagan’s original 1980’s TV show Cosmos: A Personal Voyage made scientific documentaries cool. Tyson is willing to take you on a new Cosmos adventure if you follow his strict rules: “Follow the evidence wherever it leads and question everything. Accept these terms and the cosmos is yours.”

Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey can be a little cheesy at times, but for the most part, it is educational, visually stimulating and extremely interesting.

Fun Fact: Animator Seth MacFarlane was instrumental in obtaining network funding for Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey and also serves as an executive producer. At the time MacFarlane told Tyson, “I’m at a point in my career where I have some disposable income … and I’d like to spend it on something worthwhile.”

 

#6 – Nature: Love in the Animal Kingdom (2013) 53m

‘Animals compete with everything they’ve got to find and secure a mate. For many, the all-important bonds they share as a couple are what enable the next generation to survive.’

Parts of this episode of Nature actually made me uncomfortable, like I shouldn’t be watching. Mainly, the male sea dragon giving birth, the female gorilla creepily flirting with every male in sight, and the young wolves mating just to be ‘painfully’ interrupted by the female’s angry father.

That being said, what makes this episode so great is probably also what made me squirm. You get a very private, inside look at the way these wild animals dance, sing, flirt, and compete in order to find a mate. It’s highly entertaining.

#7 – Mankind: The Story of All of Us (2012) 1 Season

‘This miniseries charts the rise of civilization, from the first flourishing of life in Mesopotamia through the discovery of America.’

Josh Brolin narrates this 12-hour mini-series that provides an in-depth look at the evolution of mankind. I think we often overlook just how incredible we are as a species.

Mankind may try to fit too much into the series, and at times it can feel like a high school history lecture, but it’s also informative and fun to watch. Prepare to learn about our earliest ancestors, farming, tools, weapons, man’s best friend, warfare, the plague, and much more!