Seen it?
Great Migrations
Streaming on (US) 
See all
Shot from land and air, in trees and cliff-blinds, on ice floes and underwater, this documentary tells the powerful stories of many of the planet's species and their movements, while revealing new scientific insights with breathtaking high-definition clarity and emotional impact. The beauty of these stories is underscored by a new focus into these species; fragile existence and their life-and-death quest for survival in an ever-changing world.
Highest-rated episodes all ranked
- 01
Born to MoveEvery day, millions of creatures are born into a life on the march, on the wing, on the run. They are migrants. Born to move. From the tiniest butterflies to the largest wildebeest, life itself hinges on these travelers ability to get up and go. Born to Move spans the globe, revealing four of the most remarkable animal movements: Sperm Whales travelling over a million miles in a lifetime; Red Crabs overcoming horrific obstacles on a daily basis; Monarch Butterflies taking four generations to cross a continent; and Wildebeest, every year rising above the gaping jaws of ravenous crocodiles. National Geographic's GREAT MIGRATIONS reveals these spectacular, surprising and inspiring stories in unprecedented fashion. This 3 year production, filmed around the globe with cutting-edge technology delivers gripping stories of birth, death, struggle and renewal. Truly the most moving stories on earth. - 02
Need to BreedEvery day, migrating creatures around the world wage incredible journeys; risking it all in pursuit of the one thing more precious than themselves: the creation and caretaking of their precious young - the next generation of global wanderers. From the rocky beaches of the Falkland Islands to the dense forests of Costa Rica and Australia to the desolate savannah of southern Sudan, countless animals now venture forth on timeless journeys, bent on their own survival -- and the survival of their species. - 03
Science of Great MigrationsBorne of suffering, desperation, and starvation, every migration is a death-defying journey, filled with countless obstacles. Science of Great Migrations will go behind breathtaking images of migration and show how scientists learn from and study these magnificent spectacles of nature. The iconic migration of wildebeest in the Serengeti; the 1,800 mile flight path of the monarch butterfly; the two-month pilgrimage of the southern elephant seal off Patagonia; and the perilous journey of African elephants in Mali together give scientists a look into this dangerous world of migration. Advances in scientific technology and data collection are revealing a new understanding of animal decision-making, swarm dynamics and the inner workings of a herd, flock or pod.
Cast
Episodes by season
Season01
- S01E01Season's bestBorn to MoveNovember 7, 2010Every day, millions of creatures are born into a life on the march, on the wing, on the run. They are migrants. Born to move. From the tinie
- S01E02Need to BreedNovember 7, 2010Every day, migrating creatures around the world wage incredible journeys; risking it all in pursuit of the one thing more precious than them
- S01E03Science of Great MigrationsNovember 7, 2010Borne of suffering, desperation, and starvation, every migration is a death-defying journey, filled with countless obstacles. Science of Gre
- S01E04
Feast or FamineNovember 14, 2010Every migration is an epic journey, driven in large part by hunger. Every day, trillions of creatures are moving in search of greener pastur - S01E05
Race to SurviveNovember 14, 2010Migrations are ticking clocks: every day, countless animals must move or die, driven by changing seasons, and a changing climate; they are r - S01E06
Behind the ScenesNovember 14, 2010Starting in 2007, National Geographic crews dispersed all over the planet to film the most amazing and unique animal migration stories ever - S01E07
Rhythm of LifeNovember 20, 2010Great Migrations: Rhythm of Life is an unprecedented National Geographic Film. This film is a unique presentation of the very best footage a
Keep exploring top shows
ShortcutThe essential episodes
Short on time? The pilot-to-finale shortcut, only the episodes that matter.
MatchupCompare with another showTwo shows' episode ratings on one chart — settle it.
NetworkBest National Geographic showsMore from the same network, ranked by rating.
GenreBest documentary shows & filmsThe top of the documentary pile, across both mediums.