Movies like Meerkat Manor: The Story Begins: 20 to watch next
If you loved Meerkat Manor: The Story Begins (2008) — a documentary and family film directed by Mike Slee and Chris Barker — these 20 movies are the closest matches.
The first picks are what fans of Meerkat Manor: The Story Begins most often go on to watch; the rest share its genres and themes like wildlife, meerkat and animals. 8 of them are streaming in India right now — each entry shows where.
Where to watch Meerkat Manor: The Story Begins →·Get picks for your whole taste →
- 1
The Meerkats 2008★ 6.7
Shares: Documentary, Family
A coming of age story following a young meerkat pup, Kolo, growing up in the Kalahari desert; and an inspiring look at how one family's connection to each other and their surroundings is a model of resilience and fortitude for us all. Shot using ground-breaking techniques, this dramatised documentary is a one-of-a-kind presentation from The Weinstein Company and the BBC, featuring narration by Paul Newman.
Not on subscription streaming in India right now
- 2
Elephant 2020★ 7.7
Shares: Documentary, Family
Disneynature’s Elephant follows African elephant Shani and her spirited son Jomo as their herd make an epic journey hundreds of miles across the vast Kalahari Desert. Led by their great matriarch, Gaia, the family faces brutal heat, dwindling resources and persistent predators, as they follow in their ancestors’ footsteps on a quest to reach a lush, green paradise.
Not on subscription streaming in India right now
- 3
Surviving Paradise: A Family Tale 2022★ 7.0
Shares: Documentary
In this wildlife drama, a worsening dry season in the Kalahari Desert leaves prides, packs and herds to rely on the power of family to survive.
Stream in India on Netflix
- 4
African Cats 2011★ 7.4
Shares: Documentary
African Cats captures the real-life love, humor and determination of the majestic kings of the savanna. The story features Mara, an endearing lion cub who strives to grow up with her mother’s strength, spirit and wisdom; Sita, a fearless cheetah and single mother of five mischievous newborns; and Fang, a proud leader of the pride who must defend his family from a once banished lion.
Not on subscription streaming in India right now
- 5
The Crimson Wing: Mystery of the Flamingos 2008★ 7.3
Shares: Documentary
In the remote and forgotten wilderness of Lake Natron, in northern Tanzania, one of nature's last great mysteries unfolds: the birth, life and death of a million crimson-winged flamingos.
Not on subscription streaming in India right now
- 6
Earth 2007★ 7.7
Shares: Documentary
An epic story of adventure, starring some of the most magnificent and courageous creatures alive, awaits you in EARTH. Disneynature brings you a remarkable story of three animal families on a journey across our planet – polar bears, elephants and humpback whales.
Not on subscription streaming in India right now
- 7
Dolphin Reef 2018★ 6.8
Shares: Documentary, Family
Echo is a youngster who can't quite decide if it's time to grow up and take on new responsibilities-or give in to her silly side and just have fun. Dolphin society is tricky, and the coral reef that Echo and his family call home depends on all of its inhabitants to keep it healthy. But Echo has a tough time resisting the many adventures the ocean has to offer.
Not on subscription streaming in India right now
- 8
The Elephant Queen 2019★ 7.3
Shares: Documentary, Family
Embark on an epic journey of family, courage, and coming home in this feature-length documentary. Join Athena, the majestic matriarch, as she leads her elephant herd across an unforgiving African landscape filled with vibrant wildlife.
Stream in India on Apple TV, Apple TV Amazon Channel
- 9
Born to Be Wild 2011★ 7.0
Shares: Documentary
Born to Be Wild observes various orphaned jungle animals and their day-to-day behavioural interactions with the individuals who rescue them and raise them to adulthood. The film unfurls in two separate geographic spheres. Half of it takes place in the rain forests of Borneo, where celebrated primatologist Dr. Birute Galdikas assists baby orangutans; the other half takes place on the arid savannahs of Kenya, where zoologist Dame Daphne Sheldrick works with baby elephant calves.
Not on subscription streaming in India right now
- 10
Living with Leopards 2024★ 7.6
Shares: Documentary
A film crew follows two leopard cubs as they make the fascinating journey from infancy into adulthood in this up-close-and-personal nature documentary.
Stream in India on Netflix
- 11
Naqoyqatsi 2002★ 6.2
Shares: Documentary
A visual montage portrait of our contemporary world dominated by globalized technology and violence.
Not on subscription streaming in India right now
- 12
Puff: Wonders of the Reef 2021★ 7.7
Shares: Documentary
A baby pufferfish travels through a wondrous microworld full of fantastical creatures as he searches for a home on the Great Barrier Reef.
Stream in India on Netflix
- 13
A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough 2026★ 8.0
Shares: Documentary
Veteran naturalist Sir David Attenborough tells the story of a remarkable group of gorillas, from his first encounter in the '70s to the present day.
Stream in India on Netflix
- 14
14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible 2021★ 7.3
Shares: Documentary
In 2019, Nepalese mountain climber Nirmal “Nims” Purja set out to do the unthinkable by climbing the world’s fourteen highest summits in less than seven months. (The previous record was eight years). He called the effort “Project Possible 14/7” and saw it as a way to inspire others to strive for greater heights in any pursuit. The film follows his team as they seek to defy naysayers and push the limits of human endurance.
Stream in India on Netflix
- 15
Fuck 2006★ 6.4
Shares: Documentary
A documentary on the expletive's origin, why it offends some people so deeply, and what can be gained from its use.
Not on subscription streaming in India right now
- 16
One Life 2011★ 7.5
Shares: Documentary, Family
One Life captures unprecedented and beautiful sequences of animal behaviour guaranteed to bring you closer to nature than ever before, as well as a second disc packed full of never before seen extras including an exclusive making of featurette narrated by Daniel Craig.
Not on subscription streaming in India right now
- 17
As I Was Moving Ahead Occasionally I Saw Brief Glimpses of Beauty 2000★ 7.8
Shares: Documentary
A compilation of over 30 years of private home movie footage shot by Lithuanian-American avant-garde director Jonas Mekas, assembled by Mekas "purely by chance", without concern for chronological order.
Not on subscription streaming in India right now
- 18
A Toxic Love Story 2026★ 6.5
Shares: Documentary
A string of threatening emails escalates into a revenge plot involving a newly married US marshal and his ex-girlfriend.
Stream in India on Netflix
- 19
Our Planet: Behind the Scenes 2019★ 7.7
Shares: Documentary
Years spent recording footage of creatures from every corner of the globe is bound to produce a bit of drama. Here's a behind-the-scenes look.
Stream in India on Netflix
- 20
Seven Up! 1985★ 7.2
Shares: Documentary
A group of British children aged 7 from widely ranging backgrounds are interviewed about a range of subjects. The filmmakers plan to re-interview them at 7 year intervals to track how their lives and attitudes change as they age.
Not on subscription streaming in India right now