Microcosmos
“15 years of research. 2 years of equipment design. 3 years of shooting. One great movie to restore your sense of wonder.”
A documentary of insect life in meadows and ponds, using incredible close-ups, slow motion, and time-lapse photography. It includes bees collecting nectar, ladybugs eating mites, snails mating, spiders wrapping their catch, a scarab beetle relentlessly pushing its ball of dung uphill, endless lines of caterpillars, an underwater spider creating an air bubble to live in, and a mosquito hatching.
Where to watch Microcosmos in United States
Can I watch Microcosmos in United States? Yes — you can stream Microcosmos in United States on Criterion Channel.
Criterion ChannelClick a service to open Microcosmos there. Availability last verified on August 21, 2026.
Where is Microcosmos streaming around the world?
| Country | Streaming on | Rent / Buy |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Criterion Channel | — |
| Canada | Criterion Channel | — |
| France | — | Google Play Movies, Canal VOD, Orange VOD |
| Brazil | — | Claro video |
| South Korea | wavve, Watcha | wavve |
About Microcosmos
Microcosmos is a 1996 French-language documentary film directed by Claude Nuridsany and Marie Pérennou. It has a runtime of 1h 20m. Viewers rate it 7.6/10 across 300 ratings. In United States, it is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.
Microcosmos was produced by Galatée Films, France 2 Cinéma, and Bac Films and made in France and Switzerland. It was released on September 6, 1996, and carries a G certification. Made on a budget of about $6 million, it went on to gross $1 million worldwide.
- Director
- Claude Nuridsany, Marie Pérennou
- Writers
- Claude Nuridsany, Marie Pérennou
- Release date
- September 6, 1996
- Original language
- French
- Age rating
- G
- Status
- Released
- Country
- France, Switzerland
- Budget
- $6 million
- Box office
- $1 million
- Production
- Galatée Films, France 2 Cinéma, Bac Films
Microcosmos cast & crew
Microcosmos was directed by Claude Nuridsany and Marie Pérennou and written by Claude Nuridsany and Marie Pérennou.
Behind the camera, the score was composed by Bruno Coulais, cinematography is by Thierry Machado, and it was produced by Christophe Barratier and Michel Fauré.
Is Microcosmos worth watching?
Microcosmos holds an audience score of 7.6/10 from 262 ratings, marking it as well-reviewed documentary films.
At 1h 20m, it's an easy, time-light watch.
If you enjoy documentary, Microcosmos is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch Microcosmos
In United States, you can stream Microcosmos on Criterion Channel. Click any service above to open it directly.
Streaming rights change country by country and month by month, so the options above reflect United States today — switch your country at the top of the where-to-watch section to see availability elsewhere.
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Cast of Microcosmos
Jacques Perrin
Récitant / Narrator (voice)
Microcosmos — FAQs
▸Where can I watch Microcosmos in United States?
Microcosmos is streaming on Criterion Channel in United States.
▸Is Microcosmos on Criterion Channel?
Yes — Microcosmos is currently available on Criterion Channel in United States.
▸What language is Microcosmos in?
Microcosmos is originally in French, with audio tracks including French, English. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is Microcosmos?
Microcosmos runs 1 hours 20 minutes (80 minutes).
▸What is Microcosmos rated?
Microcosmos is rated G. It holds a 7.6/10 audience score from 262 ratings.
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