Bees are a species of insect with an incredible ability to pollinate and produce honey. They come from the superfamily Apoidea, and form the clade Anthophila. With their presence on every continent except Antarctica, bees have become one of nature’s most important forces in helping us cultivate our planet’s flowering plants. It is this remarkable power that has made them so beloved by many, but it is also their story – full of fascinating facts and wonders – that makes them truly remarkable creatures worthy of exploration. In this article we will explore all there is to know about these amazing insects, from their incredible ability to make honey to how they help us cultivate plants around the world!
1. The Pollinators (2020)
The Pollinators is a riveting documentary that explores the crucial role honey bees play in our food supply. Through interviews with beekeepers and experts, the film sheds light on the alarming decline of these essential pollinators and the potential impact on our daily meals. With billions of bees being transported across the country for crop pollination, The Pollinators highlights both the importance and fragility of this industry.
2. Vanishing of the Bees (2010)
Discover the compelling truth behind the global honeybee crisis in this thought-provoking documentary, narrated by Elliot Page. Through a riveting exploration of science and mystery, Vanishing of the Bees reveals the alarming consequences of the bee’s disappearance on our economy, politics, and environment. As we confront this critical issue, we are forced to question our relationship with nature and the impact of our actions on the delicate balance of our planet.
3. Honeyland (2019)
Discover the breathtaking world of Honeyland, a mesmerizing documentary that captures the intricate relationship between humans and nature. Immerse yourself in a visually stunning exploration of how our actions impact the delicate balance of the environment.
4. Hive Alive (2014)
This 2014 documentary takes a closer look at the fascinating world of honeybees, with the help of experts and cutting-edge technology. Join Chris Packham and Martha Kearney as they uncover the secrets of these incredible creatures.
5. Bees – Living for the Queen (1998)
In this captivating documentary, viewers are taken on a year-long journey into the intricate world of a bee colony. Witnessing their fascinating social structure and daily tasks, including labor division and defense strategies, we gain unique insight into these remarkable creatures.
6. My Garden of a Thousand Bees (2020)
In the midst of a global pandemic, a seasoned wildlife cameraman finds solace in an unexpected place – his own small city garden. Through his lens, he discovers a bustling world of wild bees, each with their own unique traits and characteristics.
7. More Than Honey (2013)
Acclaimed filmmaker Markus Imhoof takes on the urgent matter of bee extinction in his Oscar-nominated documentary. Traveling across continents, from California to Switzerland, China and Australia, he uncovers the complex web of factors contributing to this global crisis. Through breathtaking macro-photography of bees in their natural habitats, Imhoof sheds light on an endangered world that desperately needs our attention.
The Best Free Documentaries about Bees
1. Children of the Sun – Wild Bees
Our world is a complex tapestry of life which we often take for granted. We are surrounded by wondrous creatures that, despite their miniscule size, have an immense impact on our lives. The buzzing of bees and the beauty of butterflies inspire us with their gracefulness and remind us of the delicate balance between our world and theirs. This two part film magnifies the realm of bees and butterflies, giving you a glimpse into their fascinating habitats and symbiotic relationships with the earth.
2. NOVA Bees Tales From the Hive
This documentary, NOVA Bees: Tales From the Hive, reveals the mysteries and hidden secrets of one of nature’s most fascinating creatures – honey bees. Follow the life cycle of these bees as they go through their complex social structures and sophisticated behavior. Explore their extraordinary habits and discover how they work together to build a thriving colony. Get close up and personal with the queen bee, as she guides her hive and ensures all bees are doing their job. Learn about the vital role these insects play in our lives and how they help maintain a healthy ecosystem.
3. BUMBLEBEES – The Secret World of Bees
The buzzing of a bumblebee is a familiar sound in nature, but what lies beneath the surface? BUMBLEBEES – The Secret World of Bees offers an in-depth exploration into the lives and behaviors of these fascinating creatures. From their impressive navigation systems to their remarkable ability to survive, this documentary takes you on an incredible journey through the world of bumblebees. The film follows the bees as they travel from flower to flower, pollinating and collecting nectar while avoiding predators.
4. Bees – Living for the Queen
Bees are one of the most fascinating creatures on Earth. In “Bees – Living For The Queen”, we get a chance to immerse ourselves in the amazing, intricate world of bees for an entire year. We witness the colony’s journey from forming and gathering at its hive, to splitting apart and becoming a wild honeybee community. We get an up-close look at the grandiose bee architecture and how they organize and execute their tasks. From collecting nectar to warding off predators, these tenacious creatures are always busy!
5. Facts About Bees 🐝 – Secret Nature | Bee Documentary | Natural History Channel
Bees have been around for over 140 million years, and they play an absolutely vital role in maintaining the health of our planet. Every third bite of food we eat is dependant on bees due to their relationship with flowering plants. These tiny creatures are incredible pollinators, tracking flowers from miles away and transferring pollen between them as they go. It’s no wonder, then, that we can learn so much from understanding these incredible insects. To gain a deeper insight into the world of the bee, you must take a look at Natural History Channel’s documentary entitled ‘Secret Nature’.
6. Facing the giant bees |
Nestled deep in the rocky Himalayas, a brave and courageous few risk their lives each spring to harvest the honey of the Apis Laboriosa — one of the largest bee species on Earth. With death-defying climbs up sheer rock faces reaching heights of over 3000 metres, these expert climbers face daunting challenges, not least being the formidable size of these giant bees. Yet, braving their size and impressive strength, the daring honey-hunters are determined to face off against them — in search of sweet nectar.
7. The Dangerous Bees That Have Killed Over 1000 People |
Reed Booth is an expert beekeeper on a mission to save lives. He’s been battling aggressive Africanized killer bees in Arizona, and his work has kept thousands of people safe from their dangerous stings. It only takes seconds for these swarms to launch attacks and, tragically, they’ve killed over 1000 people in Latin America. Reed knows that every job he does is a matter of life and death, but he takes the risks to protect us all. He’s a true hero.
8. Bayer and the bees |
The Bayer Group, a corporation that manufactures insecticides such as neonicotinoids, is under intense scrutiny. These chemicals are meant to control pests in farming, however they not only harm pests, but bees as well. It has become a complex and pressing issue for both the agricultural industry and environmentalists alike. In order to properly address this situation, the Bayer Group must take a deeper look into the effects of these pesticides on bee populations and develop workable solutions.
9. Silence of the Bees (Nature Documentary, Full Length)
Have you ever wondered what the world of bees looks like? Silence of the Bees is a fascinating documentary that takes viewers on an exciting journey into the heart of bee society. This full-length documentary follows beekeepers, scientists, and everyday citizens as they explore the inner workings of beehives and attempt to answer questions about bee behavior, health, and well-being. From the intimate moments captured inside a hive to the wide-angle views of beekeepers managing their colonies, Silence of the Bees provides an unparalleled look at one of nature’s most remarkable creatures.
10. Wild Bees | Children of the Sun 1/2 |
The world of bees is an amazing one! There are over 560 species of bees, each with its own behavior pattern and habits. From the social honey-producing bee to the solitary bee that stores its own food, these insects have fascinated us for centuries. But there are some unique ones in this group too – like the “murderer bee” that preys on other insects or the bee that steals nectar from flowers. Then there are the “children of the sun” – bees who use their warm bodies to create living hives in order to stay alive during cold seasons.
11. Honeyland
Discover the amazing world of bees with Honeyland – a stunning documentary from Tamara Kotevska and Ljubomir Stefanov. Follow Hatidze, an experienced beekeeper, as she navigates her way through the majestic Macedonian landscape in search of golden honeycomb that is hidden within the mountainside. Watch in awe as Hatidze handles the honeycomb with bare hands and not a second’s hesitation while her humane and ecological methods remain rooted in traditions that are ancient yet strong. Get mesmerized by her mantra of “Take half, leave half” which will make you believe it to be magic! Explore this fascinating journey into nature’s secrets today!
12. Ode to the Beekeepers
This documentary follows the journey of Sandy Gordon, a beekeeper with fifty-two years of experience and knowledge. He shares his passion for bees and beekeeping, while Sarah and Martin Leahy reveal their queen-breeding abilities with native bees in Apideas. David Morland explains how the power of beekeeping on this place arose due to an ancient partnership between the Association and scientists at Northern College of Agriculture at Craibstone. The film also features stunning drone footage of Tarland village as well as insights from Sandy’s family about his grandfather who was a scientist at Rothamsted research station. Get ready to learn more about the craftsmanship behind beekeeping in Ode to the Beekeepers!
13. Keep the Hives Alive
Are you aware of the alarming rate at which bees and other pollinators are declining? In 2016, a group of beekeepers, farmers, environmental activists and concerned citizens came together to arrange the ‘Keep The Hives Alive Tour’ – an event dedicated to raising awareness about this problem. This video is part of their mission to educate people on what’s happening with pollinators and how toxic insecticides contribute to their decline. Don’t miss this documentary that offers insights into what we can do about it!
14. Who Killed the Honeybees?
The disappearance of honeybees is a cause for concern, not just because they pollinate one-third of the fruits and vegetables we eat, but also due to it being indicative of bigger issues. In this documentary film, experts delve into what might be causing the mass exodus of bees from their colonies and how it impacts us all. Join us as we uncover the truth behind who killed the honeybees – you may be surprised by what we find!
15. Honeybee
Honeybees are amazing creatures that have been providing humans with honey and beeswax for centuries. But there is a lot more to these social and cooperative insects than meets the eye! In this video, we explore the three types of inhabitants in a hive: workers, queens, and drones. We also discuss how workers create new queens by feeding them royal jelly and how queen’s produce chemicals to guide the behavior of other bees. Finally, we look at why drones are expelled from hives during winter months when they go into survival mode. Tune in to learn all about honeybee life!
16. The Secret Success Behind Honey Bees
Be amazed by the incredible secret success of honey bees! Learn more about these fascinating creatures as they drift from flower to flower, pollinating their way around. Discover their impressive intelligence and hidden talents that we never knew – like being able to see colors and detect smells that humans can’t. Uncover the mysteries behind nature’s little helpers in this captivating documentary!
17. Bee Army: How They Protect The Queen Bee
Are you curious to learn about the fascinating world of honey bees? From Western honey bees that have been domesticated for honey production and crop pollination, to stingless honey bees that also produce and store honey – this video will explore how these incredible creatures help protect their queen bee. Discover what makes them so unique, as well as the melittology behind understanding these species in detail. Dive into the mysterious realm of bee army protection and all it entails!
18. Toxic chemicals – A menace to bees and farmland
Modern agriculture is designed to produce high yields, but the abundant use of chemicals and pesticides has had a devastating effect on our environment. In this video, we uncover the truth behind toxic chemicals that are killing bees and taking away precious farmland resources. We explore how over-fertilization and pesticides are contaminating soils, driving species to extinction and poisoning our world.
19. Hunting Nepal’s Mad Honey That Makes You Hallucinate
In the remote Himalayas of Nepal, an ancient tribe has been harvesting a special honey for centuries. The Honey Hunters of Nepal have a 260 year-old tradition of scaling mountains to find this rare and powerful substance – one that can make people hallucinate. Join us as we travel deep into the country in search for these brave men and their remarkable story. Witness their daring feats while gathering this mad honey, and explore its mysterious effects on those who consume it!
20. Attack Of The Africanized Killer Bee
The Africanized honey bee is a hybrid of the Western honey bee species, and was first introduced to Brazil in the 1950s. Since its escape from quarantine in 1957, this species has spread throughout South and Central America, arriving in North America by 1985. It can react ten times faster than European honey bees and chase after humans for up to a quarter mile; it has killed over 1,000 people with victims receiving more stings than from European honey bees. This video will explore the many adaptations of Apis mellifera subspecies that include brood cycles synchronized with local flora bloom periods, forming winter clusters in colder climates, migratory swarming in Africa or enhanced foraging behavior in desert areas. Watch now to learn how these unique traits have shaped our understanding of Africanized killer bees!
21. BEES ARE DYING : Organic Protection Instead of Field Poison
Bees are dying and the pharmaceutical industry is to blame. Neonicotinoids, a type of pesticide used in cornfields, have been linked to mass bee deaths. But the powerful lobby has convinced many people that this isn’t true. In France, independent studies proved otherwise and neonicotinoids were banned for the protection of bees and beekeepers. However, it’s not just about saving our buzzing friends – we’re also at risk of destroying all of nature if we don’t make changes now!
