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17+ Best Bird Movies (List)

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Birds have always fascinated humans with their beauty, grace, and ability to soar through the skies.

It’s no wonder that they have become a popular subject in movies, capturing the imagination of audiences around the world.

From animated classics to heartwarming documentaries, there are a plethora of bird movies that have left a lasting impact on viewers.

Best Bird Movies

Birds have been the subject of many films, symbolizing freedom, exploration, and the connection between humans and nature. Here are some of the best movies centered around birds or featuring them prominently:

  1. “The Birds” (1963)
    • Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
    • A classic horror-thriller about birds that suddenly start attacking people.
  2. “March of the Penguins” (2005)
    • Directed by Luc Jacquet
    • A documentary that showcases the annual journey of Emperor penguins in Antarctica.
  3. “Rio” (2011)
    • Directed by Carlos Saldanha
    • An animated film about a domesticated macaw from small-town Minnesota who meets the fiercely independent Jewel.
  4. “Fly Away Home” (1996)
    • Directed by Carroll Ballard
    • A father and daughter help a flock of orphaned Canada Geese migrate south.
  5. “Happy Feet” (2006)
    • Directed by George Miller
    • An animated film about a penguin named Mumble who can’t sing but can dance like no other.
  6. “The Eagle Huntress” (2016)
    • Directed by Otto Bell
    • A documentary about a 13-year-old Mongolian girl striving to become the first female Eagle Huntress in her Kazakh family.
  7. “The Big Year” (2011)
    • Directed by David Frankel
    • Three avid bird watchers compete to spot the rarest birds in North America.
  8. “Winged Migration” (2001)
    • Directed by Jacques Cluzaud, Michel Debats, Jacques Perrin
    • A documentary showcasing the immense journeys routinely made by birds during their migrations.
  9. “Paulie” (1998)
    • Directed by John Roberts
    • A parrot recounts his travels looking for his original owner to a Russian janitor who helps him to the end of his journey.
  10. “Pelican Blood” (2010)
    • Directed by Karl Golden
    • A drama about a man who is obsessed with bird watching.
  11. “The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill” (2003)
    • Directed by Judy Irving
    • A documentary about a homeless musician who cares for a flock of wild parrots in San Francisco.
  12. “The Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole” (2010)
    • Directed by Zack Snyder
    • An animated film about a young owl who is enthralled by his father’s epic stories of the Guardians of Ga’Hoole.
  13. “Bird People” (2014)
    • Directed by Pascale Ferran
    • A drama about an American in a Parisian hotel who undergoes a transformation.
  14. “For the Birds” (2000)
    • Directed by Ralph Eggleston
    • An animated short film from Pixar about a small bird who wants to join a group of larger birds perched on a telephone wire.
  15. “Birdman” (2014)
    • Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu
    • A washed-up superhero actor attempts to revive his career by writing, directing, and starring in a Broadway production.
  16. “Kes” (1969)
    • Directed by Ken Loach
    • A young, working-class boy trains a kestrel falcon amidst the turmoil of his familial life.
  17. “A Birder’s Guide to Everything” (2013)
    • Directed by Rob Meyer
    • A 15-year-old birding fanatic thinks that he’s made the discovery of a lifetime.
  18. “The Painted Veil” (2006)
    • Directed by John Curran
    • A British medical doctor fights a cholera epidemic in a small Chinese village while also being trapped in a loveless marriage to an unfaithful wife, who has a deep affection for birds.

These films, ranging from documentaries to animated adventures, offer a variety of perspectives on birds and their significant roles in the stories they inhabit.

Below we look deeper at some of the best bird movies ever made, highlighting their unique qualities and the reasons why they have become beloved by audiences.

The Birds (1963)

Directed by the legendary Alfred Hitchcock, “The Birds” is a classic horror film that showcases the dark side of our feathered friends.

The movie follows a series of inexplicable bird attacks on the residents of a small town in California.

Hitchcock masterfully builds tension throughout the film, using birds as a symbol of impending doom.

The movie’s iconic scenes, such as the attack on a schoolyard and the final assault on the main characters, have become etched in cinematic history.

Key Features:

  • Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
  • Classic horror film
  • Builds tension through bird attacks
  • Iconic scenes

March of the Penguins (2005)

“March of the Penguins” is a breathtaking documentary that takes viewers on an extraordinary journey into the lives of Emperor Penguins in Antarctica.

Directed by Luc Jacquet, the film follows the penguins’ annual trek across the frozen tundra to their breeding grounds.

The movie beautifully captures the harsh conditions these birds endure and their remarkable dedication to their offspring.

“March of the Penguins” won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2006, solidifying its place as one of the best bird movies ever made.

Key Features:

  • Documentary about Emperor Penguins
  • Directed by Luc Jacquet
  • Highlights the penguins’ annual trek and dedication to their offspring
  • Academy Award-winning

Rio (2011)

“Rio” is an animated adventure-comedy film that tells the story of Blu, a domesticated macaw who embarks on a journey to Rio de Janeiro to find love and freedom.

Directed by Carlos Saldanha, the movie combines vibrant animation, catchy music, and a heartwarming storyline to create an entertaining experience for audiences of all ages.

“Rio” not only showcases the beauty of birds but also raises awareness about the illegal pet trade and the importance of conservation.

Key Features:

  • Animated adventure-comedy film
  • Directed by Carlos Saldanha
  • Combines vibrant animation, catchy music, and a heartwarming storyline
  • Raises awareness about the illegal pet trade and conservation

The Big Year (2011)

“The Big Year” is a comedy-drama film that revolves around the competitive world of birdwatching.

Starring Steve Martin, Jack Black, and Owen Wilson, the movie follows three bird enthusiasts as they embark on a year-long quest to spot the highest number of bird species in North America.

While the film provides plenty of laughs, it also explores themes of passion, friendship, and the pursuit of dreams.

“The Big Year” offers a unique perspective on the world of birdwatching and the lengths some enthusiasts will go to pursue their hobby.

Key Features:

  • Comedy-drama film about birdwatching
  • Starring Steve Martin, Jack Black, and Owen Wilson
  • Explores themes of passion, friendship, and the pursuit of dreams
  • Offers a unique perspective on birdwatching

Winged Migration (2001)

“Winged Migration” is a visually stunning documentary that takes viewers on a global journey alongside migratory birds.

Directed by Jacques Perrin, the film captures breathtaking footage of birds in flight, showcasing their incredible migratory patterns and the challenges they face along the way.

The movie’s unique approach, which involved using gliders and hot air balloons to film the birds up close, sets it apart from other nature documentaries.

“Winged Migration” provides a mesmerizing glimpse into the lives of birds and their remarkable ability to navigate vast distances.

Key Features:

  • Visually stunning documentary
  • Directed by Jacques Perrin
  • Captures breathtaking footage of migratory birds
  • Unique filming approach using gliders and hot air balloons

FAQs – Best Bird Movies

1. What are some other notable bird movies?

Aside from the movies mentioned in this article, there are several other notable bird movies worth mentioning:

  • “The Eagle Huntress” (2016) – A documentary about a young girl in Mongolia who becomes the first female eagle hunter in her family.
  • “Free Birds” (2013) – An animated comedy film that follows two turkeys as they travel back in time to prevent turkeys from becoming a Thanksgiving meal.
  • “Penguins of Madagascar” (2014) – An animated adventure-comedy film featuring the popular penguin characters from the “Madagascar” franchise.

2. Are there any bird movies suitable for children?

Yes, several bird movies are suitable for children. Animated films like “Rio,” “Free Birds,” and “Penguins of Madagascar” offer entertaining and family-friendly experiences.

Documentaries like “March of the Penguins” and “Winged Migration” can also be enjoyed by children, providing educational insights into the lives of birds.

3. Are there any horror movies centered around birds?

Yes, “The Birds” (1963) is a classic horror film directed by Alfred Hitchcock that revolves around bird attacks on a small town. It is known for its suspenseful atmosphere and iconic scenes.

4. Do bird movies raise awareness about conservation?

Yes, some bird movies, such as “Rio,” raise awareness about conservation issues.

“Rio” highlights the illegal pet trade and the importance of protecting bird species and their habitats.

5. Are there any bird movies based on true stories?

Yes, “The Eagle Huntress” (2016) is a documentary that tells the true story of a young girl in Mongolia who breaks gender barriers to become an eagle hunter.

6. Are there any bird movies that explore birdwatching as a hobby?

Yes, “The Big Year” (2011) is a comedy-drama film that delves into the competitive world of birdwatching.

It follows three bird enthusiasts as they embark on a year-long quest to spot the highest number of bird species in North America.

7. Are there any bird movies that showcase migratory patterns?

“Winged Migration” (2001) is a visually stunning documentary that captures the migratory patterns of birds across the globe.

It provides a mesmerizing glimpse into their journeys and the challenges they face along the way.

8. Are there any bird movies suitable for educational purposes?

Yes, documentaries like “March of the Penguins” and “Winged Migration” offer educational value by providing insights into the lives of birds and their behaviors.

These films can be used as educational tools in classrooms or for personal learning.

9. Are there any bird movies that focus on a specific bird species?

While many bird movies feature a variety of bird species, some films focus on specific species.

For example, “March of the Penguins” primarily follows Emperor Penguins, showcasing their unique behaviors and challenges.

10. Are there any bird movies that explore the relationship between birds and humans?

Yes, “Rio” (2011) explores the relationship between birds and humans, particularly the illegal pet trade.

The movie raises awareness about the importance of respecting and protecting bird species in their natural habitats.

11. Are there any bird movies that showcase bird intelligence?

While not specifically focused on bird intelligence, some bird movies indirectly showcase the intelligence of certain species.

For example, “Rio” portrays the cleverness and problem-solving abilities of macaws.

12. Are there any bird movies that feature talking birds?

Yes, animated films like “Rio” and “Penguins of Madagascar” feature talking birds as main characters. These movies provide a fun and entertaining experience for viewers.

13. Are there any bird movies that explore the symbolism of birds?

Yes, “The Birds” (1963) directed by Alfred Hitchcock uses birds as a symbol of impending doom and chaos.

The movie explores the fear and vulnerability associated with these creatures.

14. Are there any bird movies that showcase bird behavior in urban environments?

While not exclusively focused on urban environments, some bird movies depict birds adapting to and thriving in urban settings.

For example, “Rio” showcases the adventures of a domesticated macaw in the bustling city of Rio de Janeiro.

15. Are there any bird movies that highlight the beauty of bird plumage?

Many bird movies, including “Winged Migration,” showcase the stunning beauty of bird plumage.

The film captures birds in flight, displaying their vibrant colors and intricate patterns.

Summary – Best Bird Movies

Bird movies have the power to captivate audiences with their beauty, grace, and compelling stories.

From the horror of “The Birds” to the heartwarming journey of “March of the Penguins,” these films offer unique perspectives on the avian world.

Animated movies like “Rio” entertain while raising awareness about important issues such as conservation.

“The Big Year” provides a comedic take on the competitive world of birdwatching, while “Winged Migration” offers a visually stunning exploration of migratory patterns.

Each of these movies has left a lasting impact on viewers, showcasing the diversity and wonder of birds.

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