EMA Green Streaming Guide: 5 Animated Environmentally Educational Movies to Stream this September

September, to me, has always represented back-to-school time! As the fall season arrives, it's a perfect time to cozy up and enjoy some thought-provoking entertainment that raises awareness about our environment. It is possible to convey important messages with animated films creatively and captivatingly. A few animated films have won Best Feature Film at our EMA Awards, including 2012's "Dr. Seuss' The Lorax". Why not devote some time to watching movies that discuss environmental issues this September? Here are five environmental animation films worth adding to your watchlist this month.

Over the Hedge (2006)
Peacock

After a dysfunctional family of animals emerges from hibernation to find all their habitat built over by a housing estate, they are forced to find food elsewhere. As forest animals adapt to human-dominated landscapes, they explore themes like consumption, friendship, and the balance between progress and nature while exploring themes such as consumption, friendship, and progress. The film highlights the growing issue of urban overdevelopment, causing a lack of resources and habitual changes for animals. 

Bee Movie (2007)
Netflix

"Bee Movie" spreads a critical message about the importance of bees in an ecosystem. Nearly 90% of untamed flora and 75% of key global crops depend on animal pollination. The absence of these pollinators would plunge us into a worldwide catastrophe. Through clever storytelling, the movie raises awareness about environmental issues, such as habitat loss and species interconnection.

Wall-E (2008)
Disney+

An adventure in space follows the story of Wall-E, a small waste-collecting robot who inadvertently embarks on a mission to save humanity. This film's portrayal of a desolate Earth reminds us of the value of sustainable practices and taking care of our planet's resources. The film's end shows life returning to earth and humanity restored while warning us of the problems of poor waste management.

The Lorax (2012)

Based on Dr. Seuss's classic children's book, "The Lorax" is a vibrant and colorful animated film. Dr. Seuss sets The Lorax in a distant future where trees are extinct, and oxygen is capitalized into bottles. As a story of greed and redemption, the film highlights the impact of unchecked consumerism and environmental stewardship.

Danny DeVito at the 2012 EMA Awards

Rio 2 (2014)
Hulu

The follow-up to "Rio," titled "Rio 2," continues with Blu and his family, who unite with their friends to rescue their cherished home – the Amazon rainforest. Their mission is to thwart the devastating impacts of illegal logging activities that threaten the heart of the Amazon. Through its narrative, the movie sheds light on the pressing issue of deforestation that Brazil grapples with.

Every single one of these films provides not just entertainment but also imparts crucial messages about our beautiful planet. Whether they're cautionary narratives about excessive consumption, the fight to safeguard natural habitats, or the journey into the symbiotic relationship between humanity and nature, these movies will undoubtedly leave you motivated and with an enhanced consciousness of the environmental trials ahead.

For more family-friendly green streaming, check out the list of past EMA Awards winners, including Best Children's Show.