20 Popular Movies and TV Shows That Feature Bees

Bees and bee-related themes have made appearances in several popular movies, both in animated and live-action films. Here are some popular movies that feature bees:

1. “Bee Movie” (2007):

• “Bee Movie” is an animated comedy film produced by DreamWorks Animation. It follows the adventures of a bee named Barry B. Benson, voiced by Jerry Seinfeld, who sues the human race for stealing honey from bees. The film combines humor with environmental themes and explores the relationship between bees and humans.

2. “The Beekeeper’s Wife” (2013):

• This documentary film directed by David Sikorski tells the story of a woman who becomes a beekeeper to overcome the grief of losing her husband. It offers a heartfelt exploration of beekeeping as a healing and therapeutic endeavor.

3. “The Secret Life of Bees” (2008):

• Based on the novel by Sue Monk Kidd, this drama film follows the journey of a young girl named Lily Owens who escapes her troubled life and finds refuge in the home of three beekeeping sisters. Bees serve as a symbol of healing and transformation in the story.

4. “More Than Honey” (2012):

• “More Than Honey” is a documentary that delves into the world of honey bees and the global phenomenon of colony collapse disorder. It explores the essential role of bees in pollinating crops and the challenges they face.

5. “My Girl” (1991):

• While not primarily a bee-focused film, “My Girl” features a memorable scene in which the young protagonist, Vada, is stung by bees at a funeral. This coming-of-age film touches on themes of loss, friendship, and growing up.

6. “Winnie the Pooh” (Various adaptations):

• In various adaptations of A.A. Milne’s beloved “Winnie the Pooh” stories, the character Pooh Bear often interacts with bees and tries to get honey from their hives. These encounters add humor and sweetness to the adventures of the Hundred Acre Wood.

7. “Bee Team” (2018):

• “Bee Team” is an animated family film that follows the adventures of Willy the honeybee and his friends. Together, they embark on a mission to stop the evil queen bee from stealing all the honey in the hive. This film combines action, humor, and valuable life lessons for young viewers.

8. “Vanishing of the Bees” (2009):

• This documentary explores the phenomenon of colony collapse disorder (CCD), which has led to the disappearance of honey bee colonies worldwide. The film investigates the potential causes of CCD and its impact on agriculture and food production.

9. “Beekeeper” (2015):

• Directed by Victor Kossakovsky, “Beekeeper” is a documentary that intimately follows the life of a Russian beekeeper named Viktor, highlighting his deep connection to bees and the challenges he faces in his remote rural setting.

10. “Queen of the Sun: What Are the Bees Telling Us?” (2010):

• Another documentary, “Queen of the Sun,” explores the global decline of honey bees and its implications for the planet. It features interviews with beekeepers, scientists, and activists who share their insights on the importance of bees and the need for their protection.

11. “The Swarm” (1978):

• This classic disaster-horror film directed by Irwin Allen involves a fictional scenario where a massive swarm of African killer bees terrorizes a small Texas town. While the portrayal of bees is highly exaggerated for dramatic effect, it has become a cult classic in the genre of disaster films.

• This documentary profiles several individuals across the United States who are passionate beekeepers and advocates for bees. It provides insights into their personal journeys and the challenges they face in maintaining healthy bee populations.

14. “The Bee Movie 2” (Upcoming):

• In recent years, there have been rumors and discussions about a potential sequel to the original “Bee Movie.” While there hasn’t been an official release date or confirmation, the prospect of a follow-up film has generated excitement among fans of the original.

15. “Honeyland” (2019):

• “Honeyland” is a critically acclaimed documentary that focuses on the life of Hatidze Muratova, a beekeeper living in a remote village in North Macedonia. The film provides a glimpse into her sustainable beekeeping practices and her harmonious relationship with the natural world.

16. “Beezy Bear” (1955):

• “Beezy Bear” is a classic animated short film featuring the character Yogi Bear. In this episode, Yogi Bear tries to steal honey from a bee’s nest, leading to comedic encounters with the bees.

17. “Maya the Bee Movie” (2014):

• “Maya the Bee Movie” is an animated film based on the character Maya, a honeybee known for her adventures and curiosity.

18. “Queen of the Sun: What Are the Bees Telling Us?” (2010):

• Another documentary, “Queen of the Sun,” delves into the importance of bees and the challenges they face, including CCD. It features interviews with beekeepers, scientists, and activists.

19. “Jupiter Ascending” (2015):

• While “Jupiter Ascending” is primarily a science fiction film, it features a brief scene involving genetically engineered bees that detect royal genetic markers. Bees play a symbolic and fantastical role in this space opera.

20. “Black Mirror” (Season 3, Episode 6 – “Hated in the Nation”):

In this episode of the popular science fiction anthology series “Black Mirror,” robotic bees play a central role in a dystopian future. While the episode explores technology and societal issues more than actual bees, it uses the concept of robotic bees to examine the consequences of advanced automation.

Summary

These films and TV shows offer a range of perspectives on bees, from educational and documentary-style content to fictional and animated stories. They contribute to the broader cultural awareness of bees and their significance in our world, fostering appreciation for these essential pollinators.

They also highlight the importance of bees in our ecosystem and draw attention to the challenges they face, making them valuable contributions to entertainment and environmental awareness.