May 20 marks World Bee Day, a date dedicated to raising awareness about the essential role bees play in pollinating our crops and sustaining biodiversity. But beyond the environmental call to action, it’s also a wonderful excuse to enjoy some cinema that puts these tiny creatures front and center. From indie comedies that earned Oscar buzz to creature-feature chaos and animated nostalgia, filmmakers have found plenty of inspiration in the world of bees. Whether you’re in the mood for a tense thriller, a heartfelt romance, or a laugh-out-loud pun-fest, there’s a bee-themed film waiting for you. Here are seven buzzworthy movies that deserve a spot on your watchlist this world bee day.
7 Buzzworthy Films for World Bee Day
Bugonia (Netflix)
This is the film that sparked the idea for this list. Bugonia is a sci-fi comedy that follows conspiracy-obsessed beekeeper Teddy Gatz, played by Jesse Plemons at his most unhinged. Alongside his cousin Don (Aidan Delbis), Teddy kidnaps a pharmaceutical CEO (Emma Stone) whom he believes is an alien in disguise. The plan is to force her to contact her alien overlords and save Earth from an invasion. What follows is a chaotic, absurd spiral that leaves you gasping and flabbergasted at every turn.
Despite earning some of the year’s best reviews, Bugonia was snubbed at the Oscars — a major disappointment for fans who saw it as a bold, original work. The film thrives on unpredictability, so the less you know going in, the better. The special effects are deliberately low-fi, adding to the offbeat charm. Plemons delivers a performance that oscillates between frantic desperation and deadpan comedy, while Stone plays her role with a calculating calm that keeps you guessing. It’s a movie that rewards repeat viewings, as you notice new details in the background and dialogue. Available now on Netflix.
The Beekeeper (Prime Video)
If you’re craving a throwback action movie that knows exactly how ridiculous it is, The Beekeeper delivers. Jason Statham stars as Adam Clay, a former operative from a secret organization called the Beekeepers. After a quiet retirement as a literal beekeeper, Clay is pulled back into his old ways when scammers target his kindhearted landlady. The result is a bloody path of revenge, complete with explosive fights, ridiculous twists, and a surprising number of bee puns.
Directed by David Ayer, the film balances hard-hitting action with a knowing wink. Statham’s deadpan delivery pairs perfectly with the over-the-top scenarios. The bee metaphors are woven into the dialogue and fight choreography in clever ways — think “sting” operations and “hive” networks. While it never takes itself too seriously, the action sequences are slick and well-choreographed. It’s the kind of movie you watch with friends, laughing at the absurdity while still enjoying the adrenaline. Stream it on Prime Video.
Stung (AMC+)
For fans of creature features, Stung is a hidden gem. This horror comedy follows caterers Julia (Jessica Cook) and Paul (Matt O’Leary) as they work a dinner party at a wealthy estate. When a swarm of giant wasps — we’re talking seven feet tall — attacks the guests, the two must fight for survival. The special effects are surprisingly good for a low-budget film, with practical animatronics and puppetry that give the wasps a creepy, tactile presence.
The campy humor keeps the tone light, even as bodies pile up. The leads are likable, and the script includes some genuinely tense moments. While the bar for killer bee movies isn’t high, Stung clears it with style. The cinematography captures the claustrophobia of the mansion as the characters board up windows and scramble for weapons. It’s a fun, schlocky B-movie that doesn’t overstay its welcome. Watch it on AMC+.
Tell It to the Bees (The Roku Channel)
Shifting gears entirely, Tell It to the Bees is a period drama romance set in 1950s rural Scotland. Anna Paquin plays Dr. Jean Markham, a physician who returns to her hometown after a failed marriage. She meets Lydia (Holliday Grainger), a young mother trapped in an unhappy marriage. The two women form a bond through their shared love of beekeeping, and their relationship deepens into a tender romance.
The film avoids melodrama, instead focusing on quiet moments of connection. The bees themselves serve as a metaphor for community, healing, and the sweetness of life. The cinematography captures the lush Scottish countryside, and the score is understated but moving. It’s a story about grief, hope, and finding love in the most unexpected places. If you’re looking for something emotional and beautiful, this is a perfect pick. Stream it on The Roku Channel.
Bee Movie (Peacock)
You didn’t really think a list of bee movies would be complete without Bee Movie, did you? Jerry Seinfeld’s 2007 animated comedy is a fever dream of puns, Seinfeld humor, and one seriously questionable romantic subplot. The plot follows Barry B. Benson, a bee who sues the human race for stealing honey. Along the way, he befriends a florist named Vanessa (Renée Zellweger) and discovers that bees can talk, fly Jets, and navigate the legal system.
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The movie is a cultural touchstone, memed endlessly for its surreal humor and oddball premise. The voice cast is stacked — Chris Rock, Kathy Bates, Patrick Warburton, and more. While the romantic subplot between a bee and a human raises eyebrows, the film’s heart is in the right place. It’s a fun, family-friendly introduction to the importance of bees for younger viewers. Available on Peacock.
More Than Honey (Documentary, Various Platforms)
For a more grounded perspective, More Than Honey is a 2012 documentary by Markus Imhoof that explores the global bee crisis. Imhoof, whose family were beekeepers, takes viewers from California to Switzerland to China, examining colony collapse disorder, pesticide use, and the industrial honey trade. The film features stunning macro photography of bees in their hives, revealing the intricate social structures that make them so fascinating.
What sets this documentary apart is its balanced approach. It doesn’t just blame one factor; it looks at the complex web of stressors bees face: Varroa mites, habitat loss, climate change, and monoculture farming. The interviews with beekeepers, scientists, and activists are sobering, but the film also offers hope through conservation efforts. It’s an eye-opening watch that will make you appreciate every bee you see in your garden. Check your local streaming services for availability.
The Secret Life of Bees (2008, Various Platforms)
Based on Sue Monk Kidd’s best-selling novel, The Secret Life of Bees is a coming-of-age drama set in 1964 South Carolina. Lily Owens (Dakota Fanning) escapes her abusive father with her caregiver Rosaleen (Jennifer Hudson) and ends up in the home of the Boatwright sisters, who raise bees and produce honey. The sisters, played by Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys, and Sophie Okonedo, teach Lily about beekeeping, love, and standing up for justice.
The film weaves themes of racial injustice, female empowerment, and the healing power of nature. The bee metaphors are woven throughout — the hive as a community, the queen bee as a symbol of strength. The performances are heartfelt, and the cinematography captures the golden glow of the South. It’s a warm, emotional film that reminds us that bees are not just pollinators; they are teachers of cooperation and resilience. Available on many streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime and Hulu.
Whether you’re in the mood for laughter, thrills, or tears, these seven films offer a rich variety of ways to celebrate World Bee Day. So grab some honey-sweetened popcorn, settle in, and let the buzz begin.
