A look at the best FREE Dinosaur documentaries.

What is a Dinosaur?

Dinosaurs are a diverse group of reptiles of the clade Dinosauria.

They first appeared during the Triassic period, between 243 and 233.23 million years ago, although the exact origin and timing of the evolution of dinosaurs is the subject of active research. They became the dominant terrestrial vertebrates after the Triassic–Jurassic extinction event 201.3 million years ago; their dominance continued throughout the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.

The fossil record shows that birds are modern feathered dinosaurs, having evolved from earlier theropods during the Late Jurassic epoch, and are the only dinosaur lineage known to have survived the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event approximately 66 million years ago.

Dinosaurs can therefore be divided into avian dinosaurs, or birds; and the extinct non-avian dinosaurs, which are all dinosaurs other than birds.

Dinosaurs are a varied group of animals from taxonomic, morphological and ecological standpoints. Birds, at over 10,700 living species, are among the most diverse group of vertebrates. Using fossil evidence, paleontologists have identified over 900 distinct genera and more than 1,000 different species of non-avian dinosaurs.

Dinosaurs are represented on every continent by both extant species (birds) and fossil remains. Through the first half of the 20th century, before birds were recognized as dinosaurs, most of the scientific community believed dinosaurs to have been sluggish and cold-blooded.

Most research conducted since the 1970s, however, has indicated that dinosaurs were active animals with elevated metabolisms and numerous adaptations for social interaction. Some were herbivorous, others carnivorous. Evidence suggests that all dinosaurs were egg-laying; and that nest-building was a trait shared by many dinosaurs, both avian and non-avian.

Here are some of the best FREE documentaries about the Dinosaurs:

(a). Full Documentaries.

1. Discovering Australasia's Diverse Wildlife | Modern Dinosaurs | Real Wild

From the Thorny Devil, to predators that glow in the dark, to the world's most intelligent parrot, wildlife must adapt or die. New Zealand's dramatic landscape is no easy ride; the islands have been violently forged by volcanos and earthquakes to create some of the most unique environments on the planet. #australianwildlife #newzealand #lizards

2. How Does The Tiny Kiwi Bird Survive When It Can't Fly? | Modern Dinosaurs | Real Wild

The Kiwi is a bird that has thrown out the rulebook of bird biology. It doesn't fly, lives in the dark, and resembles a mammal more than anything bird-like. But how did a flightless bird find itself on islands in the middle of the ocean? #birddocumentary #kiwibird #kiwi

3. Tuatara: The Ancient Reptile That Outlived The Dinosaurs | The Modern Dinosaur | Real Wild

Sixty-five million years ago, a meteor hit the earth near Mexico killing nearly all life on the planet. Out of the ashes, one reptile managed to survive in New Zealand: the Tuatara. Tuatara are some of the most bizarre reptiles on Earth. Despite their close resemblance to lizards, they are part of a distinct lineage, the order Rhynchocephalia. Scientists venture into some of the most remote parts of New Zealand searching for clues to its origins. They reveal it's distant relatives. #lizard...

4. Dive Team Hunt For Living Dinosaur Thought To Be Extinct | Dinofish | Real Wild

In 1938, a living, prehistoric relic was discovered. A trawler docked in East London, South Africa with the usual catch of shark, ray, and ratfish but found something unusual. A huge purple fish that seemed to have limb-like appendages instead of fins. The discovery of the coelacanth caused a sensation in the scientific world because it is the only living member of a very old group of fish, the Actinistians. A sole survivor of a line of fish believed to be extinct. #dinofish #dinosaur...

5. Uncovering The Dinosaurs Of The Great Plains | Paleo Sleuths | Real Wild

This group of Palaeontologists take on the Great Plains in south-central Nebraska, which is known to behold some of the world's oldest fossils. From a 4-tusked elephant, to the discovery of an entire animal community near what was once a watering hole, these palaeontologists take us on an exciting fossil hunt to show how America's landscape has changed over millions of years and how they preserve what they find. #RealWild #Documentary

6. The Cassowary: The Last Surviving Dinosaur | 4K Wildlife Documentary | Real Wild

Over the course of one tumultuous season our cassowary Bertha, her partner and her chicks battle fearsome predators and formidable rains, but also play an invaluable role in sustaining life in this ecological hotspot. Dino Bird: Dino Bird is a visually spectacular one-hour film that explores the life of the endangered southern cassowary through the eyes of matriarch Bertha, as she and her family strive to survive in the tropics of northern Queensland in the oldest rainforest on Earth.Dino Bird...

7. Britain's Deadliest Prehistoric Predators (Dinosaur Documentary HD) | Dinosaur Britain | Real Wild

In this two-part special, Dean Lomax, one of Britain's youngest paleontologists, joins forces with presenter Ellie Harrison, who became fascinated with dinosaurs from childhood, to host a series exploring the intriguing history of dinosaurs that once roamed British lands. Dinosaur Britain: The UK is a particular area of interest in dinosaur history, as more than 50 different species have been discovered in various regions. Lomax and Harrison incorporate the latest CGI reconstructions to...

8. The Secret World Of Australia's Prehistoric Giants | Dinosaurs In The Outback | Real Wild

Featuring Dr Kelly Strzepek, Dinosaurs in the Outback features the often dramatic evidence which proves that Australia was once a place where dinosaurs roamed in vast numbers. Many millions of years ago, before even our ancestors walked the earth, there were dinosaurs. This dazzling production explores often dramatic evidence that Australia was once a place where dinosaurs roamed in vast numbers. Using live-action and 3D animation, the film features compelling reconstructions that tell a grand...

9. The World's Greatest Dinosaur Discovery | Dinosaur Attack! | Real Wild

Sixty years ago a palaeontologist stumbled upon the greatest dinosaur find of the century - fossilised dinosaur footprints that, like the scene of a crime, suggested that a hunt and a kill had taken place. No one believed him. Featuring computer technology, this prehistoric detective story reconstructs in detail a one hundred million year old fight between two giants of the dinosaur era. #RealWild #Documentary

10. The Most Fearsome Living Dinosaur: The Huge Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodile Documentary) | Real Wild

Crocodiles instill fear in most people at any size. But crocodile conservationist, Romulus Whitaker's fear is that the most colossal of these creatures might no longer exist. Rom suspects that human hunting may have selectively killed off crocs surpassing 20 feet in length. A sad fact considering the sophisticated adaptations and body design of crocodiles have helped them outlast even dinosaurs. #RealWild #Documentary

11. Hunting Dinosaur Across The American Wilderness | Time Team | Real Wild

Tony Robinson and Phil Harding hit the highways of America on a road trip to some of the dinosaur capitals of the world. After joining a museum dig to excavate the bones of the T-Rex's ancestor, they uncover the big bucks tourist industry that dinosaur hunting has spawned in the US, and Tony gets his first ever chance to do some digging as a paying punter on a commercial dig. Their journey culminates in a trip to the Badlands, where they accompany world famous dinosaur hunter JACK HORNER in...

12. If Dinosaurs Didn't Go Extinct | Dinosaur Britain | Real Wild

The world loves dinosaurs - the very word conjures up fascination and intrigue among millions. Yet few people realise that over 100 different dinosaur species once roamed Britain, which boasts one of the best fossil records anywhere in the world. From giant Sauropods the length of two double decker busses, to Raptors made famous in the Jurassic Park franchise, to the world's favourite the Tyrannosaurus Rex, all manner of dinosaurs called Britain home. #RealWild #Documentary

13. What If Dinosaurs Invaded London? | Dinosaur Britain | Real Wild

The world loves dinosaurs - the very word conjures up fascination and intrigue among millions. Yet few people realise that over 100 different dinosaur species once roamed Britain, which boasts one of the best fossil records anywhere in the world. From giant Sauropods the length of two double decker busses, to Raptors made famous in the Jurassic Park franchise, to the world's favourite the Tyrannosaurus Rex, all manner of dinosaurs called Britain home. #RealWild #Documentary

(b). Mini-Documentaries.

1. The Day The Whole World Changed | Amazing Animals | Real Wild

On Amazing Animals, we provide an informative study of priceless footage of animals and wildlife from all over the world. This episode we focus on Dinosaurs! And what their extinction meant Sharks, Birds & Turtles. #RealWild #Documentary

2. When Dinosaurs Ruled The World | Amazing Animals | Real Wild

On Amazing Animals, we provide an informative study of priceless footage of animals and wildlife from all over the world. This episode we focus on Dinosaurs! And what their extinction meant Crocodiles, Insects & Fish. #RealWild #Documentary