It’s true that lying in bed, binge-watching Netflix and eating an entire pizza isn’t always that most productive use of time, but Netflix documentaries are a different story. In fact, there are some truly life-changing Netflix documentaries on offer. I know because they changed my life!
So if you’re about to settle in for an evening of Netflix and pizza action, these are the documentaries you should be watching.
Blackfish
If you haven’t seen Blackfish yet, close this tab and go and watch it right now! This was the documentary that started it all for me. This was the one that awoke me to the idea that just because something is ‘normal’ to us, it doesn’t make it right. Fast-forward four years and here I am on the other side of the world, searching for the answers to all of life’s mysteries and questioning absolutely everything.
Ok, it might not have that dramatic of an impact on you, but it will definitely get you to question human-animal relations the very least. The documentary tells the story of Tilikum, a performing orca that killed several people while in captivity. But it’s also about so much more than that. It exposes the cruel way orcas have been treated in captivity and exposes what really goes on in the likes of SeaWorld.
Cowspiracy
“I could never go vegetarian,” said every vegetarian ever before going vegetarian. Including me. Before watching Conspiracy, I had no idea that the animal agriculture industry was so damaging to the planet.
In fact, I hadn’t really ever given any thought to the idea that what I put on my plate could have serious, wide-reaching consequences. Spoiler alert: it definitely can and Cowspiracy shines a light on all the horrifying realities that the meat industry doesn’t want you to know about.
Food Inc
After watching Cowspiracy, I went on a food-related documentary binge. Ironically, it kind of made me want to never binge on food again. Food Inc is a real, no-nonsense look at what the food industry really looks like.
Watching it, I never felt like the makers were pushing an agenda and, contrary to popular belief, it isn’t a ‘vegan’ documentary. It investigates all kinds of issues surrounding our food including animal welfare, GMOs, labour practices in meat-packing factories and where our food really and truly comes from. It’s a must watch for anyone who ever eats anything…aka everyone.
Minimalism
I watched Minimalism a little way into my decluttering journey and watching it suddenly gave me an entirely new perspective about all the junk I’d be holding onto. The documentary forces you to sit back and question why you’re buying into…well, buying! It investigates consumer trends and why we’re all so obsessed with stuff and then introduces people who are living different types of minimalist lifestyles.
If you’re looking for positive change in your life and you feel overwhelmed or stressed, this documentary might have the answers to all your problems.
What the Health?
What can I say? I was well and truly down the rabbit hole with food documentaries after watching Cowspiracy, and What the Health is another unmissable one. I was still a meat-eater when I watched this documentary and, honestly, it was an uncomfortable watch.
It opens your eyes to the reality that the food you eat can cause serious and life-threatening health problems. Yes, it’s shocking and will make you want to gut your kitchen cupboards, but it’s an important watch for anyone who wants to live a long and healthy life.
So go ahead, order your pizza (which you’ll probably end up being repulsed by after watching any of the above mentioned food documentaries…sorry!) and settle in for a night of life-changing Netflix documentaries.
Add “The Social Dilemma.” More terrifying than any horror movie.
The Game Changers.
Was preaching to the choir for me, but I really hope other people can take the time to watch at least some of them.
They really would change lives.
Although… I suspect, with factory farming at least, that people already know of the reality and are pretending ignorance.
I’ve watched them all and the information led me to adopt a purely vegan lifestyle for two years. It was difficult to maintain while travelling and I eventually added fish back but now I’d like to only have it occasionally. It breaks my heart how cruelly animals are treated in the agricultural system and how harmful meat has become. It’s so unfortunate that so many people don’t realize the major nutritional difference between processed food products and real whole foods. We have to own our health and make good food choices. Corporations don’t care about our health.
Newest one to add is “You Are What You Eat”
Thanks for the recommendations! Always on the lookout for something interesting to watch on Netflix, and documentaries can be surprisingly impactful. Excited to give these a shot on my next Netflix night!
Thank you for this information..
Blackfish isn’t on Netflix. It’s on Amazon Prime
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It’s on Netflix UK ☺️