Documentaries are so powerful they can change your life. They show us things we’ve never seen, present knowledge and opinions we’ve never heard, and give us a new way of seeing the world that may change the way we think, forever. Documentaries draw back the curtain on hidden parts of the world, showing us things some people would prefer us not to see. They reveal the truth, as unbelievable and heartbreaking as it may be.
The emotional impact watching a documentary can have often inspires us to make changes to our life, big or small, that have a rippling effect. When I first watched The True Cost it was the catalyst for me to stop buying fast fashion and start creating a more considered, more ethical wardrobe. What I learned from watching that documentary inspired me to change the way I think about clothes, forever.
There’s usually one critical moment that causes someone to make a change and that often starts with a documentary. Here are some of the most influential documentaries you can watch; each one has a message that will have an impact on your life.
Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret
Looking at environmental concerns such as climate change, deforestation, water use, and ocean dead zones; Cowspiracy explores the impact animal agriculture has on the environment as well as investigating environmental organisations and their role in covering it up.
The True Cost
Filmed all around the world, The True Cost tells the story of our clothes, who made them, the impact the fashion industry is having, and what the true cost of our clothes really is. Exposed in this documentary is the awful working conditions, lack of workers’ rights, and the environmental impact of low cost, low quality clothes sold to Western consumers.
Land of Hope and Glory
Raw and uncensored, Land of Hope and glory shows the truth behind UK land animal farming. Using undercover footage and up to date investigations, this documentary reveals what really happens to the animals who are slaughtered for food in the UK.
Poverty, Inc.
Exploring the hidden side of doing good, Poverty Inc. presents how our most well intentioned effort can have catastrophic effects. There’s an uncomfortable side to charity where our good intentions can make the problem even worse. Poverty Inc. asks, while we’re fighting poverty who’s profiting the most?
Earthlings
The most pivotal documentary of the animal rights movement; Earthlings is a documentary about humankind’s dependence on animals for economic purposes. It chronicles the day-to-day practices of the largest industries, which rely on animals for profit. Earthlings exposes the suffering endured by animals at the hands of humans.
A Plastic Ocean
There is an estimated 5 trillion pieces of plastic rubbish generated by humans and 8 million tons of it is dumped in our oceans every year. By 2050 there will be more plastic than fish. A Plastic Ocean explores the environmental impact of plastic waste and what can be done to fix the problem.
Embrace
Women are bombarded with messages telling them that their bodies are not good enough; Embrace explores the issue of body issue and why we’re always trying to obtain an unachievable appearance. The culture of body shaming and self-loathing is rife within our society, this documentary’s goal is to facilitate positive body image, encouraging women to accept and love who they are.
Blackfish
Using the story of Tilikum, a captive killer whale, to demonstrate the problem with the sea-park industry, Blackfish reveals the devastating consequences of keeping orcas in captivity. The documentary shines a light on our use of animals for entertainment and the danger is poses for both humans and animals.
Minimalism: A Documentary About The Important Things
A documentary by 'The Minimalists' Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus exploring how your life might be better with less. Minimalism takes a look into the lives of people who have rejected the American ideal and used minimalism to invite more happiness into their lives.
What The Health
Uncovering the largest “health secret of our time”, What The Health examines the link between diet and disease. It presents the suggestion there is a collusion between industry, government, pharmaceutical, and health organisations to keep information from us that could prevent and even reverse chronic diseases.
Living On One Dollar
Following the journey of four friends, Living On One Dollar shows the unimaginable reality for 1.1 billion people around the world. Living on just $1 a day for two months in rural Guatemala, the friends face extreme financial stress, hunger, malnutrition, and sickness as they attempt to survive. A humbling and memorable documentary that makes you face your own privilege and not take the small things for granted.
Racing Extinction
A documentary about the ongoing mass extinction of species as a result of human activity, environmental pollution and pollutants. Racing Extinction interviews scientists, activists, and journalists exploring their efforts to stop the loss of at least half of the world's species. A chilling documentary that demonstrates the destruction humans are having on nature.
I'd love to hear what documentary had the biggest impact on you and if it inspired you to change your life in some way. Please leave a comment or send me a tweet and let me know.
