The sheer volume of documentaries pertaining to veganism has exploded in recent years, with most being accessible through streaming platforms such as Netflix or YouTube. Below you’ll find a list of the most recommended, highly acclaimed and dare I say, controversial, documentaries!
Cowspiracy
Cowspiracy was the first vegan documentary to break through to mainstream audiences back in 2014. The film follows animal activist and documentary filmmaker Kip Andersen as he travels the world in the hopes of raising awareness about intensive farming and the overall impact of animal agriculture on our environment. Through his investigation, Andersen reveals the reluctance of environmental organizations to talk about this major issue and invites us to question our consumption of meat and dairy products, as well as the following: how badly is the atrocious farming industry impacting our planet and why is it considered taboo for all the major environmental organizations to publicly approach this topic?
Seaspiracy
The recently released film Seaspiracy (2021) adopts the same documentary style as Cowspiracy, instead addressing the issue of overfishing and our oceans. In this film, director Ali Tabrizi reveals alarming truths about the extent of environmental destruction on Earth’s oceans. Initially wishing to pay homage to the waters he loves so much, Ali Tabrizi found himself witnessing the damage modern day man inflicts on the former. From plastics and fishing gear that pollute the seas, to irreparable seabed damage caused by trawling and bycatch, to illegal overfishing and devastating hunting practices, humanity is wreaking havoc on marine life and thus by extension, on the entire planet. Tabrizi not only discusses the notion of sustainable fishing challenges but shocks all who care about ocean life preservation and the future of our planet.
WHAT THE HEALTH
The “What the Health” 2017 documentary focuses on the negative effects of animal products and the preventive/restorative role of plant-based food. Each year, millions of people die from largely preventable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, which is the leading cause of death in the Western world, cancer and diabetes. Our diet can increase or decrease our chances of getting these diseases, however a balanced, plant-based diet offers the best possible protection against these diseases while also greatly increasing our chances of healthy aging.
The Game Changers
The Game Changers (2018) follows ex-MMA athlete James Wilkins on his mission to deconstruct the stigma surrounding vegan nutrition. Contrary to popular belief, a vegan diet does not melt away your muscles or take away your hard-earned fitness. On the contrary, more and more top athletes, like Venus Williams or Lewis Hamilton, are turning to a plant-based diet to ameliorate their performance endurance through to old age. Wilkins speaks with a host of top athletes and scientists to dispel these myths once and for all. This documentary, available on Netflix, is an absolute must for passionate athletes and amateurs alike, who are considering switching to a plant-based lifestyle!
Dominion
Dominion (2018) is a high-profile documentary highlighting the role animals play in modern day society. The documentary examines the way in which animals are used in meat, dairy, fashion and entertainment industries. Yuval Noah Harari, author of the world-famous best-selling books Sapiens and Homo Deus, says: “Even admitting only a tenth of what animal advocates claim, modern factory farming is perhaps the biggest crime in the world. story “. Joaquin Phoenix ends his voice to the documentary, which can be viewed for free on YouTube.
Earthlings
The oldest documentary on this list is Earthlings (2005) which, despite its age, has lost none of its relevance and importance to the vegan world. The documentary focuses on the ethical issue of veganism by using hidden camera footage to uncover how intensive factory farming works, though it’s important to note that the film does contain shocking images and is not recommended for those who deem themselves sensitive to explicit content. Earthlings is available to stream for free on YouTube.
Forks over Knives
“What if a simple change could prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease or diabetes?” This is the question Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn sought to answer in their research on chronic diseases and their link to the consumption of processed foods and animal products in the documentary “Forks over Knives”. A quintessentially American documentary (with a touch of drama) that you can stream on Amazon or iTunes.
