Recently I found myself re-watching several of my favorites and of course recommending a few over on the Facebook page. A fan reached out to me and asked what documentaries I thought everyone MUST see and so of course, this list was born.
Now, a few words on this list of mine....foremost being that my list is of course centered around my passions, which are food and health. The majority of the films are about making better choices and lifestyle changes for yourself and your family. If you can't find them on Netflix/Hulu/Amazon (or you simply don't have these) then most of them can be checked out through your local library or even found online for free. No need to pay for this business mmkay....
The List
Food Inc. I'm putting this one at the top of this list because it is literally the documentary that started IT ALL for me. I watched this film way back when the kiddo was just 3 years old, shortly after it was released circa 2008. It is as poignant now as it was then. If you watch nothing else on this list, watch this one. Trust me.
This movie made me stop buying factory farmed meat. No joke. I watched this movie and NEVER as in NEVER, EVER bought a bag or box or container of any factory farmed meat ever again. Best thing I ever did. Hands down.
Please know that there are points in this movie that are very graphic in nature. Hang in there, fast forward if need be but keep watching. This movie is quite honestly- life changing.
Food Inc.
Food Inc.
Vegucated. I love how this film follows three normal folks as they begin a journey of health and veganism. My most favorite thing about this is that they were hardcore meat, cheese & dairy lovers before and after just six weeks, their lives are transformed. It's so encouraging.
After watching this documentary, I decided to start moving my family towards a more vegan lifestyle. We now eat vegan dishes at least once per week and many times we are at 3 or more. For my red meat and potatoes lovin' man- that's HUGE! It's been a challenge but I'm firmly convinced that it is worth it.
Fed Up. I could NOT wait for this movie to come out! This one is all about the food industry and focuses primarily on refined sugars and processed foods and how they are making us fat. Well- they use the word obese but you guys- fat is fat mmkay. The direction of this film is clearly stating that this generation of children will not live as long as their parents because of their poor diet. It's intense and very powerful.
Fed Up
Fed Up
Forks Over Knives. This documentary changed the way my family eats. Plant based vegetarian diet is what this film is all about. But there's so much more to it! Lots of science here too and the claim that almost all degenerative diseases we suffer from can be controlled or fixed through this plant based veggie diet. So, wow.
After watching this film, we started eating more veggies. Like- WAY more veggies. Then I started getting rid of the meat at our table and incorporating more legumes and grains. We are now eating what many would call a "forks over knives" diet and it feels SO good you guys!
This film also introduced me to the China Study. If you've never heard of the China Study it was a massive study conducted throughout all of China in the 70's that focused on the correlation between proper nutrition and heart disease, diabetes and cancer. What I took away the most from hearing about the China Study was that the milk we are drinking might actually be the CAUSE of our health problems with an increase in bone fractures and a higher mortality rate. Whoa. But I thought calcium was supposed to be good for you?
Forks Over Knives
Forks Over Knives
Race to Nowhere. I recently watched this one and I'm so glad that I did. We are taking a little detour here in "the list" and talking about a film that delves into education. This documentary focuses on the pressures put upon today's young students to succeed and get into a good college. The idea that we are no longer teaching our children how to think constructively but rather to regurgitate information in the pursuit of a passing grade.
This film really gets to the heart of the issues here and follows normal families as they struggle to find the balance. It also isn't afraid to discuss sensitive issues such as depression, eating disorders and suicides among today's youth.
If you aren't homeschooling yet, this film might just help you take that leap. Our educational system is flawed and our kids are suffering.
Hungry for Change. This one is about exposing the diet and weight loss industry. There's some valuable information here and I love that they are pushing folks towards more veggies and less processed foods. You'll learn some shocking (or perhaps not so shocking) secrets and how deceptive this industry really is- but where this film really shines is through the star studded interviews. Big names in the food revolution. While it's not my most favorite on this list, it is most definitely worth your time.
Farmageddon. Loved, loved, loved this documentary. The premise is "the war on family farms" and while it does delve into this, there's so much more going on here. It's about a food revolution. Co-ops, farming practice, politics, red tape- yeah, good stuff.
This film introduced me to this thing called Raw Milk. The idea of drinking milk straight from the source and by simply doing something so many have done for generations- this makes you a rebel? Crazy business! Who knew drinking Raw Milk was illegal is so many states? It's just milk....
Farmageddon
Farmageddon
Food Matters. Well this film is about uncovering the sickness industry. You heard me correctly, the sickness industry. This was where it all clicked for me- that these doctors, labs, scientists, big pharma etc are NOT in the business of making you well. Because if you weren't sick, they wouldn't be making any money. They are in the business of keeping you sick because in your sickness, they profit. Big time.
After watching this film, I spent quite a bit of time researching more homeopathic remedies and we started seeing a naturopath instead of our family care physician. Our previous doctor (while perfectly nice) simply didn't have the time to devote to our care and too easily dolled out the prescriptions. I promise you that this film will encourage you to have a more proactive and natural approach to your health.
The Human Experiment. Following up on the last film, this one is all about chemicals. Good Lord but chemicals are EVERYWHERE. In the makeup you so carefully apply, the toothpaste you use when brushing your teeth, the plastic containers you store your leftovers in and even the comfy couch you rest your tired behind on. Chemical are simply everywhere. And that's not even taking into account the chemicals you are actually eating on your food.
This film exposes the health risks for us surrounding all these chemicals. It also features some pretty amazing people doing BIG things to produce change.
While I knew all this before watching this film, it was definitely the push I needed to make even more changes at home. This movie forced me to acknowledge that I have no more excuses left when it comes to the cleaning and beauty products I'm using in my home. Easy changes that everyone can make.
Food Chains. Where does your food come from? Do you even know? Who touched it, who picked it, who grew it, how was it transported, etc? I'm talking- the chain your food has travelled to reach you- do you even know?
This film focuses mainly on the labor worker and the exploitation of this labor industry by the major food corporations, specifically supermarkets. It is very eye opening and I promise you that you'll never view a tomato the same way ever again.
Food Chains
Food Chains
Bought. Exposing the truth behind big pharma, your food and vaccines. So much good stuff here you guys! This one delves into the idea that your family's health is not nearly as important to these major corporations as you think it is. It's all about profit for them- you are literally being bought.
For this film, it's all about the holy (or unholy) trifecta of Big Food, Big Pharma and Big Government. While I acknowledge that some of you may be turned off to this film based upon its issues with vaccinations- it is still very much worth watching. Listen and watch as a Mother tells her story of hope and heartache and tell me that doesn't move you to produce change.
Bought
A Place at The Table. Have you ever had a time in your life when you were NOT able to feed your children? This film explores the heartbreaking and very big reality for many of our nation's families- hunger.
While I knew hunger was a problem, I truly didn't realize the volume and magnitude of this issue. This film is very eye opening and will leave you in tears. Babies going hungry? Yeah- I just can't handle that. Children not developing physically and mentally as they should because they don't have proper nutrition? Sweet Jesus. It's just not right.
Bought
A Place at The Table. Have you ever had a time in your life when you were NOT able to feed your children? This film explores the heartbreaking and very big reality for many of our nation's families- hunger.
While I knew hunger was a problem, I truly didn't realize the volume and magnitude of this issue. This film is very eye opening and will leave you in tears. Babies going hungry? Yeah- I just can't handle that. Children not developing physically and mentally as they should because they don't have proper nutrition? Sweet Jesus. It's just not right.
A Place at The Table
That's my list for now. I hope you all have enjoyed reading through my list and I will do my best to keep it updated as I find new films worth adding.
Enjoy!
