Image credit: Cowspicary
Seeing is believing.
In a world where status quo bias often leads us to think, “Maybe factory farming isn’t that bad after all,” the power of visual storytelling can be a catalyst for change. Documentaries have a unique ability to immerse us in realities we may otherwise ignore, presenting raw, unfiltered truths that are difficult to overlook.
Whether driven by compassion for animals, concern for the environment, or the desire for better health, more people are turning to veganism after watching eye-opening documentaries. Here are seven must-watch vegan documentaries that have the potential to change lives.
1. Cowspiracy
Cowspiracy is a groundbreaking documentary that uncovers the environmental devastation caused by animal agriculture. Directed by Kip Andersen, the film delves into the industry’s massive contributions to deforestation, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions—factors that are often overlooked in discussions about climate change.
The documentary’s bold exploration of how major environmental organizations sidestep the issue makes it an essential watch for anyone concerned about the planet’s future.
Cowspiracy belongs on this list because it shines a spotlight on the hidden environmental costs of animal farming, challenging viewers to reconsider the true impact of their dietary choices.
2. Dominion
Dominion is the spiritual successor to the legendary documentary Earthlings, and it serves as a harrowing exposé of the widespread abuse animals suffer across various industries. This updated version takes viewers deep inside factory farms, slaughterhouses, and other animal-exploiting industries using drone footage and hidden cameras.
The unflinching portrayal of the cruelty that animals endure is both shocking and deeply moving. Dominion deserves its place on this list for its relentless pursuit of truth, pushing viewers to confront the stark realities of animal exploitation and prompting many to reconsider their stance on animal rights.
3. The Game Changers
The Game Changers flips the script on traditional ideas about diet and strength, demonstrating that a plant-based diet can fuel peak athletic performance. Directed by Louie Psihoyos and produced by James Cameron, this documentary follows elite athletes, soldiers, and scientists as they debunk the myth that meat is necessary for strength and endurance.
By showcasing real-world examples of top performers thriving on a vegan diet, The Game Changers makes a compelling case for the health benefits of plant-based eating.
It’s on this list because it redefines what it means to be strong, inspiring viewers to reconsider how their diet affects their health and performance.
4. Land of Hope and Glory
Dubbed the “British Earthlings,” Land of Hope and Glory provides a stark look at the UK’s farming industry, exposing the brutal realities behind the country’s animal agriculture. Through undercover footage from over 100 different UK locations, the film reveals the shocking conditions in which animals are raised, transported, and slaughtered.
Its focus on a specific region makes the issue feel closer to home for viewers in the UK, but its implications are universal. Land of Hope and Glory is essential viewing for its raw, unfiltered depiction of the suffering animals endure, urging viewers to consider the moral implications of their dietary choices.
5. Seaspiracy
Seaspiracy takes to the oceans to reveal the environmental destruction caused by the global fishing industry. Directed by Ali Tabrizi, the documentary uncovers the widespread corruption, overfishing, and pollution that threaten marine ecosystems and the planet’s health. It challenges the sustainability of the fishing industry and exposes the hidden toll of seafood consumption.
Seaspiracy earns its spot on this list for its eye-opening revelations about the oceans’ dire state, pushing viewers to think critically about the environmental impact of their food choices and consider a plant-based diet as a solution.
6. Forks Over Knives
Forks Over Knives is a pioneering documentary that explores the profound impact of a whole-food, plant-based diet on health.
Directed by Lee Fulkerson, the film presents compelling evidence from leading researchers and doctors that a plant-based diet can prevent, halt, and even reverse chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
The documentary follows individuals who have transformed their health by switching to a plant-based diet, offering hope and practical advice. Forks Over Knives is on this list because of its life-changing potential, especially for those struggling with health issues, as it shows that the food we eat can be the most powerful medicine.
7. You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment
You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment takes a unique approach to exploring the effects of diet on health by following identical twins who switch to different diets—one vegan, the other meat-based. This experiment provides a controlled and scientifically engaging look at how diet impacts everything from energy levels to cholesterol.
The documentary’s twin experiment format makes the findings particularly compelling, as it provides a direct comparison between the two diets.
This film belongs on this list because it offers a balanced, evidence-based perspective on the benefits of a vegan diet, making it a must-watch for anyone curious about the real effects of what we eat.
Honorable Mentions:
- What the Health: This film delves into the links between diet and chronic disease, revealing how powerful food and pharmaceutical industries may not have our best interests at heart.
- Poisoned: An alarming exposé of the flaws in the food industry’s safety regulations, shedding light on the risks that come with eating animal products.
- The Smell of Money: A powerful documentary that examines the environmental racism and devastation caused by factory farms in marginalized communities, highlighting the intersection of social justice and environmentalism.
These documentaries not only inform but also inspire, challenging us to reflect on our choices and the broader impact they have on animals, the planet, and our health. Whether you’re already vegan, considering the transition, or simply curious, these films offer valuable insights that could change the way you see the world—and your place in it.
