Documentaries are a wonderful way to become more educated and spread awareness about meaningful issues such as animal welfare and the environment. With growing societal concern about the food we eat and where it comes from, the vegan movement is rapidly growing, with new plant-based and vegan documentaries being created to meet increased interest.
And now that the world of technology puts endless streaming at our fingertips, it’s never been easier to binge-watch the greatest films that the world has to offer. While it’s easy to get caught up in a marathon of Game of Thrones or The Handmaid’s Tale, catching up on fantastic vegan documentaries is a wonderful to learn something new while still enjoying some comfy QT with your couch. So, whether you are a seasoned vegan or curious about the lifestyle, these vegan documentaries are the perfect fix for a night of vegging out.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive look at the research behind the benefits of a plant-based, whole foods diet, Forks Over Knives is just the ticket. The documentary follows the stories of researchers Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, who worked independently of one another, but both found strong evidence that eliminating animal products has the power to both prevent and cure a host of ailments and diseases, ranging from diabetes and heart disease to cancer. The documentary puts their research to the test and follows the lives of individuals who are struggling with health issues and seeking a plant-based diet as treatment. Forks Over Knives is packed with scientific research and real-life success stories that debunk the idea that animal protein is good for us. Forks Over Knives also has its own app and cookbook to help you apply your new knowledge in the kitchen, giving you easy ways to live a healthy, plant-based life.
For those who like documentaries that are both personal and entertaining, Vegucated is an excellent choice. This film takes place in New York City and documents the journey of three people who make a commitment to eat vegan for six weeks. Informative, entertaining, and funny, it addresses the challenges that vegan newbies face in a meat-eating world, and viewers get to watch their transformations as they adapt to their new diets. The content of this film is light enough to engage even non-vegans and will likely inspire them to give the Vegucated challenge a try.
This documentary is not for the faint of heart. Narrated by Joaquin Phoenix, this classic vegan film examines our society’s dependence on animals for the production of not only food but consumable goods in a vast array of industries. It includes hidden camera footage that shows the harmful practices used in animal-based production for economic profit. While it’s filled with graphic and sometimes upsetting content, it’s a hugely important film that sheds light on the horrific reality of the meat and animal-production industry. It’s definitely a film to wake up viewers and encourage them to break free from animal-dependent consumption.
Cowspriracy is a must-see for animal lovers and environmental advocates alike. Focused more on sustainability and environmental protection, this documentary explores the link between animal agriculture and climate change. It delves into the industries that are reliant on animal production and their ties to environmental organizations, uncovering a tangled web of special interests that keep consumers uninformed and our environment unprotected. If you’re concerned about climate change and want to spread awareness for ways to combat it, this one is an absolute must.
If you crave thought-provoking transformation stories and plenty of cute animal footage, Live and Let Live is the perfect flick for you. It explores a multitude of reasons for adopting a plant-based lifestyle and the growth of the movement on an individual level. This documentary follows the transformation of six individuals who adopted a plant-based diet, from a former factory farmer to a professional athlete. It focuses on the vegan movement and the reasons why individuals from all walks of life have been inspired to join it. The personal tales are combined with informative interviews from notable dietitians, philosophers, sociologists, and researchers to create a heartwarming and educational piece that you’ll want to share with everyone you know.
What are your favorite vegan documentaries? Tell us in the comments!
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Photo: Forks over Knives, Vegucated, Earthlings, Cowspiracy, Live & Let Live
