Documentaries open minds and hearts to important topics. Here are top vegan documentaries you can stream today. From the first documentary, "Nanook of the North," to today's hits like "Tiger King," documentaries have evolved.
In the past, fiction was more popular, but with streaming platforms like Netflix, documentaries are booming.They're not just informative but also tell stories creatively, making complex topics understandable in two hours or less. Vegan documentaries use imagery and emotion to convey important messages effectively. Here are some of the best ones available for streaming now.
1) ‘You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment’
Last year, Stanford Medicine did a big study on twins and their food. One twin ate lots of vegetables with meat, the other ate lots of vegetables without meat. In four weeks, the plant-eating twin had less bad cholesterol, less insulin, and lost weight. Now, a new documentary tells us all about this study, including the surprising results and the history of the American diet.
2) ‘The Smell of Money’
In 2022, "The Smell of Money," supported by Joaquin Phoenix and produced by Kata Mara, explores environmental racism. It delves into how factory farms affect nearby communities.
The documentary follows a legal fight between a North Carolina community and Smithfield Foods, a major pork producer in the US.
3) 'Poisoned'
In 2023, a Netflix documentary called "Poisoned: The Dirty Truth About Your Food" was released. It explores how flaws in the food industry harm animals, the environment, and endanger people with foodborne illnesses.
4) ‘Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret’
In 2014, 'Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret' hit screens, directed by Kip Anderson and produced by Keegan Kuhn. It delves into the environmental havoc caused by animal farming, like deforestation and pollution, revealing industry denial.
5) ‘Seaspiracy’
The 2021 documentary 'Seaspiracy', created by Anderson and directed by Ali Tabrizi, delves into the fishing industry's problems. It tackles environmental concerns such as plastic pollution, mostly from fishing gear, and reveals the human toll of industrial fishing.
The film also suggests solutions, including reducing seafood consumption.
6) ‘Milked’
Released in 2021, "Milked" is a documentary by Amy Taylor. It tracks Chris Huriwai as he uncovers New Zealand's dairy industry's impact. Executive producer Kuhn and environmentalists Jane Goodall and Suzy Amis Cameron feature.
7) ‘Eating Our Way to Extinction’
The 2021 documentary "Eating Our Way to Extinction," directed by Otto and Ludo Brockway and narrated by Kate Winslet, delivers precisely what its title promises.
With stunning visuals, it serves as a wakeup call about the dire consequences of our current food practices. The film includes insights from environmentalists, scientists, and indigenous communities, urging for urgent changes to save both humanity and the planet.
8) ‘The Game Changers’
"The Game Changers" features stars like James Cameron, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Jackie Chan. It debunks the idea that meat is vital for athletes. Directed by Louie Psihoyos, it showcases plant-based athletes like Patrik Baboumian and Kendrick Farris.
The sequel was announced in June 2023.
9) ‘Dominion’
The movie "Dominion," released in 2018 and directed by Chris Delforce, follows in Earthlings' footsteps. It features Phoenix and other stars like Sadie Sink, Rooney Mara, and Sia.
Using hidden cameras and drone shots, it delves into the harsh realities of animal agriculture.
10) '73 Cows'
'73 Cows' is unique among documentaries here. It's not about factory farming or activists. Instead, it tells Jay Wilde's story. He used to raise cattle but now embraces vegan farming.
