Here is a list of some of our favorite inspiring Vegan documentaries and where to watch them. The list covers many different approaches to veganism from animal rights to health benefits and climate change! Be warned though, as some of them are a tough watch and contain lots of examples of violence towards animals.
Earthlings (2005)
Synopsis: Earthlings is a 2005 American documentary film about humankind’s total dependence on animals for economic purposes. Presented in five chapters (pets, food, clothing, entertainment and scientific research).
Forks Over Knives (2011)
Synopsis: What if one simple change could save you from chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease? Forks Over Knives examines the profound claim that most, if not all, of the chronic diseases that afflict us can be controlled or even reversed by rejecting animal-based and processed foods.
The Game Changers (2018)
Synopsis: The Game Changers is a 2018 documentary film that promotes a plant-based diet. The film interviews science experts in various fields, showcases success stories of athletes that have adopted such diets, highlights favorable scientific studies, and champions what the filmmakers argue are benefits of plant-based diets for both athletes and non-athletes
Okja (2017)
Synopsis: Okja is a 2017 action-adventure film about a young girl who raised a genetically modified “super pig” and, after it is taken to the United States, goes on a mission to rescue it from mistreatment at the hands of the meat industry.
Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret (2014)
Synopsis: Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret is a 2014 documentary film that explores the impact of animal agriculture on the environment, and investigates the policies of a few environmental organizations on this issue. The film looks at various environmental concerns, including climate change, water use, deforestation, and ocean dead zones, and suggests that animal agriculture is the primary source of environmental destruction.
What the health (2017)
Synopsis: What the Health is the groundbreaking follow-up film from the creators of the award-winning documentary Cowspiracy. The film follows intrepid filmmaker Kip Andersen as he uncovers the secret to preventing and even reversing chronic diseases – and investigates why the US leading health organizations don’t want us to know about it. With heart disease and cancer the leading causes of death in America, and diabetes at an all-time high, the film reveals possibly the largest health cover-up of our time.
Dominion (2018)
Synopsis: Dominion uses drones, hidden and handheld cameras to expose the dark underbelly of modern animal agriculture, questioning the morality and validity of humankind’s dominion over the animal kingdom. While mainly focusing on animals used for food, it also explores other ways animals are exploited and abused by humans, including clothing, entertainment and research.
David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet (2020)
Synopsis: One man has seen more of the natural world than any other. This unique feature documentary is his witness statement. In his 93 years, David Attenborough has visited every continent on the globe, exploring the wild places of our planet and documenting the living world in all its variety and wonder. Now, for the first time he reflects upon both the defining moments of his lifetime as a naturalist and the devastating changes he has seen.
Seaspiracy (2021)
Synopsis: The film features human impacts on marine life such as plastic marine debris, ghost nets and overfishing around the world, arguing that commercial fisheries are the main driver of marine ecosystem destruction. Seaspiracy rejects the concept of sustainable fishing and criticizes several marine conservation organizations. It also criticises efforts by organisations to reduce household plastic, given the impact of ghost nets. It accuses these initiatives of being a cover-up for the environmental impact of fishing and corruption in the fishing industry, and advocates for the elimination of fish consumption.