A List of Documentaries You Need to Watch
“Documentaries aren’t really my thing.” This is something I hear a lot of people saying when, in my opinion, that’s like saying books aren’t really your thing—and maybe they’re not. Documentaries are like a book in the form of film, and these films give viewers what feels like a first-hand account of the very events they choose to learn about. If you’re one of those people who feels documentaries are not really your thing, we’ve compiled a list of the ones that a.) Are our favorites and b.) Will (hopefully) change your opinion once and for all.
Amanda Knox - The famous unsolved murder case that stirred and stunned global news. The makers of this film actually interview Amanda Knox and her ex-boyfriend, the accused killers of Meredith Kercher while on a study abroad trip in 2007. The events seems straight out of a murder mystery and WILL have you on the edge of your seats questioning who you believe is really the murderer.
Stop At Nothing - Disclaimer: No, you do not have to be interested in cycling to like this film (trust me, I would know). This shows a series of events that shook the world of cycling to its core. It was this movie that really sparked my interest for documentaries in the first place. The film follows Lance Armstrong (not to be confused with Neil Armstrong, the astronaut), formerly acclaimed cyclist turned exposed, vicious fraud on a massive, global scale. After beating cancer, Armstrong was applauded by people everywhere for his later major victories in the sport, but here’s the kicker: All the races (Tour de Frances to be exact) he won after beating cancer, weren’t actually a miracle; Armstrong was found guilty on counts of using illegal substances and blood doping to enhance his performance almost the entire time.
13th - An incredibly important film on the history of slavery in the United States and how it still persists today, 13th is a documentary that everyone needs to watch. The film especially focuses on the issues of racial inequality in America’s prisons, as most inmates in the country are African-Americans. This film will open your eyes to a realm racial inequality not many people are aware of.
Before the Flood - Leonardo DiCaprio follows the topic of climate change and its ecological damages around the world in a visually compelling and educational storyline. My eyes were glued to the screen the whole time.
What the Health & The Game Changers - No, I am not vegan. But I was when I tried the 30 day vegan challenge after watching What the Health. Neither of these films are documentaries that try to force you to become vegan. Instead, they investigate the misconception that humans must rely on meat to survive. These two films debunk this myth and follow the lives of individuals you wouldn’t think could or should be vegan in the first place. Seriously, truly eye-opening -- would highly recommend both films.
Chef’s Table - This is for all you foodies out there—one chef makes a balloon with cheese. This is actually a docu-series that follows the lives of different, amazing chefs in each episode. Every chef, whether they are award winning or not, has a unique story that is depicted through a beautiful narrative while showing foods that literally look like art. Each chef is esteemed for doing something completely different and new in the culinary arts, and trust me, you’ll be hungry just one episode in.
Photo by Keegan Evans from Pexels