These eye-opening vegan documentaries and films will change how you think
If you’ve already done Veganuary or are taking small steps towards a more plant-based lifestyle, learning about animal agriculture can help you make the change for good.
There are so many inspiring, ground-breaking and informative films out there to help you on your vegan journey, from hard-hitting exposes to heart-warming tales.
These are the best vegan documentaries and films to add to your watch list, so dive in and prepare for your life to change forever (in the best way).
1. Eating Our Way to Extinction
Narrated by Kate Winslet, this is eye-opening documentary highlights how our current food systems contribute to the most urgent issue of our generation: ecological collapse.
While the information can leave you feeling somewhat overwhelmed, there is a clear call-to-action that has been backed up by science time and time again: we need to switch to plant-focused diets, and fast.
Available for FREE on YouTube. You can also watch on iTunes, Prime Video, Google Play and Vudu.
2. You Are What You Eat
In this intriguing experiment, identical twins change their diets to monitor the impact of different diets and lifestyle changes on the body. One twin switches to a whole food plant-based diet, while the other twin eats a healthy omnivore diet. They are also given an exercise programme to follow for eight weeks.
As well as following the twins’ journeys, this documentary series provides insights into the modern animal agriculture industry and the effects of highly processed foods on our health.
Available on Netflix.
3. 73 Cows
This BAFTA-winning short film follows Veganuary Ambassadors Jay and Katja Wilde, who gave up beef farming for organic vegan farming.
After their continual moral struggle to send their cows to slaughter, they eventually sold their herd of cows to transition to ‘veganic’ farming principles that are better for the planet (and for animals). They were the first farmers in the UK to do this – let’s hope more follow suit!
Available on Vimeo.
4. The Game Changers
If you’re interested in the health benefits of a plant-based diet, The Game Changers is a landmark documentary that makes fascinating viewing material.
Plant-based diets have been linked to numerous health benefits, including reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Athletes at all levels have spoken about their improved performance, higher energy levels and faster recovery time after switching to a whole foods, plant-based diet.
Available on Netflix.
5. Okja
In this action-adventure film, a young girl called Mija develops a close bond with Okja, a genetically modified super pig. Their idyllic life in the South Korean mountains comes to an end when Mirando Corporation takes Okja to New York to be exploited by the meat industry. Mija sets out on her mission to save her best friend.
Okja is a heart-warming film with a strong message about animal rights which has resonated with many viewers all over the world.
Available on Netflix.
6. Cowspiracy
The devastating effects of large-scale animal agriculture are never too far away from the headlines these days, but Cowspiracy gives us hope for the future.
Filmmaker Kip Andersen investigates the true damage caused by the meat and dairy industries and how the facts are covered up. He also explores sustainable, animal-free alternatives to farming food that will feed a growing global population.
Available on Netflix.
7. Gunda
In this heart-warming documentary, there are no dramatic voiceovers – or even humans. Director Viktor Kossakovsky follows a mother sow, two ingenious cows and a one-legged chicken on a farm.
Gunda has been widely praised for making it easy for us to connect with these farmed animals, serving as a poignant reminder why they’re on the farm in the first place and where they will inevitably end up. It tugs on the heart strings and makes us think twice about eating sentient animals.
Available on altitude.film.
8. Before the Flood
Leonardo DiCaprio takes us on a journey to discover the truth about climate change. His role with the United Nations sees him speaking to experts and leaders all over the world, including Barack Obama, about the threat of the climate crisis and what is being done about it.
This inspiring documentary touches upon many elements of climate change, including the impact of animal agriculture, and how we can all play our part in the solutions.
Available on Amazon Prime, iTunes and Google Play.
9. Forks Over Knives
Most of us are taught from an early age that we need dairy for strong bones and meat for protein. These myths peddled by the meat and dairy industries go unquestioned by many of us, but at what cost?
Forks Over Knives aims to flip these teachings on their head and examines the negative health effects of eating animal-based foods. One of the main takeaways is the evidence showing that various conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes can be prevented by eating a healthy plant-based diet.
Available on Amazon Prime and iTunes.
10. Seaspiracy
When it comes to conversations about climate change and animal welfare, seafood is always let off the hook. In Seaspiracy, Ali Tabrizi confronts these issues, uncovering the true environmental cost of industrial fishing and just how cruel these practices are.
This documentary has made waves all over the world, making countless viewers swear off seafood for good.
Available on Netflix.
