Documentaries like Earthlings are powerful tools for raising awareness about animal rights and environmental issues. If you found Earthlings impactful, here are 18 other documentaries that will continue to open your eyes and inspire change. Learn more about Earthlings here.
1. Cowspiracy
Cowspiracy dives deep into the environmental impact of animal agriculture. Directed by Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn, this documentary uncovers the industry’s most destructive secret.
2. Forks Over Knives
Forks Over Knives explores how a plant-based diet can prevent and even reverse chronic diseases. Featuring Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, this film offers a compelling argument for dietary change.
3. Blackfish
Blackfish tells the harrowing story of Tilikum, a captive orca that has been involved in the deaths of several people. Directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite, this documentary exposes the dark side of marine animal captivity.
4. What The Health
What The Health investigates the links between diet and disease, questioning the role of major health organizations. Directed by Kip Andersen, this film challenges conventional dietary guidelines.
5. Dominion
Dominion uses drones and hidden cameras to reveal the grim realities of modern animal agriculture. Narrated by Joaquin Phoenix, this documentary is a follow-up to Earthlings.
6. The Cove
The Cove exposes the brutal practice of dolphin hunting in Taiji, Japan. Directed by Louie Psihoyos and featuring activist Ric O’Barry, this film won an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
7. Food, Inc.
Food, Inc. examines the corporate control over the food industry and its impact on health and the environment. Directed by Robert Kenner, this film features interviews with Eric Schlosser and Michael Pollan.
8. Vegucated
Vegucated follows three meat- and cheese-loving New Yorkers who agree to adopt a vegan diet for six weeks. Directed by Marisa Miller Wolfson, this film explores the challenges and benefits of a plant-based lifestyle.
9. The Game Changers
The Game Changers showcases elite athletes who thrive on a plant-based diet. Directed by Louie Psihoyos and featuring James Wilks, this documentary debunks myths about meat and protein.
10. Seaspiracy
Seaspiracy investigates the environmental impact of commercial fishing. Directed by Ali Tabrizi, this film reveals the hidden consequences of our seafood consumption.
11. The Ghosts In Our Machine
The Ghosts In Our Machine follows photojournalist Jo-Anne McArthur as she documents the lives of animals trapped in the machine of human society. Directed by Liz Marshall, this film is both haunting and enlightening.
12. Speciesism: The Movie
Speciesism: The Movie explores the concept of speciesism and the ethical implications of animal exploitation. Directed by Mark Devries, this film challenges viewers to reconsider their relationship with animals.
13. Unity
Unity is a profound exploration of humanity’s relationship with nature, animals, and each other. Directed by Shaun Monson and narrated by a star-studded cast including Joaquin Phoenix and Helen Mirren, this documentary calls for a more compassionate world.
14. Okja
Okja is a fictional film that follows a young girl who risks everything to save her genetically modified pig friend from a powerful, multi-national company. Directed by Bong Joon-ho and starring Tilda Swinton and Paul Dano, this movie is a poignant commentary on animal rights.
15. The End of Meat
The End of Meat explores a future without meat, highlighting the benefits for animals, humans, and the planet. Directed by Marc Pierschel, this documentary envisions a sustainable and ethical food system.
16. Eating Animals
Eating Animals is based on Jonathan Safran Foer’s book and examines the environmental, economic, and public health consequences of factory farming. Narrated by Natalie Portman, this film is a compelling call to reconsider our food choices.
17. H.O.P.E. What You Eat Matters
H.O.P.E. What You Eat Matters highlights the benefits of a plant-based diet for health, the environment, and animal welfare. Directed by Nina Messinger, this documentary features experts like Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn and Dr. Neal Barnard.
18. Lucent
Lucent provides an in-depth look at the Australian pig farming industry, revealing the cruel practices hidden from the public eye. Directed by Chris Delforce, this film is an eye-opening investigation into animal agriculture.
