Documentary films provide a fascinating window into real-life stories and issues, much like Supersize Me did with its exploration of the fast-food industry. If you’re a fan of this genre, you’ll be thrilled to discover more films that delve into captivating and sometimes controversial subjects. Here are 20 documentaries that you should consider watching.

1. Food, Inc.

This eye-opening documentary, directed by Robert Kenner, scrutinizes corporate farming in the United States. It features interviews with experts like Michael Pollan and Eric Schlosser, exposing the hidden costs of our food system.

2. Forks Over Knives

Directed by Lee Fulkerson, this film examines the claim that most, if not all, degenerative diseases can be controlled or even reversed by rejecting animal-based and processed foods. The documentary features Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn.

3. The Game Changers

This documentary, directed by Louie Psihoyos, focuses on the benefits of plant-based eating for athletes. It features former UFC fighter James Wilks and other elite athletes who have adopted a plant-based diet.

4. What the Health

Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn’s documentary investigates the health impacts of meat and dairy products, as well as the corruption within the health and pharmaceutical industries. It features interviews with medical professionals and health advocates.

5. Cowspiracy

Directed by Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn, this film explores the environmental impact of animal agriculture. The documentary reveals startling statistics and features interviews with environmental experts.

6. Fed Up

Narrated by Katie Couric, this documentary directed by Stephanie Soechtig examines the obesity epidemic in the United States. It highlights the role of sugar and processed foods in contributing to health problems.

7. That Sugar Film

Directed by Damon Gameau, this film documents the effects of a high-sugar diet on the human body. Gameau uses himself as a test subject, consuming the average amount of sugar an Australian eats daily.

8. Earthlings

This powerful documentary, narrated by Joaquin Phoenix and directed by Shaun Monson, exposes the suffering of animals in factory farms, research labs, and other industries. It uses hidden cameras and undercover footage to reveal the truth.

9. Blackfish

Directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite, Blackfish tells the story of Tilikum, a captive killer whale involved in the deaths of several people. The film raises questions about the ethics of keeping such intelligent creatures in captivity.

10. The Cove

This Oscar-winning documentary, directed by Louie Psihoyos, exposes the brutal dolphin hunting practices in Taiji, Japan. It features activist Ric O’Barry and uses covert techniques to capture shocking footage.

11. An Inconvenient Truth

Former Vice President Al Gore’s documentary on climate change, directed by Davis Guggenheim, is a compelling call to action. The film presents scientific evidence and personal anecdotes to highlight the urgency of the issue.

12. Gasland

Josh Fox’s documentary explores the controversial practice of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, and its impact on communities across the United States. The film features interviews with affected residents and environmental experts.

13. The Social Dilemma

Directed by Jeff Orlowski, this documentary examines the dangerous human impact of social networking, with tech experts sounding the alarm on their own creations. It features interviews with former employees of major tech companies.

14. 13th

Ava DuVernay’s powerful documentary explores the history of racial inequality in the United States, focusing on the nation’s prisons. The film features interviews with scholars, activists, and politicians.

15. Icarus

Directed by Bryan Fogel, this Oscar-winning documentary delves into the world of doping in sports. The film follows Fogel’s journey as he uncovers a major international doping scandal with the help of Russian scientist Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov.

16. Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

This heartwarming documentary, directed by Morgan Neville, explores the life and legacy of Fred Rogers, the beloved host of the children’s TV show Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. It features interviews with Rogers’ family and colleagues.

17. Three Identical Strangers

Directed by Tim Wardle, this documentary tells the astonishing true story of triplets separated at birth who reunite years later. The film explores the mystery behind their separation and the impact on their lives.

18. Jiro Dreams of Sushi

David Gelb’s documentary profiles Jiro Ono, an 85-year-old sushi master and owner of a renowned Tokyo restaurant. The film delves into Jiro’s dedication to his craft and the legacy he hopes to pass on to his sons.

19. The Act of Killing

Directed by Joshua Oppenheimer, this chilling documentary examines the Indonesian mass killings of 1965-66. The film features interviews with former death squad leaders who reenact their crimes in various cinematic styles.

20. Life, Animated

Directed by Roger Ross Williams, this touching documentary tells the story of Owen Suskind, a young man with autism who learns to communicate through Disney animated films. The film highlights the power of storytelling and family support.

These documentaries offer a wide range of thought-provoking and emotionally compelling stories, perfect for fans of Supersize Me and the documentary genre. Enjoy exploring these films!