Documentaries have a unique way of shedding light on important topics and inspiring change. If you were moved by What the Health, you’ll likely find the following list of films equally compelling. These documentaries explore various aspects of health, food, and the environment, providing eye-opening insights and sometimes shocking revelations.
1. Forks Over Knives
Forks Over Knives examines the profound claim that most, if not all, of the degenerative diseases that afflict us can be controlled, or even reversed, by rejecting animal-based and processed foods. The film stars Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn.
2. Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret
Cowspiracy delves into the environmental impact of animal agriculture, revealing the industry’s role in deforestation, water consumption, and pollution. Directed by Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn, it features interviews with environmental experts and activists.
3. The Game Changers
The Game Changers follows elite special forces trainer and mixed martial artist James Wilks as he travels the world on a quest to uncover the optimal diet for human performance and health. The film features Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jackie Chan.
4. Food, Inc.
Food, Inc. lifts the veil on the food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that’s been hidden from the American consumer. Directed by Robert Kenner, it includes interviews with Eric Schlosser, author of Fast Food Nation, and Michael Pollan.
5. Fed Up
Fed Up explores the underlying causes of childhood obesity in America, revealing how the food industry has misled the public about the health impacts of sugar and processed foods. Narrated by Katie Couric, it features interviews with health experts and activists.
6. Earthlings
Earthlings is a powerful and disturbing documentary about humanity’s use of animals for pets, food, clothing, entertainment, and scientific research. Directed by Shaun Monson, it is narrated by Joaquin Phoenix.
7. Hungry for Change
Hungry for Change exposes the diet and weight loss industry, revealing the deceptive strategies designed to keep people from achieving their health goals. The film includes insights from health experts like Dr. Alejandro Junger and Dr. Christiane Northrup.
8. Vegucated
Vegucated follows three meat- and cheese-loving New Yorkers who agree to adopt a vegan diet for six weeks. The film, directed by Marisa Miller Wolfson, explores their journey and the challenges they face along the way.
9. That Sugar Film
That Sugar Film follows Damon Gameau as he embarks on a high-sugar diet to document the effects of sugar on his health. The film features appearances by Stephen Fry and Isabel Lucas.
10. Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead
Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead chronicles Joe Cross’s journey to regain his health by juicing and adopting a plant-based diet. The film highlights his transformation and the impact it has on others he meets along the way.
11. Super Size Me
Super Size Me is a documentary by Morgan Spurlock in which he eats only McDonald’s food for 30 days to highlight the health risks of fast food. The film examines the influence of the fast food industry and its impact on public health.
12. The Invisible Vegan
The Invisible Vegan explores the unhealthy dietary patterns in the African-American community and how a plant-based diet can offer a path to better health. Directed by Jasmine Leyva, it features interviews with health experts and activists.
13. Eating You Alive
Eating You Alive investigates the reasons behind the chronic disease epidemic and how a whole-food, plant-based diet can prevent and reverse these conditions. The film includes interviews with doctors, patients, and celebrities like James Cameron.
14. Forks Over Knives Presents: The Engine 2 Kitchen Rescue
The Engine 2 Kitchen Rescue follows Rip Esselstyn as he helps two families transition to a plant-based diet, demonstrating how to prepare healthy meals at home. The film offers practical tips and recipes for those looking to improve their diet.
15. PlantPure Nation
PlantPure Nation follows the story of three people on a mission to spread the message of plant-based nutrition. Directed by Nelson Campbell, it explores the political and social challenges of promoting a plant-based diet.
16. A Plastic Ocean
A Plastic Ocean investigates the devastating impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems and human health. Directed by Craig Leeson, the film features interviews with scientists and environmental activists.
17. Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things
Minimalism explores the lives of minimalists from various walks of life, examining how reducing material possessions can lead to a more fulfilling life. Directed by Matt D’Avella, it features interviews with Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus.
18. The Magic Pill
The Magic Pill investigates the ketogenic diet and its potential to combat chronic diseases and improve overall health. Directed by Rob Tate, the film features interviews with doctors, patients, and nutrition experts.
19. Heal
Heal explores the mind-body connection and the power of belief in healing. Directed by Kelly Noonan Gores, the film features interviews with Deepak Chopra, Marianne Williamson, and other thought leaders in holistic health.
20. The C Word
The C Word delves into the cancer epidemic and the lifestyle changes that can help prevent and combat the disease. Narrated by Morgan Freeman, the film features insights from Dr. David Servan-Schreiber and other experts in the field.
