Four Must-See Documentaries Everyone Needs To Watch

By Brittney Hemmands
Blog Content Contributor

As a society, we are raised on certain beliefs that influences such as our families, friends, schools, and churches have taught us. Holding certain opinions because of these beliefs is not necessarily a bad thing, but what if you found out that some or most of these beliefs are not true? You simply have to get informed. In reality, no one likes to sit down and read long articles or books that can seem to drag on and on. Luckily, Netflix, one of our favorite entertainment applications, has tons of the information we need without all the boring and time-consuming research. If you are looking to educate yourself about some of the societal, local and universal issues, here are four documentaries that will show you the underlying truth behind common deceptions.

Blackfish

This documentary speaks about the harsh realities of SeaWorld and how the theme park’s capturing of Orcas, killer whales, has caused several deaths of their employed trainers. The story starts off with a call that was made after a trainer had been killed and continues by showing the first Orca capture SeaWorld made while explaining the nature of these creatures in the wild. This 2013 film debunks SeaWorld’s statements about safety and morals by providing the experiences of ex-trainers and providing credible evidence. Because many of us were raised going to parks like SeaWorld that involved animal capturing, knowing why parks like this can be living nightmares for animals and trainers will shock you just as much as it informs you.

Cowspiracy

It is a known fact that the health of the Earth affects our everyday lives. There has been a push to use less water and to recycle, but what about a push to reduce animal agriculture? This 2014 film explains how the leading cause of pollution and water usage is not cars or long showers. but instead animal agriculture. The filmmakers, Kip Anderson and Keegan Kuhn, depict that eating animal products does not just affect our bodies, but is also killing the planet. Another interesting topic discussed in the film is the corruption of the meat and dairy industry and the power it holds over the government. If you care about your health or the planet, you should definitely take the time to watch this film.

Culture High

Whether marijuana should be legal or illegal is a debate that has reached an all time high. This documentary explores both sides of the issue and explains why the plant was illegalized in the first place. Not only do you get to see government officials’ opinions on the plant, but you are also informed of the potential health benefits of it compared to other substances. Also, the appearances of the famous Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa make this film even more intriguing then it already is. Whether you are looking for something interesting to watch on a Friday night or just want some facts to impress your friends and family with, Culture High is a film you do not want to miss out on.

What The Health?

I am sure you have heard the many rumors of what we truly consume on daily basis. What the Health is the  follow-up film from the creators of the previously mentioned, documentary Cowspiracy. Filmmaker Kip Andersen uncovers the secret to preventing and even reversing chronic diseases – and investigates why the nation’s leading health organizations do not want us to know about it. With heart disease and cancer the leading causes of death in America, and diabetes at an all-time high, the film reveals possibly the largest health cover-up of our time. The documentary provides insight from doctors and researchers about the industry that is costing us trillions of healthcare dollars, and keeping us sick.

When watching these documentaries, you might change your opinion on some things or you might not. Regardless if these films make a difference in your opinion, what is important is that they make a difference in what you know. So get both informed and involved! Which shows or movies have you watched that taught you something you did not know about the world below? Leave them below in the comments.

Featured image via IMDB.com.