When Netflix & chill isn’t an option, sometimes, you just have to chill out with yourself and find a good movie to watch. And lately, I’ve been really getting into my documentaries. It might have something to do with feeling guilty when I actually do watch a film. So to compensate, I’ve been watching documentaries; an easy way to chill out and actually learn something new. So, if you too love a good doco and are looking for some new ones to add to your list, then look no further!
Chasing Ice (2012)
An amazing look at the dramatic changes happening as a direct result of Climate Change. A team of scientists venture to some of the most remote parts of the world, including Alaska, Greenland and Iceland. And having been to Iceland, it made watching this documentary even more incredible.
Perfect for: Those of you who love some beautiful cinematography, are interested in nature and concerned about climate change.
The True Cost (2015)
This documentary will make you close all of the online shopping tabs you have open. It follows your $10 top back through the supply chain to cotton farms in the US, to farms in rural India, to the factory workers in Bangladesh. It’s a fascinating look at where our clothes come from and the huge injustice of the fashion industry.
Perfect For: Those of you who love shopping the sales rack at stores.
Cowspiracy (2014)
Whilst at the People’s Climate March in Sydney last year, there were people everywhere holding signs saying ‘real environmentalists are vegan.’ Whilst I initially dismissed the thought straight away, it definitely planted a seed which prompted me to do some research for myself.
“Livestock and their byproducts account for at least 32,000 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year, or 51% of all worldwide greenhouse gas emissions.”
This just blew my mind. Whenever I used to think of CO2 emissions, I would always think of mining and fossil fuels. Whilst I’m not saying that Cowspiracy is what you should base all of your knowledge off of, because I personally believe it is highly propaganda-ish, but it is extremely eye opening to an issue not discussed in the media. And learning more about this issue inspired me to adopt a vegetarian diet.
Perfect for: Those of you curious about vegetarianism or veganism. Or alternatively, if you don’t want to subscribe to one of these labels, a reductionist (view TED Talk here)
Mission Blue (2014)
This documentary follows the story of Sylvia Earle, one of the world’s first oceanographers. She dedicated her life to the ocean, the life in it and the life that depends on it. Not only is Sylvia an incredibly inspiring woman, but the history and evolution of ocean exploration is looked at through a beautiful lens at a world just at our footsteps.
Perfect for: Those who have ever had their breath taken away by the beauty of the ocean. Also for those concerned for the future of our oceans and the effects that Climate Change has, especially in Australia.
Blackfish (2013)
This disturbing thriller showcases the issue of keeping majestic animals like Orcas in captivity in Sea World. Whilst I personally have issues with the portrayal being on the lives lost by several trainers at Sea World and not the orcas themselves, it still tells an incredibly powerful story of the harsh realities these beautiful animals face. As a result of this film, Sea World announced they would end their breeding program at the Orlando park. However, one of the main orcas in Blackfish, Tilikum, is suffering so much, that his health is rapidly deteriorating.
Perfect For: Those who are also passionate whale lovers and who see a huge breach of animal rights in the act of capturing, detaining and ‘training’ animals.
So there we go. Netflix has definitely provided the goods when it comes to documentaries. And if you have any suggestions, please let me know in the comments below!
Happy watching and learning!
Further Information
TED Talk on being a REDUCTIONIST
A Worldly Addiction 
I’ve seen Blackfish recently and it touched me to the core. I started crying in the beginning and at the end. Im from Florida so Sea World is part of my backyard but after watching this documentary, it really opened my eyes to the realities these so called parks are doing to the animals.
I completely agree! It’s definitely very moving. I think that’s why this movie was so important, because it made us aware of something we never knew about! I hope we will learn from our mistakes!