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In a world where we seem to become more and more obsessed with the “secret” behind the biggest industries out there, it comes as no surprise that documentaries claiming to know the truth about what we eat, why we’re sick, and how to solve health-related problems are all the rage right now. Many have gone on to win awards and have a massive impact, and there’s a big chance that more could – if they had the proper audience. Luckily, Netflix understands that a wide variety of voices must be heard on these issues, and they’ve stocked up their catalogue accordingly.
Whether you’re looking to cut out sugar or wheat, wondering exactly what meat consumption does to our bodies and our environment, or are just trying to find out why we’re so sick all the time (especially in America), many of these films take deep dives on big topics and try to unearth the shocking answers to all of your questions. You might emerge hellbent on a vegan lifestyle, ready to take up arms with activists, or simply encouraged to consume a few more veggies each week. Wherever your interests may lie among these nutrition, health, and food-based documentaries, you’re bound to leave a little enlightened.
Below, we’ve listed the ten best food and health-related documentaries available to stream on Netflix. Keep in mind that there are tons more films on these issues on the platform – so treat these as a jumping off point if they happen to pique your interest.
'Food, Inc.'
If you have any documentary/health-loving friends, this is probably one of the films they’ve claimed “changed their lives”. To be fair, they may not be exaggerating. Nominated for an Academy Award, Food, Inc. is a fascinating dive into America’s corporate-run food industry and the harmful practices that hurt the environment, animals, and employees that work for these businesses.
'Forks Over Knives'
If you haven’t seen the documentary, you’ve probably seen the cookbook in a few friends’ homes, and after watching, you’ll probably want one too. Forks Over Knives takes a look at the claim that almost all degenerative diseases currently overtaking the United States can be controlled (or eliminated completely) by cutting out processed and animal-based food products. While a plant-based diet may not be suitable for all, the points the film makes (and the facts to back them up) are truly fascinating.
'What the Health'
Created by the same team behind Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret, What the Health explores the corruption at play between the government, pharmaceutical and health companies, and food industry conglomerates that are hellbent on withholding information and keeping us sick so that they continue to pull in trillions of dollars of healthcare revenue every year. While the idea that you should “follow the money” is certainly one to take with you, it’s important to remember that lots of the health advice in films like this should be taken with a grain of salt.
'In Defense of Food'
PBS documentary In Defense of Food follows best-selling author Michael Pollan as he seeks to answer the question we’re all asking: “what should I eat?” This refreshing journey is a nice break from the agenda-driven flicks that expose secrets and instead gives the issue a human face, allowing us to really get on Pollan’s level as he discovers things that we’ve been wondering about for ages. Sit back, relax, and let Pollan cut through all of the crazy, contradictory messages behind food and diets to make eating simple again.
'Fed Up'
Perhaps one of the most well-made films on this list, Fed Up examines America’s massive obesity epidemic and the way the food industry – and government organizations – have contributed to it. Sugar, just like cocaine, creates addicts, and by overwhelming the public with messages (and 600,000+ food items to choose from), we only aggravate the problem. With Katie Couric as your guide through this eye-opening film, get ready to learn about the detrimental effects of sugar and what we can actually do to combat the spread of obesity in our children.
'Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret'
Executive produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret chronicles filmmaker Kip Andersen’s journey to become an environmentalist as he investigates one of the most destructive industries currently affecting our planet today, leading to global warming, water depletion, species extinction, and more – animal agriculture. Andersen’s charismatic persona and the insane obstacles he comes up against make this one of the most mind-boggling, compelling documentaries about the impact of meat consumption in recent memory.
'Food Choices'
Using the wisdom of world-renowned experts and led by filmmaker Michel Siewierski, Food Choices takes an illuminating look at the choices we make every day and the way each one impacts our health, our planet, and the species that we share this planet with. By erasing widespread misconceptions about certain foods and our dietary habits, Siewierski ensures that your previously unconscious choices will now be made with knowledge behind them.
'Food Matters'
With the help of nutritionists, doctors, naturopaths, and journalists, Food Matters discusses every topic you’ve heard about but were afraid to Google. It’s a simple premise – is what you’re eating hurting or helping you? The answer might not be as simple as you think. With issues like organic food, raw food consumption, nutritional therapy, food safety, and more on the table, you might want to take some notes.
'Hungry for Change'
Created by the same team behind Food Matters, Hungry for Change examines the addictive nature of food – and the way that this is designed by diet and weight loss companies and food industry bigwigs. The filmmakers argue that we stopped eating for sustenance a long time ago – more often than not nowadays, we consume food-like products instead of actual food. This hard-hitting film may help you escape the cyclical headache that is dieting and finally get a handle on the things you eat.
'Vegucated'
Vegucated probably has one of the most obvious agendas out of the films on this list, but it is a wildly entertaining watch. The guerrilla-style documentary follows three New Yorkers with a passion for meat and cheese who attempt to go vegan for six weeks and change the way they think about food. Through social events and encounters with temptation, this surprisingly funny documentary is both educational and engaging.
