Top 30 Must-See Vegan Documentaries That Will Change You

Vegan documentaries are a powerful way to learn about the world from your couch. In just a few hours, they can open your eyes to important topics like animal rights, the environment, and health. These films use storytelling and facts to inspire change and compassion. There are documentaries that explore the impact of food choices on the planet and our bodies. Some focus on reversing disease through diet, while others reveal the hidden cruelty of animal farming. You’ll also find films that dive deep into oceans, showcasing the beauty and struggles of underwater life.

Each documentary highlights issues that often go unseen, encouraging viewers to think differently. Thankfully, many of these documentaries are easy to find on platforms like Netflix. They are accessible, thought-provoking, and sometimes life-changing. Watching them is a great way to gain knowledge and become a more informed advocate for a kinder world. If you’re ready to expand your understanding and discover how small changes can make a big difference, these films are a great place to start.

Grab a cozy seat and explore the many stories waiting to be told. Whether you’re new to veganism or just curious, there’s something here for everyone. So, are you ready to learn, reflect, and be inspired? Let’s dive in and explore some of the most enlightening vegan documentaries available. Don’t forget, popcorn is optional but always welcome!

The Game Changers Documentary (Netflix)

Think you need meat to bulk up and become a top performing athlete? Think again! Even if you’re not interested in building muscle or trying out a triathlon, this documentary will leave you with a massive dose of knowledge and inspiration.

Produced by James Cameron, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jackie Chan, it’s a must-see. You’ll learn the science behind the protein myth and be blown away by the plant-based success of these world-renowned athletes in action.

You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment (Netflix)

This newly released groundbreaking Netflix documentary focuses on the health benefits of switching to a plant-based diet. It follows identical twins in a well-conducted study, having them adopt different lifestyles for 8 weeks to see how their diets impact health markers like visceral fat, cholesterol, risk of heart disease, and more.

What The Health Documentary (Netflix)

One of the best vegan documentaries for anyone interested in health and wellness. This movie will open your eyes to the collusion and corruption of government establishments concerning food, health and nutrition. Although at times amusing and entertaining, it’s still a serious and solid look at what is happening with our nation’s health.

Forks Over Knives

An inspiring, inside look at how “diseases of affluence” can be easily controlled and even reversed through diet alone. If you know anyone with Type II diabetes, heart disease, or hypertension, this film is for them. It may even save their life. Incredibly down-to-earth and practical, this movie will empower you to reclaim your health and will greatly influence your next grocery list! You’ll be rooting for Forks (for eating fresh, whole foods) over Knives (for performing open heart surgery) for sure!

Cowspiracy (Netflix)

Environmentalist Kip Anderson embarks on a mission to find answers and solutions to our world’s greatest environmental problems. He does an incredible job documenting the factory farming industry and how it is so destructive to our environment.

You’ll see interviews with the leaders of major environmental groups that largely ignore these issues and the well hidden reasons why. It’s one of the best movies revealing how detrimental factory farms are to the health of our world and to all those who live in it.

Seaspiracy (Netflix)

This groundbreaking documentary, produced by the same team from Cowspiracy, exposes the fishing industry and its damaging impact on our oceans. What starts with documenting the harm that humans do to marine species quickly evolves to uncovering the alarming global corruption, sustainability issues, and a scary path to environmental destruction. This eyeopening documentary exposes how the global industrial fishing industries are killing our oceans, out of sight.

Blackfish (Netflix)

A movie that delves into the complex and complicated issue concerning the behavior of killer whales, both in and out of captivity. Although killer whales are sometimes known to be gentle giants in the wild, they also have the capability to be quite vicious.

This documentary takes a deeper look into the performing whale, Tilikum, and the lives he has taken while captive. You’ll leave with a newfound respect for animal sanctuaries and disdain for theme parks (like SeaWorld) that use these majestic animals for entertainment and profit.

If creatures of the sea are as important to you as they are to us, make sure to learn more about the practices of shark finning and its impact on our oceans.

The Cove (Netflix)

A dolphin lover’s worst nightmare captured in real life, this important film is not for the faint of heart. This documentary expands its story to include a passionate plea for all people to help our oceans and sea creatures. An electrifying movie that will leave you breathless and also committed to making a difference for our precious ocean life.

Dominion

A dark, undercover Australian documentary that presents modern agricultural practices through the lens of drones, hidden and handheld cameras. Often considered the new Earthlings, the movie explores the horrible conditions that animals have to suffer through and questions the validity and morality concerning the dominion of humans over animals.

This film is a must watch—but bring a friend to hold and a box of tissues.

Earthlings

A heartbreaking and highly sensitive documentary for anyone who wants the honest truth about society’s treatment of animals. Although extremely painful to experience, it’s almost a necessary undertaking to absorb the fullest extent of an animal’s experience in the world at the present. If you are on the fence about becoming vegan, this movie narrated by Joaquin Phoenix will change your mind in minutes.

Vegucated

A simple, but satisfying movie that attempts to alter the appetites of three meat-and-cheese loving, native New Yorkers. This documentary follows these vegan hopefuls over a six week period and shares their progress, as well as their pitfalls. Entertaining and slightly educational, it’s well worth watching.

Sharkwater

The Winner of 22 International Awards, this electrifying movie narrated by Rob Stewart takes a deep dive into the shark filled waters of our oceans. This documentary explores the lives of sharks first hand, while also exposing the shark finning industry and the ruthless exploitation and corruption of the shark population. A must see for all sea creature loving humans.

Fat Sick & Nearly Dead

Joe Cross takes us on his 60 day juice-only journey to optimal health. This documentary is not only enormously inspiring, but also addicting to watch with its positive vibe and down-to-earth approach. You’ll find yourself yearning for your own fresh fruit juices and glowing health by the end of it.

The Ghosts In Our Machine

An illuminating photojournalistic journey into the lives of animals in all sectors of industry throughout the world. This compassionate vegan documentary follows JoAnn McArthur’s entire year of capturing the behind the scenes stories of several animals in all parts of the world. Through food, fashion, research and entertainment, you will experience what it might be like for an animal stuck in the machine of our modern world.

The Witness

A gripping and painful story of Eddie Lama, whose violent and difficult life growing up in Brooklyn, NY caused an epiphany concerning the plight of animals. Because of his own experiences with exploitation and trauma, he could much easily sympathize with the suffering of animals, who also have no one advocating on their behalf. An inspiring story of creative animal advocacy that will leave you motivated to take action.

The Smell Of Money

This documentary follows Elsie Herring and her community in eastern North Carolina, where they battle a powerful hog industry’s pollution and encroachment on their land. Through a nine-year legal fight, they strive for clean air, pure water, and freedom from the stench of pig waste. This powerful film underscores the strength of love for family and community against overwhelming odds, urging viewers to consider their food choices and join the fight for a better future.

Food, Inc.

Explore the hidden truths of the food industry and its impact on our health, the environment, and animal welfare in this 2008 documentary.

Eating Animals

Based on Jonathan Safran Foer’s bestselling book, this documentary investigates the ethical and environmental consequences of factory farming.

The True Cost

While not strictly vegan, this documentary explores the fashion industry’s impact on the environment and highlights the importance of sustainable, cruelty-free fashion choices.

Rotten

A docu-series that dives deep into the global food industry, examining issues like honey fraud, the avocado trade, and the challenges faced by small-scale farmers.

Eating You Alive

Renowned doctors and nutritionists discuss the profound health benefits of a plant-based diet in preventing and reversing chronic diseases.

The Last Pig

Follow the poignant journey of a pig farmer who confronts the emotional and ethical complexities of his profession as he transitions to a more compassionate way of life.

Eating Our Way to Extinction

Explore the interconnectedness of our food choices, climate change, and the future of our planet in this thought-provoking documentary.

I Could Never Go Vegan

“I could never go vegan” is a phrase heard worldwide. Filmmaker Tom Pickering takes a closer look at the arguments behind it, questioning their validity, and uncovering the truths that shape opinions about veganism.

Milked

Poisoned

The End of Meat

73 Cows

7 Days Mini-Documentary

Finally, don’t miss our own mini-documentary about what 7 days of plant-based eating did for this man’s health. We guarantee you’ll be amazed. You can watch right now in just 15 minutes! 

Vegan Movie Night Tips

From delicious plant-based snacks to cozy drink ideas, you’ll have everything you need to set the perfect vibe. Grab your favorite blanket, pick a great film, and get ready for an evening full of tasty treats. Make sure to have a box of recycled tissues or an eco-friendly handkerchief—just in case!

• Create a Snack Spread – Prepare a variety of vegan snacks to keep everyone happy. Think vegan popcorn with nutritional yeast, veggie platters with hummus, or plant-based chocolate bars. A snack buffet adds a fun, interactive element to the night! Don’t forget the vegan candy!
• Try a Themed Dinner – Take inspiration from the film and create a meal to match! Watching a documentary about plant-based eating? Whip up a delicious vegan pizza or veggie-packed tacos for the full experience.
• Set the Scene – Make your space cozy and inviting with blankets, pillows, and dim lighting. A relaxing atmosphere helps everyone enjoy the movie and feel more connected to the experience.
• Have a Post-Movie Discussion – After the film, gather your thoughts and share them with friends or family. Talk about what you learned, your favorite moments, or even new ideas to try. It’s a great way to bond and reflect on the message of the documentary.
• Incorporate Fun Drinks – Serve up tasty vegan drinks like herb-infused water, fruity mocktails, or dairy-free hot chocolate. Pairing the snacks with refreshing beverages keeps everyone energized and excited.