Looking for the best vegan documentary to convince someone to change? We have curated a list of documentaries and films to spark interest.
Earthlings
With a 92% recommendation from Rotten tomatoes, this documentary exposes the cruel practices endured by animals at factory farms, research labs, and puppy mills. When footage from hidden cameras was shared with the world in 2005, it sparked worldwide outrage for change. And for the last two decades, it continues to engage new generations to support compassionate living.
Narrated by Joaquin Phoenix.
Eating Our Way to Extinction
Do we really only have 10 years left to avoid catastrophic climate change? This vegan documentary discusses the impact our food choices have on the environment and why we have limited time to change our behaviors before its too late.
From deforestation to climate change, shocking personal accounts tell “a simple but impactful message by uncovering hard truths and addressing, […] the most pressing issue of our generation – ecological collapse.”
Watch it for free here. Available in 20 languages. Produced and narrated in English by Kate Winslet.
They’re trying to Kill Us
The documentary that is as shocking as its title and answers the question: “Why do people of colour suffer from disproportionately higher rates of chronic disease?” They’re Trying to Kill Us does a great job at pulling back the curtain on the ways food, race, and health disparities collide.
Blackfish
A documentary that focuses on Tilikum, an orca captured in Berufjörður, Iceland at the age of two. Sold into a lifetime of captivity, Tilikum performed for many years at SeaWorld Orlando in the Shamu show. And even though he was involved in three separate incidents that caused the death of humans, his sperm was used to sire 21 offspring.
This eye-opening documentary challenges the ethics of using animals for entertainment and how captivity can change their behavior. Furthermore, you won’t want to miss first person accounts from former trainers, footage of incidents between trainers and orcas, and the aftermath from the death of American animal trainer Dawn Brancheau.
Watch Blackfish on YouTube. (1hr 30min, 98% rating Rotten Tomatoes)
Short Vegan Documentaries
Dairy Disclosed – What it Takes to Make Milk and Cheese
Do humans really need to consume milk products? Mic the Vegan collaborates with Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary to show that harmful animal farming starts with milk production. From their birth, baby calves are separated from their mothers. Female cows are then subsequently confined and subjected to being milked daily in dire conditions.
Are you wondering what happens to the babies? The truth is hard to see but not impossible to change.
Watch free on UnChainedTV. (25 minutes)
73 Cows (15 min)
Want to challenge someone’s views of animal farming in only 15 minutes sans grisly imagery?
This first person account follows the story of Jay Wilde, the first UK farmer to trade beef farming for sustainable organic vegan farming.
“I couldn’t disconnect that feeling of having to get the job done from the fact that they were individuals rather than just units of production.” _ Jay Wilde
With the support of his wife, they arrange for their entire herd to be surrendered to an Animal Sanctuary. Watch Free on Youtube.
7 Days Vegan Documentary
This short documentary follows Raul, a 24 year old who decides to adopt a vegan diet for 7 days. With the support of a doctor and meal planner, he learns to shop and prepare healthy foods. Every day, he records his experience and at the end of just 7 days, he discovers an exciting change.
Short Film Starring Vegan Activist Jamie Logan
The Next Girl (16 minutes, Mature audience 17+)
An all female team of filmmakers produced this short film starring vegan activist Jamie Logan. This award winning film takes place in a dystopian world where “enslaved young girls held captive from womb to tomb are denied bodily autonomy and forced to bear children sired by men with hardened hearts devoid of empathy.” The ending is so shocking it will come back to invade your thoughts from time to time.
This film was produced by Snowden Bishop and David Trotter and directed by Terrah Bennett Smith. Star Simmons & Lisa DeCrescente are the executive producers.
Watch it for free on UnchainedTV.
Want more suggestions? Watch Kale Krew, The Must-Watch New Series on Unchained TV about Vegan food and restaurants in Chicago.