5 Educational & Inspirational Documentaries (2019)

I don’t know if this is a sign of aging, but watching Documentaries has become one of my favorite hobbies. Gone are the days of watching the same show for the 5th time in a row. I now long for filling up my spare time with knowledge, whether that be through books, podcasts or documentaries. I’ve shared a list of Powerful Documentaries That Have Changed My Life before, and today I want to share some of the best documentaries I’ve watched this year. The previous list was more focused on Health Documentaries, and the following list will be a bit more broad.

So without further ado, here are some of my Favorite Documentaries of 2019:

The Mind, Explained

As I mentioned in one of my previous newsletter editions, Explained is one of my all time favorite documentaries (or more like documentary web tv series). The episodes are fast-paced, about 20 minutes long, and really informative.

This year, Vox’s Explained Series launched 5 new episodes all about THE MIND. The episodes touch on subjects like: The Brain, Memory, Dreams, Anxiety, Mindfulness and Psychedelics. After watching the Mindfulness episode, I finally decided to commit to a meditation practice and have meditated for 1 week straight! It might not be much but hey it’s a start :) These episodes offer a basic, informative introduction to each of the topics. If you’re low on time and wish to learn something new about the brain, then I recommend watching this docuseries.

Available on Netflix and Youtube.

One Strange Rock

I don’t think I’ve mentioned my fascination with the Universe on here before. It all begun when I watched Cosmos (the series by Neil Degrasse Tyson, not Carl Sagan… though I love that one too) on Netflix. I even got one of my tattoos after becoming obsessed with all things Cosmos, space and time. But that’s a story for another day.

If you’re into series about the Earth, like Planet Earth, Our Planet, or other documentary series by David Attenborough, then you might like One Strange Rock. This documentary series explores the fragility and wonder of Planet Earth, as seen from the perspective of 8 astronauts. There’s thrilling visuals and compelling storytelling (by Will Smith, kind of random but I dig it haha).

The series has 10 episodes, and each one is about 1 hour long, available on Netflix.

The Game Changers

The film showcases elite plant-based bodybuilders, UFC fighters, weightlifters and other athletes, winning in their respective fields and thriving on their plant-based diets. It robustly proves that non only are vegan diets NOT holding athletes back in these (traditionally) masculine sports, they are in fact excelling.

I have watched my fair share of #vegan documentaries, and while some focus on animal rights or the environment, this documentary is focused on health, geared towards athletes and men mostly. While browsing Netflix and stumbling upon Arnold Schwarzenegger speaking in the trailer, I somehow convinced Pabs to watch this documentary with me, and after finishing the film, he was motivated to start making some changes in his diet (!!!).

I don’t think Pabs would have watched the documentary with me if he had known what it was about, but he says he’s glad he did. In his words “I loved it because they’re not pushing veganism on you from an animal rights perspective, but instead reveals all the good things that a plant based diet can bring to your life and health. I didn’t feel attacked as someone who consumes meat and felt understood, because all the people in the film have been in my shoes at some point”.

I cannot recommend this documentary enough. I promise you’ll find some value, whether you’re vegan or not. Also, if you’ve ever asked a vegan or vegetarian where they get their protein from - then it is your civic duty to watch The Game Changers. I really do believe this documentary will be a game changer in the way we view meat, masculinity and veganism in general.

Heal

“A film about the power of the mind”

(I’m sensing a theme here - in this past year i’ve become more & more interested in learning about the human brain and it’s power).

This documentary takes us on a journey to discover how our thoughts, beliefs and emotions have a huge impact on our health and ability to heal. I finished this film feeling so empowered by the science and true stories told in the film. I have mixed feelings about the director and I’ve heard of lots of people who have had a similar feeling - but that’s beyond the point. This documentary has a great mix between science and spirituality, with great insight from leading scientists and spiritual teachers, as well as sharing the stories of people on their healing journeys. Some of the leaders featured in this film: Dr. Deepak Chopra, Dr. Joe Dispenza, Marianne Williamson, Anita Moorjani.

You can stream this documentary on Netflix.

The Need To Grow

I never thought I’d be interested in watching a documentary about soil, but hey, never say never, am I right? This important, award-winning documentary shines light on the state of modern agriculture, along with the cutting edge innovations happening in sustainability today. It also shares inspiring stories that bring hope and ideas for some much needed change in the way we farm and produce food. Out of all the documentaries out there tackling the issue of Climate Change, this is one of those documentaries that leaves you filling hopeful and inspired to take action and be a part of the change our world desperately needs.

Unfortunately the free screening for this documentary has ended, but you can buy the viewing rights on amazon here. I’m hoping it’ll be available on Netflix soon, because I can’t wait to watch it again, and to keep sharing it!

So there ya have it! I hope you enjoy these documentaries as much as I did. And if you have any other recommendations, please feel free to share in the comments below. I’m always in search for more exciting ways of learning, and documentaries provide this much needed space of entertainment and knowledge. Thanks for reading and please let me know your thoughts if you happen to watch any of the films/series on this list :)