Documentaries have always been an effective means to delve deep into matters that are either unnoticed or marginalized by the society. The first category involves those that are about deep-seated truths with regard to governments, corporations, and societies of the world, while the second brings forth historical or ecological secrets we usually overlook. This list presents the 10 most amazing documentaries that turn our world views completely around and encourage us to explore new avenues of thoughts.
1. The Social Dilemma (2020)
- Director: Jeff Orlowski
- Platform: Netflix
This thought-provoking documentary explores the unintended consequences of social media on society. Featuring interviews with former employees of major tech companies like Google and Facebook, it reveals how algorithms are designed to exploit human psychology for profit. The documentary doesn’t just critique the tech industry but raises critical questions about individual responsibility in navigating the digital age.
Key Insights:
- Algorithms manipulate attention and behavior.
- Social media contributes to polarization and mental health issues.
Why Watch?
To understand how seemingly harmless digital habits shape our lives in ways we rarely notice.
2. Citizenfour (2014)
- Director: Laura Poitras
- Platform: Amazon Prime Video
This documentary, which won the Oscar, was directed by the director of this movie. Glen Greenwald, or rather Edward Snoden, who disclosed the huge global surveillance operations conducted by the NSA is shown on the screen. Filmed in real-time, Citizenfour is as much a thriller as it is a chilling exposé.
Key Insights:
- Monitoring systems used by governments worldwide are abusive methods.
- Leaking is leading to a serious problem in the lives of whistleblowers both personally and professionally.
Why Watch?
To discuss the issues related to privacy one of the most significant debates in our day and the ethics of government surveillance.
3. Food, Inc. (2008)
- Director: Robert Kenner
- Platform: Apple TV+
If you’ve ever wondered about the origin of your food, this documentary is essential viewing. Food, Inc. investigates the industrial food system, focusing on its impact on health, the environment, and labor rights.
Key Insights:
- Industrial farming prioritizes efficiency over ethics.
- Consumers often lack awareness of where their food comes from.
Why Watch?
To become more informed about sustainable and ethical food practices.
4. Seaspiracy (2021)
- Director: Ali Tabrizi
- Platform: Netflix
Seaspieacey is a documentary that quite openly and not at all unapologetically takes up the issue of how over the years, species in the ocean have undergone adverse effects because of the fishing industry. The film itself has challenged widely accepted notions about sustainability and conservation.
Key Insights:
- Overfishing and bycatch are phenomena that cause the degradation and extinction of marine species.
- Most of the organizations pretending to be eco-friendly only care about their products and not about the environment.
Why Watch?
To truly comprehend the outsized impact of the choices that we make in related to our diets and how it effects the planet.
5. 13th (2016)
- Director: Ava DuVernay
- Platform: Netflix
Named after the 13th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, this documentary examines the link between slavery and modern mass incarceration. It highlights systemic racism embedded within the criminal justice system.
Key Insights:
- Prisons disproportionately target minority populations.
- Corporate interests profit from incarceration.
Why Watch?
To understand the historical roots of racial inequality in the U.S.
6. The Act of Killing (2012)
- Directors: Joshua Oppenheimer, Christine Cynn
- Platform: Amazon Prime Video
This unconventional and spooky movie is based on the Indonesian commie slaughter and is shared through the eyes of the butchers. Thereby, through reenactments of their misdeeds, these individuals involuntarily confess insider information concerning their motives and worldviews.
Key Insights:
- Mass violence is customarily overlooked or distorted in historical representations.
- The psychology of cultivators is both thought-provoking and chilling.
Why Watch?
To face off the evil side of us and to get into the depths of societal memories and experiences.
7. Inside Job (2010)
- Director: Charles Ferguson
- Platform: Netflix
A deep dive into the 2008 financial crisis, Inside Job unpacks how systemic corruption within the financial sector led to a global economic meltdown.
Key Insights:
- Deregulation paved the way for reckless financial practices.
- The crisis had devastating effects on millions of ordinary people.
Why Watch?
To understand the economic systems that affect our daily lives.
8. The Cove (2009)
- Director: Louie Psihoyos
- Platform: Amazon Prime Video
This Oscar-winning documentary is the story of the activists who, through their endeavors, reveal the abominable dolphin-killing practices in Taiji, Japan. It is a unique combination of investigative journalism and environmental advocacy.
Key Insights:
- The marine life come under fire from hunting and captivity.
- Getting the word out can therefore encourage policy makers and revitalization workers to act.
Why Watch?
The purpose is to join the world in addressing marine life protection.
9. Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004)
- Director: Michael Moore
- Platform: Apple TV+
The subject of Michael Moore’s film fall into risky the minefield of what America,’s been doing in the wake of 9/11, as the war on terror the foregone egoistical foreign policies are formulated by U.S. and the war.
Key Insights:
- The main reasons why wars usually happen are for companies to make money.
- The media and politicians are able to manipulate the public through manipulation and other political tools.
Why Watch?
To gain a critical perspective on present day geopolitics and media narratives.
10. Wild Wild Country (2018)
- Directors: Chapman Way, Maclain Way
- Platform: Netflix
This docuseries chronicles the rise of the Rajneeshpuram cult in Oregon and the ensuing conflict with local communities. It’s a gripping tale of ambition, belief, and power.
Key Insights:
- Religious movements often straddle the line between spirituality and manipulation.
- Communities can be upended by unchecked ambition.
Why Watch?
To explore the complexities of human behavior and societal dynamics.
Why These Documentaries Matter
All the documentaries on this list make hidden information visible be it political, cultural or historical. When you view these films, you get a more complete picture of the world and the factors that mold it.
Is there any documentary from this list that you have already seen? Let us know by leaving a comment down below!
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