I'm an avid documentary viewer. There's something about ignorance that makes me uncomfortable, which is why I'm constantly striving to learn about knew things and educate myself in the most engaging way possible. Through my subscription to Netflix, and my school's complimentary subscription to HBO Go (Yay, DePauw!), I've compiled a list of some of my favorite documentaries.

Let me first say, these aren't in any particular order, and these films are by no means the greatest documentaries of all time. These are films that felt particularly pertinent, and presented compelling humanitarian issues that everyone should have some understanding of.

Happy watching!

1. "Into the Abyss" (Netflix)

This documentary profiles Michael Perry, a man on death row convicted of three murders and just eight days from his execution, and Jason Burkett, his co-defendant, sentenced to 40 years. Director Werner Herzog factually presents the horrors of capital punishment, while focusing purely on the criminals themselves and not detailing the crime (there is no doubt of their guilt). The alarming hope presented in such miserable existence is what makes this film so poignantly sad, and beautiful.

2. "Dogs on the Inside" (Netflix)

I don't know about you, but I certainly don't need to convinced of the healing powers of animals. But, I'm a sucker for a good dog story. "Dogs on the Inside" details the cathartic relationship between an abandoned often abused dog, and the rehabilitating prison inmate. Since millions of dogs go without homes each year, and the demand for adoptable, trained dogs is always on the rise, New Leash On Life provides animals, and inmates, a second chance.

3. "White Light/Black Rain" (HBO GO)

In this violently emotional documentary, survivors of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki chronicle the lifelong terrors that follow them after a nuclear bombing. Treated as untouchables in Japan from the effects of nuclear radiation, these brave individuals truly exemplify the persistent, undying hope of humanity--and the clear message, that a nuclear threat can never be acted upon again.

4. "Witness: South Sudan" (HBO GO)

The journalist Veronique de Viguerie covers the fight of the Arrow Boys, a group of farmers who have taken up arms in the fight against Joseph Kony's Lord's Resistance Army. De Viguerie, while she was pregnant, followed the many young men and boys who have committed atrocities in order to survive through the brutal conflict.

5. "Thought Crimes: Cannibal Cop" (HBO GO)

While this documentary clearly chronicles a sensationalized representation of its subject, the main question asked here is, can we be punished for our thoughts? Gilberto Valle was arrested in 2013 for conspiracy to kidnap and eat women. But, if all he did was discuss and "plot" for his sexual fantasies, did he really commit a crime? The testimony of Valle and his family is haunting as this documentary follows the "cannibal cop" through the judicial process.

6. "Dear Zachary: A Letter To A Son About His Father" (Netflix)

This documentary follows Kurt Kuenne's attempt to memorialize his murdered friend, Andrew Bagby. Little did Kurt know, he would soon chronicle justice gone awry, and the untimely death of another loved one. This film is riveting, and leaves no emotion spared.

7. "Miss Representation" (Netflix)

This is one of my all-time favorite documentaries. Whether you have watched it or not, it's no mystery that the advertising industry is rooted in patriarchal sexism. But, until you watch Miss Representation, it's impossible to understand how deeply it is ingrained. Watch this documentary, and begin to piece together (the sparse) positive, modern representations of women--and what you can do to change outdated stereotypes.

8. "This Is Life with Lisa Ling" (Series, Netflix)

Reporter Lisa Ling follows fringe news stories, and delves into their characters in this captivating documentary series. Whether it be the mystical "healing powers" of the hallucinogenic ayahuasca, or the 5,000 member-strong Gay Rodeo Association in Santa Fe, Ling explores unknown, perceived differences--and ultimately, reminds us how alike we all are.

9. "The Drop Box" (Netflix, 2014)

A South Korean Pastor, Lee Jong-rak, builds a "drop box" for abandoned babies in the front door of his home. This film chronicles a few of the lives of the 600 babies that Lee has saved since he established the drop box in 2009. The film's director was so moved by the all-encompassing love that was displayed by Lee towards his "children," that he converted to Christianity.

10. "Restrepo" (Netflix, 2010)

This film, by Sebastian Junger and Tim Hetherington, is now tinged with nostalgic grief. Hetherington, an accomplished journalist and photographer, was killed while covering the conflict in Libya in 2011. Nevertheless, the film's commentary on men in combat, done while following one platoon while serving in Afghanistan for one year, still resonates with an incredibly poignant impact.

11. "K2: Siren of the Himalayas" (2012)

K2 is often called the world's most challenging peak to summit. In 2009, on the 100th anniversary of the landmark 1909 climb of K2, a group of experienced mountaineers began their journey to the top of the perilous peak. The film chronicles their harrowing journey to the top of K2.

12. "Citizenfour" (HBO GO 2015)

This documentary unfolds in real time, as journalist Glen Greenwald and filmmaker Laura Poitras have exclusive access to Eric Snowden, the ex-NSA agent who hands over documents proving mass illegal invasions of privacy by the NSA towards the American people.

13. "Into the Abyss TED Talk Series" (Netflix, 2011)

In a series of TED Talks, a non profit organization devoted to "ideas worth spreading," deep sea exploration is examined and explained in greater depth. For a topic rarely greatly publicized, I found both deep sea life and the possibility of colonization in our waters beyond fascinating. You can't go wrong with a TED Talk.

14. "Jesus Camp" (Netflix) (2006) *Received an Oscar Nomination

This controversial 2006 documentary received an Oscar nomination for best documentary of the year. The film follows three campers attending "Kids on Fire," the radical evangelical Christian camp aimed at creating strong soldiers in "God's Army."

15. "Tales from the Organ Trade" (HBO GO, 2013, *Directed by Ric Esther Bienstock)

In this unyielding expose of the seedy black market organ industry, the film features each aspect of the process of organ donation. From the "donors" themselves, to the surgeons performing the operations, the film manages to take a "bird's eye perspective" and not condemn those who turn to the black market, while examining such bold exchanges of life.

Hope you enjoy these films! Let me know in the comments if there is a documentary you think is especially pertinent right now, that I'm missing!