In the age of Netflix binging and as many streaming devices as you can imagine, there are countless documentaries you can watch that will truly change your mindset. In no particular order here are my top 10 favorites.
1) Whores' Glory
"Whores' Glory" shows what sex workers live like all around the world. It also speaks about sexual slavery and the true epidemic that it is. "Whores' Glory" sheds light on how much we take for granted, and what a dangerous world some women live in every day in order to make ends meet.
2) Central Park 5
Central Park 5 shows the prejudice of the legal system as five minority teenagers are coerced into giving false confessions and doing time for a crime that they did not commit. This documentary shows us the severity of racial profiling and leads us to question our legal system.
3) Every Little Step
"Every Little Step" follows the casting process for the revival of Marvin Hamlisch's musical, "A Chorus Line." The artist in me is obviously obsessed with this one, but I really feel that it opens your eyes to the artistic process, as well as all that performers to in an attempt to achieve their dreams. You get to see who they end up choosing and watch them call their parents as they shriek with excitement about getting the role. I cry every time.
4) The Making of a Murderer
Ok, this one is easy, but if you still haven't seen it it is most definitely a must see. "Making a Murderer," regardless of your opinion, opens your eyes to our legal system and how far a case can go to affect a family and the town surrounding it. Additionally, after this show premiered, efforts to get Steven Avery an appeal skyrocketed, which is pretty cool as the result of a documentary.
5) Alive Inside
"Alive Inside" shows the journey of a man experimenting with music therapy in an assisted living center. This might be my favorite documentary on the list, for it shows an eye opening view of a new form of therapy with the potential to help millions. The man chooses music specifically for each person (gospel music, for the man who used to sing in church), and seeing their faces light up and observing the vast difference in their behavior is extremely heart warming. Again, I cry every time.
6) Lovelace
Ok, "Lovelace" is technically a bio-pic, but I'm including it in this list anyway. Lovelace shows the life of former porn star Linda Lovelace. This bio-pic takes a gritty perspective to show the porn industry and show a side of Linda Lovelace that not many people ever knew about. Through all of the abuse and trials Linda underwent, she managed to escape and become a monumental activist for women's rights. This bio-pic not only shows an in-depth view of the pro industry, but also shows the power of women and how they can overcome (cheesy, I know). Seriously, give this one a try.
