With classes starting soon, I'm sure that Netflix will suddenly become more appealing to all of us looking for a way to procrastinate. Instead of watching the hundredth episode in the series you've been watching all summer, turn towards Netflix's award-winning selection of documentaries. Navigating the documentaries page can be challenging, so here are some that I have enjoyed.

1. "Blackfish"

Arguably one of Netflix's most famous and widely watched documentaries, "Blackfish" chronicles the hidden side of Sea World. The film criticizes the popular family destination for its mistreatment of whales, claiming that the amount of time they spend in captivity is extremely harmful. The storyline follows Tilikum, a captive killer whale responsible for the deaths of 3 people and contains live footage of some of the attacks. Once a significant player in the sea-park industry, Sea World has been struggling since the film came out in 2013 despite many failed attempts to boost its reputation.

2. "Stuck"

"Stuck" follows the stories of orphans from all over the world and exposes the difficulties that foster parents and orphans have in trying to form a family. The documentary's Facebook page has become a platform for people all over the world to discuss current events in terms of orphans and adoption, ask for donations over social media, and spread the word about harrowing statistics.

3. "How to Die in Oregon"

Physician aid in dying (PAD) is currently legal in the states of Washington, New Mexico, Vermont, and Oregon. In 1994 Oregon passed the Die With Dignity Act, which paved the way for PAD to become legal in the state. "How to Die in Oregon" appeared at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival and has won multiple awards. The documentary explores the emotional, familial, and logistical sides of this extremely emotionally charged issue. "How to Die in Oregon" will definitely make you consider your personal stance on PAD.

4. "Fed Up"

Directed by Katie Couric, "Fed Up" explores the food industry and how it may be responsible for one of the largest problems in America today: childhood obesity. Couric hones in on personal stories of multiple children who are overweight and have been trying to lose weight for years. She follows them to doctors appointments, into their complex home lives, and into the halls of their schools. She challenges everything we've been told about food and exercise and urges Americans everywhere to start making healthier decisions.

5. "Living on One Dollar"

This film follows four friends fresh out of college as they travel to rural Guatemala in an attempt to live on $1 a day for eight weeks. They battle hunger, parasites, and financial stress along the way. According to the United Nations, nearly half of the world's population lives on less than $2 a day and 20 percent lives on less than a dollar a day. That's 2.8 billion people and 1.2 billion people respectively. "Living on One Dollar" will give you a sense of gratitude for simply being able to eat every day.

6. "Food Inc."

"Food Inc." examines the corporate farming business in the United States while exposing some of the all too common gruesome conditions that animals are subject to before they are slaughtered for profit. While there is a focus on the welfare of the animals, there is also emphasis on the negative aspects of the industry that affect its employees. It will make you never want to eat meat again and start a farm in your backyard.

7. "Tricked"

This documentary examines a problem that affects many women across the globe: human trafficking. The directors go deep into the problem, interviewing pimps, girls, and even policemen. This would be an especially timely film to watch considering Amnesty International's recent controversial ruling that prostitution is a human right.

8. "Culture High"

Ever thought about how the drug of choice for many people in recent years has become pot? This film explores how this change has come to happen, goes more in depth about the effects of marijuana itself, and examines the industry that has come about in states that legalized pot such as Oregon and Washington state. With this year's legalization of weed in the District of Columbia the debate about recreational marijuana is sure to continue.

I hope you enjoy watching these documentaries while also learning something in the process!