Whether it’s the one section of Netflix you are always avoiding, or the section you open and then immediately close because you are so overwhelmed, documentaries do not have to be the inaccessible thing you always imagined them to be. There is a documentary about literally every topic under the sun and they are an easy way for you to learn a large amount of information in an entertaining way. Below are the seven best (and most interesting) documentaries on Netflix that you can choose the next time you want to procrastinate.
"Miss Representation"
This is one of my absolute favorite documentaries. It explores the subtleties of sexism in America especially within the media. Several women of high status are interviewed about their experience with sexism and how they have had to cope with it. One of the most interesting aspects of the documentary is when it explores internalized misogyny and how this affects women."Bill Cunningham New York"
Bill Cunningham is probably the most fascinating man in the world of fashion photography. This documentary explores his relationship with every type of woman and man in fashion and how he has evenhandedly brought them into the spotlight. His pure morals, love for philanthropy, and desire to capture a thrillingly dressed person are captured perfectly in this beautiful documentary."Blackfish"
The crimes committed by SeaWorld have been revealed to the common public, partially in thanks to this haunting documentary. Following the story of Tilikum and his journey from several different water amusement parks, the documentary works to expose the injustice at play in a corporation’s desire for money."Happy"
In a capitalist society, it is easy to associate money with happiness and leave it at that. This documentary attempts to get to the bottom of what happiness is, visiting people from all walks of life with only one thing in common: happiness."Food, Inc."
So where does your food really come from? How much does the food industry really care about our health? How humane are animals treated in this industry? This documentary tackles all the hard questions that we try to ignore during our everyday life when we stand in line at the grocery store and shoves it in our face."Cowspiracy"
Along the same lines as "Food, Inc.", "Cowspiracy" focuses on factory farming and the negative effects it has on our health and the environment. Not for the faint of heart, this documentary exposes how detrimental factory farming on such a large scale can be. It also exposes why these issues have been ignored by activists.
"Dark Girls"
This captivating documentary exposes the internalized racism of African American women. Although extremely controversial, the message it conveys is an important one. The documentary shows the hardships dark African American women face in trying to find their beauty and what they have gone through trying to find it in a society that has taught them to associate light skin with pretty.
Along the same lines as "Food, Inc.", "Cowspiracy" focuses on factory farming and the negative effects it has on our health and the environment. Not for the faint of heart, this documentary exposes how detrimental factory farming on such a large scale can be. It also exposes why these issues have been ignored by activists.
Despite your choice between these thought-provoking films, you are bound to choose one that is insightful and gives you more knowledge about the topic.
