Are you one of those people who say things like, “Hell yeah! I love documentaries!” But then when someone asks you for suggestions, you freeze up and say, “Uh…Blackfish?” for the millionth time. It’s a great documentary and all, but it’s about time you update your box of suggestions.
The list below should get you started. I tried to spread things out a bit, so hopefully everyone will be able to find something they enjoy.
(If you have a favorite documentary that is not Blackfish, then drop a message in the comment section. I’m always looking out for new things to watch.)
No. 5 – “Tig” – Netflix Link
I’ve always thought the best books, films and songs are the ones that can make you laugh and cry. Tig Notaro’s documentary made me laugh and cry. The 44-year-old comedian had a pretty terrible 2012, and if you’re thinking, “I bet it wasn’t as miserable as mine!” You’re wrong. Unless you’re dead, or you lost both your legs in a freak accident while playing Dance Dance Revolution, then your 2012 was nothing compared to Tig’s.
While filming In A World…, she had to be hospitalized for a potentially fatal bacterial infection called C. diff. After barely recovering from that, she was forced to deal with the unexpected death of her mother.
But wait, there’s more! While trying to mourn the loss of her mother, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, which led to a double mastectomy.
When does this story start getting funny? Watch it and you’ll see exactly how Tig made cancer her bitch.
Netflix description: Not everyone would respond to a cancer diagnosis with a comedy set about it. But Tig Notario isn’t everyone.
No. 4 – “Fed Up” – Netflix Link
This is probably one of the more popular documentaries on this list, so I probably don’t need to spend too much time explaining why you should watch it. One of your co-workers/friends/family members have probably already told you how great this documentary is. Some might have even claimed it changed their lives.
And maybe you rolled your eyes at them, but it truly is a wonderful documentary. If you have been avoiding this one, I suggest you give it a chance.
Netflix description: “Childhood obesity has become an ever-more serious medical issue in the United States. This eye-opening documentary examines the underlying causes behind the epidemic, including the marketing strategies of major U.S. food producers.”
No. 3 – “Rich Hill” – Netflix Link
This one surprised me when I watched it. I didn’t know what to expect, but after I watched it I couldn’t stop thinking about it. As someone who grew up poor in a smallish town, I felt like I knew the three main kids in this movie. I’ve lived through some of the same experiences, had some of the same conversations, and watched friends go through the same struggles as Harley.
I realize this means nothing to those who haven’t watched the documentary, so I’ll quit rambling and just tell you that this film won the U.S. Grand Jury Prize: Documentary Award at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival.
And I really love this quote from Indiewire‘s Katie Walsh…
“A truly moving and edifying film, Rich Hill is the type of media object that could and should be put in a time capsule for future generations.”
No. 2 – “Pentatonix: On My Way Home” – Netflix Link
This is the documentary to watch if you just want to smile and watch some talented people live their dreams. Maybe this film means more to me since I’ve followed the group’s career since their days on The Sing-Off, but I believe anybody who is a fan of well-deserved success will enjoy Pentatonix’s story.
If you like watching good things happen to great people, then grab some popcorn and click on that link up there.
No. 1 – “Cowspiracy” – Netflix Link
We all know sometimes it’s possible to be brainwashed by certain documentaries. Most of the time, you’re only getting one side of the story. And while that holds true for Cowspiracy, the important thing to remember is that this is a side no one ever talks about. It’s too controversial. People don’t want to feel bad, they don’t want to think about the issues raised in this documentary because it would require them to change parts of their life they don’t want to change.
And while some reports in the documentary might be amplified to get the point across, it’s nothing compared to the lies that have been shoved down our throats from the other side.
Anyway, it’s an interesting documentary, even if you don’t agree with all the points made. This film was crowdfunded on IndieGoGo, receiving almost $120,000 from over 1,400 contributors. The new cut of the documentary that you see on Netflix was executive-produced by Leonardo DiCaprio.
Netflix description: Learn how factory farming is decimating the planet’s natural resources — and why this crisis has been largely ignored by major environmental groups.
