To celebrate Veganuary we have created a list of some of our favorite documentaries on veganism, including the environmental and health impact and other ethical dilemmas concerning animal welfare and food production. Whether you have been vegan for years, are going vegan for this month only or are interested in the topics that we just listed - these are definitely worth a watch.

☞ GMO, OMG (2013)

Focusing on the usage of genetically modified organisms in the food production, this documentary manges to be both informative and entertaining. The director, who you’ll often see accompanied by his children, Jeremy Seifert, travels around the U.S to search for the answer to the question: How does GMO affect the planet, workers and our bodies? Starting out as a quest to find out whether or not he is poisoning his children be feeding the products that contain GMO, the documentary shifts between heartwarming moments and serious dilemmas like the dark side of the “multinational agrochemical and agricultural biotechnology corporation”, Monsanto.

*Screenshot from the official trailer to “Blackfish”.*

☞ Blackfish (2010)

“Blackfish” tells the story of the controversial captivity of killer whales, specifically focusing on Sea World and the scandal involving the killer whale Tilikum and the death of a trainer. It explores the dangers for both humans and whales as a result of captivity. Blackfish raises awareness about animal exploitation for the pleasure of humans. Defiantly insightful and a must-see. It can be very emotional to watch but it is important to properly understand the animal abuse that this industry entails.

*Screenshot from the “Forks over knives”.*

☞ Forks over knifes (2011)

“Forks over knifes” is an attempt to understand whether or not degenerative diseases can be controlled by choosing a plant based diet and avoiding processed foods. While addressing a complicated topic, like examining the ways the food industry, government, and health organizations keep important information from the consumers, this documentary still manages to be fascinating and concise. Therefore making it the perfect movie to win over skeptical friends and ease into veganism, as it leaves an impression but still dosen’t come off as too extreme (the same way that some people can end up distancing themselves from animal rights activism etc as a result of brutal marketing stunts/ videos by PETA).

☞ Cowspiracy (2014)

Did you know that animal agriculture is responsible for 18 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, which is more than the combined exhaust from all transportation? This documentary will bring you on a journey where an environmentalist attempts to find a solution to the environmental issues which the world is currently up against. This is a great movie to start your “marathon” with, as it is both shocking, humorous and a real eye opener.

Food matters

“1/4 of what you eat keeps you alive, and 3/4 of what you eat keeps your doctor alive.” This quote from the documentary has been a constant reminder for me to always consider what I am eating, and not to mention how is was produced. The film additionally talked about GMO foods, environmental destruction and how to take care of the planet for future generations.

Best speech you’ll ever hear by Gary Yourofsky

This speech was held by the American animal rights activist and lecturer Yourovsky in 2010 and takes you through all the facts you need in order to go vegan. He talked about the meat, dairy and egg industry as well as what it is like to have pet animals when you’re vegan.

☞ 101 reasons to go vegan (on youtube)

I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to witness one of these speeches live, while attending a vegan festival and I can say for sure that it will leave an impression. It is The Animal Rights Foundation of Florida who is responsible for this captivating, informative and inspiring hour and it is presented by the charismatic Humane Educator, James Wildman. Although it can be emotional at times, it is also full of humor which means that it is especially suitable for those who are new to veganism.

☞ Earthlings (on youtube)

Earthlings is a documentary based on footage using hidden cameras and unseen footage from meat factories, The documentary focuses predominantly on the day-to-day practices of one of the most profitable industries in the world today. Additionally, the film showcases just how cruel and inhumane the meat industry is today.

☞ Vegucated

This documentary follows three meat- and cheese-loving New Yorkers who are adopting the vegan diet for six weeks. Throughout the documentary we get a more personal connection to the individuals, as well as how they feel and think about changing their diet so drastically. This documentary is especially for those who are highly uncertain if it is possible to “regular” people to adapt this lifestyle and have the ability to attain it throughout a hectic everyday life.

Top 9 documentaries about vegansim