30 Best Documentaries Of All Time That Will Change Your Life

Documentaries are often more powerful than other types of films simply because they show the sides of life that many people would not be able to experience otherwise. Whether this involves a glimpse at the life of an unhealthy adult or traveling with a flock of animals, documentaries have the potential to change your life.

The following documentaries vary in genre and style, but they all have messages that will have an impact on your life.

1. Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead (2010)

By trying a juicing diet, Joe Cross is able to experience a new perspective on life while making the cross-country journey across America. You can watch on Netflix.

2. May I Be Frank? (2010)

Frank’s choice to cut out all toxins and go completely vegan is inspiring for anyone who wants to have a healthier life, both mentally and physically. You can watch it on Hulu.

3. Simply Raw (2009)

This documentary shows the impact a raw diet can have on anyone, especially a group of diabetics who go raw for 30 days. You can watch it on YouTube.

4. Vegucated (2011)

Watch three New Yorkers embark on a vegan diet on Netflix.

5. Food Fight (2004)

Why are there so many packaged foods? And why is junk food cheaper than health foods? Watch on Hulu to see for yourself.

6. Supersize Me (2004)

Though this documentary has been called out for exaggerating the effects of McDonald’s food, it is eye-opening to see how a diet consisting solely of fast food can impact your health. Watch it here and make up your own mind on the issue.

7. Sicko (2007)

Michael Moore’s documentary sheds light on the American health care system and points out the issues that many people who just want to be healthy face every day. Watch the film online here.

8. The Thin Blue Line (1988)

This documentary literally freed a man from prison. Errol Morris’ dedication to discovering the truth behind the Randall Adams’ case led to the reopening of a murder case. Watch the whole documentary on Netflix.

9. Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005)

Director Albert Gibney takes a look into the corporate greed that defrauded thousands of workers in the Enron scandal. Watch it on Hulu here.

10. The Act of Killing (2013)

Focusing on the Indonesian Killings of 1965­–1966, this documentary can be difficult to watch. It confronts the terrible fact that the government contains many of the people involved in the genocide many years ago. You can watch it on Netflix.

11. The Art of the Steal (2009)

This documentary shows the lengths many people will go through to receive private property — in this case, several priceless pieces of art — even if it means breaking apart a man’s clearly-written will. Watch it on Netflix.

12. The Imposter (2012)

This documentary, which feels more like a thriller, examines a couple whose 13-year old son was found three years later in Spain. However, their “son” is clearly a man in his twenties — so for what reasons do they believe this man is their son? Watch it on Netflix.

13. Man on Wire (2008)

When Phillipe Petit strung a wire between the two World Trade Center buildings and walked across it without any safety measures, the world was astounded. You can watch the man behind the feat on Netflix.

14. Inside 9/11 (2006)

Though it is painful to relive, this documentary examines the before, during and after of the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil. Watch it here.

15. A Film Unfinished (2010)

This documentary features an unfinished Nazi-produced film from the 1940s. Lacking both sound and a definitive ending, this film brings an eye-opening view on the Warsaw Ghetto during the Nazi reign. You can watch it on Hulu.

16. In the Shadow of the Moon (2007)

Featuring first-hand testimonies of the only men who set foot on the moon, this documentary serves as a great reminder that there’s a whole universe outside our planet. You can watch it here.

17. Titanic: The Final Word (2012)

Though James Cameron is known for his blockbuster films, he has gone on more expeditions to the Titanic ruins than anyone else in the world. This documentary examines the sinking and shed new light on the infamous disaster.

18. Solo (2008)

In 2007, Andrew McAuley began his journey to be the first man to kayak from Tasmania to New Zealand. Recovered footage of his journey examines the man who was willing to risk his life to achieve this record. You can watch it on Youtube.

19. Touching the Void (2003)

Based on a book by the same name, this documentary shows the events of two men who get separated while climbing the Andes. Hailed as one of the best British documentaries, it conducts interviews with the two men and features reenactments of the events. This is available on Amazon.

20. Blindsight (2006)

This inspiring story features a group of Tibetan blind boys who, shunned by their family and community due to cultural stigma, climb the north side of Mount Everest. You can watch it on Hulu.

21. Gasland (2010)

This film answers questions many people have regarding fracking, while raising questions about why it’s happening today. You can watch it on Youtube.

22. Encounters at the End of the World (2007)

Antarctica has as much beauty and wonder to it as any other part of the world. This film shows the beauty of this land and the people who study it. You can watch it on Amazon.

23. Marley (2012)

Director Kevin Macdonald’s documentary takes a look into this influential musicians life to examine why he’s still influential even today. You can watch it on Netflix.

24. 20 Feet From Stardom (2013)

Behind almost every singer is a group of backup singers. Watch a new perspective of singers on Netflix.

25. Festival Express (2003)

Take a look at one of the biggest musical tours of 1970. A must-see for any music lover, you can watch it here.

26. Senna (2010)

Known as one of the greatest sports documentaries, Senna uses footages from the ‘80s and ‘90s to tell the story of Aryton Senna. His fame as one of the greatest Formula One racers lives on. You can watch it on Netflix.

27. Russell Brand: From Addiction to Recovery (2012)

This documentary covers Russell Brand’s journey from addict to sobriety. Including facts about alcohol addiction and the mental and physical struggles he overcomes, his story can inspire anyone with similar addictions. You can watch it here.

28. Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010)

Created by renowned graffiti artist Banksy, the film proves to be an interesting look at Los Angeles street art and the impact is has on the people. You can watch it on Netflix.

29. Charles Manson: The Man Who Killed the Sixties (1994)

Charles Manson’s belief led to the creation of a cult-like following who would go on to kill seven innocent people. Seeing the impact this man had on people is astounding, especially when you realize what he encouraged. You can watch it online.

30. The Great American Cowboy (1973)

The winner of the 1973 Academy Award for Best Documentary, with plenty of action and thrills, you won’t look at the rodeo the same way again. You can watch it in four parts on YouTube.