38 Films Exploring Existential Themes
38 titles
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Confessions of an Eco-TerroristMovie · 2011"Confessions of an Eco-Terrorist" offers a unique perspective on environmental activism. Through the experiences of Peter Jay Brown (of "Whale Wars"), the film provides an intimate look at the lives of activists who dedicate themselves to protecting marine life. These individuals, often considered pioneers of the modern environmental movement, share their stories of direct action and unwavering commitment.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.2 - 2
Eating You AliveMovie · 2016 · 95mThe food we eat is directly linked to the chronic diseases that plague us, and altering our diets can lead to significant health improvements.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.3 - 3
Waiting for "Superman"Movie · 2010 · 111m · DocumentaryDavis Guggenheim, director of *An Inconvenient Truth*, delivers a powerful and moving film in *Waiting for Superman*. It's a sharp critique of the American education system, but with an underlying sense of optimism.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.9 - 4
BlackfishMovie · 2013 · 83m · DocumentaryBlackfish examines the troubling effects of keeping highly intelligent and emotional animals like killer whales in captivity. The documentary focuses on Tilikum, a notorious orca who has been involved in the deaths of three people, including a trainer. It reveals the sometimes tragic consequences of this practice.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.8 - 5
Exit Through the Gift ShopMovie · 2010 · 86m · DocumentaryBanksy is a world-famous graffiti artist whose art appears on walls worldwide, from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina to the West Bank. He fiercely protects his anonymity to avoid legal trouble and has never been filmed. *Exit Through the Gift Shop* is the surprising true story of a quirky French shop owner who tried to find and befriend Banksy, only for the artist to redirect the camera back at him.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.5 - 6
Forks Over KnivesMovie · 2011 · 90m · DocumentaryThis film explores the idea that many chronic diseases can be managed or even reversed by changing what we eat. It investigates the concept of food as medicine. The film follows people with conditions like heart disease and diabetes as they try a whole-foods, plant-based diet. Doctors guide them through the process, and the film documents their struggles and successes.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.1 - 7
Fed UpMovie · 2014 · 95m · DocumentaryFed Up exposes a 30-year effort by the food industry, with government support, to deceive Americans about food and weight loss. This campaign has led to a major public health crisis.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.3 - 8
SeaspiracyMovie · 2021 · 89m · Documentary, CrimeDriven by a love for the ocean, a filmmaker documents the damage humans inflict on marine life. The project leads them to uncover a disturbing worldwide conspiracy.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.8 - 9
Food MattersMovie · 2010 · 74m · DocumentaryModern society's increasing health problems stem from poor nutrition, artificial ingredients in food, and over-reliance on medication to address underlying bodily deficiencies. *Food Matters* explores the global health industry, valued at trillions of dollars, and offers scientifically sound natural solutions for healing.IMDb 7.6TMDB 6.7 - 10
GMO OMGMovie · 2013 · 90m · Documentary, FamilyIn the United States today, we unknowingly participate in a massive experiment: consuming genetically engineered food. We eat GMOs every day, but the long-term effects on our health and the environment are largely unknown, and growing studies raise increasing concerns. "GMO OMG" follows a father's journey of discovery about GMOs and their impact on his three young children and the world. It’s a call to action, suggesting we still have time to heal the planet, feed the world sustainably, but only if we begin now.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.8 - 11
Diet FictionMovie · 2019 · 84mFilmmaker Michal Siewierski explores the contentious world of weight loss and dieting, revealing surprising truths and challenging widespread myths perpetuated by the industry for decades. The film examines the often-severe impact of obesity on individuals' lives while also presenting innovative approaches and science-backed evidence that may offer a path to lasting weight loss and better health.IMDb 5.7TMDB 8.0 - 12
SickoMovie · 2007 · 123m · Documentary, Comedy, DramaThis documentary exposes the profit-driven flaws within the U.S. healthcare system, revealing how financial gain is prioritized over patient well-being. The core business model of American healthcare providers relies on denying coverage to maximize profits: "The more people you deny health insurance, the more money we make."IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.4 - 13
Overfed & UndernourishedMovie · 2014*Overfed and Undernourished* explores a worldwide health crisis and the impact of contemporary living through a young boy's determined and intimate path to improving his well-being from within.IMDb 6.4TMDB 7.2 - 14
Cowspiracy: The Sustainability SecretMovie · 2014 · 90m · DocumentaryThis is a funny and surprising story about a young person passionate about protecting the environment. He sets out to discover the actual solutions to our biggest environmental problems and find a genuine path toward sustainability.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.6 - 15
Genetic Roulette: The Gamble of our LivesMovie · 2012 · 85mThe US government disregarded repeated warnings from its scientists and approved untested genetically modified (GM) crops for use in our environment and food. This decision was an unprecedented risk.IMDb 6.8TMDB 5.3 - 16
Prescription ThugsMovie · 2016 · 86m · DocumentaryThe United States accounts for three-quarters of global prescription drug use. Driven by the loss of his brother to prescription drug addiction, documentarian Chris Bell investigates this widespread problem. His inquiry into the pharmaceutical industry and medical professionals reveals insights from addiction experts, personal stories from those battling addiction, and testimonies from whistleblowers detailing the financial pressures influencing drug development. The investigation ultimately leads Bell to confront the origins of this crisis within his own family.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.5 - 17
The Bleeding EdgeMovie · 2018 · 99m · DocumentaryEvery year, the United States sees remarkable advancements in medical diagnostics, treatments, and technology. However, what happens when these very tools intended to help patients cause harm? Who is responsible?IMDb 7.6TMDB 6.8 - 18
The End of MeatMovie · 2017 · 94mDespite growing evidence of meat's harmful effects on the planet and our health, and declining animal welfare, people continue to love meat. In *The End of Meat*, filmmaker Marc Pierschel explores what a world without meat would be like. He encounters Esther the Wonder Pig, a viral internet sensation; speaks with vegan pioneers in Germany; visits India's first fully vegetarian city; observes rescued farm animals thriving; and sees innovators creating meat and dairy alternatives, even harvesting "bacon" from the ocean. *The End of Meat* reveals the hidden consequences of eating meat, examines the possibilities of a more compassionate diet, and questions the future of animals in our society.IMDb 6.5TMDB 7.5 - 19
ChristspiracyMovie · 2024 · 111m · DocumentaryThis film explores the ethical complexities of how humans treat animals and the businesses that profit from animal exploitation, drawing on perspectives from major world religions. It traces the historical development of these issues to explain the present-day global landscape.IMDb 8.5TMDB 9.1 - 20
Fat, Sick & Nearly DeadMovie · 2010 · 97m · DocumentaryJoe Cross, weighing 100 pounds more than he should, is battling a severe autoimmune disease while taking steroids. He feels hopeless, seeing himself as a 310-pound man with a grim future. FAT, SICK & NEARLY DEAD is an inspiring film following Joe's journey to reclaim his health.IMDb 7.5TMDB 6.7 - 21
Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead 2Movie · 2014 · 89m · DocumentaryIn the award-winning *Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead*, Joe Cross documented his transformation from overweight and ill to healthy and fit through a 60-day juice fast. *Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead 2* follows his efforts to maintain those healthy habits in the long term.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.0 - 22
Running for Good: The Fiona Oakes DocumentaryMovie · 2018 · 74mRunning for Good follows world record marathon runner Fiona Oakes as she aims to break a new global endurance record and compete in the Marathon Des Sables, a grueling 250km race across the Sahara Desert. Fiona is the fastest woman to have run a marathon on all seven continents and to the North Pole, in both total time and time taken. Her accomplishments are remarkable considering she was told at 14 she would likely never walk, let alone run, and has undergone over 17 knee surgeries, including the removal of her entire right kneecap. Driven by a desire to raise awareness for animal welfare, Fiona uses her incredible speed and endurance to support a sanctuary for over 450 animals, which she cares for daily.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.9 - 23
David Attenborough: A Life on Our PlanetMovie · 2020 · 83m · Documentary, DramaThis film chronicles a lifetime spent exploring Earth's natural wonders, as seen through the eyes of the world's most renowned natural historian. In over nine decades, Attenborough has journeyed to every continent, documenting the planet's diverse wildlife and landscapes. The film addresses the critical challenges facing life today, ultimately offering a hopeful vision for generations to come.IMDb 8.9TMDB 8.4 - 24
The Invisible VeganMovie · 2019 · 84m"The Invisible Vegan" is a 90-minute documentary examining unhealthy eating habits within the African-American community. It highlights the potential for improved health and well-being through adopting a plant-based vegan diet and lifestyle.IMDb 7.6TMDB 9.7 - 25
The CoveMovie · 2009 · 92m · Documentary"The Cove" recounts the remarkable true story of a dedicated team of filmmakers and freedivers who secretly entered a secluded cove in Japan to expose a disturbing and dangerous truth. Their startling findings revealed a much larger, more troubling reality.IMDb 8.4TMDB 7.9 - 26
VegucatedMovie · 2011 · 76mThis film explores the difficulties of switching to a vegan lifestyle. It follows three New Yorkers who enjoy meat and cheese as they commit to a vegan diet for six weeks.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.7 - 27
Escape Fire: The Fight to Rescue American HealthcareMovie · 2012 · 100mThe healthcare system is deeply flawed, with powerful interests prioritizing profit over patient well-being. This is fueling a major political debate. However, the core issue isn't just about cost and access; it's that we focus on treating illness instead of promoting health. After years of resistance, a new movement advocating for affordable, preventative care is gaining momentum.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.7 - 28
MilkedMovie · 2021 · 89mA young activist journeys into the heart of New Zealand's dairy industry to challenge its powerful players. He uncovers how this major industry has been exploited and exposes the urgent issues of sustainability and the looming challenges facing agriculture. His investigation reveals potential solutions for New Zealand and other nations to address these problems.IMDb 8.0TMDB 9.3 - 29
Unlocking the CageMovie · 2016 · 90mFilmmakers D.A. Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus document animal rights activist Steven Wise as he fights in court for a groundbreaking legal case. Wise aims to grant certain animals legal personhood using the writ of habeas corpus. His plaintiffs are chimpanzees, Tommy and Kiko, former entertainment stars now facing dire living conditions. The film follows Wise and his legal team as they gather compelling evidence of animal abuse and challenge our understanding of non-human animals.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.8 - 30
Food ChoicesMovie · 2016 · 90m · DocumentaryThis documentary examines how what we eat affects our health, the environment, and other living creatures. It also addresses common misunderstandings about food and diet.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.2 - 31
The Need to GrowMovie · 2019 · 96mWith only sixty years of viable farmland remaining, and climate change intensifying, rethinking our use of Earth's resources is critical. *The Need to Grow* offers a personal look at activists and innovators reshaping the future of food. It follows an eight-year-old girl questioning a prominent organization's practices, a farmer fighting to preserve his land while pioneering sustainable agriculture, and a brilliant inventor facing disaster as she develops potentially revolutionary technology.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.4 - 32
UnityMovie · 2015 · 99m · DocumentaryDespite advancements in science, literature, technology, philosophy, and religion, humanity continues to inflict violence on each other, animals, and the environment. UNITY explores the enduring question of why we struggle to coexist peacefully, even after millennia of progress.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.5 - 33
Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important ThingsMovie · 2015 · 79m · DocumentaryWhat if living with less could improve your life? The Minimalists, a popular simple-living couple, explore the diverse ways people embrace minimalism by showing audiences how it impacts their everyday lives.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.6 - 34
What the HealthMovie · 2017 · 97m · DocumentaryFilmmaker Kip Andersen explores a method for preventing and reversing chronic illnesses, and examines why major health organizations appear to suppress this information.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.8 - 35
Hungry for ChangeMovie · 2012 · 89m · DocumentaryEveryone desires more energy, a perfect physique, and youthful skin. Why isn't it achievable? "Hungry For Change," the newest film from "Food Matters," reveals unsettling truths the diet, weight loss, and food industries hide. It exposes deceptive tactics meant to fuel endless cravings. Could the foods we consume be trapping us in a cycle of dieting?IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.7 - 36
The Game ChangersMovie · 2019 · 88m · DocumentaryThe film follows a diverse group of individuals – from UFC fighters and special forces to scientists, celebrities, and ordinary people – as they pursue innovative solutions to change how we eat and live. Their journeys take them to locations worldwide, including Las Vegas, Dartmouth, Berlin, and Zimbabwe, all driven by a desire for a significant impact.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.3 - 37
PlantPure NationMovie · 2015 · 95mThree individuals launch a pilot project to record the positive effects of eating a diet consisting entirely of plants.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.9 - 38
Breaking Boundaries: The Science of Our PlanetMovie · 2021 · 73m · DocumentaryIn this film, David Attenborough and scientist Johan Rockström explore the accelerating loss of life on Earth and discuss potential paths to avoid this critical crisis.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.5
