When it comes to making a meaningful lifestyle change, a little inspiration can go a long way. Whether you’re just starting to explore plant-based living or you’re looking for fresh motivation to stay on track, plant-based documentaries can be a powerful way to deepen your understanding — and spark real change.

Below is a curated list of seven incredible films that offer everything from practical health advice to environmental insights. Some focus purely on nutrition, while others zoom out to show the bigger picture of how food choices impact the world around us.

Plant-Based Documentaries to Watch

Forks Over Knives (2011)

This groundbreaking film examines the link between diet and chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes, making a compelling case for the power of whole-food, plant-based eating to prevent and even reverse illness.

  • Who Should Watch: Perfect for anyone interested in the science behind why a plant-based diet is so powerful.
  • Criticism to Consider: Some viewers note that the documentary focuses mainly on anecdotal success stories and could have included a broader range of scientific perspectives.
  • Where to Watch For Free: Tubi or online at the FORKS OVER KNIVES website.

What the Health (2017)

This provocative documentary looks closely at the relationships between government organizations, the healthcare industry, and the food business. It dives into how our diets may be contributing to chronic health issues — and what we can do about it.

  • Who Should Watch: Ideal for those curious (or skeptical) about how big industry influences public health.
  • Criticism to Consider: Some critics argue that the film sensationalizes certain health claims and oversimplifies complex nutrition science.
  • Where to Watch For Free: Netflix (with subscription) or online at the WHAT THE HEALTH website.

The Game Changers (2018)

Produced by James Cameron and featuring elite athletes, this documentary busts the myth that peak physical performance requires animal protein. It’s motivating for anyone who wonders if plant-based eating can fuel serious strength, endurance, and recovery.

  • Who Should Watch: Athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone who loves a good challenge to the status quo.
  • Criticism to Consider: Some reviewers felt the film selectively highlighted the most impressive outcomes without showing the full range of athletic experiences on a plant-based diet.
  • Where to Watch: Netflix (with subscription), to find out more check out their website THE GAME CHANGERS.

Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones (2023)

This engaging series explores “Blue Zones” — regions around the world where people routinely live past 100 years. Diet is a major part of the story, and a mostly plant-based approach plays a big role in their longevity.

  • Who Should Watch: Anyone interested in healthy aging, long-term wellness, and lifestyle design.
  • Criticism to Consider: Some experts note that while diet is crucial, other factors like social connection and stress reduction also play key roles and should not be overlooked.
  • Where to Watch: Netflix

You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment (2024)

This fascinating series follows identical twins eating dramatically different diets — one plant-based and one omnivorous — to show how quickly food choices can affect health at the genetic level.

  • Who Should Watch: Fans of science-backed experiments and those curious about the immediate effects of plant-based eating.
  • Criticism to Consider: A few viewers pointed out that the short study duration may not reflect longer-term outcomes.
  • Where to Watch: Netflix

Kiss the Ground (2020)

While not entirely focused on diet, this documentary makes an important case for regenerative agriculture and the role of healthy soil in fighting climate change. Eating more plants is a powerful solution highlighted throughout.

  • Who Should Watch: Those passionate about the environment and sustainable living.
  • Criticism to Consider: Some environmentalists feel the film leans heavily on optimism without fully addressing the scale of systemic change needed.
  • Where to Watch: Netflix, Vimeo, Amazon Prime

PlantPure Nation (2015)

Following the journey of Dr. T. Colin Campbell and his son Nelson, this film captures the real-world challenges of promoting plant-based nutrition in communities and political systems resistant to change.

  • Who Should Watch: Grassroots advocates and anyone curious about why plant-based diets aren’t more widely promoted.
  • Criticism to Consider: Some audiences felt the film was more advocacy-driven than neutral, which may limit its appeal to skeptical viewers.
  • Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, YouTube, Apple TV

Suggested Viewing Order for Plant-Based Documentaries

If you’re new to plant-based eating:

  • Forks Over Knives
  • What the Health
  • The Game Changers

If you’re more focused on environmental or lifestyle/longevity changes:

  • Kiss the Ground
  • Live to 100
  • You Are What You Eat

A Thoughtful Note on Critical Viewing

Documentaries are designed to be engaging — sometimes even provocative — to get viewers thinking. While each of these plant-based documentaries offers important insights, it’s always wise to supplement them with your own research or conversations with healthcare professionals, especially if you’re considering major dietary changes.

Turn Inspiration into Action

  • Choose one plant-based documentary to watch this week.
  • Invite a friend or family member to watch with you — it’s more fun and can spark great conversations.
  • Write down three takeaways after each film.
  • Pick one small change you can try based on what you learned.

Big transformations often start with small, thoughtful steps. These documentaries just might be the spark that lights the way.

Want even more inspiration? Explore ORGANIZING A PLANT-BASED LIFE for practical tips, simple swaps, and starter ideas to make your journey easier and more exciting.