41 Vegan Documentaries That Will Make You Drop That Chicken Finger

​Veganism is a way of living where individuals ​exclude all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty as far as possible and practical.

This includes all animal ingredients such as meat, dairy, eggs, and honey (Although honey is a controversial topic where some vegans swear against it and others are ok with it). Vegans also avoid leather, fur, and any other clothing item made out of animal materials.

Vegans do not support testing on animals (which the majority of cosmetic companies are guilty of), and do not partake in the use of animals for entertainment in facilities such as zoos or aquariums.

It might sound like a lot, but it boils down to one simple belief - that animals were not put on this earth for humans to use. They are here with us, not for us. 

This is an extremely high percentage, and it truly shows the power of documentaries. Taking 1 hour out of your day to watch a recommended documentary can truly change the rest of your life.

Documentaries have the power to open people’s minds and educate them, giving them the knowledge and inspiration needed to make a change in their lives for the better.

In this article, we have compiled one of the most comprehensive lists out there of vegan documentaries. We have sorted the films by category.

• If you are most interested in improving your health through veganism, simply check out the health documentaries.
• If you are passionate about animal rights, we have plenty of documentaries for you to check out.
• If you are an environmentalist, there are films dedicated to how veganism relates to the health of planet earth.

We even have a category dedicated to biographies and true stories. Grab a friend, family member, companion animal, or even just some vegan snacks and prepare to have your life transformed.

New to veganism? ​WAIT!

To avoid getting overwhelmed here are the documentaries we believe you should watch first.

Animal Ethics Documentaries

The documentaries in this category will largely focus on the way that animals are treated within the food industry. Factory farms are hell for all animals, as you will soon learn.

If you previously thought that humans were meant to eat animals and that it’s part of the food chain, you’ll learn why this notion is false after watching even just one of these documentaries.

Many of these documentaries are graphic, because, unfortunately, the truth of what these animals endure in their short lives is not pretty. We made sure to include a brief overview of each documentary along with a rating of how graphic it is.

1. Meet Your Meat (2002)

This is the shortest documentary of the list. It’s a brief film that was created by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) that is narrated by activist Alec Baldwin.

He exposes the truth behind mankind’s cruelest innovation- factory farms. This is a graphic video that shows realistic footage of how animals are treated today. 

2. Earthlings (2005)

This documentary has turned more people vegan than any other film has. It is extremely powerful and moving, and definitely deserves to be called the most influential vegan documentary out there.

It is narrated by Joaquin Phoenix, and throughout the film, you learn about the barbaric way that animals are treated in the food, pet, clothing, entertainment, and science industry. The film uses realistic footage from undercover cameras, and it is extremely graphic. It does not sugarcoat or hide anything.

The main point of this documentary is to portray that animals feel pain and that they were not put on this earth for us to use.

Despite the fact that this is one of the most graphic documentaries out there, it’s a must-watch for anyone struggling to make the connection between the food on their plate and sentient beings.

3. Speciesism (2013)

Are humans superior to all animals? Are you a speciesist? You’ll find out after watching this documentary. In this video, filmmaker Mark Devries investigates factory farms to try and understand what goes on behind the scenes.

He talks to the farm owners directly and interviews many people about why they believe humans are above animals. After watching this film, you’ll never look at animals (especially humans) the same way again. 

4. The Animals Film (2007)

This is a British film that shows undercover footage of how animals in the U.K. are treated. It documents the exploitation and torture that humans put upon animals for the sake of making a profit.

Through watching this documentary, you’ll learn that it’s not just farmers who are inflicting pain upon animals - it’s also drug companies, scientists, governments, university research laboratories, and many more parts of society. 

5. The Ghosts in Our Machine (2013)

This is a powerful video that shows the lives of the ghosts (the animals) in our machines (industries such as factory farms that exploit animals).

Photojournalist Jo-Anne McArthur is featured in this film, it follows along her travels of the world to reveal the truth about the meat and dairy industry, the fur industry, and also the animal testing industry.

It’s very emotional  and easy to feel the pain that Jo-Anne feels when she breaks into buildings to photograph animals, only to have to leave them behind.

This film is inspiring because it’s not completely sad - it also shows joyful scenes of animals living peacefully at sanctuaries, providing a sense of hope for the future. 

6. Food, Inc. (2008)

Food, Inc. is a documentary that is commonly shown in schools. It exposes the truth behind how much animal agriculture has changed these past few decades, and how only a handful of companies control all of the animal food production.

It highlights the suffering of not only the animals in this industry but the health of the workers and the environment. 

Even though we’ve included this documentary on our list of vegan documentaries that expose the truth about how animals are treated industrially, it, unfortunately, promotes “humane” and “local” farming as a solution, as opposed to the simple answer, which is veganism.

Other than that, it is a good documentary that proves we have the power to change the world with our food choices.  

7. Lucent (2014)

Lucent is a powerful documentary that explores the pig industry in Australia. It combines both hand-held and hidden/undercover camera footage. The footage shown in this film is from over 50 different farms and slaughterhouses across Australia.

It exposes the day-to-day cruelty that pigs have to endure, and shows how this cruelty is common practice and widely accepted within the industry. 

8. Facing Animals (2012)

Facing Animals is a Dutch documentary about our wildly conflicting perception of non-human animals.

Why do we ignore the suffering of billions of farm animals while pampering others?

This is the main question that this documentary focuses on. Filmmaker Jan Van Ijken gives the invisible farm animals a face, and invites viewers to truly think about the value of an animal, and why we treat them the way that we do.

10. Farm to Fridge, The Truth Behind Meat Production (2011)

This short film was made by the non-profit animal rights organization Mercy for Animals. Narrated by James Cromwell, it exposes viewers to the often unseen journey that billions of animals have to make each year from farm, to fridge.

There’s a lot of information packed into this short film and it’s enough to make anyone reach for the soy chicken at the grocery store. 

11. Death on a Factory Farm (2009)

This documentary follows one specific undercover investigation of Wiles Hog Farm, by the animal rights group the Humane Farming Association. It focuses on the court case against it, using footage that an undercover worker got during the 6 weeks that he worked there.

The evidence that he gathered leads to a trial for animal cruelty, and the verdict that the Judge makes surprises everyone. 

12. Land of Hope and Glory (2017)

This documentary was inspired by the influential documentary Earthlings that was made in 2005. In the UK, many people believe that the common practices that we see towards animals in North America doesn’t happen in their country.

How is this possible when in the UK alone, one billion land animals are slaughtered every year for meat, dairy, and eggs?

The Land of Hope and Glory aims to show the truth about UK farm animals, through many investigations and undercover footage. There are around 100 UK facilities shown throughout the film.

Environmental Documentaries

You cannot be a meat eating environmentalist.

The documentaries in this category will all explain why. Animal agriculture affects all aspects of the environment such as the oceans, water usage, land usage, ocean dead zones, species extinction, air quality, and so much more.

The documentaries in this section are an absolute must-see for anyone who even slightly cares about the earth that we all live on.

13. Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret (2014)

Cowspiracy is by far the most influential and educational documentary when it comes to the impact of animal agriculture.

When you watch this film, you will discover that animal agriculture is actually the leading cause of climate change. It produces more greenhouse gasses than the entire transportation sector combined, and it’s the leading cause of deforestation, the destruction of the Amazon rainforest, and desertification.

Shocked? You will never look at animal products the same way again after watching this film.

You will see first hand how the filmmaker, Kip Anderson, approaches the largest environmental organizations such as Greenpeace to ask them why they’re so afraid to talk about this gigantic issue that’s impossible to ignore. 

14. Meat the Truth (2007)

This is another powerful documentary about the massive destruction that animal agriculture causes to the planet.

It focuses on global warming, asking: why do most films about global warming never touch on factory farming? It’s common that animal agriculture is rarely brought up in discussions about climate change, but Meat the Truth shows the true effect that it has.

A Dutch politician named Marianne Thieme travels to the United States to interview countless scientists, activists, and even cattle ranchers to learn about their views. 

15. PlanEat (2010)

This British documentary follows the story of three men’s search for a sustainable diet that isn’t only beneficial for their health, but also for the environment.

This film features chefs, scientists, and doctors to convince everyone to reexamine the love affair they have with meat and dairy. The documentary features work by Dr. T. Colin Campbell, Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, along with Professor Gidon Eshel.

This is a wonderful documentary because it leaves you inspired and ready to make a change. PlanEat shows how many of the world’s problems can be solved without resorting to a boring diet of lettuce and apples.

16. Before the Flood (2016)

This documentary is presented by National Geographic. It is not a vegan documentary, however, it’s a must-see for anyone who cares about the environment.

It features Leonardo DiCaprio traveling to five continents to witness firsthand the effects of climate change.

Scientists explain and uncover the reality of climate change, and he also meets with political leaders to discuss the inaction that occurs. DiCaprio says:

“This documentary shows how interconnected the fate of all humanity is — but also the power we all possess as individuals to build a better future for our planet.”

17. Food Choices (2016)

This is a very new and powerful documentary that isn’t strictly focused on the environmental impacts of animal agriculture, though it definitely touches on it.

Filmmaker Michal Siewierski explores the impact that food (animal products) has on people’s health and the health of our planet. He sheds light on many common misconceptions about food and diet, and interviews many world-renowned experts about a plant-based diet.

After this video, you will feel educated about every aspect of veganism and you’ll certainly never look at your plate of animal-based foods the same way again.

This film teaches you how to eat better, live better, and how to help save the planet.

Health Documentaries 

The documentaries in this category will educate you about the health benefits of a plant-based diet.

Plants have the power to heal many diseases, cancers, and other illnesses. They help with weight loss, skin issues, digestion, and so much more.

These documentaries will teach you how to easily change your diet so that you can truly thrive, and add years to your life.

18. ​What The Health (2017)

​This film is a must-watch that exposes both government and big business corruption in he food industry.

​Not only does What The Health show you the immense problems with the standard American diet, but it also provides you with solutions. Leading nutrition experts such as Michael Greger and John A. McDougall are interviewed in this film.

If I had to recommend one documentary and one documentary alone, without a doubt it would be What The Health.

19. Fillet Oh Fish (2014)

We all know vegetarians that still eat fish. In today’s day and age, most people will agree that fish is healthy and necessary for human health. After all, we need Omega 3’s, right?

The global consumption of fish has doubled in the past 40 years. This video will expose the truth about fish - is it really as healthy as we think? What do the fish eat before we eat them? How do the fish get on our plate?

It’s truly eye-opening and will convince you to simply add some flaxseeds and walnuts to your diet instead of seafood. 

20​. Forks Over Knives (2011)

This is an amazing documentary for people who are new to the vegan lifestyle and want to learn more about the health benefits.

It features expert doctors including Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, who both grew up on farms consuming plenty of animal protein. After researching scientific data, they couldn’t ignore the evidence and switched to a plant-based diet.

The doctors in this film explain how a plant-based diet can stop obesity, and even heal or reverse the most common diseases in today’s society.

It also takes you along the journey of a handful of people who tried a plant-based diet out for themselves to improve their lives.

​21. Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead 

Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead follows the weight loss/health journey of Joe Cross.

He weighed 310 pounds, was on steroids, and suffered from an autoimmune disease. He knew he had to make a change in his life, and this film takes you on Joe’s personal journey of regaining his health.

It focuses on juicing and the health benefits you can receive from fresh fruits and vegetables.

During the documentary, Joe meets a truck driver who suffers from similar issues to him. This man, Phil, begins his own health transformation as well.

This is a very inspiring and uplifting documentary that proves you have the power to heal yourself, and the only person that can save you is yourself.

​22. Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days (2009)

This documentary follows the lives of six American diabetic patients on their quest to overcome their disease by eating raw food.

Prior to this film, their diet consisted heavily of animal products. They switched to eating pure raw fruits and vegetables to reverse their diabetes without the help of any pharmaceutical medication.

Viewers see their physical, medical, and emotional transformation throughout this 30 day journey. This is a must-watch for anyone who is diabetic.

​23. PlantPure Nation (2015)

The documentary PlantPure Nation follows the journey of three people who are on a mission to spread the message of a powerful health breakthrough they discovered (the benefits of a plant based diet).

It features Dr. T. Colin Campbell, and his son Nelson. They encounter many challenges and agribusiness lobbyists try hard to silence them, but they know that the message needs to be spread and heard so they don’t give up.

PlantPure Nation explores important issues such as food deserts, small family farms, modern medicine, and the challenges that these people encounter when trying to get plant-based nutrition included in politics.

​24. The Engine 2 Kitchen Rescue (2011)

This documentary features Rip Esselstyn, a former firefighter and triathlete.

The film focuses on two different families that Rip visits to teach them about how to transition to a whole foods, plant-based diet. He takes them grocery shopping and goes through their kitchen with them to get rid of any unhealthy food.

This video is great for beginners who are new to the lifestyle because you can put yourself in the position of the families as he teaches about the benefits of a plant based diet.

You’ll also get some great meal ideas and learn about some delicious recipes that you can cook for yourself and your family.

​25. Food Matters (2008)

This is a great documentary that explores the reasons why society is sick, and how to fix this. It raises questions about the modern health care system and how more and more people are getting sick, despite the billions of dollars that go into health care funding and research for cures.

Food Matters brings up the important point that we focus on treating symptoms instead of getting to the root cause.

One negative aspect of this film is that some of the people interviewed (who have questionable credibility) claim that even cooked plants are poison. This is obviously based on pure opinion and not scientific evidence at all, so it can be misleading to people who are new to the plant-based lifestyle.

It also pushes supplements rather than making the point that most of the supplements you could possibly need are already found in plant foods.

Overall, it is a good documentary with beneficial information, but there is also quite a bit of misinformation.

​26. Hungry for Change (2012)

Hungry for Change is a follow up to the above documentary, Food Matters. Similar to how Food Matters included both educational information but also a bit of pseudoscience, Hungry For Change does that as well.

It includes very good points about how the food and diet industry aims to make money and keep people sick instead of helping them get better, however, it doesn’t specifically tell people to follow a plant-based diet, and the harmful health effects of animal products are not touched upon enough.

While this documentary may not be in our top ten, it is worth mentioning for its informative content.

​27. Eating You Alive (2016)

This is an extremely influential and well-made documentary about the effects of animal agriculture.

It mainly focuses on how animal products affect our health, but it also touches on the ethical and environmental aspects of veganism as well.

Over 50% of adults in the United States struggle with cancer, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and more. Even though we are now spending more than ever on health care, there are more Americans who are dying from chronic diseases than there ever has been.

This documentary features the leading medical experts and researchers who take a true scientific look at why people are so sick. This documentary is guaranteed to inspire you to take control of your own health and heal yourself, one meal at a time.

Biographies / True Stories

These documentaries are all about specific individuals (or a group of people) within the vegan/animal rights community. They are personable, relatable, and inspiring.

These documentaries show how one person, or a small group of people, can truly make an immense difference.

​28. Mad Cowboy (2006)

The documentary Mad Cowboy tells the story of a former cattle rancher, Howard Lyman, who is now vegan. He made the transition after developing a spinal tumor that almost paralyzed him.

This tumor was caused by the chemicals used in agriculture. He raises awareness about how an animal-based diet is the leading cause of cancer, heart disease, and obesity in America.

He also talks about the propaganda of the beef and dairy industries and how his life has changed since he stopped raising animals for food.

​29. Eyes of Thailand (2012)

This documentary follows the work of a lady named Soraida Salwala, who opened the world’s very first elephant hospital in Thailand. It is called Friends of Asian Elephants.

They created the world’s first elephant prosthesis too! The elephant hospital started with Soraida trying to help two elephant landmine survivors who couldn’t walk, but eventually, she was able to help them walk again.

This film also highlighters the dangers to animals posed by landmines. This is a very touching and powerful film and a must-see for anyone who loves elephants. 

​30. Peaceable Kingdom: The Journey Home (2009)

Peaceable Kingdom is a very touching and powerful documentary about the moral struggles that some traditional small family farmers go through.

They start questioning their motives and examining their relationships with the animals that they raise for food. They understand that animals have experiences and complex lives just like humans.

During this documentary, the farmers decide to change their life and go vegan.

They turned their farm into a sanctuary and a haven for animals, instead of a place that they were raised to be killed. It’s a very heartwarming film. 

​31. Vegucated (2011)

Vegucated is a popular film that features three omnivores, all coming from different backgrounds. Each of these people tries eat a vegan diet for 6 weeks, learning about it along their journey.

Originally, they began the challenge to lose weight, but as they learn more about the ethical and environmental aspects of veganism, their views begin to change completely. It’s a personable and fun film to watch.

The fact that this documentary follows the lives of three “ordinary” people makes it very relatable as well. 

​32. Live and Let Live (2013)

Live and Let Live is a great documentary that tells the story of 6 different people who made the decision to go vegan.

One of them is a butcher who became a plant-based chef, one is a former dairy farmer who became the owner of a farm sanctuary, and another is a professional cyclist.

The cast is great, and throughout the film, you see interviews from many prominent figures in the vegan movement such as Melanie Joy, T. Colin Campbell, and Gary Francione.

This film touches on all aspects of veganism (health, environmental, and ethical). This is a great documentary for people who are new to the lifestyle since it provides a good overview of veganism and looks at the topic from a variety of angles. 

​33. Crazy Sexy Cancer (2007)

Crazy Sexy Cancer is an uplifting and inspiring documentary about a young woman named Kris Carr who was looking for a cure. She was diagnosed with cancer and decided to document her story in a film.

Instead of feeling sorry for herself, she took her tragic situation, got creative with it, and transformed her life. She looked for answers while traveling across the country to interview experts in alternative medicine.

Kris learned so much from the holistic world and shared it with viewers. This documentary also includes other strong young women who became survivors that Kris met along the way. 

​34. Vegan: Everyday Stories (2016)

This documentary shows the personal journeys of four different people who all have one thing in common: the fact that they are vegan. This documentary aims to show how and why different people become vegan.

It doesn’t matter what their age, ethnicity, sexuality, size, or color is. Our diverseness is what makes us unique and strong. 

This documentary stands out from other vegan films because it doesn’t only focus on why people go vegan - it also emphasizes who goes vegan, and it shows more than just the stereotypical image that people might have of vegans.

It features interviews with many people such as Russel Simmons, Moby, and David Carter. The film did an amazing job of showing how diverse vegans are, and how we are all making a difference in the world.

​35. The Witness: Tribe of Heart (2000)

This documentary shows how a tough construction contractor named Eddie Lama from Brooklyn turned into a passionate animal advocate. In this film, you learn why Eddie avoided animals and was afraid of them for the majority of his life.

One day, the love of a kitten opened his heart and transformed his life completely. This adorable kitten inspired him to begin his journey of rescuing abandoned animals and opening a sanctuary of his own.

He changed his diet to minimize the amount of animal suffering that he caused, and he now spreads awareness about compassion in the streets of New York. The Witness tells the story of Eddie’s remarkable change in consciousness.

3​6. May I be Frank (2010)

Frank is a 54 year old man living in San Francisco. He’s a drug addict, obese, a pre-diabetic, and struggling with Hepatitis C. He’s also depressed, single, and alienated from his daughter. Frank knew that life could be better.

One day he stumbled upon a restaurant in San Francisco called Café Gratitude. This is a fully raw and vegan café. He soon becomes a local there and formed friendships with the staff. He feels very welcomed there.

The owners decide to help him on his journey. They tell him to come into their restaurant every single day for the next month. The agreement is that Frank will turn his life over to three young men who are committed to his healing and well being.

They coach him physically, emotionally, and spiritually. After the month is over, you will be amazed at the transformation that Frank went through.

Animals in Captivity Documentaries

Veganism is not just a diet where you exclude animal products from your plate. It’s a way of life, where you try to minimize animal suffering as much as possible in every aspect of your life.

This includes the clothes you wear, the products you use, and even your form of entertainment.

The documentaries in this final category are dedicated to marine animals within the entertainment industry. They all shed light on the issue of captivity and how animal entertainment is animal enslavement.

3​7. A Fall From Freedom (2011)

This is a very comprehensive documentary that reveals the long history of the captive whale and dolphin business. It covers the illegal capturing and transporting of killer whales, and sheds light on the thousands of dolphins that are killed within the marine park and aquarium businesses around the world.

Other issues that are covered in this film include trainer injuries, premature deaths, educational misrepresentation, and illegal practices that occur daily.

This powerful documentary is narrated by actor Mike Farrell.

3​8. Sharkwater (2006)

This powerful documentary will truly change the way that you view oceans. Filmmaker Rob Stewart has always had a passion and fascination for sharks.

In this documentary, he debunks popular myths and stereotypes that the media spreads about sharks. They are not monsters, and sharks are absolutely vital for the evolution and ecosystem of the seas.

Rob teamed up with Paul Watson from the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society to protect sharks in many different areas of the world.

This documentary will show you how these stunning creatures have gone from being predator to prey, and how they are at a major risk ofbeing wiped out due to human greed. Tragically, Rob is no longer with us but the fight for sharks still continues and his legend lives on. 

3​9. Lolita: Slave to Entertainment (2003)

This documentary is a huge wake-up call for anyone who has ever visited a marine park or plans to do so in the future. It’s a must-see for anyone who wants to learn the truth about performing marine animals.

This documentary takes you back to 1970, where a barbaric hunt takes 6 young orcas away from their family to sell them to marine parks.

After three decades, only one is still alive, and she is Miami’s most popular performer. This is the story of Lolita. 

​40. The Cove (2009)

This powerful documentary follows the journey of a team of activists and filmmakers who are on a mission to bring awareness to a hidden cove in Taiji, Japan. They shine a light on a deadly secret of what happens to dolphins in this cove.

Over 20,000 dolphins are killed in this cove every year. They use hidden microphones and cameras to show the world what a group of people is trying so hard to hide.

This film also touches on mercury poisoning and the mislabeling of dolphin meat. It brings awareness to animal captivity as well.

​41. Blackfish (2013)

Blackfish tells the tragic story of a handful of orcas that were taken out of their natural environment to perform in a SeaWorld amusement park. The film mainly focuses on one specific orca named Tilikum.

Tilikum was involved in three deadly incidents, which the documentary explores the reasoning behind. The documentary includes interviews with SeaWorld trainers and scientists in order to get a better understanding of the emotional lives that these incredible beings have.

It is a must-watch for anyone who has ever thought about going to a marine park.

Watching any of the above documentaries is sure to transform your life. Whether you are new to veganism or have been vegan for years, you are guaranteed to benefit and learn something new from these powerful and inspiring films.

What’s your favorite vegan documentary?​
Let us know in the comment section below!