1.) Amanda Knox
I know many have probably already seen this, but it is really well done and deserves a shout out. It shows both sides of the story in a way that at one point will have you convinced she’s innocent and another time feeling like she totally did it. It’s like a good mystery book. It shows the human side of what the case did to these people’s lives and it totally worth an hour of your time.
2.) My Beautiful Broken Brain
Now, this sounds uber depressing and sad, but it really isn’t. This follows the story of Lotje Sodderland, who was a digital producer in London when she suffered a stroke that impaired her ability to communicate. Lotje is such a positive human and you’ll be rooting hard for her as it shows her regain her speech and communication skills. It also really opens your eyes about reality as she experiences a completely different version of it as she recovers. It is engaging and inspiring.
3.) Cooked
I will admit to being biased about this one because I just really love documentaries on food. I know, I know. But this one is just so well done. This four-part-docu-series is an adaption of a book. Earth, fire, air and water are the four focuses. It has this awesome introspective and inspiring tone that will make you want to immediately learn to cook. It shows the link between cultures, food, science, emotion and humanity. And it is just a visual feast.
4.) The Hunting Ground
This may be a more bleak and informative choice, but it is really worth watching. I’m sure this is another many have seen and/or heard of. This is all about sexual assault on campus and the culture that we live in today in regards to sexual consent. It features survivors’ personal stories and also many scary statistics. Talk of sexual assault is even more of a hot topic in this political season *cough* giant orange baby *cough*. This will infuriate you and also inspire you to help change this culture we live in.
5.) Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey
Even if you have no idea about space, this is an enthralling docu. I just love Neil deGrasse Tyson anyway, so the fact that he hosts it is just a big bonus. His passion for space will infuse into you as you watch. The special effects are awesome and it will cause you to want to became an astronomer as you sit on your bed eating popcorn.
6.) Girl Rising
I feel like this is a docu about girls and celebrating women. It follows the personal story of nine girls in developing nations and the obstacles they face. The story of the girls were written by female writers from their individual countries that are recreated and narrated by some famous women, like Cate Blanchett and Meryl Streep. It can be pretty disheartening at times to see what these girls go through, but the perseverance and hope of the female spirit will shine through.
7.) Twinsters
This is a sweet and funny story about two twins who were separated at birth and find each other through the internet. It is quirky and it make you smile at the excitement the sisters have when they discover that they are really related. It’s like an easy summer read that is pretty amazing.
8.) Maidentrip
This follows a 15-year-old girl named Laura on a mission to be the youngest person to sail solo around the world. Enough said? This is a beautiful story that lets you go on the adventure of a lifetime. It is honest and will leave you with the itch to travel.
9.) Dear Zachary: A letter to a Son About His Father
This is a kind of docu that will change you (too dramatic)? But I am serious. I can’t say too much because of spoilers and do NOT look them up before watching. Just know that it will make you cry, get really, really mad and also sigh from all the love.
10.) Particle Fever
Another science one, but again, it is in layman’s terms and is easy to follow. It follows the first testing on the Large Hadron Collider in Geneva. I know, it sounds like a snooze fest unless you like science, but it’s really fascinating to see the unfolding of one of the largest scientific collaborations. The enthusiasm of everyone involved is just contagious and infectious even if you could care less about physics.
Have you seen these documentaries? What are your favorites?
