20 Documentary Movies That Changed Our Perspective

Documentary movies have the unique ability to challenge our perspective and open our eyes to the surroundings. Documentaries provide startling and insightful analysis whether they explore social concerns, history, or the natural world. Twenty documentary films that had a lasting effect and altered our viewpoint on life, society, and the earth have been included here.

Tricia Quitales
December 24, 2024
6 min read

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Documentaries can transform our perspective of the world and provide knowledge. These 20 films have changed our perspective on significant concerns., from political truths to environmental challenges. They address the complexity of nature, the universe, human rights, and inequity.

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This documentary investigates how platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter control people with algorithms to keep them hooked. It exposes social media’s negative consequences on society and raises awareness of problems such as false information, addiction, declining privacy, and effects on mental health.

2. The True Cost

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This moving yet challenging documentary on Fred Rogers, the beloved presenter of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” shows how one man’s kindness touched several generations’ hearts. The film highlights Rogers’s great teachings on education, acceptance, and emotional intelligence. It challenges viewers to consider how, by just behaving compassionately in our daily lives, we could contribute to creating a more compassionate society overall.

3. Blackfish

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“Blackfish” chronicles the horrific tale of Tilikum, a captive orca engaged in three-person fatalities, and the moral connotations of housing such strong animals. The movie prompted global discussions on animal rights and confinement and awakened viewers to the sometimes sad reality of marine parks. It thus raised awareness of animal abuse and made many people rethink supporting such businesses.

4. The Fog of War

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This documentary under Errol Morris looks into Robert S. McNamara’s mental health as former U.S. Secretary of Defense and probes his involvement in the Vietnam War. It offers a thorough awareness of the complexity of war, moral judgment, and the cost of life. McNamara’s findings enable us to confront the ethical dilemmas raised by power and the chaotic reality of military decisions.

5. Supersize Me

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Filmmaker Morgan Spurlock sets out an extreme experiment in “Supersize Me,” consuming just McDonald’s cuisine for thirty days and recording the effects on his health. The movie started a national debate on fast food’s perils, the fast-food business’s impact, and our escalating obesity crisis. It asked viewers to rethink their dietary choices and perspective on nutrition.

6. An Inconvenient Truth

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Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth” popularized the problem of global warming and made viewers unable to overlook the facts supporting it. The documentary combines Gore’s fervent demand for action to stop further environmental damage with startling data. It made people worldwide rethink their ecological impact and the seriousness of the climate catastrophe.

7. Inside Job

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" Inside Job" examines the causes of the 2008 financial crisis and the people accountable for its terrible consequences on the world economy. The film reveals the corruption and avarice driving the disaster through thorough analysis and in-depth interviews. This has fundamentally impacted people’s perspectives of the financial sector and its impact on politics.

8. Food, Inc.

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Pulling back the veil on the industrial food system, “Food, Inc.” exposes unsettling facts regarding corporate power, food manufacturing, and factory farming. It criticizes the methods that let mass manufacturing of cheap, unhealthy food underneath workers and animal exploitation. The program asked viewers to consider their diets and wonder about the actual sources of their food.

9. The Act of Killing

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This terrifying documentary throws light on the mentality of offenders by asking former Indonesian death squad leaders to recreate their terrible deeds of mass murder. The movie shows the horrors of the Indonesian genocide and the impunity those guilty now enjoy. It makes viewers face the atrocities of past events and how civilizations handle remorse and responsibility.

10. Fake News

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This documentary critically examines how social media platforms control user behavior for profit, producing societal effects such as addiction and false knowledge. The testimonies of former tech insiders expose the extent to which these platforms profoundly influence our lives and viewpoints.

11. Jiro Dreams of Sushi

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“Jiro Dreams of Sushi” offers a glimpse into the life of sushi expert Jiro Ono, who worked hard all his life to improve his craft. The documentary focuses on emotion and craftsmanship to show how trade-related dedication can lead to mastery and make viewers consider the importance of skill and commitment in their lives.

12. The Cove

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“The Cove” dives deeply into Taiji, Japan’s covert and terrible world of dolphin killing. The movie exposes the ethical and environmental issues related to the cruel ways used to capture and kill dolphins. It made the globe face the treatment of marine life and spurred worldwide indignation against the habit.

13. Won’t You Be My Neighbor? ( 2018)

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This documentary follows the legendary host of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” Fred Rogers, and his incredible influence on children’s TV and mental health. The movie emphasizes Rogers’s tactful method of imparting moral teachings, including empathy and compassion for significant life events. It reminds us of the need to raise the emotional well-being of youngsters and the ability to make a positive impact.

14. 13th

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Focusing on the disproportionately high number of Black Americans in jail, Ava DuVernay’s “13th” examines the junction of race, justice, and mass imprisonment in America. The documentary clarifies how, especially inside the criminal justice system, slavery developed into contemporary systematic racism. It compels us to face hard facts on racial injustice and the long-lasting consequences of past persecution.

15. The Last Dance

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Offering unheard-of behind-the-scenes footage, “The Last Dance” captures Michael Jordan’s last season with the Chicago Bulls. The movie shows how talented Jordan is and examines what it means to be great and how groups work. It changed how we think about competitive sports, leadership, and pursuing excellence.

16. Harlan County, USA

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This documentary, which won an Oscar, shows a Kentucky coal mine town in great detail as its residents fight for better pay and working conditions. Using powerful personal stories, the movie examines the struggles of the working class and the dishonest structures that keep them down. It changed how we saw the American fight for workers’ rights and justice.

17. The Square

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Tracking the 2011 Egyptian revolution, “The Square” provides first-hand narratives of the demonstrators’ struggle for democracy and freedom. The movie chronicles triumph and disappointment, exploring the revolution’s highs and lows. It demonstrates how people’s will for change may affect history and the sacrifices made.

18. Searching for Sugar Man

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This fantastic documentary chronicles Rodriguez, an obscure American singer who unintentionally rose to become a giant cultural symbol in South Africa. The movie tracks the hunt for him by two fans, clarifying the puzzle of his life and work. It motivates us to consider the influence of music and the secrets underlying recognition and celebrity.

19. The White Helmets

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This short documentary features the volunteer rescue workers known as the White Helmets in war-torn Syria. They often risk their safety to save lives amid bombings and wreckage, emphasizing their bravery. The movie challenges us to face the atrocities of war and the incredible fortitude of people who assist others in their worst times.

20. O.J.: Made in America

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Along with looking at O.J. Simpson’s rise and fall, this epic documentary explores the racial conflicts surrounding his historic trial. It looks at racial, privilege, and media aspects of Simpson’s trial, turning into a cultural flashpoint in America. Offering a relentless view of the complexities of his case, the film questions our conception of justice, celebrity, and racism in America.

1. The Social Dilemma