We live in a time when people are obsessed with uncovering the secrets of their health—yet, ironically, much of what they consume is doing more harm than good. The wellness industry is booming, but it’s also drowning in misinformation. One expert swears by a vegan diet, while another pushes keto. One study praises intermittent fasting, the next warns against it. It’s enough to make your head spin.
So, what’s the real formula for a healthy life? Is it all about macros, calorie counting, and cutting out sugar? Or is it as simple as moving your body, eating whole foods, and learning to manage stress? With the overwhelming flood of conflicting advice online, finding trustworthy, science-backed information can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
The truth? Learning about health doesn’t have to be frustrating or time-consuming. You don’t need to sift through dozens of questionable blogs or spend hours reading scientific papers. There’s a better way—and it’s already sitting in your living room.
Streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime are goldmines for health and wellness content. From ancient yoga practices to the latest longevity research, these documentaries offer expert insights, real-life transformations, and eye-opening revelations about the food we eat, the way we move, and the impact of our daily habits.
So, why not swap out your usual binge-watch session for something that could actually change your life? Here are the best yoga and health documentaries streaming now on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and beyond!
Beyond Food
The title says all. Healthy living is not always just about food, and this documentary manages to challenge some of the most stubborn preconceived notions about the topic by interviewing a number of people who lead very different lifestyles, all of which are healthy as far as every one of them is concerned. It encourages you to change the way you think before even changing the way you eat, all with the purpose of helping you create healthy habits and achieving your best self!
A Place at the Table
Number two on our list tackles the topic of food insecurity and sugary foods while also making it clear that hunger is part of the American health crisis that is usually solely associated with obesity and the opioid addiction. A concerning number of U.S. citizens struggle to afford food on a daily basis or purchase processed food just because it’s affordable since fresh vegetables and fruits don’t fit into their budget.
A Place at the Table seeks to bring awareness to the food insecurity crisis but also offers some amazing solutions to those individuals and families who struggle to put (healthy) food on the table.
Fed Up
“Fed Up” is probably one of the best documentaries on our list due to the way it presents the massive obesity epidemic in the United States. It manages to explain how the government and the food industry have largely contributed to its surge, making it clear it’s a systemic problem.
Katie Couric is the perfect guide throughout the world of sugar addiction, which acts like a drug, especially among the young demographic.
The foods that get people, and especially kids, hooked, are purposefully designed that way through an incredible amount of research. That being said, it’s no wonder the documentary proposes that the processed food industry is not so different from the tobacco industry, if not even worse!
What the Health
The fourth entry on our list explores the conspiracy theory that the government, food industry giants, and health companies are all purposefully keeping vital information about healthy living from us just to keep us sick and paying them to get better, pulling trillions of dollars from the population every year!
While this topic is worth being explored, it’s also very important not to take these kinds of documentaries at face value but rather with a grain of salt!
Vegucated
“Vegucated” is a very special one to check out. It manages to make its agenda very obvious but in spite of this, it still ends up being one of the most entertaining and educational films on this list.
It follows three New York residents who love meat and cheese with a passion on their hilarious journey trying out a vegan lifestyle for no less than six weeks!
Will they change the way they view food or not? You’ll have to watch to find out!
Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead
Australian Joe Cross weighed over 300 pounds and ate accordingly when the medical specialists warned him that his lifestyle was a shortcut to his grave! The man needed to hear this to finally make a change, and what a change it was!
The documentary follows him on a 60-day juice cleanse. Add that to a road trip across the country and you can see his body transforming right before your eyes!
Of course, watching this might not convince you to give up solid food for over two months, nor should it, but it’s surely eye-opening when it comes to the massive role nutrition has in molding our health and appearance.
Sustainable
Staying healthy often requires knowing where the food you’re consuming comes from in the first place. Number 7 on this list takes its viewers through a modern farming community but also discusses the rise in popularity of locally-grown food. So if you’re itching to know how your food goes from the crops to your plate, “Sustainable” is the perfect watch for you!
Food, Ink
Nominated for an Academy Award, it’s no surprise so many health buffs swear this film has managed to change their lives! “Food, Ink” is an eye-opening dive into the corporate world of the food industry and its damaging ways towards animals, the environment and even its employees. If you haven’t seen it yet, what are you waiting for?
Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret
Number 9 on our list was executive produced by none other than Hollywood superstar extraordinaire Leonardo DiCaprio! This alone should be a big incentive for you to check it out! It chronicles filmmaker Kip Andersen’s journey into becoming an environmentalist while investigating animal agriculture – an industry responsible for much of the water depletion, wildlife extinction and global warming, just to name a few of its scary consequences.
The journey is not easy, and Andersen comes across many harrowing obstacles, but his charisma and determination make for a very compelling documentary about the negative effects of meat consumption.
Bite Size
“Bite Size” is all about the stigma and dehumanization obese children face in our society today. The film followers the stories of four pre-teens struggling with their weight and with self-acceptance, all the while trying their best to change their lifestyle and toxic relationship with food.
It’s definitely an inspirational documentary to watch if you’re looking to make a change in your own life as well but make sure to have a box of tissues nearby because it can get a little emotional at times.
Super Size Me
Released almost two decades ago, in 2004, “Super Size Me” is a social experiment that remains just as relevant today. Morgan Spurlock eats nothing but McDonald’s for a full month, and the consequences, as far as his health is concerned, are shocking! While the U.S. still has a big junk food problem, its attitude towards it has greatly changed in the last 15 to 20 years, and some think at least part of this positive change has taken place thanks to Spurlock’s well-documented experiment.
Food Choices
With the help of health experts, “Food Choices” sheds light on all the eating choices we make every day and how they affect not just our health but also the health of the planet we live on and the safety of all the other living creatures we share it with.
Filmmaker Michel Siewierski makes sure that the viewers are well informed about choices previously made unknowingly and the great impact they all have.
The C Word
Narrated by none other than Morgan Freeman, “The C Word” deals with a very serious and rather sensitive topic – cancer.
The filmmaker, Meghan L. O’Hara, is a survivor herself, and so, she goes on a journey to reveal the way cancer treatment is being dealt with in the United States. This includes details about the inner workings of the pharmaceutical industry and more!
Food matters
This documentary might be everything you need to know about health in one single project! Have you ever been too scared to search certain topics by yourself, but you’ve heard enough to know they’re important? Well, “Food Matters” may be the documentary for you!
It seeks to answer a very simple question: Is the food you consume helping or hurting you?
With topics such as organic food, raw food, food safety, nutritional therapy and more on the table, you might want to really pay close attention, or you could miss some vital information!
That Sugar Film
The last entry on our list is for anyone who wishes to truly understand the hidden sugars in the food we consume.
The documentary seeks to mix experimental journalism with interviews and even skits meant to show the shocking effects sugar has on the human body.
Damon Gameau, the director of “That Sugar Film”, is also the one risking his health for this experiment, deciding to add 40 teaspoons of sugar to his diet, which is the average consumption for Australian citizens.
The damage to his health is even more obvious given the fact that it comes after years of following a sugar-free diet.
While he starts by slowly beginning to consume products such as fat-free yoghurt, which is generally considered “healthy,” the undeniable effects of the hidden sugars in such products are concerning and eye-opening.
While all of these movies can be watched on Youtube, depending on the country you live in, you might want to check your Netflix or Amazon accounts as you might find them there as well.
Bonus:
1. Awake: The Life of Yogananda
This documentary delves into the life of Paramahansa Yogananda, the man who introduced meditation and yoga to the Western world in the 1920s. Through a blend of interviews, archival footage, and re-enactments, the film explores Yogananda’s journey and his influence on spirituality in the West. It’s a profound look at how one individual’s teachings bridged cultural divides and brought Eastern philosophies to a global audience.
2. Breath of the Gods
Directed by Jan Schmidt-Garre, this film takes viewers on a journey to the origins of modern yoga. It focuses on the life of Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, often referred to as the father of modern yoga, and features interviews with his disciples, including B.K.S. Iyengar and Pattabhi Jois. The documentary provides historical context and showcases rare archival footage, offering a deep dive into the roots of contemporary yoga practices.
3. Gurukulam
This documentary provides an intimate glimpse into life at a traditional ashram in Tamil Nadu, India. Following a group of students under the guidance of Swami Dayananda Saraswati, the film captures the daily routines, teachings, and spiritual practices that define the gurukulam experience. It’s a meditative exploration of the guru-disciple relationship and the pursuit of self-realization.
4. Ram Dass, Going Home
In this short documentary, spiritual teacher Ram Dass reflects on his life and teachings as he approaches the end of his journey. Set in his home in Maui, the film offers insights into his philosophies on life, death, and the interconnectedness of all beings. It’s a poignant meditation on aging, mortality, and the enduring quest for spiritual enlightenment.
5. Sadhaka: The Yoga Path
This documentary delves into the history, theories, benefits, and techniques of yoga. It features insights from various practitioners and scholars, shedding light on the transformative power of yoga and its relevance in the modern world. The film offers a comprehensive overview of yoga’s evolution and its impact on individuals seeking balance and harmony.
These documentaries provide diverse perspectives on yoga, from its historical roots to its modern applications. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or new to the practice, these films offer valuable insights into the philosophy, history, and transformative power of yoga.
FAQs:
Q: Are these documentaries suitable for beginners?
Yes, these films are accessible to both newcomers and seasoned yoga practitioners, offering insights into various aspects of yoga and its philosophy.
Q: Where can I watch these documentaries?
Availability may vary based on your region and subscription services. It’s advisable to check platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video for the most current streaming options.
Q: Do these documentaries provide practical yoga instructions?
While some of these films offer glimpses into yoga practices, they primarily focus on the philosophy, history, and personal stories related to yoga. For guided practices, you might consider dedicated yoga instructional videos or classes.
Embarking on a journey through these documentaries can deepen your understanding of yoga and inspire your personal practice. Happy viewing!
