The 14 Best Health Documentaries On Netflix


Looking for some entertainment on Netflix other than binge-watching hits like The Good Wife, Breaking Bad and recent additions like G.L.O.W?

Then why not take the opportunity of educating yourself with some of the acclaimed health documentaries that are proving to be surprisingly successful on the streaming service.

Whilst these health documentaries can often prove to be unsettling viewing, they can also help us to make a better-informed decision for when we next order in a takeaway.

1. Super Size Me

Super Size Me (2004) [Trailer]

It was perhaps Super Size Me that really kickstarted the recent health documentary trend. This acclaimed movie was released in 2004 and instantly caught the attention of the world’s media as a result of Morgan Spurlock’s escapades where he ate nothing but McDonalds meals over a 30-day period.

Although Super Size Me starts out by being mildly amusing as Spurlock consumes double the amount of recommended daily calories, it quickly becomes a little disturbing. With a rapid increase in weight, cholesterol levels and mood swings, Spurlock became a living example of how these fast foods can have a negative upon our health.

Such was the success of this movie that Spurlock has continued his crusade by opening his own satirical fast food outlet in Ohio. And there are plenty of other health documentaries that have taken inspiration from Super Size Me.

2. Forks Over Knives

Forks Over Knives - Official Trailer

One of the best is Forks Over Knives which aims to teach us how avoiding processed foods in favor of a planet-based diet could significantly boost our health.

This eye-opening documentary wasn’t subtle in its methods, but it presented a strong case for implementing a change in our diets so as to avoid a range of ailments like obesity, heart disease and cancer.

As a result of both of these documentaries, many of us are now better educated about what we’re putting into our bodies.

Whether it’s researching the potential benefits of superfoods like blueberries, avocados and quinoa, trying to find organic produce on our supermarket shelves, or even seeking the healthiest option from a Thai food takeaway in our area, we’re all much better informed about our food choices.

3. Fed Up

FED UP - Official Trailer

There are plenty of other fascinating health documentaries out there too. Fed Up is a great documentary that dealt with America’s obesity epidemic by giving us an alarming glimpse into just how much sugar there is in many processed foods.

4. What The Health

WHAT THE HEALTH Trailer

Whilst Cowspiracy’s investigation of our meat-consuming habits showed how large-scale animal agriculture could be behind many of our more worrying environmental problems, What the Health give you a real look at the unhealthy habits that many of us take to. 

All of which manage to be educational and entertaining in equal measure, and will probably mean that we’ll be more careful about what food we have delivered to our doors in the future!

5. Food, Inc.

Food, inc. (2008) Official Trailer #1 - Documentary HD

Food, Inc. explores the hidden costs of mass-produced, “engineered” low-cost food. It challenges the notion that these foods do not have health, social, or environmental costs. The film begins with the story of Patricia and Kevin Buck’s son, who died of an E-coli strain while on a factory farm.

The film argues that such practices have unintended consequences and that consumers should be made aware of them.

Although the film does not mention the names of any food companies, it paints an unfavorable picture of the food industry. It shows the dark side of animal cruelty, economic pressures, and consumer-advocacy organizations.

The filmmakers create a fast-paced narrative that captures the audience’s interest and keeps the pace moving. This film will definitely make viewers think twice about the next time they reach the grocery store.

Food, Inc. is a documentary film that examines the corporate food industry and its practices. It argues that the methods used are not only inhumane, but also unsustainable. It follows a variety of different actors and businesses involved in the food industry, from farmers to executives to governmental regulators.

The film concludes that food production and distribution is a waste of resources, and calls for reform. Although this documentary will raise concerns, it will hopefully spark a discussion about the industry as a whole.

6. Prescription Thugs

Prescription Thugs Official Trailer #1 (2015) Chris Bell Documentary Movie HD

If you’re looking for a compelling and timely health documentary, Prescription Thugs is a must-see. Directed by Chris Bell, who previously explored the use of illegal steroids in pro sports in Bigger, Stronger, Faster, Prescription Thugs attempts to paint a more broad picture of prescription drug abuse in America and its blame on the pharmaceutical industry.

While the film doesn’t reveal any surprises, it is an excellent starting point for understanding the larger issue.

“Prescription Thugs” explores the history of the pharmaceutical industry and the rise of pharmaceutical companies into political power. There’s plenty of food for thought in this absorbing film.

While some health documentaries are a bit too controversial, Prescription Thugs is a must-watch for anyone interested in the pharmaceutical industry.

7. Extremeis

Extremis | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix

Another excellent documentary is “Extremeis,” which follows patients making end-of-life decisions in an intensive care unit. Both this film and Prescription Thugs (mentioned above) will leave you questioning how pharmaceutical companies treat patients and why they make these decisions.

8. American Epidemic

American Epidemic: The Nation's Struggle With Opioid Addiction

“American Epidemic” delves into the widespread use of prescription drugs. The film includes personal anecdotes, as well as the corrupt pharmaceutical industry and broken legislature. It’s well worth a watch. It’s well worth the price of admission – and the film’s audience will be left feeling empowered and informed.

It’s hard to find a better documentary than this.

9. Kids in Crisis

Kids in Crisis - BBC Panorama

There are many documentary films aimed at kids, but there are only a few that are particularly relevant for this age group. Kids in Crisis is one such documentary, which explores the mental health of children.

In particular, it focuses on obsessive-compulsive disorder, an illness that has affected 13 percent of children. Parents of kids in this documentary share their frustration with the healthcare system, which does not provide enough mental health care for kids.

10. You’re Not Alone

World premiere of "You're not alone"

“You’re Not Alone” follows four young people from Wisconsin as they deal with mental health problems. It is a collaboration between Milwaukee PBS and USA TODAY NETWORK Wisconsin and is an extension of the Kids in Crisis series.

The program highlights the rising number of suicides in Wisconsin and reveals gaps in mental health care. The documentary was also featured at a public hearing held by the Assembly Speaker’s Task Force on Suicide Prevention, which led to the passage of the legislation.

11. The Game Changers

The Game Changers is one of the best documents about health and diet. It appeals to our primal desires and promises results. It challenges us to reevaluate our diets and focus on the goals we have already set. It also challenges us to re-examine the myths surrounding food.

It is a very important film, and one that you should watch. Here are some of the highlights of the documentary:

The Game Changers is a powerful documentary that explores the benefits of a plant-based diet on athletes. It features an eight-time national cycling champion who won the Olympic silver medal on a plant-based diet and a gardener who sought out his advice after watching the film. It also has a strong environmental message.

A recent study found that ninety percent of U.S. vegetarians are women.

While many health-related documentaries have a partisan bent, The Game Changers has a positive message for a broader audience. The film is largely free of sensationalism, which means that it will likely provoke an even bigger backlash than usual. Instead of attacking brands and medical practitioners, The Game Changers uses science to show how important it is to eat a plant-based diet.

12. The C Word

THE C WORD (2016) Official Theatrical Trailer

The C Word is a documentary about health and is a powerful film that explores the failures of western medicine in the treatment of cancer. The documentary is narrated by Morgan Freeman and was produced by Meghan L. O’Hara, who was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer.

The movie is about the need for societal change in order to find cures and prevent cancer. It is available to watch on Netflix.

“The C Word” takes the argument beyond the medical community and tackles the issues of Big Pharma and the cosmetics industry. The documentary also highlights the role played by market-driven practices in creating addictions. For instance, the film discusses the backlash against the soda ban, which is aimed at protecting public health.

Yet Servan-Schreiber’s life remains a testament to his work. In the end, the film makes us want to do something about it.

The C Word in Documentaries about health is an impressive film about the connection between food and cancer. O’Hara, an accomplished producer and director, combines a plethora of information into an emotionally compelling story. Morgan Freeman’s voiceover is persuasive. It’s an inspiring film that delivers a vital message about how to eat healthily and live long.

There are plenty of other similar films about health, but “The C Word” is the most poignant and important film about its subject.

13. Hungry for Change

Hungry For Change - Official Trailer

The new documentary, “Hungry for Change,” explores the psychology of health and the connection between food and our overall well-being. It explores the benefits of real food, which is healthier for our bodies and the planet than highly processed foods. The film includes interviews with prominent health advocates such as Kris Carr, Christiane Northrup, Jamie Oliver, and David Wolfe.

Watch Hungry for Change and you may find yourself rethinking your diet for a healthier one.

Hungry for Change reveals deceptive strategies of the diet industry and the hidden traps of the popular weight loss industry. By revealing how to eliminate your cravings for junk food, you can eliminate cellulite, detoxify your body effectively, and get glowing skin and hair by eating the right kinds of food.

Despite its controversial topic, Hungry for Change is a must-see documentary for people who want to change their life.

14. The Magic Pill

THE MAGIC PILL | Official Trailer HD

This documentary about the magic pill has a strong message, but it’s also polarizing. Many people, including medical professionals, disagree with its conclusions. One critic claims that the film makes women feel uncomfortable.

Others, such as Michael Gannon, head of the Australian Medical Association, say it’s too controversial. But there are some positives to The Magic Pill. It challenges us to think differently about our own health.

The Magic Pill has garnered a lot of media coverage. While the documentary may not be as polished as some other health documentaries, the content and facts are fascinating. It shows how our bodies respond to different foods, including sugary drinks and processed foods.

And while we may not all benefit from the same miracle pill, we should make sure we get more fruits and vegetables into our diets. That way, we can make better choices for our health and avoid unnecessary medications.

The Magic Pill is a documentary about health. It shows the benefits of a ketogenic diet. However, there’s a lot of controversy surrounding the diet. Some people believe that The Magic Pill takes things too far. However, national nutrition guidelines still encourage eating plenty of vegetables, lean meats, and fruits, and limiting refined carbohydrates.

This documentary makes the keto diet sound a bit out of control.

Stephen R.

Hi my name is Stephen and I am the founder of NetflixUpdate.com. I created this site to help give some information about what is happening in the streaming world.

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