Humanity. The greatest story our world has ever known. The shared narrative of our shared social conditioning, that for better or for worse, has helped weave of all that we have become. But now our society needs a new story to share.
For far too long, the story of empirical dominion over our home, our planet, has been looked at in less than full light – with humanities cultural stories and values having been taken for granted. Leaving the stories of this world’s richest resources, the simple and the free, left invisible and unviable.
Modern technology has helped change this dynamic. No longer is mankind without knowing our planet’s ambient history. We have resources on hand that can help us better understand ourselves, one another, our planet, and the need for movements such as non-consumerism, ecology, and the sustainability movement. And the greatest of these tools is that of film.
The film offers us a powerful tool to inspire awareness and action and break our dependence on the mainstream media and become outlets for the media ourselves.
A film, particularly documentaries, allow people to understand that creating a better world really does start with an informed citizenry. That our country has to come to terms with the true impact of Western civilization. From our abuses of basic ecology to understanding the impact of coal mining, peak oil, and misnomers about capitalism and governments.
Documentaries give us the promise of alternatives – exciting ways that people could live, better ways to change the social paradigm, and effective ways of saving money too.
Personally, documentaries have provided my personal journey with newfound streams of introspection, dreaming, questioning, and discovery areas of my life that mean the most to me. Ways to raise a family, human rights, non-consumerism, tiny living, cultural awareness, gender issues, and sustainability.
The knowledge that was vitally necessary to becoming debt-free, minimalists at home. Taken together, this knowledge will help lay the foundation for future conversations for you too!
Best of all, all of the following films can be viewed on Netflix. My go-to when I’m ready to dig deep and learn something new.
Here are my top 10 Netflix documentaries, and trailers, on minimalism so you can get a better idea of what each film is like. So break out that popcorn and get ready to learn something exciting about the world we live in.
10 Must-Watch Netflix Documentaries on Minimalism
The True Cost (2015)
“The True Cost” pulls back the curtain on the fashion industry to give viewers an honest look at the human and environmental costs of producing fast fashion. After watching this documentary I haven’t been able to look at the clothes in my closet the same way.
Planet Earth (2006)
This David Attenborough documentary celebrates the amazing variety and beauty of the natural world. Filmed over four years and across 64 different countries, there are few films that compare in terms of scope. It’s a classic and a must-see!
Cowspiracy (2014)
I firmly believe that watching “Cowspiracy” should be a requirement for every student studying environmental sciences in school. This movie is not just about saving animals but environmental degradation, consumer health, and the environmental impact as the leading cause of carbon emissions, global warming, deforestation, and just about everything else. This is the film that caused me to become vegan at home.
Happy (2011)
Filmmaker and director Roko Belic set out to travel the world with the intention of discovering the meaning of happiness. Belic was inspired to make the film after coming across an article in The New York Times entitled, “A New Measure of Well Being From a Happy Little Kingdom.” The article ranked the United States as the 23rd happiest country in the world. This film will help you see your life, works, and personal pursuits in a new light!
More Than Honey (2012)
Did you know that if bees were to disappear from the globe, mankind would have only four years left to live? In “More Than Honey,” Oscar-nominated director Markus Imhoof tackles the issue of why bees are facing worldwide extinction, hive collapse syndrome, and what can be done in our own homes, yards, and communities to encourage bees.
Forks Over Knives (2011)
Watching “Forks Over Knives” changes my life. If you’ve ever struggled with a chronic disease like obesity, cardiovascular disease, or cancer, “Forks Over Knives” can help you see plant-based diets in a new, healthy, and economical way to live the rest of your life!
No Impact Man (2009)
Self-proclaimed “No Impact Man,” Colin Beavan swore off plastic and toxins, turned off his electricity, went organic, and started riding his bicycle exclusively for an entire year. Reviewed as a “sensational, funny, and consciousness-raisin story,” “No Impact Man” change the way you view zero impact living. In a funny, relatable kind of way!
The 11th Hour (2007)
Leonardo Dicaprio’s 2017 film “The 11th Hour” explores how humanity has arrived at the 11th hour – the last possible moment that change is possible for our planet and its ecosystems. Featuring ongoing dialogues of experts including former Soviet Prime Minister Mikhail Gorbachev, renowned scientist Stephen Hawking, and sustainable design expert William McDonough, “The 11th Hour” is a dense film that is likely to make you rethink global climate change.
Minimalism (2016)
“Minimalism,” from the popular due that brought you the minimalists, explores how our lives might be better with less by taking viewers inside the lives of minimalists from all walks of modern life.
Fed Up (2014)
Did you know that there are well over 600,000 food items in the Standard American Diet and that 80% of these foods contain 1 or more added, processed forms of sugar? Did you know that our current generation of youth is the first expected to live a shorter life than their parents? “FED UP,” as a documentary, looks at the American food epidemic and will change the way you eat forever.
So those are my top 10 minimalist documentaries. I hope you will take the time to check them all out and come back and let me know what you think. Share in the comments below!
