Netflix documentaries that may change your life

The Netflix documentaries that will leave a lasting impression.

In the midst of a pandemic, many of us are actively trying to forget about it. If you are like the majority of us, social distancing measures in halls and the new era of ‘Zoom university’ can feel especially isolating. Whilst some of us are putting this alone time to good use by investing in new learning to maintain a sense of productivity in these trying times, others have gone to another side of the spectrum; lazy, dreary Netflix-binging days to cope with what is a seismic shift in reality. I’m here to tell you that you can do both! After all, university life is all about sustaining that balance. Why not learn more about the world and yourself while having an enjoyable Netflix binge all at the same time? Here are some of the Netflix documentaries I have binged that have both entertained and resulted in me questioning my own perspectives on health, lifestyle, spirituality and self-growth.

*Views are subjective

What the health (2017)

Produced and directed by the same production team (Kip Anderson, Keegan Kuhn) as the groundbreaking documentary “Cowspiracy”, “What the Health” (2017) seeks to expand your understanding of the relationship between diet and health as well as shedding light on the lesser-known dark side of the meat industry. This documentary left me contemplating what I put into my body from both an ethical and health stance and even inspired some changes in my own diet.

Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things (2015)

“Less is more” is the maxim that this film propels. This documentary focuses on the pioneers of the Minimalist movement, Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus who are known as “The Minimalists”, but also gives flavourful insight into minimalists from different walks of life. This film seeks to inspire lifestyle changes and encourages you to claim your own agency back from a capitalist society. I thoroughly enjoyed this watch and I myself have also began to incorporate a minimalist lifestyle since watching.

Tidying Up with Marie Kondo (2019)

A Netflix series that presents Kondo’s philosophy of tidying as a form of art and therapy, I couldn’t help but notice some similarities between this and “Minimalism” as both ultimately advocate benefits of decluttering one’s life. It shows real accounts of people who have followed Kondo’s ways, how to reorganise your own clutter at home and the benefits of doing so. This may be a big win for those of us who always find our university halls in a mess but having said that, this show may not be for everyone as it is more educative than entertaining.

The Secret (2006)

The book “The Secret” has amassed a loyal following since its release, and now with its film’s arrival on Netflix, continues to inspire others into the world of spiritual manifestation. It is a great introduction for those wanting to learn about the ‘law of attraction’ and discusses how thoughts can influence actions by offering excerpts from people of different walks of life using this ‘secret’. Several of my friends had previously recommended this to me, claiming they found it “life- changing”.

Hot Girls Wanted (2015)

This is a darker watch for those interested in understanding the controversial industry of amateur pornography. It is definitely a raw, intimate and heavy watch so may not be for everybody as it is equally disturbing as it is enlightening. It documents the experiences of a group of young females who work, or want to work, as adult actresses and highlights some shocking industry statistics. Though, of course, like every documentary, whether these statistics are accurate is questionable. Nevertheless, “Hot Girls Wanted” has truly changed the way I look at the portrayal of adult actresses and it will be hard to forget this documentary.