7 Movies That Will Inspire You To Go Vegan

It takes nothing away from a human to be kind to an animal. ~ Joaquin Phoenix

Knowledge Leads to Action

There are many reasons to have adopted a plant-based diet or to strive to live a vegan lifestyle. For some, it was a sudden decision, often after viewing videos of how animals are turned into the food that we eat. For others, it is a gradual journey about health and wellness that expands into increasing awareness.

There are many films, and YouTube videos, that explain the many reasons to consume more plants and to reduce, or stop, consuming animals. But there are a few that are particularly powerful and they make up our list of the 7 Movies That Will Convince You To Go Vegan.

The Truth is Powerful

These are important films for us all to view. Whether they serve to reinforce our convictions, to awaken our knowledge, or to provide information that we can share with others. They stand as vital witnesses to our relationship, on many levels, with non-human animals.

Some of these films will be extremely hard to watch. Others are more simply informative, and some more gentle and emotional. But they all take an unflinching and honest look at our relationships with animals, what consuming them means for our health, the consequences for sustainable life on this planet, and how simple changes in lifestyle can have a dramatic and profound effect.

1. Earthlings

http://www.nationearth.com

EARTHLINGS is a 2005 American documentary film about humankind’s total dependence on animals for economic purposes.  Presented in five chapters (pets, food, clothing, entertainment, and scientific research) the film is narrated by Joaquin Phoenix, featuring music by Moby, and was written, produced, and directed by Shaun Monson.

from the opening of the film: “Since we all inhabit the Earth, all of us are considered earthlings. There is no sexism, no racism, or speciesism in the term earthling. It encompasses each and every one of us, warm or cold-blooded, mammal, vertebrae or invertebrate, bird, reptile, amphibian, fish, and human alike. Humans, therefore, being not the only species on this planet, share this world with millions of other living creatures as we all evolved here together.” 

Available to view, free, on the website, and also for rent and download.

2. Dominion

https://www.dominionmovement.com

In a sense, a follow-up to Earthlings, DOMINION concentrates on the vast operation of world-wide animal agriculture.

Dominion uses drones, hidden and handheld cameras to expose the dark underbelly of modern animal agriculture, questioning the morality and validity of humankind’s dominion over the animal kingdom. While mainly focusing on animals used for food, it also explores other ways animals are exploited and abused by humans, including clothing, entertainment, and research.

Narrated by Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, Sia, Sadie Sink, and Kat Von D, and co-produced by Earthlings creator Shaun Monson.

How to view: available to view for free online, YouTube, for download, or for purchase on DVD and Blu-ray

3. Cowspiracy

https://www.cowspiracy.com

Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret is a groundbreaking feature-length environmental documentary following intrepid filmmaker Kip Andersen as he uncovers the most destructive industry facing the planet today – and investigates why the world’s leading environmental organizations are too afraid to talk about it.

Animal agriculture is the leading cause of deforestation, water consumption and pollution is responsible for more greenhouse gases than the transportation industry, and is a primary driver of rainforest destruction, species extinction, habitat loss, topsoil erosion, ocean “dead zones,” and virtually every other environmental ill. Yet it goes on, almost entirely unchallenged.

How to view: available on DVD, direct DL, or Netflix

4. What The Health

https://www.whatthehealthfilm.com

What the Health is the groundbreaking follow-up film from the creators of the award-winning documentary Cowspiracy. The film exposes the collusion and corruption in government and big business that is costing us trillions of healthcare dollars and keeping us sick.

What The Health is a surprising, and at times hilarious, investigative documentary that will be an eye-opener for everyone concerned about our nation’s health and how big business influences it.”

How to view: available for download, on DVD, or streaming online from Vimeo

5. Forks Over Knives

https://www.forksoverknives.com/the-film/

“What if one simple change could save you from chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease? Take a deep dive into the plant-based diet documentary that has influenced millions around the world.”

How to view: available on Amazon , iTunes, VHX, or buy dvd

6. The End of Meat

http://www.theendofmeat.com/en/watch.html

In The End of Meat, filmmaker Marc Pierschel embarks on a journey to discover what effect a post-meat world would have on the environment, the animals, and ourselves. The End of Meat reveals the hidden impact of meat consumption; explores the opportunities and benefits of a shift to a more compassionate diet, and raises critical questions about the future role of animals in our society. This fascinating, and informative documentary offers a tantalizing view of how our world would change if the consumption of meat were to significantly decline or even end, and offers hope of that becoming reality.

How to view:  available on iTunes, Amazon Prime Video and more for streaming and for purchase on DVD/Blu-ray

7. The Last Pig

https://www.thelastpig.com

The Last Pig is an emotional, sensitive, and lyrical documentary about a pig farmer who comes to question his profession. His awakening and moral struggle is a reflection of our own as we consider our treatment of non-human animals.

Beautifully filmed in upper-state New York, USA, by filmmaker Allison Argo it chronicles Bob Comis’ last year as a pig farmer. The Last Pig continues Argo’s mission to provide a voice for those who are not heard – and to deepen understanding and respect for all beings.  

How to view: available for screening events and purchase on DVD

So Many Movies, SO Little Time

We know that this isn’t a comprehensive list, and we didn’t mean it to be. These 7 movies and veganism and how we treat animals are ones that cover a wide range of issues and are particularly powerful. We hope that these help you, encourage you, and provide information to power you on your journey to a compassionate life. Please let us know your thoughts on the films in the comments below.

Thanks for coming to Full of Beans!