Documentaries have an important place in the film world. Instead of flights of fancy or dramatized situations, they are non-fictional motion pictures intended to display a certain reality. While some documentaries try to entertain, their main goals are to instruct and educate.

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Furthermore, certain entries within this genre also help change viewers' lifestyles. While some have this direct concept in mind, other documentaries change how people think through the ways they present their material.

***CW: Suicide, Addiction***

10 Nomadland (2020) Is A Pseudo-Documentary About People Without A House

"Nomadland" is a pseudo-documentary on how people tired of capitalism become modern nomads.

The award-winning Nomadland is a hybrid documentary based on the 2017 non-fiction book by Jessica Bruder. On the surface, it's a fictional drama that stars Frances McDormand as Fern,  a woman who loses her long-time job and decides to become a modern nomad to search for work. Along the way, Fern meets up with real-life nomads who do things like work 12-hour shifts at an Amazon distribution facility.

Nomadland doesn't sugarcoat the life of these travelers. Although nomad advocates like Bob Wells appear to promote the freedom it provides, he also realizes some people take on this life for survival. Overall, Nomadland changes the way people think about work, money, and the world around them.

9 Super Size Me (2004) Reveals The Consequences Of A Fast-Food Diet

Morgan Spurlock eats McDonald's for one month in "Super Size Me."

Most people go to McDonald's for a treat or an occasional quick bite. What would happen if they decided to eat all their meals at the iconic Golden Arches? Morgan Spurlock helps viewers find out in the documentary Super Size Me. 

The goal of his 2004 visual study is to examine the epidemic of obesity in America. The documentary argues the effect of fast food on society is nearly as addictive as what the tobacco companies did to lure younger people to smoke. After watching Spurlock face elevated health issues after eating at McDonald's for a month, viewers may want to skip fast food altogether.

8 Minimalism (2015) Focuses On Those Who Life A Simpler Life

"Minimalism" is about living a simpler life.

Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, the duo known as The Minimalists, came to the same decision for different reasons. Due to issues in their own lives, they decided to forego capitalistic mindsets of buying and establish minimalist practices. Their story, and the tales of others who decided the same thing, are told in 2015's Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things.

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The film isn't just a collection of tiny homes and decluttering, it's about finding happiness without things. Not only is it a story about Fields and Nicodemus. It also details how people turned their lives around through a different way of life. Minimalism is so inspiring that it could cause an immediate lifestyle change in viewers.

7 Fat, Sick, And Nearly Dead (2010) Is A Story About Physical And Psychological Change

"Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead" follows someone on a 30-day juicing diet.

Joe Cross goes through many things in 2010's Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead. First, he embarks on a 60-day juice fast to cleanse his body. Simultaneously, he travels across the United States. At the end of the documentary, Cross reveals he lost 100 pounds and got off of all medications.

Critics of Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead declare it's simply an infomercial for products promoted by the Nutrition Research Foundation. However, regular viewers are more impressed that weight loss can be established through proper maintenance. Not everyone decides to establish a plant-based diet after watching the documentary. However, they could decide to throw out some of the worst foods.

6 20 Feet From Stardom (2013) Helps Viewers Feel Good About Their Lives

"20 Feet From Stardom" is about enjoyment in your present life.

On albums and in concerts, the featured performer or band has the spotlight. However, somewhere behind them are one or several singers that help bolster the main performance. These personalities are the ones featured in the Oscar-winning 20 Feet From Stardom. 

The documentary profiles the careers of people like Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, and Lisa Fischer. Some went beyond the background to success. Others remained as backup singers throughout their careers. No matter what happens, 20 Feet From Stardom reveals the immense joy of music.

5 Russell Brand: From Addiction To Recovery (2012) Is A Success Story

Russell Brand On Stage

The story of comedian and actor Russell Brand is one heard repeatedly. As his success increased so did his reckless behavior. By the early 21st century he was addicted to heroin and told he had six months to live. Then, with the assistance of his agent and a 12-step program, he got clean.

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His journey is detailed in the 2012 documentary Russell Brand: From Addiction to Recovery. He felt compelled to create the film, which addresses how British society deals with addiction after singer and friend Amy Winehouse died of a drug overdose. The documentary makes viewers take a closer look at how addiction is addressed among their friends and family.

4 Grizzly Man (2005) Reveals What Obsessive Behavior Can Do

grizzly man werner herzog

The Werner Herzog documentary Grizzly Man is more than a documentary about a bear-loving man. It also presents an underlying moral on how obsessive behavior can be dangerous and even deadly. Such is the case with Grizzly Man's Timothy Treadwell. A bear enthusiast to the end, he and his girlfriend died from an attack by one of these animals in October of 2003.

The documentary explores Treadwell's life and how he is viewed by those who know him. Herzog also expresses his opinions on the man. This is especially true when he hears the audio from the bear attack – something not aired in the documentary.

3 Brooklyn Castle (2012) Is About The Importance Of Learning Beyond The Classroom

"Brooklyn Castle" displays the importance of after-school activities for inner-city students.

Schools have two levels of education. One is based on math, science, and English. The other is related to after-school activities that further broaden a child's mind. It does the most for underprivileged students who reside in the inner city.

These children are the subject of Brooklyn Castle. The 2012 documentary focuses on a Brooklyn, NY middle school with a popular and supportive after-school chess program. Viewers who watch Brooklyn Castle should begin to realize how school budget cuts are doing more harm than good for public education.

2 Bully (2011) Shows The Tragic Effects Of Student Harassment

Bully is an eye-opening experience for parents and educators who don't see the full effects of student harassment. It profiles five teenagers in different schools. Two of them committed suicide due to the amount of bullying they encountered.

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Not only does it show how it mentally affects these students. Bullying also reveals how nonchalant some administrators and students are in declaring "kids will be kids." After watching this documentary, viewers may be angry enough to speak out.

1 An Inconvenient Truth (2006) Reveals The Devastating Effects Of Climate Change

"An Inconvenient Truth" is an early warning signal about climate change.

The subject of climate change isn't new. It's been addressed for decades. In 2006, former vice-president Al Gore presented an illustrated education on global warming in An Inconvenient Truth.

Those who watch the fact-filled documentary may have second thoughts about the way their carbon footprint is having a direct impact on the environment.

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