Have you ever found yourself wondering how much you know about food? Would you like to learn more about the culinary arts and food around the world? Maybe, you are curious about how food is produced, or you may be interested in how different diets affect health or the environment. Luckily, there are interesting food documentaries available to stream, so you can broaden your knowledge and satisfy your curiosity.
To help you out, we searched for documentaries that offer interesting topics about different aspects of food. If you need more tips on how to find the perfect food documentary, check out our buying guide, which was reviewed by a registered dietitian.
Quick List - Top Food Documentaries
Rachel Binkley is a registered dietitian who helps individuals develop healthy habits that fit into their lifestyle. She recommends adequate intakes of all micronutrients to help prevent deficiency as well as chronic conditions that may arise. You can keep up with her recipes, lifestyle, and more on Instagram or her blog, S'more Satisfaction.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
With the number of food documentaries available online, here are some tips to help you narrow down your choices and select the right food documentary for you!
Choosing a film to watch usually depends on your mood. Think about what you feel like learning and what you seek to gain from watching a food documentary. This will help you choose among the various choices available!
From chefs learning to perfect their craft to farmers and their challenges as they work for the food industry, and even stories of everyday people and their journey to a healthy diet, biographies provide an intimate look at a person’s relationship with food.
An example of this kind of documentary is Jiro Dreams of Sushi by David Gelb. The film follows Jiro’s life and career as he seeks perfection in the art of creating the perfect sushi.
Scientific documentaries cover a vast range of topics. From GMOs to advanced food processing techniques and how it has impacted the food industry, to nutrition and discussions on the latest diets that are trending, these documentaries keep viewers informed.
Even though these kinds of documentaries are backed by research, viewers should keep in mind that they are not free from bias. They are sometimes agenda-driven and want to make a stand regarding certain topics. It is best to do some of your own research into the credentials of the filmmakers and the documentary itself.
If you are in the mood for something adventurous, travel films that explore food cultures will be up your alley. These documentaries show you different types of food from around the world and can introduce you to exotic dishes.
Some of these documentaries will show you how the culture of a place influences its cuisine. One such example is Ugly Delicious starring David Chang.
Some documentaries seek to uncover controversies within the food industry and expose the harm that corporations create. From food waste to the controversy regarding GMOs to the food industry's impact on the environment, these kinds of films often have a clear message they want to send.
These documentaries may have a firm stance and can incite strong emotions from the viewer. We suggest approaching their topics with an open mind and researching further on your own. Another tip is to get an unbiased perspective by watching documentaries with opposing viewpoints to understand both sides.
Two examples of documentaries with opposing views are Food Evolution by Scott Hamilton Kennedy, which supports GMOs, and OMG GMO by Jeremy Seifert, which is against GMOs.
If you are curious about the many diets available, some documentaries cater to specific diets and lifestyles. Some talk about the keto diet, vegetarian diet, or veganism, and discuss how it has benefited the people who chose to undergo said diet.
Others talk about health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and cancer and their connection to improper food intake. These are for viewers who want to be more aware of their diet and their health.
Instead of searching by genre, you can also search for documentaries that are focused on a region or country whose cuisine and culinary culture intrigues you, or a topic you're interested in. Here are some examples to guide you.
Discover food documentaries that focus on culinary professionals and the techniques that they have mastered through the years. Some of these films may introduce you to food around the world as well, but these are more focused on illustrating the culinary arts from a professional's perspective.
Here, chefs and bakers may give you advice that you can apply to your everyday life should you find yourself wanting to cook or bake. An example of this is Chef’s Table by Boardwalk Pictures. It follows several chefs around the world and their different styles in creating unique dishes.
Culture is a big influence on cuisine. Documentaries that focus on this dive deep into a cuisine’s region or country of origin. They explore the culture and unique flavors, looking at the ingredients and exploring the techniques that make their cooking special.
An example is the Street Food Series by David Gelb and Brian McGinn. This takes viewers around the world to experience an authentic representation of a country’s culture.
When choosing a documentary, check the creators of the film and their backgrounds and see if their credentials match the topic of the documentary. If they're giving health advice and there aren't any health professionals featured in the documentary, for example, it might be better to search elsewhere.
Almost all documentary makers create them with a biased view, so approaching these films with a bit of skepticism and checking their credentials and their general stance on the topic at hand will help you understand their perspective and how it applies to you. Make sure to research the sources of the documentaries as well.
Some food documentaries are just a single film but others may be broken down into multiple episodes, so decide what your commitment level is and check the documentary's runtime. Details about ratings and times can be found on websites like imdb.com or commonsensemedia.org.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||
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Subgenre | TV Rating | Runtime | |||||
1 | Stephanie Soechtig Fed Up | ![]() | The Truth They Don’t Want You to Swallow | Scientific、News、Health、Political | Rated PG | 1 Hr 32 Min | |
2 | Robert Kenner Food, Inc. 2 | ![]() | Uncovering the Truth on Your Plate | Scientific、News、Health、Environmental | Not Rated | 1 Hr 34 Min | |
3 | Lee Fulkerson Forks Over Knives | ![]() | Change Your Plate, Change Your Life | Scientific、Health | Rated PG | 90 Min | |
4 | Vinnie Tortorich FAT: A Documentary 2 | ![]() | Redefining What We Think We Know About Fat | Health、Scientific | Rated 14+ | 1 Hr 20 Min | |
5 | Craig McMahon Foods That Cure Disease | ![]() | Unlock the Healing Power of Your Plate | Health | unknown | 4 Hrs | |
6 | Robert Kenner Food, Inc | ![]() | Uncovering the Hidden Costs of What We Eat | Scientific、News、Health、Environmental | Rated PG | 1 Hr 34 Min | |
7 | Sarah Mabrouk The Food Cure | ![]() | Can Food Truly Heal Us? | Biography、Health | Not Rated | 1 Hr 45 Min | |
8 | Jason Wise Somm 3 | ![]() | Mastering the Art of Wine, One Glass at a Time | Scientific、Travel & Culture、Culinary Arts | Rated 16+ | 1 Hr 18 Min | |
9 | Lenore Eklund Food As Medicine | ![]() | Nourishing Health from the Inside Out | Biography、Health | Not Rated | 1 Hr 26 Min | |
10 | Morgan Spurlock Super Size Me | ![]() | One Man, One Month, One Fast Food Experiment | Biography、Health | Rated PG-13 | 1 Hr 38 Min |
Subgenre | Scientific、News、Health、Political |
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Fed Up dives deep into the hidden causes of America’s obesity epidemic, revealing the powerful forces behind the sugar-filled foods that shape our daily lives. This hard-hitting documentary goes beyond surface-level diets and digs into the policies and corporate interests that make junk food a staple, uncovering why weight loss is more complicated than calorie counts.
Narrated by Katie Couric, Fed Up combines expert insights with real-life stories to expose how a culture of processed food impacts public health. Perfect for anyone seeking a wake-up call, this film challenges viewers to rethink the food industry and inspires a fight for healthier futures.
TV Rating | Rated PG |
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Runtime | 1 Hr 32 Min |
Subgenre | Scientific、News、Health、Environmental |
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The long-awaited sequel to the impactful Food, Inc., Food Inc. 2 dives even deeper into the modern food industry's practices, examining how corporations shape what we eat, and what that means for our health, environment, and society. Building on the groundwork laid by its predecessor, this documentary takes a hard look at issues like food justice, sustainability, and the environmental consequences of industrial farming. Through expert interviews and investigative reporting, Food Inc. 2 invites viewers to question the sources and practices behind their meals, empowering audiences to make informed food choices.
TV Rating | Not Rated |
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Runtime | 1 Hr 34 Min |
Subgenre | Scientific、Health |
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Forks Over Knives presents a revolutionary approach to health, focusing on the transformative power of a whole-food, plant-based diet. Through compelling research and personal stories, this documentary reveals how plant-focused nutrition can combat chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes, often reversing them entirely.
With insights from leading doctors and scientists, Forks Over Knives challenges the conventional medicine approach, inspiring viewers to see food as a powerful tool for wellness. For anyone curious about the life-changing impact of dietary choices, this film offers both inspiration and practical guidance to take control of your health.
TV Rating | Rated PG |
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Runtime | 90 Min |
Subgenre | Health、Scientific |
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Fat: A Documentary 2 takes a fresh look at the complex and often misunderstood role of dietary fat in our lives. Delving into the latest research, this sequel addresses myths surrounding fat, weight, and health, challenging long-standing dietary beliefs. With input from doctors, researchers, and nutrition experts, the film uncovers how different types of fats impact our bodies and questions the low-fat diet trends that have dominated for decades.
For those seeking clarity in the confusing world of nutrition, Fat: A Documentary 2 offers eye-opening insights and real science, empowering viewers to make better-informed choices about their diets. It’s a compelling watch for anyone interested in the truth behind what we eat.
TV Rating | Rated 14+ |
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Runtime | 1 Hr 20 Min |
Foods That Cure Disease explores the potential of whole foods to heal and prevent chronic illnesses, spotlighting how the right diet can lead to powerful health transformations. Led by Dr. Michael Klaper, this documentary examines the science behind plant-based eating, showcasing real-life cases where individuals have improved conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease through diet alone.
Blending expert insights with practical advice, Foods That Cure Disease serves as an empowering guide for anyone looking to take charge of their health naturally. It’s an essential watch for those who believe in the healing power of whole foods and want to explore the science-backed benefits of a plant-forward lifestyle.
TV Rating | unknown |
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Runtime | 4 Hrs |
Subgenre | Scientific、News、Health、Environmental |
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Food, Inc. pulls back the curtain on America’s food industry, exposing how corporate practices and industrial farming shape what ends up on our plates. This documentary examines the cost of cheap food, revealing the environmental, health, and ethical impacts of a system built for profit over people. With powerful insights from industry insiders, farmers, and activists, Food, Inc. challenges the practices of major corporations that control the food supply and influence consumer choices.
Through a mix of shocking revelations and inspiring calls for change, Food, Inc. encourages viewers to rethink their food sources and advocates for a more sustainable, transparent food system. It’s essential viewing for anyone curious about what’s really behind the food we eat.
TV Rating | Rated PG |
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Runtime | 1 Hr 34 Min |
Subgenre | Biography、Health |
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The Food Cure follows six patients facing cancer diagnoses who turn to an unconventional approach: intensive, plant-based nutrition as a potential path to recovery. This documentary chronicles their emotional journeys, documenting the highs and lows of using food as medicine in the fight against a life-threatening disease. With insights from doctors and experts, The Food Cure raises profound questions about the role of nutrition in healing and explores whether a whole-food, organic diet can offer hope where conventional treatments fall short.
This film is both inspiring and thought-provoking, inviting viewers to consider the power of diet in treating illness. Ideal for anyone interested in the intersection of nutrition and health, The Food Cure challenges us to reimagine the potential of food in the fight for life.
TV Rating | Not Rated |
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Runtime | 1 Hr 45 Min |
Subgenre | Scientific、Travel & Culture、Culinary Arts |
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Somm 3 takes viewers on an immersive journey into the elite world of wine, following a new generation of sommeliers as they compete, learn, and refine their craft. This third installment in the Somm series explores the rigorous training, intense passion, and dedication required to master wine, highlighting the challenges and triumphs faced by those striving to earn the prestigious title of Master Sommelier. Alongside personal stories, Somm 3 delves into the evolving role of sommeliers in an increasingly complex and diverse wine industry.
With breathtaking cinematography and intimate access, Somm 3 offers wine enthusiasts a deeper look at the artistry and science behind wine, making it an essential watch for anyone captivated by the world of fine wine.
TV Rating | Rated 16+ |
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Runtime | 1 Hr 18 Min |
Food as Medicine explores the science and philosophy behind using whole, nutrient-dense foods as a primary tool for healing and disease prevention. This documentary dives into real-life stories of individuals who have transformed their health through diet, alongside insights from nutrition experts and medical professionals who advocate for food-based treatments. By highlighting the profound impact of nutrition on overall well-being, Food as Medicine makes the case for food as a potent, proactive approach to health care.
For anyone curious about harnessing the power of food for wellness, this film offers practical guidance and inspiring examples of how dietary changes can transform lives. It’s a compelling reminder that what we eat is often the most powerful medicine of all.
TV Rating | Not Rated |
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Runtime | 1 Hr 26 Min |
Super Size Me takes a daring look at the fast food industry through the lens of Morgan Spurlock’s 30-day experiment, where he consumes nothing but McDonald's meals. As Spurlock’s health deteriorates over the course of the month, the documentary exposes the dangers of an all-fast food diet and critiques the power of the industry in shaping consumer behavior. Through shocking revelations and humor, Super Size Me highlights the societal impacts of fast food, from rising obesity rates to the manipulation of marketing.
A wake-up call to the dangers of processed food, Super Size Me is a must-watch for anyone questioning the health implications of the modern food system and the rise of fast food culture.
TV Rating | Rated PG-13 |
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Runtime | 1 Hr 38 Min |
No. 1: Stephanie Soechtig|Fed Up
No. 2: Robert Kenner|Food, Inc. 2
No. 3: Lee Fulkerson|Forks Over Knives
No. 4: Vinnie Tortorich|FAT: A Documentary 2
No. 5: Craig McMahon|Foods That Cure Disease
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