10 Must-Watch Documentaries on the Food Industry

Description: Morgan Spurlock's experiment of eating only McDonald's for 30 days highlights the health consequences of fast food, sparking a global conversation on diet and nutrition.

Fact: The film won the Best Director award at the Sundance Film Festival and led McDonald's to phase out their "Super Size" option.

Description: Two friends trace the origins of corn in the American diet, revealing how this single crop has transformed agriculture and our health.

Fact: The film was shot over three years, documenting the entire corn-growing cycle.

Description: This film pulls back the curtain on America's food industry, revealing how corporations control what we eat, often at the expense of our health and the environment. It's a must-watch for understanding the power dynamics in food production.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. It also led to significant public discourse about food policy in the U.S.

Description: This film advocates for a whole-foods, plant-based diet, linking dietary choices to chronic diseases and offering a path to better health.

Fact: It has inspired a companion book and a follow-up documentary, "Forks Over Knives: The Engine 2 Kitchen Rescue."

Description: Focused on the childhood obesity epidemic, this film critiques the role of sugar in our diets and the food industry's influence on public health policy.

Fact: Katie Couric, who produced the film, was inspired by her own struggles with weight.

Description: A father's quest to understand genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in our food supply, highlighting the potential risks and lack of transparency.

Fact: The film was screened at the Sundance Film Festival and sparked discussions on GMO labeling laws.

Description: While primarily about the fashion industry, it also touches on the food industry's role in global economics, labor, and environmental degradation.

Fact: The film features interviews with activists, farmers, and industry insiders from around the world.

Description: This documentary challenges the notion that meat is essential for athletes, showcasing how plant-based diets can enhance performance and health.

Fact: It was executive produced by James Cameron, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Jackie Chan.

Description: This documentary investigates the impact of animal agriculture on the environment, revealing why major environmental organizations avoid the topic.

Fact: The film was initially self-funded by the filmmakers, Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn.

Description: Although more of a narrative film, "Okja" explores the ethical issues of genetically modified animals in the food industry, making it a poignant addition to this list.

Fact: The film was released on Netflix, marking a significant shift in how documentaries and films are distributed.