Oil has been the lifeblood of modern civilization, fueling our cars, heating our homes, and powering our industries. But behind the convenience lies a complex web of geopolitical tensions, environmental concerns, and economic disparities. This curated list of documentaries delves into the multifaceted world of oil, offering viewers a chance to understand the past, present, and potential future of this precious resource. From the depths of the ocean to the heart of political debates, these films provide a comprehensive look at how oil shapes our world.

Pump (2014)
Description: This documentary investigates the oil industry's control over fuel prices and the potential for alternative fuels to break this monopoly.
Fact: It features interviews with former oil industry insiders and advocates for fuel choice.


The Age of Consequences (2016)
Description: While not exclusively about oil, this film connects climate change, resource scarcity, and geopolitical instability, with oil playing a central role in these dynamics.
Fact: It was screened at the White House and has been used in educational settings to discuss climate security.


Black Gold (2006)
Description: Focused on the coffee trade, this film also touches on the broader themes of resource exploitation, including oil, and its impact on developing countries.
Fact: Although not exclusively about oil, it provides a parallel narrative of resource exploitation and its global implications.


Crude (2009)
Description: This film follows the legal battle between indigenous Ecuadorians and Chevron over oil pollution in the Amazon rainforest, highlighting the environmental and human rights issues tied to oil extraction.
Fact: The film was screened at the Sundance Film Festival and has been praised for its balanced portrayal of both sides of the legal conflict.


Gasland (2010)
Description: Josh Fox investigates the impact of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) on communities across America, revealing the contamination of water supplies and health issues linked to natural gas drilling.
Fact: The documentary won the Special Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival and led to significant public and regulatory scrutiny of fracking practices.


The Oil Machine (2022)
Description: This film examines the UK's dependency on oil, exploring the environmental, political, and economic implications of oil production and the transition to renewable energy.
Fact: It features insights from experts in the energy sector, providing a balanced view on the future of oil in the UK.


The Big Fix (2012)
Description: This documentary explores the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, focusing on the environmental impact, the response by BP, and the political and corporate cover-ups.
Fact: It includes exclusive interviews with key figures involved in the spill and its aftermath, offering a rare insider's perspective.


A Crude Awakening: The Oil Crash (2006)
Description: This documentary looks at the history of oil, its peak, and the potential for an oil crash, discussing the implications for global economies and societies.
Fact: The film includes interviews with oil industry insiders, economists, and environmentalists, offering a broad perspective on the issue.


Blood and Oil (2008)
Description: This documentary explores the relationship between oil, conflict, and human rights abuses in Sudan, focusing on the Darfur crisis.
Fact: The film sheds light on the lesser-known aspects of oil's role in fueling conflicts in Africa.


The End of Suburbia: Oil Depletion and the Collapse of the American Dream (2004)
Description: It examines the impact of peak oil on suburban lifestyles, suggesting that the American dream of suburban living might be unsustainable.
Fact: The film has sparked numerous discussions on urban planning and sustainable living.
