Dive into the world of chemical technologies with this curated list of documentaries. These films not only highlight the incredible advancements in chemistry but also explore the ethical, environmental, and societal implications of these technologies. Whether you're a science enthusiast or just curious about how the world works, these documentaries offer a deep dive into the molecules that shape our lives.

The Invisible War (2012)
Description: While primarily about military sexual assault, this documentary also touches on the chemical technologies used in forensic science to aid in the investigation of these crimes.
Fact: The film won the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival.


The Chemist (2016)
Description: This documentary follows a chemist working in the fragrance industry, revealing the complex chemistry behind creating scents and the technology used in the process.
Fact: The film was produced by the same team behind the popular documentary "Jiro Dreams of Sushi."


The Atom Smashers (2008)
Description: This documentary follows the scientists at Fermilab as they attempt to discover the elusive Higgs boson, showcasing the cutting-edge technology used in particle physics, which is fundamentally rooted in chemical principles.
Fact: The film was shot over four years, capturing the ups and downs of the scientific process in real-time.


The World's Most Expensive Drugs (2016)
Description: This documentary delves into the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on the development and pricing of life-saving drugs, highlighting the chemical processes behind drug synthesis.
Fact: It includes interviews with both pharmaceutical executives and patients, providing a balanced perspective on the drug pricing debate.


Plastic Planet (2009)
Description: An exploration of the environmental impact of plastics, this film looks at the chemical composition of plastics and the technologies aimed at reducing plastic pollution.
Fact: The documentary was inspired by the book "Plastic Ocean" by Charles Moore.


The Power of the Atom (2015)
Description: This documentary explores nuclear power, focusing on the chemical reactions that occur during nuclear fission and the technology behind nuclear reactors.
Fact: It includes rare footage from inside a nuclear power plant.


The Science of Happiness (2017)
Description: While not exclusively about chemistry, this documentary discusses the chemical reactions in the brain that contribute to happiness, showcasing the technology used in neuroscience research.
Fact: The film features experiments conducted by leading psychologists and neuroscientists.


The Chemistry of Life (2010)
Description: This film explores the chemical processes that govern life, from DNA replication to protein synthesis, using state-of-the-art technology to visualize these microscopic events.
Fact: It was produced in collaboration with the Royal Society of Chemistry.


The Age of Aluminum (2014)
Description: This documentary traces the history and chemistry of aluminum, from its discovery to its widespread use in modern technology, highlighting the chemical processes involved.
Fact: It includes interviews with historians, chemists, and engineers who have worked with aluminum.


The Chemistry of Cooking (2012)
Description: A look at the chemical reactions that occur in cooking, this documentary explains how chefs use chemistry to create culinary masterpieces, showcasing kitchen technology.
Fact: The film was inspired by the book "On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen" by Harold McGee.
