Health documentaries can be informative and inspirational, helping you gain insight and motivation to change your health and wellness habits. Hundreds of health documentaries are available in all genres, from nutrition and diet to fitness, martial arts, and bodybuilding. Whatever your interests, you can find something to watch from the list of health documentaries below.
Explained: Why Diets Fail
Explained is a health documentary series by Vox on Netflix. The series aims to explain the concepts and context of several topics. An episode titled Why Diets Fail examines why diets don't work.
The episode unpacks the science that low-carb, low-fat, and body-type diets as well as supplements and detoxification regimes do not work in helping most people lose weight. While the diet industry pushes us to avoid calories the food industry encourages us to eat more.
On Yoga: The Architecture of Peace
On yoga is an inspirational and educational film that unravels the popularity of yoga as it began in remote locals in India and the Himalayas to cities like New York. It follows photographer Michael O'Neil as he speaks to various yoga gurus.
This film traces the roots of yoga while also conveying a deep passion for the practice that will motivate you toward a deeper connection or new start with your own yoga practice.
The Illusionists
The Illusionists is a health documentary about the pervasiveness of unattainable beauty standards and how they are used in marketing. You will see these standards revealed from around the world in an eye-opening way.
While watching this film, you'll feel encouraged to work toward body acceptance and justifiably angry at the multi-billion-dollar industries that profit off insecurities and body hatred.
Cooked
Cooked is a journey into what it means to create the meals you eat. It will inspire you to feel a deeper connection with your food and encourage a more rounded, personal relationship with the food you eat. While food is often seen as a battleground of what you should and shouldn't eat, Cooked will help you reclaim the personal and cultural significance of food.
This health documentary series compels you to return to the kitchen, relearning lost culinary traditions and food preparation techniques while focusing on ingredients and cooking methods used to nourish yourself and those you cook for.
American Weightlifting
American Weightlifting is a documentary film examining what it takes to compete in the sport of weightlifting. You'll get an inside look at the extreme dedication these athletes and their coaches have for their sport while getting a glimpse at the struggles and setbacks involved.
This documentary is inspiring and informative for anyone interested in Olympic weightlifting and what it takes to compete internationally in the U.S.
I Am Maris: Portrait of a Young Yogi
I Am Maris is a health documentary about a 17-year-old yoga teacher. Maris is a survivor of a life-threatening struggle with anorexia nervosa who overcomes anxiety and depression to pursue her dream of becoming a yogi and teacher.
You'll be inspired by her story of perseverance, healing, self-acceptance, and passion. This amazing health documentary demonstrates the healing power of finding a physical and mental passion that build self acceptance and confidence. It may just inspire you in your own pursuit of building a yoga practice.
Too Big For the World
Too Big For the World examines standards women face when wanting to take up space. While men are encouraged to get bigger, women are typically pressured to become smaller. Women who want to be muscular and grow in size are often confronted with discrimination and harassment.
This documentary traces the life and pressures of Irene Anderson, a bodybuilder and middle-aged mother of three who breaks boundaries while combatting society's expectations of women. You'll be inspired to view bodies and physical fitness differently after watching.
The Dawn Wall
The Dawn Wall tells the incredible story of Tommy Caldwell, a free climber who strives to conquer the 3,000-foot Dawn Wall of El Capitan, a vertical rock formation in Yosemite National Park known to be exceedingly challenging to climb.
This inspirational tale demonstrates the passion and dedication it takes to train for such a physically and mentally exhausting feat. You'll also be amazed at how Tommy braves this, accomplishing more than many others before him despite losing his index finger in an accident. A genuinely uplifting and moving journey, and a favorite among health documentaries.
Miss Representation
Miss Representation is a film that illuminates how mainstream media and society tend to greatly under-represent women in positions of power and influence in the U.S. You will face the disparity in today's culture that minimizes women in sports and positions of influence.
The media's focus on girls' youth, beauty, and sexuality creates issues with body image and dissuades girls from seeking more meaningful pursuits and passions. Boys face pressure to be strong, aggressive, and dominant. This eye-opening informative documentary will help you build confidence and body acceptance as you learn about the issues girls and boys face today.
Through My Father's Eyes
Ronda Rousey is a famous UFC and MMA fighter who was the first female UFC champion. She is a decorated athlete including a two-time Judo champion in the Olympics at 21. Through My Father's Eyes delves deeper into life as her star rises, outlining the struggles she overcame.
You'll be inspired and motivated watching her train, push, and survive. Especially if you enjoy watching the sport of MMA as there is plenty of fight footage to admire.
Accomplice
Accomplice is a mountain biker's dream health documentary, with footage from all over the world of top riders. Any cyclist or those who enjoy extreme sports will want to watch this documentary for its inspiring feats of skill and beautiful scenery.
Resurface
Resurface tells the story of Bobby Lane, an Iraq war veteran who experienced many years of depression, seizures, and nightmares. He meets a big wave surfer, Van Curaza, who helps vets like Lane find peace through surfing.
Lane and Curaza demonstrate how being active and close to the ocean provides a healing mind-body experience that helps Lane and other veterans cope with their traumas. This health documentary is a truly touching story of how sports can hold a significant place for many.
Fightworld
Fightworld is another inspiring and educational health documentary series about fighting sports. It reveals the various fighting styles and practices from other cultures while demonstrating how sports can be an incredible passion in the lives of people around the world.
You'll learn about fighting techniques in Israel, Myanmar, Senegal, Mexico, and Thailand while accompanied by host, fighter, and actor Frank Grillo.
Limitless
Limitless tells the stories of eight different women runners from India while promoting running as a pursuit for women all over the world. In India, these women face difficulties and roadblocks while simply trying to get out and run, something that brings them joy but is not as easy as it is in America.
This health documentary will motivate you to lace up your running shoes while allowing you to view the challenges and passions of women runners from India.
Born Strong
Born Strong is a motivating and inspirational health documentary about strong men—their passion, love, and dedication to the sport and competition. The film follows the four strongest men on Earth as they compete for the title of the strongest man.
You'll first be introduced to each competitor in their home country, then follow them to The Arnold Strongman Classic. Strong men featured in this film include Eddie Hall, Hafthor Bjornsson, Brian Shaw, and Zydrunas Savickas.
A Word From Verywell
Health documentaries can inspire, motivate, educate, and change your perspective on topics of all kinds. The documentaries above will entertain you while allowing you to see how varied health and fitness are and how they can change people's lives.