Movies About Animal Rights

From Louie Psihoyos, starring Richard O'Barry, Louie Psihoyos, Hardy Jones, Michael Illiff
Rated PG-13

The Cove is a documentary directed by Louie Psihoyos which follows a team of activists and filmmakers as they attempt to expose the part of Taiji, Japan that is home to a secret and heavily guarded cove, where thousands of dolphins are killed annually. The team uses state-of-the-art technology to film the hunting of the dolphins and document the conflicts with the local fishermen. Through their efforts, the activists seek to raise awareness about the mass slaughter of dolphins, as well as to create an international call for action to stop the dolphin hunts. The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature at the 82nd Academy Awards in 2010.

From Gabriela Cowperthwaite, starring Tilikum, Dave Duffus, Samantha Berg, Dean Gomersall
Rated PG-13

Blackfish is a documentary film that focuses on the life of an orca whale named Tilikum, who was captured and sold to SeaWorld for entertainment purposes. The film follows Tilikum's life from his capture in the early 1980s to his eventual death in 2017, documenting the psychological trauma the whale suffered both from captivity and from the numerous people he interacted with. It examines the dangers of keeping orcas in captivity and the consequences of using them for entertainment. It also calls attention to the mistreatment of other animals kept in captivity, and the callous attitude of SeaWorld towards their animals. The film ultimately paints an unflattering portrait of SeaWorld and its practices, and serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of keeping animals in captivity for human enjoyment.

From Rob Stewart, starring Rob Stewart, Paul Watson, Erich Ritter, Boris Worm
Rated PG

Sharkwater is a 2006 documentary film directed by Rob Stewart that details the dangerous, illegal practices of shark fishing and the environmental degradation of the world’s shark populations. Stewart’s journey takes him across four different continents, exposing the corruption and greed of shark finning and other destructive activities of the fishing industry. As he discovers the truth behind the exploitation of sharks, he also uncovers a conspiracy to help preserve the species from extinction. In the end, Stewart’s mission is to raise public awareness of the plight of sharks and to help ensure their conservation.

From Mark Devries, starring Steven Best, Richard Dawkins, Gary Francione, Bruce Friedrich
Rated Not Rated

Speciesism: The Movie is a 2013 documentary film by Mark Devries that examines the concept of speciesism, which is the belief that humans are superior to all other species and should exploit them for their own benefit. The film features interviews with animal rights activists, scientists, and philosophers, and examines the ethical, philosophical, and scientific arguments for and against speciesism. The film looks at the effects of speciesism on animals, the environment, and global food production, and highlights the need for more ethical and compassionate treatment of animals. It also looks at the potential for humans to live in harmony with animals, and the importance of protecting animal rights.

From Robert Kenner, starring Michael Pollan, Eric Schlosser, Richard Lobb, Vince Edwards
Rated PG

Food, Inc. is a 2008 documentary film directed by Robert Kenner, which examines the industrial production of food in the United States and its consequences. The film looks at the corporate-controlled food industry and the detrimental effects it has on farmers, consumers, and the environment. It explores the negative impacts of large-scale industrial farming, including the use of pesticides, antibiotics, and other dangerous chemicals. It also examines the ways in which food is marketed and sold, and how those practices often lead to higher prices and poorer quality food. Finally, the film looks at alternatives to the current food production system, such as organic farming, local food networks, and sustainable agriculture.

From Lee Fulkerson, starring Lee Fulkerson, Matthew Lederman, Alona Pulde, T. Colin Campbell
Rated PG

Forks Over Knives is a 2011 American documentary film which examines the profound claim that most, if not all, of the degenerative diseases that afflict us can be controlled, or even reversed, by rejecting animal-based and processed foods. The film features leading experts in the fields of health and nutrition who explain why modern diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, are linked to the Western diet of processed foods, and how a shift to a whole-food, plant-based diet can prevent and reverse these diseases. Through the stories of several patients suffering from chronic illnesses, viewers are inspired to take control of their own health. Through the illuminating experiences of Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, we learn about the importance of a plant-based diet, and how it can improve the quality of life for millions of people.

From James Marsh, starring Nim Chimpsky, Stephanie LaFarge, Herbert Terrace, Wer LaFarge
Rated PG-13

From Directors: Dan Stone, Patrick Gambuti Jr., starring Paul Watson, Alex Cornelissen, Peter Hammarstedt, Benjamin Baldwin
Rated PG

From Michael Webber, starring Tim Harrison, Terry Brumfield, Russ Clear, Casey Craig
Rated PG

From Directors: Marshall Curry, Sam Cullman, starring Daniel McGowan, Lisa McGowan, Tim Lewis, Kirk Engdall
Rated Unrated