9 Of The Best Netflix Documentaries That Will Change The Way You Look At Life

For those who are into non-fiction and don't mind delving in an intense weekend watch, documentaries on Netflix are a treat to behold. Documentaries made by filmmakers have the power to open an individual's eyes, to some of the most fascinating aspects of life. From lives of great people and some of the greatest incidents in history, to lifestyle-related issues, documentaries are one of the most enlightening sources of information. We¡¯ve picked out a few life-changing documentaries Netflix has to offer, that might make you rethink some key aspects of life and the way we live.

1. Minimalism

We all live in a world consumed by capitalism, and the want for more is unending. This documentary takes you through the lives people who have chosen to renounce the material world and live a minimalistic life. Choosing the path to minimalism is easier said than done, but it's one of the most empowering ways to let go temptations and focus on things that are of greater importance in life. For those who are intrigued by the new trend of a minimalistic life, this documentary will do the magic and change the way you look at things.

2. Wild Wild Country

Netflix's Wild Wild Country brings the spotlight back to Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh's infamous 'sex cult'. The Osho Centre that moved from Pune to Antelope city of Oregon, USA, is probably one of the most controversial things that a Guru has ever attempted in history. In search for the space to grow their numbers and freedom to practice the Rajneeshee way, secretary and right-hand to Bhagwan, Ma Anand Sheela, purchased Big Muddy Ranch in Wasco County, Oregon. Pretty soon, it became the center of a major international controversy back in the 80s.

3. Period. End of Sentence.

Period. End of Sentence is a documentary that tackles the stigma around menstruation in rural India. The 26-minute film revolves around a group of women who use a new machine in order to create low-cost sanitary pads so that women in their village can be financial independent, and at the same time improve feminine hygiene.The movie was directed by 25-year-old filmmaker Rayka Zehtabchi and produced by Guneet Monga.

4. Amy

The Academy Award¨Cwinning documentary Amy exposes the struggles British singer Amy Winehouse faced, as she navigated life in the spotlight. This film features her words, her music, her voicemails, her home videos and most of all, drugs that took over her and ended her life in the most tragic way. With her death, Amy Winehouse became part of the infamous 27 Club. 27 Club has become one of the most elusive and remarkably tragic coincidences in rock & roll history, and term became widely known after Kurt Cobain¡¯s death in 1994, with rock fans connecting his age to that of Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, Brian Jones and Jimi Hendrix and more.

5. A Tale Of Two Kitchens

In a new documentary short called A Tale Of Two Kitchens, director Trisha Ziff explores the employee communities at Contramar and Cala¡ªone based in San Francisco and the other in Mexico. The documentary explores the lifestyles of waiters, bartenders, line cooks, chefs, general managers from the two restaurants and draws points of comparisons that are wildly different, and some points of functioning of the two restaurants that are beautifully interconnected. The documentary takes one through the complexity of Mexican-American identity, the integral role Latin Americans have had in American restaurants and the food industry.

6. Raja Rasoi Aur Kahaniya

Did you know that the South Indian staple sambhar was actually invented by the Marathas? Or that the sumptuous and rich dum biryani was actually an ordinary dish that was prepared for the labourers. This beautiful documentary takes one through some of the lesser-known aspects of India's food history. The show will take you into the royal kitchens across India - from Kashmir to Kerala - and introduce you to the culinary practices across different parts of the country.

7. Salt Fat Acid Heat

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking is a documentary that takes one through the most elementary aspects of cooking. Hosted by Samin Nosrat each episode of series explores one of the four elements of good cooking that are absolute game-changers. Samin meets with restaurant chefs, home cooks, and artisans around the world to give depth to the meaning of cooking and food that we eat.

8. Rotten

This six-part documentary series tackles corruption, crime, and controversy in the food industry - things that you never thought of. The documentary talks about fraudulent seafood in the United States and the shady practices of Big Garlic industry. This is definitely not a food series designed to make your mouth water, but it's going to do just the opposite - make you a little sick to the stomach. It's an eye-opener that we all need.

9. Daughters Of Destiny

Girls from India¡¯s untouchable and underprivileged caste are usually shunned from the education system. This epic series, shot over seven years, follows pupils at Shanti Bhavan and gives a peek into their lives of struggling with poverty, the fight to pursue education, figure out what they want to do with their lives, and begin shaping their own futures.