23 Feel-Good Documentaries that Will Lift Your Spirits
Documentaries have long been associated with being for intellectuals, focusing on topics like the intricate mating habits of polar bears or the complex histories of obscure fascist regimes. However, the landscape of documentaries has drastically changed over time, now offering viewers a plethora of engaging and diverse content. These modern documentaries cover subjects ranging from amusement park accidents to scandalous stories. While some films may still explore dark and heavy topics like death, rape, or kidnapping, many are now delving into lighter and more uplifting narratives.
With the rise of true crime documentaries dominating the media landscape, viewers may be experiencing burnout from the constant stream of grim and grisly stories. More audience members are seeking a reprieve from the heaviness of reality and are turning to documentaries that offer a different perspective. Reddit user u/Jaded_Performance713 posed the question on r/AskReddit, asking for recommendations for documentaries that do not revolve around death, rape, or kidnapping. This query struck a chord with many users, resulting in a list of thought-provoking and engaging documentaries that offer a refreshing break from the norm.
One such documentary highlighted on the list is “Free Solo,” which follows rock climber Alex Honnold as he attempts to conquer El Capitan’s 3,000-foot vertical rock face without any safety equipment. Another recommendation is “Man on Wire,” a captivating film that chronicles Philippe Petit’s daring high-wire walk between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in 1974.
For those looking to explore quirky and entertaining documentaries, “Pepsi, Where’s My Jet?” offers a humorous take on a man’s quest to redeem his promised Pepsi points for a Harrier jet. Meanwhile, “Genghis Blues” follows a blind blues musician’s journey to Tuva, where he discovers Tuvan throat singing.
Other notable documentaries in the list include “Apollo 11,” which provides a behind-the-scenes look at the iconic moon landing, and “The United States of Insanity,” a comical exploration of eccentric American subcultures. “Fantastic Fungi” takes viewers on a mesmerizing journey through the world of mushrooms, highlighting their crucial role in sustaining life on Earth.
These documentaries showcase the vast array of captivating stories and subjects that filmmakers are exploring beyond the traditional realms of death and despair. By offering viewers a diverse range of topics and perspectives, these films provide a welcome escape from the darker aspects of reality and offer a glimpse into the fascinating and often overlooked aspects of life. Whether it’s a heartwarming tale of friendship or a mesmerizing exploration of nature, these documentaries offer something for everyone to enjoy.