Best Documentaries On Social Justice Topics

Best Documentaries On Social Justice Topics.

Social justice is an ongoing fight for equality, fairness, and human rights. Documentaries on social justice issues shed light on the struggles faced by marginalized communities and bring attention to important causes. These films inspire change, raise awareness, and give voice to those who are often unheard. If you’re passionate about social justice, these must-watch documentaries will open your eyes to the challenges people face in fighting for their rights.

Best Documentaries On Social Justice Topics
Best Documentaries On Social Justice Topics

1. 13th

“13th,” directed by Ava DuVernay, explores the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in America. The film takes its name from the 13th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery but allowed for forced labor as punishment for crime. The documentary examines how this loophole led to the disproportionate imprisonment of Black Americans and the rise of the prison-industrial complex.

Why Watch It

  • Understand the connection between slavery and mass incarceration.
  • See how racial inequality persists in the criminal justice system.
  • Learn about the history of systemic racism in America.

2. The Square

“The Square” takes you inside the heart of the Egyptian Revolution, where young activists fight for democracy in the face of violence and oppression. This powerful documentary shows the struggles and sacrifices made by ordinary people seeking justice during the 2011 protests in Egypt.

Why Watch It

  • Witness the real-life struggle for democracy and freedom.
  • Get an inside look at the Egyptian Revolution.
  • Learn about the courage of activists who faced government brutality.

3. When They See Us

This Netflix miniseries, also directed by Ava DuVernay, tells the heartbreaking true story of the Central Park Five, a group of Black and Latino teenagers wrongfully convicted of assaulting a white woman in New York in 1989. The series highlights the injustices they faced and the flawed legal system that failed them.

Why Watch It

  • Discover the flaws in the criminal justice system.
  • Understand the impact of racial bias on the justice process.
  • Learn about the lives of the Central Park Five and their fight for justice.

4. Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

This documentary explores the life of Fred Rogers, the beloved host of the children’s TV show Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. The film shows how Rogers used his platform to promote social justice, kindness, and acceptance, tackling issues like racism, divorce, and war compassionately and thoughtfully.

Why Watch It

  • See how one man’s kindness made a difference in the lives of children.
  • Learn about Fred Rogers’ commitment to social justice and equality.
  • Watch how he used his platform to address difficult topics gently.

5. He Named Me Malala

This inspiring documentary follows the life of Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist for girls’ education who survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban. The film captures Malala’s journey to becoming the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize laureate and her continued fight for education equality.

Why Watch It

  • Learn about Malala’s fight for girls’ education worldwide.
  • Discover the challenges she faced growing up under the Taliban.
  • Get inspired by her dedication to making a difference.

6. The True Cost

“The True Cost” delves into the fashion industry, examining the social and environmental impact of fast fashion. The documentary sheds light on the exploitation of workers, particularly in developing countries, and the environmental damage caused by the constant demand for cheap clothing.

Why Watch It

  • Understand the impact of fast fashion on workers and the environment.
  • See how consumer choices influence global supply chains.
  • Learn about the human cost of cheap clothing.

7. 13th

“13th” delves into the history of racial inequality in the United States, examining how the 13th Amendment to the Constitution led to the mass incarceration of Black Americans. This powerful film explores the long-lasting consequences of racism and the prison system.

Why Watch It

  • Explore the deep roots of racial inequality in the U.S.
  • Understand how mass incarceration affects Black communities.
  • Discover how the prison system perpetuates social injustice.

8. The Act of Killing

In “The Act of Killing,” filmmaker Joshua Oppenheimer explores the Indonesian mass killings of 1965-66, where an estimated one million people were killed. The film focuses on the perpetrators, who boast about their actions, revealing disturbing truths about impunity, justice, and the politics of memory.

Why Watch It

  • Dive deep into the psychological effects of mass violence.
  • Understand how history is shaped by the victors.
  • Witness how impunity allows atrocities to continue without justice.

9. RBG

“RBG” tells the inspiring story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the second woman to serve as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. The documentary highlights Ginsburg’s tireless work for gender equality and social justice, as well as her groundbreaking legal career and legacy.

Why Watch It

  • Learn about the life and work of a legal trailblazer.
  • Discover how Ruth Bader Ginsburg fought for gender equality.
  • Get inspired by her lifelong commitment to justice and fairness.

10. Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution

“Crip Camp” explores the lives of disabled individuals who attended a camp in the 1970s that became a catalyst for the disability rights movement. The documentary highlights how the camp helped shape the activists who fought for equal rights for people with disabilities.

Why Watch It

  • Discover the origins of the disability rights movement.
  • Learn about the struggles disabled people face in seeking equality.
  • Get inspired by the activists who fought for change.

Conclusion

Documentaries on social justice topics are a powerful way to learn about the struggles faced by marginalized groups and the people who fight for equality and fairness. These films help raise awareness, spark conversation, and inspire action. By watching these documentaries, you can better understand the issues that impact our world and be part of the change that promotes justice for all.