PSYCHOLOGY DOCCUMENTARIES
DOCUMENTARIES WITH LINKS
Please note that the availability of these programs may vary depending on your location and the platform's current offerings..
For a comprehensive collection of documentaries on these topics, you can visit Top Documentary Films, which offers a wide range of films exploring psychology, neuroscience, and related fields.
BRAIN PLASTICITY
Horizon: My Amazing Brain – Richard’s War – Follows Richard Gray’s remarkable recovery from a catastrophic stroke, documented by his filmmaker wife Fiona over four years.
Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09nx9dv
Stress: Portrait of a Killer – This National Geographic documentary examines how chronic stress can alter brain structures and affect behaviour. Featuring Stanford neurobiologist Robert Sapolsky, it reveals the measurable dangers of prolonged stress and highlights the importance of stress management.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYG0ZuTv5rs
Marwencol – Follows artist Mark Hogancamp’s recovery after a brutal assault. His creation of a miniature World War II-era town is a therapeutic outlet, demonstrating the restorative power of imagination and human connection.
Link: http://www.marwencol.com/
Stress: Portrait of a Killer – This National Geographic documentary examines how chronic stress can alter brain structures and affect behaviour. Featuring Stanford neurobiologist Robert Sapolsky, it reveals the measurable dangers of prolonged stress and highlights the importance of stress management.
BRAIN POWER: From Neurons to Networks -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLp-edwiGUU&t=4s
EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY
Robert Winston: The Human Mind – Sexual Attraction: Investigates the science behind sexual attraction, uncovering the biological and psychological factors that influence desire and relationships. infocobuild.com
BBC Brain Sex: This series examines differences between male and female brains, analyzing how they may contribute to gender-specific behaviours and societal roles. search.alexanderstreet.com
Richard Dawkins: The Greatest Show on Earth
In this lecture, evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins presents evidence supporting the theory of evolution, discussing various examples from the natural world. - Watch on YouTube
March of the Penguins (2005)
A documentary that follows the annual journey of Emperor penguins in Antarctica as they march to their breeding ground. -Watch on YouTube
GENDER AND SEXUAL SELECTION
Why We Were All Born Female - Description: A documentary explaining the biological basis of sexual development.
Secrets of the Sexes -Description: Explores the differences between male and female brains and behaviours.
Detrans Person -Description: A personal account of detransitioning and its implications.
Robert Winston: Sexual Desire from an Evolutionary Perspective -Description: Lord Robert Winston explores sexual desire from an evolutionary standpoint.
Monkeys and Gendered Toys- Description: Investigates the impact of societal gender norms on toy preferences in monkeys.
NEUROSCIENCE
Brain Story Documentary Series by Prof. Susan Greenfield: This series explores the complexities of neuroscience and consciousness. Episodes include All in the Mind, In the Heat of the Moment, The Mind’s Eye, First Among Equals, Growing the Mind, and The Final Mystery. Description: A documentary series hosted by Prof. Susan Greenfield that explores the fascinating world of neuroscience and the mysteries of the human brain.
Vilayanur Ramachandran on Mirror Neurons and Phantom Limbs Description: Vilayanur Ramachandran discusses mirror neurons and phantom limb phenomena in this TED Talk.
God is in the Neurons Description: This documentary explores the relationship between neuroscience and spirituality.
Phantoms in the Brain Description: Ramachandran's cognitive neuropsychology documentary series delves into various aspects of brain mysteries.
Minds Wide Open Explores the incredible capabilities of the human brain, highlighting its adaptability, problem-solving skills, and creative potential.
Automatic Brain: The Magic Of The Unconscious Mind – Investigates the hidden power of the unconscious brain, revealing how much of our daily thoughts and actions are controlled without conscious awareness.
The Secrets of The Human Brain – A deep dive into neuroscience, uncovering groundbreaking discoveries about memory, intelligence, and the complexities of brain function.
Secrets of the Mind – Based on the research of neuroscientist V.S. Ramachandran, this documentary examines how brain injuries and disorders reveal the underlying mechanisms of perception and consciousness.
The Secret Life of the Brain – A five-part series exploring brain development across the lifespan, from infancy to old age, revealing how the brain shapes thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.
Superhuman Geniuses – Investigates individuals with extraordinary cognitive abilities, examining what makes them different and whether genius results from nature, nurture, or both.
My Brilliant Brain: Make Me A Genius – Part of the My Brilliant Brain series, this documentary explores intelligence science, examining whether genius is innate or can be developed through training and experience.
The Brain with David Eagleman Neuroscientist David Eagleman dives into the intricacies of the human brain. Episodes explore questions like What Is Reality?, What Makes Me Me?, and Who’s in Control?
The Mind, Explained: Narrated by Emma Stone, this Netflix series unpacks topics like dreaming, anxiety, and memory, providing accessible insights into neuroscience. https://www.netflix.com/title/81098586
The Brain: A Secret History: A mini-series tracing humanity’s attempts to understand and manipulate the brain, offering historical and psychological insights. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00xhgkd
Phantoms in the Brain: Explores neurological anomalies like phantom limb syndrome. This documentary offers insights into the brain's workings, challenging perceptions of reality and identity. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1EE802FC3F997400
ATTACHMENT
Bulgaria’s Abandoned Orphans Description: A documentary highlighting the plight of abandoned orphans in Bulgaria.
The Still Face Experiment Description: This experiment demonstrates the impact of maternal interaction on infants.
The Infamous Marshmallow Experiment Description: A classic experiment on delayed gratification and self-control in children.
The Wonderful World of Babies Documentaries Description: Documentary series exploring various aspects of baby development.Explores babies’ first year of life, focusing on their physical, cognitive, and emotional development milestones. full episodes of Babies: Their Wonderful World, a BBC documentary series. To watch or explore episodes from this series, you can use this YouTube search link to find available content.
Sick Baby Description: Comedy skits using real conversations of young children, providing insights into children's schemas.
Grandma’s House Description: Comedy skits using real conversations of young children, offering insights into children's perspectives.
Peaches Geldof vs. Katy Hopkins on Attachment Parenting - Description: A debate on attachment parenting between Peaches Geldof and Katy Hopkins.
Parenting Styles in Adults Description: A documentary exploring different parenting styles and their effects on children.
AGGRESSION AND FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY
Ted Talk by Tim Fallon on the Warrior Gene Description: Tim Fallon discusses the warrior gene (MAOA-L) associated with psychopathy.
Psychopath: A Film About Psychopaths Examines the minds of individuals diagnosed as psychopaths, delving into their behaviour, motives, and the psychological traits that define them. And how to test them
Into the Abyss (2011)
Werner Herzog's exploration of a triple homicide case in Texas examines the perspectives of both the perpetrators and the victims' families.- Watch on YouTube
Bully (2011)
A documentary that follows the lives of five students who face bullying daily aims to raise awareness about the impact of bullying in schools.- Watch on YouTube
PSYCHOPATHOLOGY
A Dangerous Method: https://sonyclassics.com/adangerousmethod/
Bedlam: https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/documentaries/bedlam
Mental: A History of the Madhouse: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00sfpvf
Horizon: OCD – A Monster in My Mind: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4953160/
ILLEGAL AND LEGAL DRUGS
All the Beauty and the Bloodshed (2022)
A documentary about photographer Nan Goldin and her efforts to hold the Sackler family accountable for the opioid crisis.- Watch on YouTube
DOPESICK This drama, based on Beth Macy’s book, explores the opioid crisis in the US, focusing on the pharmaceutical industry's role and its devastating societal impact
The Crime of the Century - Description: A documentary about OxyContin and Purdue Pharmacies' role in the opioid epidemic.
Gwen Olsen, Big Pharma Rep Description: Gwen Olsen discusses her experiences as a pharmaceutical representative.
Tardive Dyskinesia Example Description: Demonstrates tardive dyskinesia, a neurological disorder often caused by medications.
Robert Whitaker on the Pharma Industry Description: Robert Whitaker discusses the pharmaceutical industry's impact on mental health treatment..
Leon Roy Frank: Psychiatric Survivor Description: Leon Roy Frank shares his experiences as a psychiatric survivor.
Spiders on Drugs - Description: A humorous take on how different drugs affect the behaviour of spiders.
Crime of the Century: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40X0yguwHAE
Dopesick: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dopesick_(miniseries)
Painkiller: https://www.netflix.com/title/81095069
Do No Harm: The Opioid Epidemic: https://zinniahealth.com/research/opioid-crisis-documentaries
Frontline: Opioids, Inc.: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/opioids-inc
FREE WILL AND DETERMINISM
Sam Harris's Talk on Free Will Determinism - Description: Sam Harris discusses free will and determinism.
Sam Harris on Joe Rogan Discussing Determinism vs. Free Will Description: Sam Harris discusses determinism and free will with Joe Rogan.
Richard Dawkins on Doing Useless Things Description: Richard Dawkins reflects on pursuing seemingly useless activities.
Steven Pinker on Free Will and Determinism Description: Steven Pinker provides insights into the concepts of free will and determinism.
Robert Sapolsky on Life and Free Will Description: Robert Sapolsky explores the intersection of life and free will.
Experiment on Free Will Description: A thought-provoking experiment on free will.
COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
Model on Being Old - Stereotypes Description: Explores stereotypes and their impact on perceptions of age.
Steven Pinker on Language Description: Steven Pinker delves into the evolution and complexities of language.
The Man with the 7-Second Memory Tells the story of Clive Wearing, a man with severe amnesia, and the profound impact of his condition on his daily life and relationships.
Horizon: Do You See What I See?: Explores how perception of colour differs among individuals based on age, mood, and biology.
ILLUSIONS
Selective Attention Test - Description: An experiment testing selective attention.
McGurk Effect Description: Demonstrates the McGurk effect, an auditory-visual illusion.
BEHAVIOURISM
Rats on Drugs: Skinner's Box - Description: An experiment involving rats and operant conditioning in Skinner's Box.
SOCIAL INFLUENCE
Last Days of Solitary: Aggression & Situational Theories - Description: A harrowing portrait of life in solitary confinement and an experiment to reform a prison.
Derren Brown's Milgram Experiment - Description: Derren Brown replicates the famous Milgram experiment to explore social influence.
The Social Dilemma: Investigates the psychological effects of social media, featuring insights from tech insiders on its alarming societal consequences. netflix.com
Quiet Rage: The Stanford Prison Experiment: Explores Philip Zimbardo’s infamous 1971 experiment on the psychological effects of power, authority, and dehumanization in a simulated prison. prisonexp.org You can also watch "Quiet Rage: The Stanford Prison Experiment" on YouTube:
Jesus Camp (2006)
A look at a Pentecostal summer camp for children, highlighting the fervent religious training that encourages them to become dedicated Christian soldiers.- Watch on YouTube
PORNOGRAPHY AND FEMINISM
Inside Deep Throat (2005)
An examination of the 1972 pornographic film "Deep Throat" discusses its cultural impact and the controversy surrounding it.- Watch on YouTube
Born Into Brothels (2004)
A portrait of several children who live in the red light district of Calcutta, focusing on their resilience and the transformative power of art.- Watch on YouTube
Hot Girls Wanted - Description: A documentary exploring the experiences of young women in the amateur porn industry.
Hot Girls Wanted: Turned On" is a six-part Netflix documentary series premiered on April 21, 2017. It explores the intersection of sex, technology, and intimate relationships through personal stories. imdb.com
Episode List:
Women on Top
Love Me Tinder
Owning It
Money Shot
Take Me Private
Don't Stop Filming
EATING BEHAVIOUR
SUPERSIZE ME Morgan Spurlock embarks on a 30-day experiment eating only McDonald’s food. The documentary examines the diet's physical and psychological effects, raising awareness about fast food culture.
Food, Inc. (2008)
An examination of corporate farming in the United States, highlighting the detrimental effects on health, the environment, and worker rights.- Watch on YouTube
POLITICS
HyperNormalisation -This documentary, directed by Adam Curtis, explores how governments and financiers have simplified complex realities to maintain control, affecting perceptions and behaviours. imdb.com
Bitter Moon is a film by Roman Polanski that delves into the complexities of human relationships, exploring themes of obsession, desire, and psychological manipulation. imdb.com
All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace
This BBC series by Adam Curtis explores how humans have been colonized by the machines they have built, affecting various aspects of society.- Watch on Films for Action
Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky and the Media (1992)
A film about the noted American linguist and political dissident Noam Chomsky, focusing on his critique of corporate media's role in modern propaganda. - Watch on YouTube
Dark Days (2000)
A cinematic portrait of the homeless population who live permanently in the underground tunnels of New York City.
Watch on YouTube
I Am Not Your Negro (2016)
A documentary envisioning the book James Baldwin never finished, exploring the history of racism in the United States.- Watch on YouTube
Bowling for Columbine (2002)
Michael Moore's documentary exploring the causes of the Columbine High School massacre and broader issues of gun violence in the U.S.- Watch on YouTube
All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace: This BBC documentary series by Adam Curtis explores how humans have been colonized by the machines they've built. It's available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video:
