19 Happy Documentaries to Brighten Your Day

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11 Apr

The world can be a tough place to navigate, and sometimes, we all need a little bit of inspiration to hold on to hope and positivity. One of the best ways to find encouragement is through inspirational documentaries that showcase people's resilience, determination, and optimism.

There are countless documentaries out there worth watching, but in this blog post, we rounded up some of the best happy documentaries that will leave you feeling motivated, uplifted, and ready to make a difference.

1. Happy (2011)

The documentary delves into the science of happiness and attempts to answer the age-old question: What makes people happy? The filmmakers travel to different parts of the world and interview people from different cultures and backgrounds to find out. Through these interviews and research on positive psychology, the documentary provides insights into the factors that contribute to happiness, such as social connections, gratitude, and work satisfaction.

👉 Watch Happy on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy Happy as DVD on Amazon

2. Martha: A Picture Story

This documentary follows the life of Martha Cooper, a legendary New York City photographer who is known for capturing the city's vibrant street art scene. From the 70s to today, Martha has been an integral part of documenting the evolution of street art in the city. But the film also explores the human side of her story, and how her passion for photography has kept her going through some tough times. With stunning visuals and a message of perseverance, Martha: A Picture Story is a heartwarming look at a woman who has never lost her love for her craft.

👉 Watch Martha: A Picture Story on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy Martha: A Picture Story as DVD on Amazon

3. Gunther's Millions

This charming film tells the story of Gunther Holtorf, a German man who set out on a world tour in his trusty Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen in 1989. He planned to travel for 18 months, but ended up spending the next 26 years on the road, visiting over 215 countries and racking up over 800,000 miles. Along the way, he faced incredible challenges, from border crossings to car breakdowns, but he also met countless people who welcomed him with open arms. Gunther's Millions is an inspiring film about the power of travel, the kindness of strangers, and the joy of exploring the world.

Gunther's Millions on Factual America

4. We Are As Gods

This fascinating documentary takes us inside the world of the Whole Earth Catalog, a groundbreaking publication that helped shape the counterculture of the 60s and 70s. The film focuses on Stewart Brand, the founder of the Catalog, and his vision of using technology to create a more sustainable future. From the early days of the Catalog to his involvement in the creation of The WELL and the Whole Earth 'Lectronic Link, We Are As Gods is a hopeful and thought-provoking film that looks at the ways in which technology can be used to make the world a better place.

We Are As Gods on Factual America

👉 Watch We Are As Gods on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy We Are As Gods as DVD on Amazon

5. Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution (2020)

The documentary highlights the disability rights movement in the United States. The film takes us through the journey of a group of young disabled people who attended a summer camp in the 1970s and how their experiences shaped them into fearless advocates for disability rights. The film shows how their activism and hard work paved the way for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and inspired many others to fight for equal rights and acceptance.

Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution on Factual America

6. I Am (2010)

Directed by Tom Shadyac, the documentary takes a personal look at what's wrong with the world and what can be done to make it better. Shadyac, a successful Hollywood director, suffered a severe head injury that left him questioning his choices and values. The documentary explores how our collective thoughts and actions affect the world, and how small changes made by individuals can make a significant impact.

👉 Watch I Am on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy I Am as DVD on Amazon

7. Tony Robbins: I Am Not Your Guru (2016)

The documentary follows the legendary life coach and motivational speaker Tony Robbins as he helps individuals overcome their personal struggles and achieve their goals. The film features facial expression expert Paul Ekman, and the documentary highlights the power of emotions and the importance of self-exploration to achieve lasting change.

Tony Robbins: I Am Not Your Guru on IMDb

8. Craigslist Joe (2012)

The documentary follows Joe Garner as he sets out on a journey across the United States with no money or resources, relying solely on the goodwill of Craigslist strangers. The documentary highlights the generosity and kindness of strangers and how one person's act of kindness can ignite a chain reaction of positivity and hope.

👉 Watch Craigslist Joe on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy Craigslist Joe as DVD on Amazon

9. Second Chance Dogs (2016)

The documentary highlights the rescue and rehabilitation of abused and fearful dogs by the ASPCA. The film focuses on the stories of five dogs and their journeys to finding their forever homes. The documentary showcases the power of love, patience, and resilience in overcoming trauma and helping dogs find happiness and love.

Second Chance Dogs on IMDb

10. Twinsters (2015)

Twinsters is a heartwarming documentary that revolves around the lives of two identical twin sisters, Samantha Futerman and Anaïs Bordier. The film follows the lives of the two sisters, who were adopted in different continents, and didn't know of each other's existence until they found each other on social media.

Twinsters showcases their journey of discovering each other and their shared history. With its feel-good storyline and inspiring message about family, Twinsters is a must-watch documentary.

👉 Watch Twinsters on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy Twinsters as DVD on Amazon

11. Living on One Dollar (2013)

Living on One Dollar is a powerful documentary that revolves around four friends who travel to rural Guatemala to live on one dollar a day.

The film showcases their struggles and challenges as they try to make ends meet with limited resources. Living on One Dollar highlights the importance of community, resilience, and the human capacity to overcome adversity. This documentary will make you appreciate the small things in life and inspire you to make a positive change in the world.

👉 Watch Living on One Dollar on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy Living on One Dollar as DVD on Amazon

12. Raiders!: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made

If you're a fan of Indiana Jones, then Raiders! The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made is a documentary that you shouldn't miss. The film follows the lives of three teenage friends, who embark on a summer-long journey to create a shot-for-shot remake of the classic movie, Raiders of the Lost Ark. Raiders! showcases their passion, creativity, and determination to achieve their dreams. This documentary will leave you feeling inspired to pursue your own passions.

👉 Watch Raiders!: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made on Amazon Prime

13. My Octopus Teacher (2020)

My Octopus Teacher is a breathtaking documentary that showcases the relationship between a filmmaker and a wild octopus. The film follows the story of Craig Foster, who is intrigued when he discovers a common octopus in a kelp forest off the coast of South Africa. My Octopus Teacher showcases the emotional bond between humans and nature and the power of empathy. This documentary is a visual treat for nature lovers and will leave you feeling awe-inspired by the beauty of our world.

My Octopus Teacher on IMDb

14. The Rescue (2021)

The Rescue is a recent documentary that follows the story of the Thai cave rescue, in which a team of divers rescued 12 boys and their football coach from a flooded cave. The Rescue showcases the collaboration, leadership, and resilience of the rescue team as they worked against the clock to save the boys.

This documentary highlights the power of human connection and the importance of teamwork. The Rescue will make you appreciate the bravery and compassion of people in our society.

👉 Buy The Rescue as DVD on Amazon

15. Dads

Dads is a heartwarming documentary that celebrates the joys and challenges of fatherhood. Directed by Bryce Dallas Howard, the film features interviews with famous dads, including Will Smith and Jimmy Fallon, as well as everyday fathers from around the world. It presents fatherhood as a journey full of love, sacrifice, and humor, and will make you appreciate the role of dads in our lives.

Dads on IMDb

16. Planet Earth (2006)

Planet Earth is a series that takes you on a breathtaking journey around the world and showcases the natural wonders of our planet. From the Arctic to the Amazon, you'll witness the incredible beauty and diversity of wildlife and landscapes that exist on Earth. The stunning cinematography and narration by Sir David Attenborough make this a must-watch documentary for anyone who wants to feel connected to nature.

👉 Watch Planet Earth on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy Planet Earth as DVD on Amazon

17. The Minimalists: A Documentary About The Important Things

Another great happy documentary is "The Minimalists: A Documentary About the Important Things." This film explores the idea of living a more meaningful life with less stuff.

It follows the journey of Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, two friends who gave up their corporate jobs and embraced a simpler way of living. Their message of living with intention and purpose will inspire you to declutter your life and focus on what really matters.

👉 Watch The Minimalists: A Documentary About The Important Things on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy The Minimalists: A Documentary About The Important Things as DVD on Amazon

18. Footprints: The Path of Your Life (2016)

This uplifting film takes us on a journey with several people as they embark on the Camino de Santiago, a centuries-old pilgrimage route in Spain. We see them struggle, laugh, and bond as they walk over 500 miles from St. Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostela. Along the way, they talk about what led them to take on this challenge, and what they hope to take away from the experience. Footprints: The Path of Your Life is a beautiful reminder of the power of community, the importance of taking time for ourselves, and the beauty of the world around us.

Footprints: The Path of Your Life on IMDb

19. Awake: The Life of Yogananda (2014)

Awake: The Life of Yogananda is a documentary that chronicles the life of Paramahansa Yogananda, the author of "Autobiography of a Yogi." The film explores Yogananda's journey from India to America and his teachings on spirituality and the path to enlightenment. It's a fascinating look at a remarkable life and offers a glimpse into the transformative power of yoga and meditation.

👉 Watch Awake: The Life of Yogananda on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy Awake: The Life of Yogananda (2014) as DVD on Amazon

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are a plethora of inspirational documentary movies out there that can lift your mood and fill you with joy. From heartwarming stories of reunited family members to tales of human resilience and nature's beauty, these documentaries showcase the best of humanity. So, put on your cozy pajamas, grab a popcorn bucket, and snuggle up on the couch to watch these inspiring, empowering, and upbeat documentaries. Happy watching!

More from Factual America:

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Guest User

19 Happy Documentaries to Brighten Your Day

1. Happy (2011)

2. Martha: A Picture Story

3. Gunther's Millions

4. We Are As Gods

5. Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution (2020)

6. I Am (2010)

7. Tony Robbins: I Am Not Your Guru (2016)

8. Craigslist Joe (2012)

9. Second Chance Dogs (2016)

10. Twinsters (2015)

11. Living on One Dollar (2013)

12. Raiders!: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made

13. My Octopus Teacher (2020)

14. The Rescue (2021)

15. Dads

16. Planet Earth (2006)

17. The Minimalists: A Documentary About The Important Things

18. Footprints: The Path of Your Life (2016)

19. Awake: The Life of Yogananda (2014)

Conclusion

More from Factual America:

Factual America Podcast

Popular

Connect

In Depth

19 Happy Documentaries to Brighten Your Day

1. Happy (2011)

2. Martha: A Picture Story

3. Gunther's Millions

4. We Are As Gods

5. Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution (2020)

6. I Am (2010)

7. Tony Robbins: I Am Not Your Guru (2016)

8. Craigslist Joe (2012)

9. Second Chance Dogs (2016)

10. Twinsters (2015)

11. Living on One Dollar (2013)

12. Raiders!: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made

13. My Octopus Teacher (2020)

14. The Rescue (2021)

15. Dads

16. Planet Earth (2006)

17. The Minimalists: A Documentary About The Important Things

18. Footprints: The Path of Your Life (2016)

19. Awake: The Life of Yogananda (2014)

Conclusion

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Factual America Podcast

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In Depth