In 2024, French people spent an average of 5 hours and 23 minutes a day in front of screens, across all devices*. What if we used that time to fuel our thinking, awaken our consciences, and draw inspiration from powerful stories?
After our selection of activist podcasts, we are now presenting a selection of 12 activist films to (re)discover in 2025. Essential works that address crucial issues such as the environment, agriculture, fast fashion, and our relationship with nature. Enough to fuel the desire for a fairer and more sustainable future.
A selection of films on ecology, the environment, and the protection of living beings, to awaken consciences.
#1 - DEMAIN - Cyril Dion and Mélanie Laurent
Directed by Mélanie Laurent and Cyril Dion, Demain takes us on a journey around the world in search of alternative solutions to socio-ecological problems. Environment, economy, politics, education—our narrators explore many sectors and show that another world is possible. More responsible, more collaborative, more human. Ingenious projects run by collectives that could well inspire many more. A film to pass on to future generations!
Available on Amazon Prime.
#2 - THE TRUE COST - Andrew Morgan
The True Cost was directed by Andrew Morgan following the Rana Plaza disaster, the collapse of an unsafe industrial building housing workers for major brands. This documentary takes us behind the scenes of fast fashion, where labor rights are violated, where production conditions offer no safety, and where male and female workers are exploited. No matter the price tag, it is not the consumer who pays the real price! This poignant documentary features testimonies from the true victims of the fashion industry, industry professionals, and activists, and invites us to rethink the model and become more conscious of our purchases!
Available for free on YouTube at this link.
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#3 - THE MINIMALISTS: Less Is Now - Matt D'Avella
With The Minimalists: Less Is Now, we question our entire lifestyle. This documentary shares the stories of people who aspire to live better, against the tide of a materialistic society. These experts tell us about their turning point and the transformation of their lives, while others trace the evolution of consumption patterns and societal behaviors to understand the issue in its entirety. Made in the USA, the American Dream and the definition of success are revisited to rethink happiness in its simplest form.
Available on Netflix.
#4 - OUR PLANET - Alastair Fothergill and Keith Scholey
Our Planet is a two-season Netflix series created in close collaboration with WWF (World Wide Fund For Nature), the renowned international NGO founded in 1961 and dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable development. Throughout the episodes, we are transported to the heart of glaciers, savannas, and oceans, and set out to meet animal species threatened by climate change and the human footprint. The power of the images makes us rediscover the beauty of nature, encouraging us to act to preserve it. Your children will love following the Siberian tiger's tracks, diving alongside sharks, and watching the penguins waddle. Wonder and awareness guaranteed!
Available on Netflix.
#5 - PRINCESS MONONOKE - Hayao Miyazaki
Princess Mononoke is a great classic of Japanese animated films directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The diversity of the themes addressed gives this film a particular complexity: war, politics, feminism, the environment, animal rights, human relationships. Behind the symbolism of the subjects lies the entire beauty of a film that encourages us, inspiring us to take part in protecting nature. Man versus the environment? This film teaches us that nature will always fight to reclaim its rights and rebalance what humans have disrupted. A new way of thinking to put into perspective with our own situation.
Available on Netflix.
#6 - IN THE NAME OF THE EARTH - Edouard Bergeon
Inspired by a true story, this film plunges us into the harsh reality of farmers. The main character takes over the family farm with hope and ambition. But the reality on the ground will catch up with him, and financial difficulties will begin to disrupt the family's daily life. Pierre will try everything not to sink: he tries to diversify and modernize, with the aim of meeting consumer needs without impacting the environment. Despite his efforts, exhaustion and worries will take over and lead him to commit the irreparable. This poignant story, inspired by the real life of the director's father, highlights the often-silent struggles and tragedies of the agricultural world, reminding us that every day, a French farmer takes their own life*.
Available on Amazon Prime.
#7 - THE LORAX - Dr Seuss
An animated film is always a good idea for having a great time with the family. If this one also has an educational dimension, even better.
The Lorax is an American musical comedy animated film released in 2012, based on the famous children's book by Dr. Seuss. The film expands the original story by introducing Ted, a curious young boy discovering the story of the Lorax, the guardian of the forest. It is a vibrant plea for environmental conservation, told through the eyes of the Lorax, a creature who “speaks for the trees,” all wrapped in a blend of humor and songs.
Available on Amazon Prime and Canal Plus.
#8 - SEASPIRACY: Fishing Under Scrutiny – Ali Tabrizi
This hard-hitting documentary directed by Ali Tabrizi explores the devastating impact of industrial fishing on the oceans. By investigating practices such as overfishing, illegal fishing, and the destruction of marine ecosystems, the film highlights the alarming environmental consequences of the fishing industry. It questions the concept of "sustainable fishing" and criticizes certain environmental certifications, suggesting that economic interests can sometimes take precedence over the preservation of marine resources. Although the documentary has sparked debate and criticism regarding some of its claims, it deserves credit for raising public awareness of often-overlooked issues related to the consumption of seafood.
Available on Netflix.
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#9 - BUY NOW! THE SHOPPING CONSPIRACY – Nic Stacey
Released on Netflix in November 2024, this hard-hitting documentary reveals the insidious strategies used by major brands to keep us in a spiral of relentless consumption. Through testimonies from former employees of Amazon, Apple, and Adidas, the film highlights practices such as planned obsolescence and greenwashing. It also reveals alarming figures, such as the 15 million pieces of used clothing sent to Ghana every week and the 13 million phones thrown away daily worldwide. An essential work to understand the devastating impact of our overconsumption on the planet.
Available on Netflix.
#10 - COWSPIRACY: The Secret of Sustainability – Kip Andersen & Keegan Kuhn
This hard-hitting documentary explores the impact of animal agriculture on the environment, highlighting issues such as deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. It also raises questions about the silence of certain major environmental organizations in the face of these issues. A work that encourages us to rethink our food choices and their impact on the planet.
Available on Netflix.
#11 - FLOW – GINTS ZILBALODIS
This animated feature film released in 2024 was awarded several times: at the César Awards and the Oscars in 2025 and at the International Animation Festival in 2024. It deals with survival in a world where humanity has disappeared, featuring an endearing little black cat who is afraid of water as its main character. It explores themes such as resilience, mutual aid, and the act of rebuilding. A touching work that encourages us to rethink our lifestyles but also our relationship with others.
Available on Amazon Prime and Canal Plus.
#12 - GOLIATH – FREDERIC TELLIER
Inspired by several true legal cases, this film plunges us into the front lines of the fierce fight against synthetic pesticides. Several characters embody the stakeholders in the case: a committed activist, a victim of the health ravages of pesticides, a lawyer, and a lobbyist. This compelling story, inspired (among other things) by the famous Monsanto case, highlights the often-silent struggles and tragedies of the agricultural world, showing the strong influence of agribusiness lobbies and the helplessness of farmers and victims within an industry facing numerous challenges.
Available on Amazon Prime and Netflix.
When Cinema Becomes a Catalyst for Awareness
These films all have one thing in common: they push us to think, to question our habits, and to reinvent our relationship with living things. Whether alone, with friends, or with family, we recommend watching (or rewatching) them… without moderation.
Through their powerful stories and striking images, these works inspire us and urge us to make a difference. They lead us to rethink our production models, our consumption, and our priorities. Cinema that shakes us up, enlightens us, and transforms us.
And if you want more, our selection of committed books extends this reflection to encourage a more sustainable lifestyle.
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Sources:
*https://www.arcom.fr/
*https://www.goodplanet.org/fr/3-minutes-pour-comprendre-la-crise-agricole-francaise/
