Baraka is a one-of-its-kind incredible documentary that said so much without any narration. It showed us just how impactful visuals can be and how directors can tell a story without words. If you enjoy indulging in documentaries after hitting your pipe, here are ten other trippy documentaries like Baraka for the culture geek in you.
Photo: Unsplash
Samsara (2011)
If you want more documentaries like Baraka, you should probably start with Samsara, its sequel. Ron Fricke shot the documentary in 25 countries over five years, and much like Baraka, it shows the audiences both the good and ugly parts of humanity. Through the director’s lens, we are taken to some of the most beautiful natural wonders and the most harrowing disaster zones.
Born Into Brothels: Calcutta’s Red Light Kids (2004)
This documentary won an Oscar and covers the lives of the children of sex workers in Calcutta, located in the state of West Bengal in India. The documentary was initially started as a photo project. However, once director Zana Briski saw the potential of this story, the idea for a documentary was born. What makes this documentary so unique is that the children living in the red light area shot most of the documentary themselves, giving an even more insightful perspective into their daily lives.
Village at the End of the World (2012)
In an isolated corner of Greenland lies a village populated with 59 humans and 100 dogs. The documentary paints a wholesome portrait of the lives of the village residents – who have to hunt for their food. In this particular village in Greenland, the people spend half the year in darkness and the other half in complete daylight. Still, despite these extremes, they make do and lead happy lives. This is a must-watch for people who enjoy documentaries like Baraka and learning about human lives across the globe!
Love Hotel (2014)
To the outsider, Japan is a world of quirky design, anime, and modern culture. But if you look outside Tokyo, the country is still very conservative in many ways. Sex, especially, is still a massive taboo among the Japanese people. Enter Osaka’s Angelo Love Hotel, a place where singles and couples alike can come to satisfy their sexual fantasies free of judgment. Through this open-minded documentary, the filmmakers show us how conservative yet open Japan actually is.
Happiness (2013)
We often take living in the first world for granted. However, this documentary might be able to change your perspective. The film follows Peyangki, an eight-year-old boy living in Bhutan, one of the world’s most underprivileged countries. Before he sets on his journey to becoming a monk, he takes a trip to visit his sister in Thimphu, the country’s capital. The boy’s wonder at the marvels of modern technology will warm your heart and make you appreciate the little things around you.
God Grew Tired Of Us (2006)
The documentary follows Jon Bul Dau, Daniel Abul Pach, and Panther Bior – three young men from Sudan who were survivors of the Second Sudanese Civil War. Before immigrating to the United States, they spent much time on the African continent, trying to find safety. The documentary portrays their efforts to adjust to their new American life while putting the horrors of their old life behind them. This should be on your list if you’re looking for documentaries like Baraka and Samsara that capture the darker side of life.
5 Broken Cameras (2011)
There have been plenty of documentaries about the Israel and Palestinian conflict, but they’re usually told from the perspective of outsiders who don’t know the real story. Cameraman Emad Burnat takes us on a personal journey told through five chapters and five broken cameras. He documents the turmoil of the people and the protests of real people who are just trying to get their everyday lives back. Hard-hitting and personal, this documentary will stay with you long after the screen fades to black.
Home (2009)
Home is a massive production with footage from 54 countries. Through mostly aerial shots, the director, Yann Arthus-Bertrand, attempts to show us how despite the distance, most human problems are similar. With this documentary, he also implies that humans are the species that threaten the ecological balance of our planet. And it’s up to us to save our ‘home’.
The Cove (2009)
If you love the sea and mysteries, this documentary combines the best of both worlds. The Cove recounts the incredible and true account of how a select group of individuals, filmmakers, and divers undertook a mission to enter the secret cove in Japan and shed light on a sinister secret. The startling part is that these dark revelations were just the beginning of a deeper secret.
March of the Penguins (2005)
This is probably the cutest documentary ever made. Thousands of penguins travel to breed their young in Antarctica. Then, they march for miles in single file into the world’s harshest and coldest continent. This documentary is full of adventures and humor. As dedicated parents, penguins alternate between protecting their eggs and traveling to the ocean in search of food. However, it’s all worth it in the end because their chicks are safe.
More documentaries like Baraka to watch high
If you love learning about the world but hate leaving the comfort of your couch, documentaries are a great way to learn about the world. If you’re looking for more interesting documentaries like Baraka, check out this list of documentaries to watch high.
