Introduction
“Those at too great a distance may, I am well aware, mistake ignorance for perspective.” ― Carl Sagan
The difference between being opinionated and being informed is the knowledge you hold over a particular subject.
When it comes to psychedelics, most people tend to see such experiences from a personal perspective, judging the effects based on their individual subjective opinions. But for some, the search for greater meaning and understanding can lead to a quest for discovery that can ensure more profound experiences and events.
In this spirit, we have compiled a list of the Top Ten Must-Watch documentaries and short films that tackle the cultural, historical, and scientific facets of the psychedelic movement and explore some of the phenomena that led to this unique bond between humans and psychedelic substances. Read On!
1. Journeys to the Edge of Consciousness (2019)
This documentary features part-animated/part-conversational discourse on the nature of psychedelic experiences, beginning from three genre-defining moments in the 50s and 60s, leading to the analysis of their effects in the present cultural scenario.
The documentary features twelve prominent personalities who have dedicated their lives to studying psychedelic experiences and deliver a wide-ranging explanation and commentary on many aspects.
2. Dirty Pictures (2010)
This short film features the life and work of the « Father of Psychedelics, » Alexander « Sasha » Shulgin. The film explores the circumstances that led to Shulgin’s experimentation with psychedelics and the motivation that led him to devote his life to the study of psychedelic substances and their related experiences.
3. The Sunshine Makers (2015)
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This documentary follows the story of Nicholas Sand and Tim Scully, considered the pioneers of the 1950s LSD culture.
The documentary explores the experiences that led to their discovery of the substance and explains the motivation that inspired the duo to further their experimentation with the notorious substance in their early life. The documentary also offers an insider’s perspective on the counter-culture of the 1950s and 1960s that inspired the underground psychedelic movements we see today.
4. The Substance: Albert Hofmann’s LSD (2011)
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This documentary is definitely worth the watch. It follows the story of Albert Hofmann, the scientist known around the globe for his discovery of LSD, the immensely powerful psychedelic substance we are all familiar with today.
The documentary catalogs his own experiences with the substance. It explores the cultural scene of the 1950s, the historical aspects, and the deception of a government on the brink of war, and how all this revolves around one single powerful psychedelic – LSD.
5. Fantastic Fungi (2019)
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This is one of the more scientific documentaries on our list. The feature-length documentary offers stunning time-lapse visuals, detailing how different fungi grow and how they came to populate the planet.
The documentary takes on the evolutionary aspects of fungi and how they became an essential part of human culture and society in the past and present.
6. Dosed (2019)
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A personal narrative that follows the experiences of Adrianne, a woman who is plagued by suicidal thoughts, extreme anxiety, and crippling depression.
The documentary chronicles her journey through the underground psychedelic movement. She experiments with various substances to find a cure for her ailments and ends up finding more profound insight into herself in the process.
7. Psyched out (2018)
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This documentary is a must-watch for those who want to build a beginner understanding of all the different kinds of psychedelic substances out there.
The documentary focuses mostly on plant-based psychedelics and ethnomedicine that has become a part of global culture through time. It also lays the groundwork for more in-depth exploration by providing an intuitive discourse on the many kinds of psychedelics and how different cultures worldwide perceive their importance.
8. Neurons to Nirvana (2013)
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This aesthetically made documentary focuses on the existing knowledge base we have collected on the subject of psychedelic experiences, substances, and how these are tied to human culture.
The film explores the tightly knit connections humans have created with psychedelic substances and provides insight into how these experiences have helped shape the course of history, art, and society overtime
9. A New Understanding: Science of Psilocybin (2015)
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This docu-film offers a unique perspective on the applications of psychedelic mushrooms for the facilitation of more profound experiences in life.
The film focuses on how Psilocybin can provide symptomatic relief and mental stimulation to terminally ill patients and their effect on their feelings, understanding, and acceptance of their state.
10. Aya: Awakenings (2013)
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This documentary follows the journey of a journalist and adventurer. He penetrates the depths of the Amazon forest in search of a mysterious plant used by shamans and tribes of the Amazon to induce highly spiritual psychedelic experiences.
The journalist ends up finding more than he bargained for and has an experience that changes his understanding of life and the universe forever.
Conclusion
We have tried to include most of the critically acclaimed titles on this list. If you know of a title that you would like others to watch, please mention them in the comments below, and we’ll add it to the list.
Happy Exploring!
