Netflix and psychedelic documentaries
Update December 2024A number of documentaries about psychedelics have now disappeared from Netflix. In 2025 we will compile a new list of great documentaries, and when that time comes, we will post the link to the new article here.
Various psychedelics
We think it is a good thing that more and more attention is being paid to the medicinal or therapeutic use of hallucinogenic drugs such as psychedelics. The group of psychedelic drugs is widely considered a medicine for most mental and psychosomatic disorders, and that is why we also want all honest information to be available to everyone. Netflix has been doing a good job in recent years of producing documentaries in this area.
There are now a lot of documentaries/films on psychedelics and their effects on Netflix. For example, there is now quite a lot of information available about the magic mushrooms containing psilocybin and the well-known LSD. To a lesser extent, there is also talk about ayahuasca, MDMA and mescaline. We have a documentary for each psychedelic on the list.
8: Magic Medicine
Old research
Magic medicine is based on relatively old research and therefore ranks quite low on the list. However, we do see this research as the starting point for more research into psilocybin and depression, and therefore this production deserves a mention in this list. In Magic medicine, you are taken along with a number of participants who are taking part in a scientific study in the United Kingdom.
7: The Goop Lab
We’re not really big fans of Goop Lab itself, but during episode 1 we do see something interesting. During episode 1 of season 1 of Goop Lab with Gwyneth Paltrow, we see a portion of a magic mushroom healing. Although each ceremony looks different and we’re not really fans of the ceremony shown, the episode does give us an idea of the healing powers of psilocybin (magic mushrooms) during a therapeutic setting.
Click here for Gooplab on Netflix
6: The Sunshine Makers
The Sunshine Makers is about the psychedelic drug LSD. It is not so much about the healing powers of LSD, but more about the history of LSD and the counter-movement in the 1960s.
The Sunshine Makers is no longer available on Netflix!
5: The Last Shaman
Depression and suicide can be prevented by conducting an ayahuasca ceremony with a great deal of preparation in the jungle. Ayahuasca is not legal in the Netherlands, but it is comparable to a high dose of psilocybin (truffles). This film is a beautiful example of how psychedelics can save lives.
The Last Shaman is no longer available on Netflix!
4: Have a good trip
Although several psychedelic stories are told by (semi-)famous people, this documentary mainly focuses on LSD and psilocybin-containing mushrooms. LSD takes center stage. It is not so much an educational documentary, although the end of the film had an educational value. This documentary is primarily intended to be entertaining, and that is what it is.
View here Have A Good Trip on Netflix
3: The Mind Explained
In episode 5 of season one, the workings of psychedelics are explained. If you have more time, feel free to watch seasons 1 and 2 in their entirety to learn more about your own brain.
Click here for The Mind Explained on Netflix
2: How To Change Your Mind
How To Change Your Mind is based on the book by Michael Pollan. The book describes several different psychedelic substances in detail. Each episode is about a different psychedelic substance and covers LSD, psilocybin, MDMA and mescaline. Due to its comprehensive nature, this documentary ranks 2nd on this list.
1: Fantastic Fungi
Fantastic Fungi mainly focuses on the medicinal properties of mushrooms and other fungi. It also talks a lot about the psilocybin-containing mushrooms that can lead to a psychedelic/mystical experience. We think that this documentary explains the power of mushrooms in the best way possible and it is also beautifully filmed. Check out the trailer for Fantastic Fungi here to get an idea of the various topics covered.
Unfortunately, Fantastic Funghi is no longer available to watch on Netflix.
Also nice to see on Netflix
There are also other films and documentaries on Netflix with a good message. We’re giving you a few fun and beautiful suggestions below.
My Octopus Teacher
One film that we would like to share with everyone, even if you are not going to do a psychedelic session, is the documentary ‘My Octopus Teacher’. What messages can you extract from this film that could be useful in psychedelic therapy?
View here My Octopus Teacher on Netflix
A Trip to Infinity
Infinity and psychedelic sessions seem to go well together. Infinity is too big to comprehend with a finite mind, and that’s why it’s also fun to get inspiration on what infinity can mean. The concept of infinity might just pop up during your psychedelic trip!
View here A Trip to Infinity on Netflix
Engaging in a psychedelic session?
With trip therapy we offer short courses that are concluded with a psychedelic session. If you are curious about the structure of these courses, you can view the approach via the following link.
At our clinic, the treatment begins with the intake form. After filling out the intake form, a first advice will be sent to you by email, including the recommended trip and dosage. Furthermore, the email will explain what the approach will be and how an appointment can be made for the psychedelic session.