Netflix and psychedelic documentaries
Update December 2024Several documentaries about psychedelics have disappeared from Netflix. We'll be compiling a new list of great documentaries in 2025, and when that happens, we'll post the link to the new article here.
Various psychedelics
We believe it's a good thing that there's increasing attention to the medicinal or therapeutic use of hallucinogenic drugs like psychedelics. Psychedelic drugs are widely considered a cure for most mental and psychosomatic disorders, and therefore we also want all honest information to be available to everyone. Netflix has been busy releasing documentaries on this topic in recent years.
Netflix now offers a wealth of documentaries and films about psychedelics and their effects. For example, there's a fair amount of information available about magic mushrooms containing psilocybin and the well-known LSD. To a lesser extent, there's also discussion of ayahuasca, MDMA, and mescaline. We have a documentary on every psychedelic in our list.
8: Magic Medicine
Old research
Magic Medicine is based on relatively old studies and therefore ranks relatively low on the list. However, we do see this study as a starting point for more research into psilocybin and depression, and therefore this production deserves a mention. Magic Medicine takes you along with several test subjects participating in a scientific study in the United Kingdom.
7: The Goop Lab
We're not huge fans of Goop Lab itself, but we do see something interesting during episode 1. During episode 1 of season 1 of Goop Lab with Gwyneth Paltrow, we see part of a magic mushroom healing. Although each ceremony looks different, and we're not a fan of the one shown, the episode does illustrate the healing powers of psilocybin (magic mushrooms) in a therapeutic setting.
Click here for Gooplab on Netflix
6: The Sunshine Makers
The Sunshine Makers is about the psychedelic LSD. It's not so much about the healing powers of LSD, but more about the history of LSD and the counter-movement of the 1960s.
The Sunshine Makers is no longer available on Netflix!
5: The Last Shaman
Prevent depression and suicide by performing a meticulously prepared ayahuasca ceremony in the jungle. Ayahuasca isn't legal in the Netherlands, but it's comparable to a high dose of psilocybin (truffles). This film is a prime example of how psychedelics can save lives.
The Last Shaman is no longer available on Netflix!
4: Have a Good Trip
While several psychedelic stories are told by (semi-)celebrities, this documentary primarily focuses on LSD and psilocybin mushrooms. LSD predominates. It's not so much an educational documentary, although the ending had some educational value. This documentary is primarily intended to be entertaining, and that's exactly what it is.
View here Have a Good Trip on Netflix
3: The Mind Explained
Season 1, episode 5, explains the effects of psychedelics. If you have more time, you can watch both 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 well and provides detailed descriptions. Each episode focuses on a different psychedelic, covering LSD, psilocybin, MDMA, and mescaline. Due to its comprehensiveness, this documentary is ranked second on this list.
1: Fantastic Fungi
Fantastic Fungi focuses primarily on the medicinal properties of mushrooms and other fungi. It also discusses psilocybin-containing mushrooms, which can induce psychedelic/mystical experiences. We believe this documentary best explains the power of mushrooms, and it's beautifully filmed. Watch the Fantastic Fungi trailer here to get a feel for the various topics covered.
Unfortunately, Fantastic Funghi is no longer available to watch on Netflix.
Also fun to watch on Netflix
There are also other films and documentaries on Netflix with a positive message. We've listed a few fun and engaging suggestions below.
My Octopus Teacher
A film we'd like to share with everyone, even if you're not planning a psychedelic session, is the documentary "My Octopus Teacher." What messages can you draw from this film that might be useful in psychedelic therapy?
View here My Octopus Teacher on Netflix
A Trip to Infinity
Infinity and psychedelic sessions seem to go hand in hand. Infinity is too vast to grasp with a finite mind, so it's fun to get inspired by what infinity might mean. The concept of infinity might just pop up during your psychedelic trip!
View here A Trip to Infinity on Netflix
Want to have a psychedelic session?
In trip therapy, we offer short courses that conclude with a psychedelic session. If you're curious about the structure of these courses, you can view the approach via the following link.
Starting a journey
With us, our sessions begin with an intake form. After completing the intake form, you'll receive an initial consultation by email, including the recommended trip and dosage. The email also includes an explanation of the approach and how to schedule a psychedelic session.