4 Magic Mushroom Documentaries to Binge Watch This Weekend

Magic mushrooms are having their little it-girl moment in the spotlight right now and opening minds worldwide. As the buzz around psychedelics grows, documentaries have become the ultimate binge-watch for anyone wanting to dive deeper. These films don’t just entertain—they demystify the science, and as Bill Nye said— “Science rules.” 

These mushroom documentaries explore the rich cultural history, and shine a light on the therapeutic magic of mushrooms. Whether you’re a seasoned psychonaut or just mushroom-curious, these documentaries are your perfect gateway to understanding psilocybin and mycology. Here are four of the most influential magic mushroom documentaries you absolutely need to stream this weekend.

1. Fantastic Fungi (2019) 

“Fantastic Fungi” is a trippy visual odyssey into the hidden world of mushrooms. Directed by Louie Schwartzberg, this documentary dives deeper into the fascinating and mostly underground realm of mycelium. Mycelium, the vast network of fungal threads beneath our feet, is a major player in nature’s recycling program, transforming decaying matter into vital nutrients. 

The film’s star, mycologist Paul Stamets, leads the way with infectious enthusiasm, rocking a Grateful Dead hat and dropping mind-blowing facts about fungi. From cleaning up oil spills to possibly enhancing human brain function, Stamets shows that mushrooms are way more than meets the eye. Mushrooms exist in an interesting state. They’re not really plants nor are they animals, but they’re definitely alive and may even communicate through their mycelium network. But to me, one of the best parts about this documentary is enjoying shrooms and drooling over the gorgeous time-lapse cinematography and CGI. 

Why I Love It:

• Time-lapse shots reveal the hidden beauty of mycelium networks, which is a feast for the eyes
• Learning how mushrooms can detoxify environments, battle pests, and help fight climate change is interesting if you’re nature conscious 
• The film explores the ‘stoned ape’ hypothesis, suggesting that ancient human ancestors may have had their brains boosted by psychedelic mushrooms.
• The film offers insights into how mushrooms can bolster our immune systems and offer other therapeutic benefits for the mind and body

TLDR; 

“Fantastic Fungi” blends solid science with a touch of whimsical humanity and fun, making it an eye-opening watch for anyone curious about the natural world. Paul Stamets’ passion makes complex topics easy to grasp, turning the documentary into a compelling lesson on the ecological and medicinal wonders of fungi. If you’re interested, you can catch “Fantastic Fungi” on Netflix. 

2. Magic Medicine (2018) 

“Magic Medicine” is a sciencey documentary that takes a deep dive into the groundbreaking and controversial research on psilocybin as a treatment for depression. If you’ve been following the news on shrooms lately, you’re probably familiar with the link between the two. And one of the first clinical trials for psychedelic medicine is explored in this neat little documentary. Directed by Monty Wates, the film follows Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris and his team at Imperial College London as they navigate the bureaucratic maze making it difficult to explore the link. 

The documentary also introduces us to three patients with long-term depression, offering a very raw and sensitive look into their lives. In a carefully controlled environment much like a cozy suite at a wellness spa, the patients are given psilocybin in two sessions: an introductory low dose followed by a higher dose. 

More or less, the documentary highlights some of the profound anecdotal results. Unlike conventional antidepressants, this one suggests that psilocybin doesn’t just mask the symptoms. Instead, it might help patients confront and process deep-seated emotions and repressed memories, leading to a remarkable, though often temporary, relief. 

Why I Love It:

• Follows the first-ever clinical trial approved in the UK to test psilocybin’s effects on depression.
• Captures the heartfelt stories of participants, showcasing the emotional highs and lows of their experiences. 
• Highlights how psilocybin aids in emotional release and cognitive restructuring, offering a unique form of therapy.
• Raises important questions about the accessibility and stigma surrounding psychedelic treatments.

TLDR;

More or less, “Magic Medicine” provides an eye-opening look into the potential of psilocybin as a powerful tool in treating depression. It’s educational, but also shows how difficult it can be for scientists to research medicines, demonstrating that progress can be slow moving. But what I loved most was Dr. Carhart-Harris’s dedication and the emotional journeys of the patients— both of which make this documentary both informative and deeply moving. If you’re interested, check out “Magic Medicine” on FreeVee or rent it for a buck on Amazon Prime. 

3. How To Change Your Mind (2022) 

“How to Change Your Mind” is a must-watch Netflix series that takes you on a mind-blowing journey through the world of psychedelics— and I mean all of ‘em, including MDMA, mescaline, and LSD. The docuseries is based on Michael Pollan’s bestseller that goes by the same name, and explores the potential of psychedelics to revolutionize how we understand consciousness, deal with death, and tackle mental health issues. Season 1, Episode 2 is the one that focuses entirely on shrooms and its active ingredient, psilocybin. 

Pollan’s exploration connects ancient wisdom with cutting-edge science, tracing psilocybin’s journey from its sacred roots to its current role in modern medicine. This episode dives into scientific studies surrounding how psilocybin might help terminal cancer patients face their fear of death and offer new hope for those battling addiction and depression. But what I love most about it is that the series presents psychedelics in a sleek, clinical light, complete with brain scans and rigorous studies. Minimal fluff makes it a very educational watch. 

Why I Love It:

• It explores how the sacred use of psilocybin by the Mazatec people aligns with today’s scientific breakthroughs.
• The docuseries introduces you to real people with anxiety and OCD who find significant relief through psilocybin therapy.
• Science-backed brain scans and detailed studies show how psilocybin works its magic on the brain.
• Michael Pollan’s engaging narration makes complex topics feel more accessible and fascinating.

TLDR; 

Simply put, “How to Change Your Mind” offers an eye-opening look at psilocybin’s potential. It’s chock full of fun facts and historical stuff that makes the science that much more exciting. The cherry on top is Pollan’s narrative, which makes a strong case for the therapeutic use of psychedelics. This series is perfect for anyone looking to understand the deeper potential of these powerful substances. Stream it on Netflix. 

4. Have a Good Trip: Adventures in Psychedelics (2020)

“Have a Good Trip: Adventures in Psychedelics” is much more lighthearted than some of the other docs on this list, and offers a ton of personal experiences with all sorts of psychedelics, including shrooms, from your favorite celebrities. Directed by Donick Cary, this Netflix Original is a hilarious, star-studded doc that dives into the highs and lows of psychedelic experiences. From animated sequences to over-the-top reenactments, the film brings these outlandish stories to life in the most entertaining way possible.

The film kicks off with vintage LSD scare films, setting a playful tone before handing the mic to celebrities like Sting, Sarah Silverman, and Anthony Bourdain. Sting drops some serious wisdom, saying, “Even when I’ve had a bad trip, and I’ve had many, I always realized it was what I needed.” Meanwhile, A$AP Rocky’s confession about seeing a rainbow shoot out of his you-know-what is pure comedy gold.

Why I love It:

• Celebs like Carrie Fisher, Nick Kroll, Adam Scott, and Lewis Black share their most outrageous high-on-drugs stories 
• The documentary uses eye-popping animation and reenactments to bring these tales to life
• While it’s packed with laughs, the film also explores the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, featuring insights from experts like Dr. Charles Grob and Deepak Chopra.
• Quick cameos by Grateful Dead’s Bill Kreutzmann and 60s icon Donovan add a touch of retro cool.

TLDR;

“Have a Good Trip” is a fun and informative look at the cultural and scientific impact of psychedelics. I thnk the best part is that there are so many personal stories in here that are equal parts entertaining and educational because they come from real people. Yes, celebrities are people too. The film also highlights the research on psychedelics for mental health treatment post-prohibition. I also love the practical tips for safe tripping it offers, so ultimately, it’s fun but you’ll learn a lot of stuff too. You can stream it on Netflix. 

Honorable Mentions 

If you want a couple other great docs to check out on YouTube, check these out: 

1. Mycology of Psilocybin Mushrooms — if you liked Paul Stamets in Fantastic Fungi, you’ll like this one. This one’s all about trippy shrooms from a scientific perspective. 
2. Psilocybin and the Psychedelic State — If you liked Magic Medicine and can appreciate science at a higher level, you might want to listen to Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris break it down more in depth. Some of it went over my head, but it’s worth the watch. 
3. Little Saints: Eat A Mushroom Talk To God — This one is cool because it follows people actively having a mushroom trip under supervision from a Mazatec shaman. It’s cultural and fascinating, even if it is a little outdated. You can watch the trailer on YouTube, but to watch it in full, you’ll need to rent it on Amazon or iTunes. 

Final Thoughts 

Magic mushrooms are having a major moment, and these documentaries are the perfect way to dive into their fascinating world. From the stunning visuals of “Fantastic Fungi” to the heartfelt breakthroughs in “Magic Medicine,” and the laugh-out-loud celebrity tales in “Have a Good Trip,” each film brings something unique to the table. Whether you’re into the science, the history, or just want some good vibes, these documentaries are a must-watch.

So, grab your popcorn and get ready to expand your mind with these heady films. They’re not just entertaining—they’re enlightening, offering fresh insights into the power of psychedelics to transform our understanding of health, consciousness, and culture.