Earthlings

Earthlings

2005, Environment  -   495 Comments
8.31
12345678910
Ratings: 8.31/10 from 505 users.

Since we all inhabit the Earth, all of us are considered earthlings. There is no sexism, no racism, or speciesism in the term earthling. It encompasses each and every one of us, warm or cold-blooded, mammal, vertebrae or invertebrate, bird, reptile, amphibian, fish, and human alike.

Humans, therefore, being not the only species on this planet, share this world with millions of other living creatures as we all evolved here together. EARTHLINGS is a feature length documentary about humanity's absolute dependence on animals (for pets, food, clothing, entertainment, and scientific research) but also illustrates our complete disrespect for these so-called "non-human providers." The film is narrated by Academy Award nominee Joaquin Phoenix (GLADIATOR) and features music by the critically acclaimed platinum artist Moby.

With an in-depth study into pet stores, puppy mills and animals shelters, as well as factory farms, the leather and fur trades, sports and entertainment industries, and finally the medical and scientific profession, EARTHLINGS uses hidden cameras and never before seen footage to chronicle the day-to-day practices of some of the largest industries in the world, all of which rely entirely on animals for profit.

Powerful, informative and thought-provoking, EARTHLINGS is by far the most comprehensive documentary ever produced on the correlation between nature, animals, and human economic interests. There are many worthy animal rights films available, but this one transcends the setting. EARTHLINGS cries to be seen. Highly recommended!

Directed by: Shaun Monson

More great documentaries

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

495 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Mic
Mic
4 years ago

An excellent introduction to the subject, I was referred to this film after watching a debate on the topic. After my initial viewing I was determined to pull the film apart with some serious fact checking. Sadly, even today everything in the film can be verified as not only true but still widespread.

screw
screw
5 years ago

Gotta love a doc that tries to debate morality simply because other things exist, which is dumb. So many things on this earth would kill us without hesitation, yet we have to pretend life is all about not harming anything ever? Ok, so can we get back to reality? Or we just going to preach silly philosophical babble that at best amounts to one big circle jerk?

Gnoshnumy
Gnoshnumy
5 years ago

@willej: As far as what should be obvious but clearly isn't due to the on purpose, extremely poor education systems, and the too many lazy minds which refuse to educate themselves... There are about 16 different stomach types in humans, some of which are radically different in design and function. By comparing them to other animals, it would seem that some are more designed to process meat than others. I for one cannot eat that much grain or my stomach and the rest complains to the point I have learned not to. Hence the search for information beyond the typical school and media emotionalizing nonsense. Now eating meat that has been commercially produced in a feed lot can be just as bad, since cattle were not designed to eat corn either. Grain is a carbohydrate and the prevalence of low carb diets tend to align with the fact that many people don't do well on grain, especially corn. There does seem to be a large number of people that can function well on rice.

So if you want corn, there is plenty for you ... and plenty of doctors waiting down the road to perform expensive procedures like heart bypass, liposuction, stents. And big pharma wants you chowing down on all that corn and corn fed animals so they can sell you blood pressure meds and meds to counteract the other poisons they put in those so they can sell you more.

willej
willej
6 years ago

So many people are commenting about how if we didn't eat animals then we wouldn't have enough to feed ourselves that I feel I should mention an obvious (or at least I thought so) fact. We need to feed the animals that we eat a lot more food (mostly grains that we ourselves could eat) than we get from their meat. The lowest estimate for the conversion rate of corn to beef, for example, is 4.5 to 1. Even if we let animals graze freely, we could be using that land for farming and producing a lot more food. I get that it's so easy to rationalise the things that you want to do, but the truth is that in today's world there really is no good rational reason to continue eating meat (given the animal suffering it causes, as well as the pollution and environmental damage).

Ebony G
Ebony G
6 years ago

Hello Fellow commanders!

I'm halfway through this propaganda advertisement video. I was considering joining your vegan colt. For some obscure reason this movie just made me want a steak though. Usually a $5.99 T bone steak would suffice, but for some enigmatic reason this flick made me go all out. I bought a gourmet free range eye fillet. The bad boy set me back $14.99. To top It off as well, I accidentally cooked it to medium. So I had to throw it in the bin and buy a new one. Oh well. I've got my medium rare in front of me now though. I'll finish the second part of the advertisement and check back in with you guys shortly.

Emma
Emma
6 years ago

Ive thought a lot about how the treatment of none free range animals are and the treatment of free range animals. None free range animals no nothing but the misery they live. Free range animals are given space and good amounts of food. Killing a none free range animal would be a good deed for they no longer have to suffer. Killing a free range animal is putting an end to a slightly enjoyable life of the animal. I agree however that some of the ways we keep animals is quite extreme.

Gali
Gali
7 years ago

The best movie i have ever seen! everybody must watch it!!!

Alyssa
Alyssa
7 years ago

This movie was by far one of the toughest to get through. It's so disturbing and it took me several attempts to power through but I don't regret watching it. Would give it an 8/10

Madame Ost
Madame Ost
10 years ago

I am so comfortable to be in the same company as people like Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, Abraham Lincoln, Leonardo da Vinci, Benjamin Franklin, and Jane Goodall who all observed vegetarian diet purely on the basis of logic and morality.

Kay
Kay
10 years ago

That's why its called the Vegan-maker! Glad of it.

Rebecca
Rebecca
10 years ago

Without a doubt the most amazing documentary on animal cruelty I've ever seen. I am deeply touched by it. Not only does it make me sad and depressed that we humans are capable of such cruelty and greed and insensitivity, it makes me furious that people are continuing to let this happen. I always though I was just one person and that there's absolutely nothing I could possibly do to fight such a big and unfortunately growing industry. But how can you watch this and not want to help these poor, innocent, defenseless creatures? HOW?? People, you all have now seen the atrocity going on behind closed doors. Now go do something. Anything. Spread the word about what's really ending up on our plates and in our stores. These animals don't have a voice- give them one!

Wodan Hofer
Wodan Hofer
10 years ago

I wonder if free range or "kobe" beef are happy...

Ursula E Hill
Ursula E Hill
10 years ago

Who are these people that they can work in such conditions and do that to other living things? I think I lost my appetite for meat! No wonder we as a human raise are getting sicker every year. I can't even comprehend we are doing this!

angie
angie
10 years ago

This is freaking horrendous. These poor animals.... How can people do this to other animals? It's as bad as murdering a human. Maybe even worse because these poor animals are innocent and don't have a fighting chance against a human. I'm not vegetarian but I'm taking it into serious consideration because i just don't think i can eat another piece of meat without thinking of this video.

Cherry
Cherry
10 years ago

Im a vegetarian but after seeing this movie im going VEGAN for sure!!!!!!!

Kuko
Kuko
10 years ago

I thank this documentary for showing me the truth after I didn't want it to see it for one and a half being a vegetarian... I had no more questions after watching this, I knew that this will NOT be happening because of me anymore, I went vegan.

And it was one of the best decisions I've ever made, I've never felt so good about myself as I do now.

Everybody should see this video, please show it to your family and friends even if they don't want to see it.

As written on their site: "We must not refuse with our eyes what they have to endure with their bodies"

Live in peace

Thomas Bard
Thomas Bard
10 years ago

i wonder if cows know there delicious

Trig
Trig
11 years ago

Most people I know are too cowardly to watch this documentary. That is all it is; cowardice. They are afraid of seeing what they know goes on. Out-of-sight: out-of-mind.

Bubi
Bubi
11 years ago

The americans are parasites, and they will consume everything, and at the end they will consume themselves. The humans are too greedy to stop...

Kikina87
Kikina87
11 years ago

its just....horrible...seen this video 6 yrs ago, made it till about 45mins and still not able to watch the rest. Still remember everything like it was yesterday. All the pain in the eyes of every poor animal had to deal with. The worst thing ive seen in my life and i couldnt get over it yet. I hope i never will cus this mustnt be forgoten! Everyone should see this and change this horrible, horrible way how human being can treat the poor little animals who did nothing wrong. Like those dogs dying with love in their eyes and have no idea whats going on. Too helpless. Too cruel! We cant ignore this fact anymore!!

Nathalie Dupont
Nathalie Dupont
11 years ago

this documentary grabs you by the throat.
After watching it, I choose to become vegan.
I agree with some of the other comments: it would not be bad to have a kind of a warning-sign: this movie is way to harsh for children.

Melanie Neer
Melanie Neer
11 years ago

All I can say in general, I'm ashamed to be part of the human "species", supposedly the most intelligent, don't think so!

Joaquim Cunha
Joaquim Cunha
11 years ago

The Human being is the only animal that destroys it's own habitat. And as long as there is Capitalism unfortunately it's not gonna change...

mark
mark
11 years ago

dont bother watching this the quality of the video is beyond poor. listening to it however is not awefull

systems1000
systems1000
11 years ago

Those of us who have been fortunate enough to be born into a society where imperical study has given us unprecedented information as to the nutritinal requirements of human beings,any criticism of this documentary can hardly exceed the wisdom of comparing chattel with plant life.

benji66
benji66
11 years ago

I think that we should all hang our heads low what we are doing to animals its wrong. We are killing the animals the planet and each other. There is no reason to eat meat i use to eat meat myself. I went on to veg and i am much better in myself happy and well being. You should try it give it a go. earthlings should be awake up call to all of us. We cant keep going on like this . You dont mess with mother nature.

Steely_D89
Steely_D89
11 years ago

I can't remember how long I was able to watch this documentary for before I just had to turn it off. However much you get through, 30-45 minutes like me, or the full thing, this documentary will most likely leave a lasting impression on you. Having Joaquin Phoenix doing the narrating was a great choice. He really has a somewhat naturally haunting and dark tone.

sarah zambonin
sarah zambonin
11 years ago

who is the author?

Jerald Mysza
Jerald Mysza
11 years ago

Human beings are the only species that have some decision on what they put into their mouth.To assume that it is more moral to eat animals then each others is only splitting hairs.How big a step will it be from eating animals to litterally having your neighbores for supper.To the savage gluttion meat is meat is meat because it tastes so good.The human carnivores insatiable desire for sense enjoyment has rendered then stupefied.And when some Earthlings can no longer afford their SUV and are forced to take them off a cliff I suggest that they pack a pork sandwich and a sleeping bag for its going to be a longs ways back down.

systems1000
systems1000
11 years ago

Humans are the only species that have some decision on what they put into their mouth.To assume that eathing animals is more moral then eating each others is only splitting hairs.And how big a step will it be to go from eating
animals to litterally having your neighbors for supper?To the savage glutton meat,is meat,is meat because it tastes so good.The human carnivores desires for sense enjoyments have rendered them stupefied.When some Earthlings can not longer afford to keep their SUV and will be forced to drive them off a cliff I suggest that they pack a pork sandwich and a sleeping bag,for its going to be a long ways back down.

WWJD5
WWJD5
11 years ago

Difficult to be brief here; so my apologies in advance. I also have limited - if nothing - in the way of constructive criticism to offer here too. I suppose I'm being rather selfish. As I am a "newbie", please can I ask this be pardoned. Why am I saying all this then? First of all I love this site, but to be honest I am totally stunned by the images I've seen in this video; and for me this video crossed the line; and I admit now, I may be writing this more out of my gut reaction than anything, rather than out what makes sense in relation to the video EARTHLINGS. My only hope is that other TDF surfers/members might scroll to the comments board here before viewing this video, because I think this would be seriously traumatic viewing for those not already hardened by other similarly distasteful images (would a forewarning "graphic" caption in parenthesis be a good idea on the video title perhaps; or would this (censorship) be contrary to the political sensibilities of TDF? just a question that's all - I am torn between two positions). I'm not saying turn the other cheek and to advocate ignorance; at least my own ideals say that. However, I am saying there needs to be more effective information here with such video materials to better forewarn the viewer of what they're about to see. On the subject: This is bleak, utterly hellish. Apart from the one-note theories on actions of Capitalism/Globalisation being the responsible cause - or ourselves equally as part of that ecosystem - I cannot but wonder why there is such suffering in the animal kingdom by ourselves through our direct actions; where suffering comes from; why it's always been and will probably always be; and whether our knowing/knowledge of such things will ever be enough to undo or stop these "bad" things occuring. I have been an atheist for approx 5 years, and so a "loving creator" for me just doesn't wash, nor wash away the amount of blood and suffering captured on film in this video. I think the term "sick" would be most appropriate (no offense meant). No disrespect to TDF.

madscirat
madscirat
11 years ago

We are all caught in this machine, not just animals. The same machine has sent generations of men to die in pointless wars and condemns millions to starve while ample food rots elsewhere. The truth dawns when one realizes there is an inorganic actor on the planet, a type of organism which does not think, perceive or feel, yet directs the behaviors of nearly all human beings. We call these organisms Ideas.

It is not that humans are callous and do not feel, it is that they are ruled by ideas, abstract, linguistic programs that are as incapable of feeling as a computer virus. Simply choosing not to eat ham will not delete these programs. Victory will only come when human beings stop reacting to Ideas emotionally as if the things were alive and take back control over their own minds. When ideas return to being just tools and one needs to go to a museum to learn about religion and nationalism, then, maybe, we will have overcome this hurdle in our evolution.

tldr: Earth has malware

eb2012
eb2012
11 years ago

animals would definitely be better off without us, and so would the planet. the human species is a bacteria that spreads uncontrollably and destroys as it goes. if we wipe ourselves out, there would also be less animals as they wouldn't be forcibly bred. the populations of many species would narrow down, which would seriously slow down global warming and extinction. certain animals would have more room to evolve without our involvement.

Grantabunny
Grantabunny
11 years ago

This is simply a distraction. Its too sensational to be a documentary. To me, it's a film that aims to divide and distract the narrow minded. Come on viewers, do you really think reality is that simple? Don't waste your valuable time. Move along please.

PocketG
PocketG
11 years ago

If I was an animal, I'd eat other animals. Oh wait.

Jo McKay
Jo McKay
11 years ago

Sensationalist - yes. However, as others have said, if we use, eat, and exploit other 'earthlings' then we should be aware of what some of their lives and deaths are like. True, most of this is USA industry controlled animal farming, feed lots, and slaughter houses - but there are some of these places in other countries as well and the trend is growing. Free range, grass fed, organic, non GMO are the labels we need to both require and look for... That said ... plants used for food, for medicine, for firewood and myriad other products for the needs of humans is also earthling speciesism & exploitation - we do use one another. The point if we look past the emotional overkill, is, I hope that we need balance, we need to look at what our countries, communities are doing to respect the food supply, to care for pets and to insure a future that is sustainable and humane. For me that includes paying more for better, advocating for seed variety, buying heirloom and local foods in season, advocating against Monsanto and Co's who intend to own the world's food supply, and all it's seed,etc. More of us need to grow our own, learn new skills, not just in feeding ourselves, but also in finding healthier alternatives to consumerism/energy resources/capitalism...We are destroying ourselves in physical as well as moral ways - little time is left (if any) to start getting it right. Good luck to all. -peace

Hayden Mayer
Hayden Mayer
11 years ago

omg, no one can say that animals would be better without us!!! life is about survival of the fittest. honestly if humans didn't exist the animals would still slaughter each other to survive themselves. but I don't agree with killing animals for fun or sport, simply cause its a wast

the555hit
the555hit
11 years ago

Half this outstanding piece of work I thought I was watching a L Theroux doc on some American gaol where the system has been developed so that the inmates become one anothers' punishment. The people who impose and maintain animal torture/killing are a subhuman embarrassment to all of us and should be castigated by the exact same means. If every kitsch-head unquestioning meat eater could be made to watch this, Clockwork Orange matchsticks style, the animals' cause could benefit, but first you remove the sadist animal processors, by their ball5, kicking, 5hitting, pi55ing, squealing and bleeding, from their joyful employment . These guys have children that they smile with over breakfast before a hard day's torture?? Jeez I hope not. Well if any of you hell spawn are reading here, may you drown slowly in your own boiling excrement. Upside down.

TheThinker44
TheThinker44
11 years ago

What the ****! Ok, KKK is shown as an example of racist then it shows women standing up for themselves against sexism as sexism....FAIL...

JoseD
JoseD
11 years ago

This video made me hungry!

Mancockmike
Mancockmike
11 years ago

You would make a good translator. You really stirred the eric shitnest with that comment. What eric is probably too autistic to realize is your "nothing is simple" comment serves no real purpose other than to incite an eric tirade.

Mancockmike
Mancockmike
11 years ago

Easy Bluesy, I think swearing is your second language. Also, violence begets violence so unless you're dishing out makeovers for would be animal executioners, it's all quite unbecoming. People just need to let the sense sink in. It's a supply and demand industry. We just need to vote with our wallets.

Mancockmike
Mancockmike
11 years ago

I agree with you. Most of these quotes are baseless. We are better than animals and since we can distinguish savage behaviour, better yet, since we are Gods (until rightfully challenged), we can, and should set a better example. In my opinion. Otherwise what stops us from eating our neighbours young? Literally as opposed to figuratively, which is common. If we are and should be savages, why not get this steamroller coasting and abolish prisons and laws? Let's stop being "half way savages" and let the animal loose. I think according to you that would make sense.

Mercenarry ForHire
Mercenarry ForHire
11 years ago

I like watching stuff like this while eating meat <.<

I like to understand where and how my food got to my plate however i wont chance my habits unless the food is toxic to the level that it doesnt benefit you anymore.
(The risk out weights the benefit)

Also i keep in mind that when i die my body will root and nature will feast on me, in which i contribute to the natural system of endless bio Recycling.

Endless it least till the Sun turns into a Super Nova and then even Natures Endless Cycle comes to a end.

If there is a after life or a Heaven i wonder if will be Dependent on god to fix and change everything in it, or will humans run Heaven into the Ground and get kicked out :D

Or will the Aliens step in with there galactic union and teach us how to coexist with out planet.

Maybe we should create a A.I. consciousness and have it calculate our destinies, maybe we can escape into a digital world.

Maybe lower our population numbers and focus more on the already living generations in order to teach them how to be more efficient with natural resources.

Maybe Colonize space and send the elites there in case Earth turns into a giant garbage ball O.o

Maybe send the most diverse and fit humans into Space and keep them in Cryostasis for when humans go extinct, like seeds :3

These are just a few Futures we could create, if your reading this still my point is.

We Humans are individuals so we all will always have our different ways of trying to achieve the same goal (more or less), So naturally humanity's weakness is we cant agree on one thing, (Even Governments are not ran the same world wide.)

Humans are the most fascinating Animals i'ved ever Researched. Sadly i cant live long enough to see the eventual extinction of the species.

Even tho nothing last for ever and everything comes to a END, dont let something as silly as END get you down. :D

Even tho i try to see things in what i from my understanding call A Realistic Way, i never let it get to me :D

Its not about the Goal but about the experiences and things we see and feel. :D

Ottavia Zappala'
Ottavia Zappala'
11 years ago

I can't watch this :( it has the power to ruin my day, or my WEEK!

N
N
11 years ago

who are these people that work in a slaughter house anyway?

N
N
11 years ago

I know. the first time me and my wife tried to watch this we got to that point too. I finally watched this on my own. now i am a vegitarian for sure.

N
N
11 years ago

i dont have the words

William Tashum
William Tashum
11 years ago

This was very hard to watch, I wish this was what people were shown and taught. A heart wrenching documentary. I am afraid I will see my world pass away in my life time. I only hope that we as a species dont burn away with it. I wonder what my grand-children will say to me. It terrifies me utterly to think that I will be condemned as a monster. Good luck all, my best wishes. William

Rocky Racoon
Rocky Racoon
11 years ago

The government doesn't even make the multinationals tell us where our food came from in Canada how about that Canada not the country we thought it was. Gone to hell in less than 5 years neo conservative rule.
RR