10 Controversial Documentaries Since 2000 That Shouldn't Be Ignored

7. Blackfish

The film which began the steep decline in popularity and revenue for sea life attraction centre, SeaWorld, Blackfish follows the controversial captivity of Killer Whales (Orcas) by the company, and how said captivity can be devastating to both the whales and the trainers who care for them. Centring around one key SeaWorld attack by a whale on a human, Blackfish builds a formidable case against the company, and while Seaworld consistently refutes the film's messages and depictions, the overwhelming evidence against them is damning. Since Blackfish's release in 2013, SeaWorld has seen a near $16 million loss, and, as of November, 2014, a near 50% drop in stock. Moreover, the company has repeatedly been caught-out trying to rig opinion polls and surveys in its favour to suggest that SeaWorld is still immensely popular. One of the few documentaries in history to influence actual legislation as a consequence (June 2014 saw Congress attach an amendment to the Agriculture Appropriations Act, requiring it update the Animal Welfare Act in regards to aquamarine mammals), Blackfish is a timely reminder of the power documentaries can have in uncovering, and creating, controversy.