5 Films Every Yogi Should See

Can you believe it’s October? The year has been flying by, and somehow this month has escaped from me. Cool, crisp air and the damp smell of autumn has blanketed the northeast, and being a summer baby, I prefer to stay indoors when the temperatures drop.

One of my favorite cold-weather activities is to curl up in front of the TV with a bowl of homemade kettle corn and a great movie! As a film school grad, I love movies… and all kinds. I especially appreciate great documentaries and unordinary films that engage the audience and ponder some of life’s deeper questions. The following five films are unique, beautiful, and in some way echo or directly discuss the same philosophies that yoga addresses. If you have other yoga-movie suggestions, please share them in the comments below!

Baraka

(1992) Directed by Ron Fricke

BarakaWhen I first watched Baraka back in film school, it completely changed my perception of cinema and to be appropriately over-dramatic, totally blew my mind. It truly is like no other film and is almost impossible to summarize.

The title comes from an ancient Sufi word translated as “a blessing, or the breath, or the essence of life from which the evolutionary process unfolds.” Very much an essence, Baraka takes viewers on a visual journey across 24 countries in six continents. With no dialogue or traditional storyline, this experimental documentary serves as a meditation on the ebb and flow of life around the world, with the juxtaposition of incredible images—some painful, many stunningly beautiful—creating a commentary on what it means to be human.

Enlighten Up!

(2008) Directed by Kate Churchill

Enlighten Up!Can yoga transform anyone? Even the most skeptical and rationally-minded? That’s the question yogi-documentarian Kate Churchill asks in the inquisitive documentary, Enlighten Up! Nick Rosen, the guinea pig in Churchill’s transformational yoga adventure, travels across the globe to study with some of the most respected and influential teachers in the world, including Jivamukti founders Sharon Gannon and David Life, and Ashtanga guru Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, just shortly before his death in 2009. With unexpected twists and a deep examination of what yoga means to each of us individually, this unique film is a must-see as much for its all-star yoga lineup as for its intriguing yoga commentary.

Cloud Atlas

(2012) Directed by Tom Twyker, Andy Wachowski and Lana Wachowski

Cloud AtlasThe latest film by the Wachowskis, masterminds behind the Matrix trilogy, and Tom Twyker of Run Lola Run fame, Cloud Atlas, which just opened in theaters less than two weeks ago, is the epic of all epics.

Based on the book of the same name by David Mitchell, Cloud Atlas interweaves six different stories set in vastly different time periods spanning thousands of years, with characters overlapping and interlinking plots. Deep and oftentimes very dark, the underlying message is the persistance of love and the belief that “Everything is Connected.” This three-hour journey so intricately paints its alternate worlds and complex characters that there will most certainly be more to discover after every viewing.

Ashtanga NY

(2003) Directed by Caroline Laskow and Mary Wigmore

Ashtanga NYWhen I recently watched this documentary for the second time it gave me chills, yet again.

When Sri K. Pattabhi Jois visited New York City in 2001 to teach a group of dedicated Ashtanga yogis, what began as a routine retreat turned into a life-changing event when the September 11th attacks corresponded with his visit. Diving into the beauty and ritual of the Ashtanga yoga practice and allowing a unique glimpse inside the Jois family, this film not only accurately reflects the Ashtanga community but illustrates very poignantly how the practice can unite both in times of joy and times of immense tragedy.

The Tree of Life

(2011) Directed by Terrence Malick

Tree of LifeHauntingly and poetically real, Tree of Life asks all of life’s biggest questions through the eyes of Jack, a young boy growing up in 1950s Texas and his adult self, who’s lost in a modern world. We witness his innocent childhood fade away as he encounters suffering, death, and a difficult relationship with his father. But throughout it all, the selfless, unwavering love of his mother builds a foundation for forgiveness and transformation.

A unique and beautiful masterpiece of cinema, Tree of Life captures love and humanity honestly, vividly, and with unflinching clarity.

Raeanne Wright

Founder • Yoga Teacher, Web Designer

Raeanne Wright is the owner and creator of Yogatropic. A yoga instructor, web designer, and writer, she is happy to share her yoga musings, life lessons, and discoveries so that others may find a little peace and joy in their day.

14 Comments
  1. Your list has not mentioned two of the premiere Yoga films ever made: Naked in Ashes and Origins of Yoga: Quest for the Spiritual, featuring Georg Feuerstein, Ph.D – author of over 40 books on Yoga.

  2. Hi Raeanne,

    I would love to send you a free download to my film “Y Yoga Movie”. It is #1 on the MyYogaonline list.

    this is what MyYogaOnline said in their article on “Best 11 Yoga Movie List:”

    Filmmaker Arthur Klein takes up yoga the week of 9/11, falls in love with it, and goes on to make one of the greatest yoga documentaries to date. This is my personal favorite, and if you only have time for one, this one is it. It’s primarily about the California Yoga scene, but that’s where it all starts anyway.

    Love & pranams,
    Arthur
    Content Creator – Eco-Technologist – Dreamer
    @theGuruWithin

    1. Hi Arthur,

      Thanks so much for writing… I’d love to see your movie. I’ll contact you privately so you can send me details.

      Cheers!
      Raeanne

  3. please send me private email and i will send you a gift link…..

    Please also check out my other creation with Erich Schiffmann (Moving Into Stillness & Freedom Style Yoga). I will hook you up there too if your interested…

    ErichSchiffmann [dot] com

    love and pranams,
    Arthur

  4. Hi Arthur,
    I love this list you have complied, I too would really love to see your documentary “Y Yoga”. I have started this path in August and it has certainly been a WOW experience. Would you mind sharing your free download movie with me as well?
    Thank you,
    Namaste

  5. Thank you for compiling this. There are obvious downsides to the internet, but opportunities like this to connect with information that you might otherwise never have make it truly awesome. Namaste

  6. Would you please share you Y Yoga movie. I saw it mentioned on one of Shiva Rae’s videos and would definitely like to see it.

    1. Hello Roberta,
      Apologies for the late reply; I’ve had an issue with my blog notifying me of new comments. If you would like to watch the Y Yoga movie, please see Arthur’s comment from 7/6/14 above… :)

      Cheers,
      Raeanne

  7. Must read (reread)
    1)’Two Great Masters’by Amrit Gupta
    2)’Just Seven Days to Excellence’by Amrit Gupta.
    Movies can be made on both the books, both are based on the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda.

  8. I see you don’t monetize your website, don’t waste your traffic, you can earn additional cash every month because you’ve got high quality content.
    If you want to know how to make extra bucks, search for:
    Mertiso’s tips best adsense alternative

  9. I have checked your page and i have found some duplicate content,
    that’s why you don’t rank high in google, but there is a
    tool that can help you to create 100% unique articles, search
    for: Boorfe’s tips unlimited content

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Join our mailing list

* indicates required
About Yogatrōpic

"Living a yogatrōpic life means orienting yourself toward the practice, and letting it shift, shape, and inspire you to be your best self."

Learn more