The human brain . This organ, the main element that controls the body and allows us to be who we are, is however one of the most unknown. Sometimes considered as the last frontier to be explored due to its high level of complexity, the brain still hides a great multitude of secrets that science has not yet been able to fully reveal.

In this way, its study has become fundamental in explaining who we are, how we are configured and how we can improve our health and well-being. There is still a long way to go to fully understand it , so a great deal of research is required both now and in the near future.

Although the knowledge available to date is available in books and manuals, it is still true that sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words, making it easier to understand and study the phenomena by watching videos and documentaries. And, if more than one image we have a series of frames that follow one another quickly, so much the better. For this reason you may find it interesting to know some of the documentaries about the human brain that are most helpful in understanding the human mind.

Documentaries about the brain

Below you can find a series of documentaries that can help you understand what the brain is , what parts it is made of and how it works. They are not ordered according to a clear criterion, all of them are equally recommendable.

1. Brain, the Last Riddle

This production of about fifty minutes of duration carried out by the producer New Atlantis , reflects what the brain is, how it has evolved and how the brain circuits work. Throughout the documentary we are also told about some theories or points of view about the brain configuration. The effects of some disorders and difficulties related to brain dysfunctions are also indicated.

2. Baby’s Brain: Nets 447

This episode of Eduard Punset’s well-known program deals with brain development in childhood . It places special emphasis on the process of growth during the first two years of life of infants, studying the formation of different brain systems, such as that of pain. A clear documentary that facilitates the understanding of the evolution of the brain.

3. Psychology. The secret life of the brain. The brain of an old man

This documentary carried out by Canal Odisea and directed by Edward Gray tries to explain the development and evolution of the brain in the third age . Reference is also made to ageing, the slowing down of its functions and the difficulties of brain disorders and damage, such as strokes. Some studies on improving the quality of life of neurons in old age are also mentioned.

4. The brain, an enigma for science

In this documentary carried out by the Canal Historia we explain the functioning of different brain systems and their effects on behaviour , such as fear, sensation seeking or orgasm.

5. The plasticity of the brain

This documentary talks about the adaptation property of the brain, the plasticity or neuroplasticity . Through this property the human brain is able to learn and cope with great changes and overcome problems such as brain disorders. Although this property is especially observable during our growth period, the human nervous system retains some capacity throughout its life. Brain plasticity is what allows us to recover from a brain injury, allowing for example the recovery of speech and movement in cases of stroke.

6. My Musical Brain

Since ancient times, music has been a constant element in the history of almost every culture in the world, shaping part of our lives and participating in human socialization. This documentary by National Geographic tries to explore how the brain processes music, how it affects emotions and cognitions and how it modulates our brain functioning.

7. The Science of Fear

This documentary by Discovery Channel explores the emotion of fear. This emotion is a fundamental tool when it comes to explaining our behaviour , as a mechanism dedicated to ensuring our survival and well-being. Throughout the documentary we talk about the effects of fear on behaviour, its functions and importance as a survival and adaptation mechanism, as well as the brain process that leads to it.

More suggestions?

If you know more documentaries about the human brain, you can tell us about them in the comments section to encourage the rest of the readers to watch them. This list is not closed!