🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Lee Fulkerson
- Genre: Documentary, Health
- Release year: 2011
- Runtime (length): 1h 36min
- IMDb rating: 7.3/10 (16,520 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 66%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Doctors discover that broccoli is the real superhero, fighting villains like heart disease and diabetes, but Big Food tries to bury the evidence under a mountain of cheeseburgers.
🍿 Forks Over Knives: Detailed Plot Synopsis
The Crisis of Modern Health
The documentary opens by highlighting the alarming rates of chronic diseases in America, despite advanced medical technology. It points out the increasing prevalence of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and other degenerative conditions, suggesting a fundamental flaw in the current approach to health and diet.

The Research of Drs. Campbell and Esselstyn
Forks Over Knives profiles Dr. T. Colin Campbell, a nutritional scientist, and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, a former surgeon. Both conducted independent research that led them to the same conclusion: a whole foods, plant-based diet can prevent and even reverse many of these ‘diseases of affluence.’ Their work emphasizes the power of nutrition over conventional medical treatments.

Real-Life Patient Transformations
The film also follows several individuals struggling with chronic illnesses. These patients work with doctors to adopt a plant-based diet as a primary treatment. The documentary captures their personal journeys, showcasing the challenges, setbacks, and, ultimately, the positive health outcomes they experience.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Lee Fulkerson (Lee Fulkerson): The narrator who explores the impact of diet on health, ultimately adopting a plant-based lifestyle himself.
- T. Colin Campbell (T. Colin Campbell): A nutritional scientist who advocates for a whole foods, plant-based diet to prevent and reverse degenerative diseases.
- Caldwell Esselstyn Jr. (Caldwell Esselstyn Jr.): A former surgeon who promotes a plant-based diet as a means to combat heart disease and other ailments.
- Matthew Lederman (Matthew Lederman): A doctor who guides individuals toward plant-based nutrition for better health.
- Alona Pulde (Alona Pulde): A doctor who works with her husband, Matthew Lederman, to promote plant-based diets.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Title Card: “One quarter of what you eat keeps you alive. The other three-quarters keeps your doctor alive.” – An ancient Egyptian proverb displayed at the beginning of the film, highlighting the impact of diet on health.
- T. Colin Campbell: “We’re swimming in a sea of misinformation.” – Expresses the frustration over conflicting dietary advice and the influence of commercial interests.
- Caldwell Esselstyn Jr.: “Heart disease is a toothless paper tiger that need never ever exist.” – Highlights the potential to eliminate heart disease through dietary changes.
💰Box Office
- Budget: N/A
- Domestic Gross: $739,561
- Worldwide Gross: $739,561
💥 Forks Over Knives Reviews
Personal Review
I watched this movie a few years ago, and it completely changed my perspective on food. I never really thought much about the connection between what I ate and how I felt. Seeing the personal stories of people reversing their health issues with diet was so inspiring! The segment on the China study was truly eye opening. Highly recommend if you’re curious about plant-based eating.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Individuals interested in nutrition and health”
- “People looking for alternative approaches to managing chronic diseases”
- “Those considering adopting a plant-based diet”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Discussions of serious illnesses like heart disease and cancer”
- “Thematic elements related to health and diet”
- “Incidental smoking”
Professional Reviews
- Common Sense Media: “An informative and thought-provoking documentary. It presents a strong case for plant-based diets. Well researched and engaging; a must-see for anyone interested in health and nutrition.
- Movie Review Query Engine (MRQE): “While the film has received praise for its message, some critics point to a one-sided presentation of information. The science is considered biased by some for pushing an agenda.
Audience Reactions
Viewers found the personal stories of health transformations incredibly moving and motivational.: Many viewers praised the film for providing compelling evidence for the benefits of plant-based diets and inspiring them to make dietary changes.
Overall Consensus: A thought-provoking documentary that has inspired many to adopt plant-based diets, though some critics question the film’s presentation of scientific evidence.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Kristen Bell adopted a vegan diet after watching the film.”
- “The filmmakers and crew, including the composer, adopted a plant-based lifestyle during production, reflecting their belief in the film’s message.”
🖥️ How to Watch Forks Over Knives?
Forks Over Knives is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it on services like Amazon Prime Video, where it may be available for rent or purchase. It’s also often available on Apple TV. Availability can change, so it’s best to check these and other streaming services for the most up-to-date options. If you prefer to own a physical copy, check retailers like Amazon for DVD or Blu-ray versions.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Forks Over Knives, you might like these similar films:
- Food, Inc. (2008): Exposes the industrial food production system and its impact on health and the environment, similar to Forks Over Knives’ focus on dietary impacts.
- Super Size Me (2004): Documents the health effects of a fast-food-only diet, thematically aligning with Forks Over Knives’ critique of the standard American diet.
- Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead (2010): Follows a man’s journey to regain his health through juicing and a plant-based diet, offering a personal perspective similar to Forks Over Knives’ patient stories.
🛒 Forks Over Knives Related Products
- The China Study: The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted and the Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss, and Long-Term Health: Dr. T. Colin Campbell’s groundbreaking research on nutrition and health. Includes detailed explanations of his findings and practical advice for adopting a plant-based diet.
- Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease: The Revolutionary, Scientifically Proven, Nutrition-Based Cure: Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn’s comprehensive guide to preventing and reversing heart disease through a plant-based diet. Includes recipes and meal plans for easy implementation.
- Forks Over Knives—The Cookbook: Over 300 Recipes for Plant-Based Eating All Through the Year: A companion cookbook with over 300 plant-based recipes inspired by the documentary. Features easy-to-follow instructions and beautiful photography.
- Plant-Based Protein Cookbook: Simple & Delicious Vegan Recipes for Building Muscle, Burning Fat, and Boosting Your Metabolism: Focus on plant based meal that provide proper nutrition and improve your diet. Recipes are simple and delicious vegan recipes for building muscle, burning fat, and boosting your metabolism
🎧 Soundtrack
Forks Over Knives features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The documentary argues that many chronic diseases can be prevented and reversed by adopting a whole foods, plant-based diet, eliminating or minimizing animal-based and processed foods.
The film primarily features Dr. T. Colin Campbell, a nutritional scientist, and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, a former surgeon, both of whom advocate for a plant-based diet based on their research.
Forks Over Knives is typically available on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV, and can often be rented or purchased digitally. Check these platforms for current availability.
🔥 Bonus Content
How Long Does It Take On A Plant-Based Diet To Lower Your Cholesterol? by Caldwell Esselstyn
Want to hear straight from the source? Dr. Esselstyn, featured in Forks Over Knives, breaks down exactly how a plant-based diet can lower your cholesterol. Honestly, his explanation is so clear and convincing, it might just make you rethink your next meal!
Watch the whole documentary Forks over Knives, full movie, it will improve your health and life
Ever wonder if Forks Over Knives actually works? This person shares their personal experience after watching the movie and switching to a vegan diet. It’s a pretty inspiring story, and makes you wonder if you could experience the same benefits!
cooking for the film “forks over knives”
Hungry after watching Forks Over Knives? This video gives you a peek at the recipes they used while filming! It’s a quick and easy way to start incorporating the movie’s principles into your everyday life. Plus, they look delicious!
✨ Rate
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.





