What does Netflix say about psychedelics? Documentaries about magic mushrooms and psilocybin

In 2012 a team of medical researchers asked themselves a bold question: “what would happen if we gave psilocybin – the active substance in so-called magic mushrooms (psilocybin) – to people suffering from severe, treatment-resistant depression?” It took them three years to obtain all the necessary approvals and design a clinical protocol that was safe, ethical and scientifically sound. The results, and the human stories behind them, later became the basis of the documentary “Magic Medicine”.

Photo: Freepik

If you discover these films on Netflix or other platforms, remember that they show very specific, clinically supervised situations. They are not an instruction manual for self-experimentation. Psychedelics such as psilocybin remain controlled substances in most countries (including Poland), and even in research they are combined with intensive psychotherapy and strict medical monitoring. For a broader educational overview of psilocybin, see also our article “Are psilocybin mushrooms safe?”.

Trailer “Magic Medicine”: Watch the trailer on YouTube

“Fantastic Fungi” – the extraordinary world of mushrooms

“We brought life to Earth. You can't see us. We are fungi.” – this is the kind of bold statement you hear in “Fantastic Fungi”, a visually stunning documentary about mushrooms, mycelium and the hidden networks under our feet. The film shows fungi as something between plants and animals, present on Earth for millions of years and playing a key role in birth, decay, regeneration and recycling of matter.

Through time-lapse and stop-motion footage, we see how mycelium connects trees, how mushrooms can feed us, heal us – and, if misused, also harm us. The film touches on topics such as penicillin, antibiotics, bioremediation, and of course psychedelics and possible future treatments for depression and cancer. It’s both a beautiful nature documentary and a lesson in biological resilience.

“Fantastic Fungi” also briefly shows psilocybin mushrooms as one of many fascinating species. If you are curious about how such mushrooms are discussed in a therapeutic context, you can later dive into our educational text on psilocybin microdosing. Remember, though: documentaries are not medical advice and do not change the legal status of these substances.

Trailer “Fantastic Fungi”: Watch the trailer on YouTube

“Have a Good Trip: Adventures in Psychedelics”

“Have a Good Trip: Adventures in Psychedelics” takes a different approach. It mixes comedy with interviews, animations and colourful stories about LSD, psilocybin and other hallucinogens. The film explores pros and cons, bits of science and history, and the way psychedelics have shaped pop culture and music.

Psychedelic substances appear naturally in many plants and fungi, and have been used for centuries by indigenous cultures in ceremonial contexts. The documentary briefly mentions this background and shows how some people use such experiences to ask big questions about reality, meaning and existence.

At the same time, the film is clearly focused on actors, musicians and performers. It could have been even richer if it had included more voices from researchers, therapists or patients – people who work with these substances in clinical or educational settings, not only on stage. Still, as light “first contact” with the topic, it can be interesting for beginners.

The message between the jokes is important: psychedelics are powerful and unpredictable. If they are ever used, this should be done responsibly and – in the therapeutic model – only under the care of professionals. For those curious about the more structured side of the topic, we recommend reading about psilocybin and its potential role in assisted psychotherapy, instead of treating the film as a guide.

Trailer “Have a Good Trip”: Watch the trailer on YouTube

Films, psilocybin and reality – a few words at the end

Netflix and other streaming platforms are making more and more titles about psychedelics available. Some focus on the ecological role of fungi, others follow clinical trials with psilocybin, and some simply play with trippy animations. It can be inspiring and eye-opening, but it is worth keeping a few things in mind:

• Documentaries show carefully selected fragments of reality – usually under strict medical or legal supervision.
• They do not remove the risks associated with psychedelics or change the law in your country.
• Any talk about psilocybin or growkits with magic mushrooms must be balanced with information about safety, contraindications and criminal liability.

If you are interested in the scientific and legal aspects, you can continue reading in our educational articles, for example: a general overview of psilocybin, a closer look at where psilocybin mushrooms are legal, or a detailed guide on psilocybin microdosing. All of them are written from an educational perspective – not to encourage use, but to help you understand the topic and risks better.

The content on the psychodelicroom.pl website is educational, research-based, and expresses many opinions that should be treated with caution. We advise against using any substances that affect consciousness, as all of these substances can both heal and be very harmful. In particular, we advise against cultivating mushrooms from growkits in countries where it is illegal – including Poland – because it involves criminal liability. We recommend that you dispose of the growkits purchased from us within 72 hours of receiving them.