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Spring Into Free Streaming on Kanopy

Introduction

The Swisher Library offers our patrons to over 10,000 streaming educational films, documentaries, and movies through Kanopy. Stream content from a wide range of genres and subjects. Explore new perspectives, dive deep into your course material, or simply relax with a captivating film—all at your fingertips.

On this guide you will find the most viewed streaming videos on our campus from the last few years and recommendations from Kanopy's vast library. You can also find and choose a collection from within Kanopy to view a curated selection of videos to add to your "to-watch" list!

Most Streamed Films at Jacksonville University

Cover Art for The Story of Plastic, Deia Schlosberg (director)

The Story of Plastic

The Story of Plastic exposes the truth behind plastic pollution and the myth of recycling. It traces the crisis from fossil fuel extraction to waste disposal, revealing industry manipulation and highlighting global resistance against one of today's most urgent environmental issues.

Cover Art for After Stonewall, John Scagliotti, et al. (directors)

After Stonewall

After Stonewall explores the LGBTQ+ movement from the 1969 Stonewall riots to the late 20th century, highlighting struggles, victories, and the impact of AIDS. It showcases the community’s fight for visibility, rights, and acceptance in society.

Cover Art for The Hating Game, Peter Hutchings (director)

The Hating Game

Resolving to achieve professional success without compromising her ethics, Lucy embarks on a ruthless game of one-upmanship against cold and efficient nemesis Joshua, a rivalry that is complicated by her growing attraction to him. Based on the #BookTok-approved enemies-to-lovers sensation by Sally Thorne!

Cover Art for The Work: Group Therapy with Folsom Prison Inmates, Jairus McLeary and Gethin Aldous (directors)

The Work: Group Therapy with Folsom Prison Inmates

The Work follows three men joining a four-day group therapy retreat with Folsom Prison inmates. The raw process challenges their perceptions, revealing deep emotional struggles, personal growth, and a powerful movement of change and redemption beyond traditional rehabilitation.

Cover Art for American Experience FDR, David Grubin (director)

American Experience: FDR

Franklin D. Roosevelt, the longest-serving U.S. president, led through the Great Depression and WWII. Overcoming polio, he became a beloved leader who reshaped government with a lasting social safety net, sparking both admiration and controversy.

Cover Art for The Day the Earth Caught Fire, Val Guest (director)

The Day the Earth Caught Fire

In a deserted 1960s newsroom Peter Stenning writes the biggest news story the world has ever known: 'Within the next few hours the world will know whether this is the end or another beginning'. The combined jolt of nuclear test explosions carried out by the Americans and the Russians has shifted the Earth's orbit and it is now racing towards the sun. Chaos mounts. But four super bombs exploded simultaneously might halt the catastrophic progress. Will the world be doomed or saved?

Cover Art for Dwight D. Eisenhower Commander-In-Chief, Jack Perkins (director)

Dwight D. Eisenhower: Commander-In-Chief

The A&E Biography episode on Dwight D. Eisenhower explores his rise from humble beginnings to becoming Supreme Allied Commander in WWII and the 34th U.S. president. It highlights his leadership, Cold War challenges, interstate system creation, and lasting impact on America.

Cover Art for The Roosevelts, Ken Burns (director)

In the Arena

Ken Burns' In the Arena explores Theodore Roosevelt’s dynamic life, from sickly child to war hero, reformer, and 26th U.S. president. It highlights his progressive policies, conservation efforts, and relentless energy, shaping America’s global role and domestic reforms.

Cover Art for Post Truth Times, Hector Carre (director)

Post Truth Times: We The Media

This investigative documentary examines the rise of fake news, social media’s impact on journalism, and the erosion of truth in politics. Featuring Noam Chomsky and top journalists, it explores how misinformation shapes society and where to find reliable information today.

Cover Art for Deciphering Japan, Georgie Yukiko Donovan (director)

Deciphering Japan

Deciphering Japan explores Japan’s history, culture, and modern identity through key events and traditions. The series examines societal shifts, technological advancements, and historical influences, offering insight into how Japan balances its rich heritage with contemporary challenges and global influence.

Recommended Viewing

 

Cover Art for Street Gang, Marilyn Agrelo (director)

Street Gang: How We Got To Sesame Street 

Take a stroll down Sesame Street and witness the birth

of the most impactful children's series in TV history.

From the iconic furry characters to the classic songs you know by heart,

learn how a gang of visionary creators changed our world.

Cover Art for Adventure Never Ends, Douglisio DiMuccio and Rob D. Miller (directors)

Adventure Never Ends: A Tabletop Saga

Explores the rise of tabletop RPGs from niche pastime

to global phenomenon. Highlighting their impact on storytelling,

community, and youth programs, the film showcases how

these games foster socialization, teamwork, and empathy.

Cover Art for Cat Nation, Tim Delmastro (director)

Cat Nation

Takes viewers on a journey into the unique world of Japanese cat culture.

Follow British YouTube personality Chris Broad, as he treks across

the land of the rising sun to document numerous unusual cat-centric activities

such as cat-themed cafes, bars, temples, and even entire cat islands!

Cover Art for A Gamer's Life, Anthony Daniel and  Adam Huffman (directors)

A Gamer's Life: The Lives of Professional Video Game Players

Follow two professional gamers as they reveal the secrets behind

making a living by playing games. With never-before-seen gameplay footage,

and featuring appearances from major players. This film goes

behind-the-scenes of a career life that others consider as a hobby.

 

Cover Art for The Net, Lutz Dammbeck (director)

 

The Net

Explores the life and ideology of Ted Kaczynski, the Unabomber,

examining his anti-technology manifesto and radical opposition to

modern society. The documentary delves into cybernetics, mass surveillance,

and the growing influence of technology on human behavior and control.

Cover Art for Jonestown, A&E (creator)

 

Jonestown: The Women Behind the Massacre

A powerful special about four women who were also behind the

1978 Jonestown Massacre in Guyana. The mass murder/suicides,

which left 918 people dead, was planned not only by cult leader

Jim Jones, but by his all-female inner circle.

Cover Art for The Lie Detector, Rob Rapley (director)

 

The Lie Detector

In the early 20th century, researchers made a thrilling new claim:

they could tell whether someone was lying by using a machine. The “lie detector" 

was extolled as an infallible crime-fighting tool. Instead, it became an apparatus

of fear and intimidation. This is a tale of good intentions, twisted morals

and unintended consequences.

Cover Art for The Poisoner's Handbook, Rob Rapley (director)

 

The Poisoner's Handbook

In the early 20th century, toxic substances were widespread in everyday products.

Forensic pioneers Charles Norris and Alexander Gettler advanced

forensic chemistry, revolutionizing crime detection and setting new standards

for medical examination in the U.S.

 

 

Cover Art for Salt in My Soul, Will Battersby (director)

Salt in My Soul

A documentary and a coming of age story about Mallory Smith, a young

woman figuring out how to live while dying. Mallory’s determination to fill

her shortened life with hope, laughter, and love will leave you breathless.

Based on the bestselling memoir of the same name, additional private writing,

and hundreds of hours of audio and video discovered after Mallory’s death.

Cover Art for Healing a Soldier's Heart, Stephen Olsson (director)

Healing a Soldier's Heart

Follows four Vietnam veterans with severe PTSD as they return to Vietnam

for healing. Guided by psychotherapist Dr. Edward Tick, they confront past trauma,

find forgiveness, and achieve spiritual peace, offering hope for veterans of

modern wars.

Cover Art for For Walter and Josiah, Jamie Elias (director)

For Walter and Josiah

The Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana is shaken to its core by a teen suicide

epidemic that claims 22 Native lives in a single year – including two high school

basketball team members. This film follows the team during their season as the

surviving members play to honor their fallen brothers and uplift their community.

Cover Art for Best Sellers, Lina Roessler (director)

Best Sellers

In a last-ditch effort to save the boutique publishing house her father has left her,

an ambitious young editor (Plaza) goes on a book tour with a bitter, booze-addled

author (Caine) who put the publishing house on the map decades ago.

 

 

Cover Art for Mary Shelley, Haifaa Al-Mansour (director)

Mary Shelley

Follows the life of the famed author (Elle Fanning) as she defies societal norms,

endures love and loss, and channels her struggles into writing Frankenstein, a

groundbreaking novel that changed literary history.

Cover Art for Alice, Krystin Ver Linden (director)

Alice

Follows an enslaved woman (Keke Palmer) who escapes a Georgia plantation,

only to discover it’s actually the 1970s. Inspired by true events, she fights for

freedom and justice in a world she never knew existed alongside an inspiring

activist played by Common.

Cover Art for The Dinner, Oren Moverman (director)

The Dinner

Follows two couples (Richard Gere, Chloë Sevigny, Steve Coogan, Laura Linney)

meeting at a high-end restaurant to discuss a dark secret involving their teenage

sons. As tensions rise, morality, privilege, and family loyalty are put to the test.

Cover Art for Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Taika Waititi (director)

Hunt for the Wilderpeople

Directed by Taika Waititi, Hunt for the Wilderpeople is a heartwarming

adventure-comedy about a rebellious boy and his reluctant foster uncle

who become fugitives in the New Zealand wilderness, forging an unlikely

bond while evading authorities in a hilarious and touching journey.

 

Cover Art for Alive Inside, Michael Rossato-Bennett, et al. (directors)

Alive Inside

This documentary explores music’s powerful ability to awaken memories and

restore identity in those with memory loss. Following social worker Dan Cohen’s

efforts, it highlights music’s healing potential, surpassing medication, through

expert insights and emotional personal stories.

Cover Art for Swim Team, Lara Stolman (director)

Swim Team

This documentary follows a competitive swim team of autistic teens in New Jersey,

highlighting their challenges and triumphs. It showcases the power of inclusion,

determination, and how sports can empower individuals while breaking societal

barriers.

Cover Art for Dear Future Children, Franz Böhm (director)

Dear Future Children

This documentary follows three young female activists from Hong Kong, Chile,

and Uganda as they fight for democracy, social justice, and climate action.

It explores their struggles, sacrifices, and unwavering commitment to shaping

a better future despite immense challenges.

Cover Art for Maidentrip, Jillian Schlesinger (director)

Maidentrip

This documentary follows 14-year-old Laura Dekker’s two-year solo voyage to

become the youngest person to sail around the world. Through her own footage

and voice recordings, it captures her quest for freedom, adventure, and

self-discovery across stunning global landscapes.

 

 

Cover Art for Breaking Point, Mark Jonathan Harris and Oles Sanin (directors)

Breaking Point: The War for Democracy in Ukraine

This documentary explores Ukraine’s fight for democracy, following the 2014

revolution, Russian aggression, and the resilience of its people. Through personal

stories of soldiers, activists, and citizens, it highlights the struggle for freedom,

national identity, and self-determination.

Cover Art for Howard Zinn, Olivier Azam and Daniel Mermet (directors)

Howard Zinn: A People's History of the United States

This documentary explores the life and work of a historian who challenged

traditional narratives, highlighting the struggles of marginalized groups in American

history. Through archival footage and expert insights, it showcases his impact

on social movements and historical scholarship

Cover Art for Putin and the Presidents, Michael Kirk (director)

Putin and the Presidents

This PBS special examines Vladimir Putin’s interactions with multiple U.S. presidents,

from Clinton to Biden, analyzing how each leader handled relations with Russia.

Through expert analysis and archival footage, it explores Putin’s strategies,

U.S. foreign policy, and escalating tensions.

Cover Art for Trump's Trade War, Rick Young (director)

Trump's Trade War

This PBS special explores the impact of Donald Trump’s assertive trade policies,

particularly against China. Through expert analysis and firsthand accounts,

it examines the economic consequences, global tensions, and the lasting effects

on industries, workers, and international relations.

 

Kanopy Collections

Cover Image for From Book to Screen Kanopy Collection
Cover Image for Live Performance Kanopy Collection
Cover Image for Screened at Sundance Kanopy Collection
Cover Image for Fright Fest Kanopy Collection
Cover Image for Cultures and Sociology Kanopy Collection
Cover Image for Classic Cinema Kanopy Collection
Cover Image for Academy Awards Kanopy Collection
Cover Image for World Cinema Kanopy Collection