W2TCH

50 Thought-Provoking Documentaries on Human Journeys and Resilience (2010-2020)

50 titles

Default order ↑PopularityIMDb ratingTMDB ratingRelease dateRuntimeTitleBudgetBox office
  1. 1Tokyo IdolsMovie · 2017 · 88m · Music, DocumentaryThis film examines Japan's deep connection to girl bands and their music, focusing on a young woman hoping to become a pop star and her devoted fans. It explores the culture's fixation on youthful female attractiveness and the increasing distance between men and women in today's fast-paced world.Stream onIMDb 6.9TMDB 6.7
  2. 2Van Gogh: Painted with WordsMovie · 2010 · 80m · Drama, DocumentaryAlan Yentob presents this drama-documentary starring Benedict Cumberbatch. The film features only dialogue drawn from Vincent van Gogh's letters to his brother Theo and others in his life. The result is a detailed portrayal of a refined, cultured, and deeply troubled individual.Stream onIMDb 7.8TMDB 7.3
  3. 3Merchants of DoubtMovie · 2014 · 96m · DocumentaryPublic relations professionals deliberately spread misleading information to confuse Americans and slow down action on critical issues like global climate change.Stream onIMDb 7.6TMDB 7.5
  4. 4Corman's WorldMovie · 2011 · 91m · DocumentaryThis film chronicles the extensive career of Roger Corman, a remarkably persistent and inventive low-budget film producer and director. He was a key figure in independent filmmaking and a champion of emerging talent.Stream onIMDb 7.5TMDB 7.1
  5. 556 UpMovie · 2012 · 144m · DocumentaryIn 1964, seven-year-old children were interviewed for a 7 Up commercial, revealing how their social class shaped their outlooks. The wealthier children were confident, while those from middle and working-class families seemed resigned to hardship. The same children were interviewed every seven years, tracking their lives for 49 years. This film captures the experiences of 14 original participants, charting their journeys through success, setbacks, relationships, and struggles with poverty and health – reflecting universal human stories. Now, at age 56, they reunite to reflect on whether their lives have been determined by fate or their own choices.Stream onIMDb 7.9TMDB 7.2
  6. 6BuckMovie · 2011 · 89m · DocumentaryThis film explores the life of Buck Brannaman, the renowned horse trainer known for his gentle approach. Brannaman overcame a difficult childhood marked by abuse to develop a respected understanding of the connection between humans and horses.Stream onIMDb 7.6TMDB 7.3
  7. 7Belluscone: A Sicilian StoryMovie · 2014 · 94m · History, DocumentaryThe film explores three kinds of loss: Silvio Berlusconi's decline in power and personal life in his later years, Ciccio Mirra's defeat – a devoted follower of Berlusconi rooted in a fading tradition – and the director's struggle to portray Italy’s complicated connection to "Berlusconian culture." It examines themes of power, tradition, and identity within a nation seemingly defined by this unique cultural landscape.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.9
  8. 8Something from Nothing: The Art of RapMovie · 2012 · 106m · Documentary, MusicSOMETHING FROM NOTHING: THE ART OF RAP is a performance documentary following the rise of Rap music. Director and interviewer Ice-T guides viewers on a personal exploration of how this music from the streets became a global force. He connects with a diverse range of Hip-Hop artists, from pioneers to rising stars and established icons like Eminem, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Kanye West. The film examines Rap's origins and history, using conversations with key figures to reveal the music's dynamic core and the "Art Of Rap." Featuring original performances by the cast, the film offers a fresh perspective on the phenomenon of Rap, avoiding archival footage.Stream onIMDb 7.1TMDB 6.7
  9. 9Man vs. SnakeMovie · 2015 · 93m · DocumentaryIn 1984, a teenage boy named Timothy McVey becomes completely absorbed in the arcade game Nibbler. He dedicates himself to achieving the high score, meticulously planning and spending 44.5 hours playing. He finally achieves his goal – scoring one billion points, a record he believes will stand for years. But over time, Timothy’s accomplishment weighs on him. He struggles to escape the shadow of his past success and the constant pressure to defend his record. As arcades disappear and gaming evolves, Timothy feels trapped in the past, forever linked to his teenage pursuit of digital glory. The film examines this story of obsession, perseverance, and the difficulty of moving on from the past. It reveals how Timothy’s quest for the Nibbler record shaped his life, and how the relentless sound of a quarter kept him connected to a bygone era. Combining exciting gameplay with personal moments, the film offers a compelling look at someone caught between the temporary nature of fame and the lasting power of ambition.Stream onIMDb 7.0TMDB 6.5
  10. 10Anderson Silva: Like WaterMovie · 2011 · 76m · DocumentaryAnderson Silva, the longest-reigning UFC Champion and widely considered the most feared fighter in mixed martial arts, is explored in "Like Water." The film follows Silva as he trains with Lyoto Machida, Junior Dos Santos, and Antonio Nogueira for his pivotal title defense against Chael Sonnen, his longtime rival. Known for his quiet demeanor, Silva embodies both confidence and a hint of arrogance. A thoughtful man and devoted father, he stands in stark contrast to Sonnen, who employs taunts and intimidation. Balancing family life with the demands of fighting, and navigating respect for the sport alongside intense animosity toward his opponent, Silva's mental and physical strength are tested as filmmaker Pablo Croce reveals the champion beneath the surface.Stream onIMDb 6.9TMDB 6.3
  11. 11Pandora's PromiseMovie · 2013 · 89m · DocumentaryThe atomic bomb, fears of nuclear war, and events like Fukushima have linked nuclear energy with modern anxieties. But what if our understanding of nuclear power is fundamentally flawed? What if there exist reactors that are inherently safe and controllable, requiring no waste? What if nuclear power is the only solution to climate change?Stream onIMDb 7.3TMDB 6.9
  12. 12Chaos on the BridgeMovie · 2014 · 59m · TV Movie, Documentary, Science FictionWilliam Shatner guides audiences through the making of Star Trek: The Next Generation, a 1986 project aiming to recapture the popularity of the first Star Trek series, where Shatner starred as Captain James T. Kirk.Stream onIMDb 7.0TMDB 7.0
  13. 13Strike a PoseMovie · 2016 · 89m · DocumentaryIn 1990, seven young male dancers joined Madonna on her controversial world tour. The film *Truth or Dare* documents their experience. Madonna, who considered herself a mother to the dancers, used the film to advocate for gay rights and freedom of expression. The dancers became symbols of pride, inspiring others to embrace their true selves. Twenty-five years later, they recount their experiences during and after the tour. The film explores the challenges of self-expression.Stream onIMDb 7.2TMDB 6.7
  14. 14Oklahoma CityMovie · 2017 · 101m · DocumentaryThe 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City was the deadliest domestic terrorist attack in U.S. history. This film examines the events that led to the bombing, focusing on a series of violent confrontations between American citizens and federal law enforcement, such as the standoffs at Ruby Ridge and Waco.Stream onIMDb 7.4TMDB 6.9
  15. 15White BoyMovie · 2017 · 82m · DocumentaryKnown as "White Boy Rick," Richard Wershe Jr. became a surprising figure in Detroit in 1987. At 17, he was arrested for a minor drug offense, but by then he was already a well-known local personality, frequently featured in the news. The film explores the conflicting perspectives of gangsters, hit men, journalists, and federal agents as they try to understand why Wershe has remained incarcerated for nearly 50 years. The truth behind his continued imprisonment is more unbelievable than the charges he faced.Stream onIMDb 7.1TMDB 7.0
  16. 16Scotty and the Secret History of HollywoodMovie · 2018 · 98m · DocumentaryThis is a sharp and revealing look at Scotty Bowers, a Hollywood figure who remained largely unknown. His bestselling memoir details his many years as a discreet companion to some of the biggest stars of the era.Stream onIMDb 6.7TMDB 6.0
  17. 17PenguinsMovie · 2019 · 76m · Documentary, FamilySteve, an Adélie penguin, journeys to find a mate and build a family. He befriends Wuzzo, an emperor penguin, but life in the Antarctic isn't without its challenges.Stream onIMDb 7.1TMDB 7.1
  18. 18Chadwick Boseman: A Tribute for a KingMovie · 2020 · 40m · DocumentaryThis film honors Chadwick Boseman, reflecting on his life and the impact he made.IMDb 7.4TMDB 8.1
  19. 19Natalie Wood: What Remains BehindMovie · 2020 · 100m · DocumentaryThis film explores the life of actress Natalie Wood, focusing on her successes and struggles both as a person and in her career, which have frequently been overshadowed by the circumstances of her death.Stream onIMDb 7.1TMDB 6.4
  20. 20Lots of Kids, a Monkey and a CastleMovie · 2017 · 91m · DocumentaryThis Spanish comedy-drama follows Julita, a spirited matriarch who gets three wishes: many children, a castle, and a monkey. Her unique personality and fondness for unusual things have always shaped her family's life in interesting ways. When financial problems arise, they must sell their cherished castle, leading Julita’s grown children to sift through memories while searching for valuable items. Gustavo Salmerón, a director formerly known as an actor, creates a funny yet touching story about this unusual family. The film playfully examines Spanish culture, Catholicism, and the country's economic challenges, exploring the complexities of family, the impact of wishes, and the strength of hope during hard times. Salmerón’s film is full of memorable characters and offers both humor and heartfelt moments.Stream onIMDb 7.5TMDB 7.3
  21. 21FAR. The Story of a Journey around the WorldMovie · 2017 · 128m · DocumentaryThis documentary follows Patrick Allgair and Gwendolin Weisser on their three-and-a-half-year journey around the world. They walk and hitchhike over 100,000 kilometers, starting in Freiburg, Germany, and traveling eastward through Ukraine, Russia, China, Japan, and Mexico.IMDb 8.2TMDB 8.6
  22. 22Brené Brown: The Call to CourageMovie · 2019 · 76m · DocumentaryBrené Brown, a research professor at the University of Houston, has dedicated over ten years to studying vulnerability, courage, authenticity, and shame. Known for her engaging TED Talks, she joins Netflix to explore how to choose courage over comfort in today's world, which often feels marked by scarcity, fear, and uncertainty.Stream onIMDb 7.7TMDB 7.3
  23. 23Saving BanksyMovie · 2017 · 80m · DocumentaryIn April 2010, renowned graffiti artist Banksy created a piece in San Francisco that unexpectedly set off a series of events. The artwork was removed from a wall, museums declined to accept it, and a New York gallery owner, known for collecting and removing Banksy's street art worldwide, becomes determined to obtain the rat depicted in the piece.Stream onIMDb 6.8TMDB 6.7
  24. 24The TrialMovie · 2018 · 137m · DocumentaryThe 2016 impeachment and removal of Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff stemmed from a corruption scandal that implicated her vice-president, Michel Temer. Director Maria Augusta Ramos chronicles Rousseff's trial from the perspective of her defense team. The film unfolds as a slow-burn courtroom drama, with the appearances of different figures transforming the proceedings into a theatrical spectacle. Inside the courtroom, heightened emotions are displayed, while outside, lobbyists and supporters move restlessly. Demonstrators chant outside Brasília's government buildings, creating a backdrop of collective voice. Rousseff herself maintains a detached and composed demeanor throughout.Stream onIMDb 7.3TMDB 7.5
  25. 25Treasure IslandMovie · 2018 · 97m · DocumentaryThis film follows a group who spend a summer on an island in the Paris region, where adventure and peace coexist. For some, the island is a place for exciting risks, while others find it a peaceful escape. The island's varied scenery, from busy areas to hidden spots, feels like a real-life fairytale. The movie explores the captivating mix of thrills and calm that happens there.Stream onIMDb 7.0TMDB 6.5
  26. 26Terms and Conditions May ApplyMovie · 2013 · 79m · DocumentaryWe all agree to lengthy Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policies without reading them. These agreements grant corporations broad access to our personal information. This film examines the hidden intentions behind these agreements, revealing the extent of data collection by corporations and governments. It explores the legal implications of accepting these terms and the potential consequences.Stream onIMDb 7.3TMDB 6.9
  27. 27Money Heist: The PhenomenonMovie · 2020 · 57m · DocumentaryThis documentary explores the global phenomenon of "Money Heist," examining why audiences worldwide became captivated by a charismatic professor and his team of endearing criminals.Stream onIMDb 7.5TMDB 7.4
  28. 28SupersonicMovie · 2016 · 117m · Music, Documentary, HistorySupersonic chronicles Oasis's rapid ascent from their Manchester roots to headlining massive concerts in a mere three years. This authentic and emotional film explores the story of one of Britain’s most influential bands, featuring revealing new interviews with Noel and Liam Gallagher, their mother, and those who worked closest to them.Stream onIMDb 7.8TMDB 7.4
  29. 2913thMovie · 2016 · 100m · DocumentaryThis film examines the American prison system, revealing how it reflects the country's ongoing history of racial inequality.Stream onIMDb 8.2TMDB 7.9
  30. 30VoyeurMovie · 2017 · 95m · Documentary, CrimeRenowned journalist Gay Talese exposes a motel owner's decades-long habit of spying on his customers. However, Talese's revealing article quickly ignites controversy and becomes a major public scandal.Stream onIMDb 6.1TMDB 5.9
  31. 31Interstellar: Nolan's OdysseyMovie · 2014 · 23m · Documentary, TV MovieThis film offers an inside view of Christopher Nolan's ambitious story set in space.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.7
  32. 32A Secret LoveMovie · 2020 · 82m · DocumentaryAgainst a backdrop of changing times, two women maintained a decades-long love affair in secret. However, revealing their relationship later in life presents unforeseen difficulties.Stream onIMDb 7.8TMDB 7.3
  33. 33A Beautiful PlanetMovie · 2016 · 45m · Documentary, Adventure, FamilyThis film offers a stunning view of Earth from space, providing a new understanding of our planet and galaxy. Created with NASA, it features breathtaking footage captured by astronauts on the International Space Station, showing our planet and the impact humans have had on it throughout history.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.1
  34. 34Audrie & DaisyMovie · 2016 · 95m · DocumentaryThis documentary examines three rape cases, focusing on the experiences of two American high school students, Audrie Pott and Daisy Coleman, who were 15 and 14 years old, respectively, when the assaults occurred. Following the attacks, both victims and their families faced significant abuse and cyberbullying.Stream onIMDb 7.2TMDB 7.1
  35. 35Capital in the Twenty-First CenturyMovie · 2019 · 103m · DocumentaryThis film adapts Thomas Piketty's influential bestseller of the same name, offering a revealing look at global wealth and power dynamics.Stream onIMDb 7.3TMDB 6.5
  36. 36Marvel: 75 Years, from Pulp to Pop!Movie · 2014 · 42m · DocumentaryTo celebrate its 75th anniversary, this hour-long special chronicles the publisher's evolution from a small comic book company to a major multimedia force. Hosted by Emily VanCamp, the documentary-style program features interviews with comic book legends, pop culture experts, and Hollywood actors. The special also offers a glimpse into Marvel's upcoming projects, potentially revealing exclusive first looks at footage from next year's Avengers: Age of Ultron or Ant-Man.Stream onIMDb 6.9TMDB 6.9
  37. 37The WolfpackMovie · 2015 · 89m · DocumentaryIsolated in a Lower East Side apartment, the Angulo brothers discover the world through cinema. Known as "The Wolfpack," they recreate their favorite movies with homemade props and costumes. Their lives are disrupted when one brother escapes, leading to unforeseen consequences.Stream onIMDb 7.0TMDB 6.8
  38. 38An Honest LiarMovie · 2014 · 90m · History, Comedy, Documentary*An Honest Liar* chronicles the life of James "The Amazing" Randi, the celebrated magician and outspoken opponent of fraud. The film details Randi's public debunking of psychics, healers, and charlatans with unwavering conviction. A man who publicly acknowledged his deception at 81, Randi famously invented fictional figures, fabricated psychics, and even created a fake guru persona for his longtime partner, Jose Alvarez.Stream onIMDb 7.4TMDB 7.1
  39. 39David Attenborough: A Life on Our PlanetMovie · 2020 · 83m · Documentary, DramaThis film chronicles a lifetime spent exploring Earth's natural wonders, as seen through the eyes of the world's most renowned natural historian. In over nine decades, Attenborough has journeyed to every continent, documenting the planet's diverse wildlife and landscapes. The film addresses the critical challenges facing life today, ultimately offering a hopeful vision for generations to come.Stream onIMDb 8.9TMDB 8.4
  40. 40John Mulaney: The Comeback KidMovie · 2015 · 62m · Comedy, TV MovieA former writer for "SNL," known for his playful personality and clever humor, shares amusing perspectives on married life, his dislike of infants, and an encounter with Bill Clinton.Stream onIMDb 7.9TMDB 7.7
  41. 41Nas: Time Is IllmaticMovie · 2014 · 74m · Documentary, Music"Time Is Illmatic" is a documentary film that explores the creation of Nas' groundbreaking 1994 album, *Illmatic*, and the environment that shaped it.Stream onIMDb 7.1TMDB 6.9
  42. 42Never-Ending Man: Hayao MiyazakiMovie · 2017 · 70m · DocumentaryThis film offers a glimpse into the life of acclaimed Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki after he stepped back from directing in 2013.Stream onIMDb 6.9TMDB 7.4
  43. 43At the Heart of Gold: Inside the USA Gymnastics ScandalMovie · 2019 · 88m · DocumentaryThis film examines the 2017 USA gymnastics sexual abuse scandal, revealing a world where young women pursue athletic success on the global stage. It contrasts this ambition with a culture of abuse that has lasting, devastating consequences for those affected.Stream onIMDb 8.0TMDB 7.2
  44. 44Trixie Mattel: Moving PartsMovie · 2019 · 92m · DocumentaryTrixie won RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, captivating both fans and the judges. However, the demands of constant performance and the weight of her victory reveal that even success comes with its burdens.Stream onIMDb 7.3TMDB 6.8
  45. 45MountainMovie · 2017 · 73m · DocumentaryA sweeping film and orchestral work by SHERPA filmmaker Jennifer Peedom and the Australian Chamber Orchestra. It examines humanity’s enduring attraction to mountains and extreme altitudes.Stream onIMDb 7.2TMDB 6.9
  46. 46Dave Chappelle: The Bird RevelationMovie · 2017 · 49m · ComedyDave Chappelle's fourth Netflix stand-up special, filmed on November 20, 2017, at the Comedy Store in Los Angeles.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.5
  47. 47Maluma: What I Was, What I Am, What I Will BeMovie · 2019 · 84m · Documentary, MusicThis film features intimate interviews, footage from his sold-out concerts, and archival material charting the journey to success of Colombian singer and songwriter Maluma.IMDb 6.2TMDB 5.8
  48. 48The TraderMovie · 2018 · 23m · DocumentaryThe film follows a determined trader as he journeys through rural Georgia in his truck, visiting remote villages. The people here are resourceful, using potatoes as money and finding small triumphs over poverty with each exchange. He observes their daily lives – marked by both hardship and strength – becoming a quiet witness to their struggles and hopes. The film beautifully portrays the landscapes and people of rural Georgia, their aspirations and challenges, drawing the viewer into their world. It's a moving story that offers a glimpse into lives often unseen.Stream onIMDb 6.7TMDB 6.6
  49. 49A Life of Speed: The Juan Manuel Fangio StoryMovie · 2020 · 92m · DocumentaryJuan Manuel Fangio dominated Formula One in the early 1950s, claiming five world championships. He achieved this remarkable feat in an era before safety equipment or protective measures for drivers existed.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.2
  50. 50Teddy Pendergrass: If You Don't Know MeMovie · 2018 · 106m · Documentary, MusicThis is the story of Teddy Pendergrass, the acclaimed singer who was on the verge of becoming the most successful R&B artist ever. His life took a devastating turn at just 31 years old due to a tragic accident. It's an inspiring look at a talent cut short.Stream onIMDb 7.7TMDB 6.3