823 Essential Documentary Films
822 titles
- 801
American MovieMovie · 1999 · 107m · Documentary, ComedyAmerican Movie follows Mark Borchardt, an ambitious filmmaker in rural Wisconsin, as he struggles to achieve his dreams while dealing with limited money, family obligations, and personal struggles. The film documents two years of Mark's life as he works to complete his challenging project. It reveals the powerful and often contradictory feelings that motivate artists striving for success, exploring the fine line between ambition and fixation, extravagance and practicality. By honestly showing Mark’s experiences, American Movie provides a thought-provoking look at the difficult reality of the American Dream and the personal costs of chasing it.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.6 - 802
Jeremy Scott: The People's DesignerMovie · 2015 · 110mThis is the story of Jeremy Scott, a fashion designer who rose from his roots in a small Missouri town to become the Creative Director of Moschino.IMDb 6.5TMDB 7.6 - 803
Back Issues: The Hustler Magazine StoryMovie · 2014 · 89m"Back Issues" is the definitive documentary about the adult magazine *Hustler*, charting its evolution from a nightclub publication to a 21st-century pornography giant. Director Michael Lee Nirenberg's father worked as an art director for *Hustler* in the 1970s and 80s. The film offers an unprecedented look at the people and content that made *Hustler* so controversial. The story is told by the magazine's publisher, editors, cartoonists, models, lawyers, art directors, and other figures who shaped its history.IMDb 6.5TMDB 5.8 - 804
The Summer of Rave, 1989Movie · 2006 · 60mIn the summer of 1989, a new youth movement emerged in Britain, with thousands attending illegal Acid House parties in fields and hangars near the M25. This "Second Summer of Love" offered a peaceful rebellion against ten years of Thatcherism, driven by a desire for freedom to celebrate. The rave scene and the drug Ecstasy fostered unity, even among rival groups like football hooligans, a challenge the government had long faced. However, sensationalist media coverage and increasing police pressure ultimately disrupted the movement's spirit as criminal elements began to take an interest.IMDb 6.4TMDB 7.5 - 805
The Dicks from TexasMovie · 2014 · 70mThis film chronicles a Texas punk band known for their radical, politically charged music and image, and the devoted fans who have supported them for over three decades.IMDb 6.8 - 806
My Left Foot: The Story of Christy BrownMovie · 1989 · 103m · DramaChristy Brown's inspiring story follows his remarkable achievements despite severe physical limitations. Born into a working-class Irish family, he lives with cerebral palsy, leaving him unable to control his body. At five years old, he unexpectedly demonstrates control by writing a word with chalk using his left foot.
Supported by his determined mother and driven by a desire to live fully, Christy pursues self-expression and finds success as an artist and writer. He discovers a talent for painting and poetry, transforming himself into an acclaimed figure. This moving story explores courage, perseverance, and the power of the human spirit to overcome great challenges.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.5 - 807
The 9 Lives of Barbara DaneMovie · 2023 · 107mFor decades, Barbara Dane used her powerful voice to support social justice movements throughout the Bay Area and beyond, which earned her a significant FBI file. Highly regarded by folk, blues, and jazz artists, Dane created a lasting legacy through her music, activism, and dedication to others. Maureen Gosling’s affectionate portrait shows how Dane’s early commitment to racial and economic equality inspired her to use her talent to uplift those facing hardship. Choosing purpose over fame, she joined a family of activist performers. Bonnie Raitt, Jane Fonda, and others remember Dane for her ability to both influence and be influenced by major social changes since the 1950s. Approaching 90, Dane tours with pianist Tammy Hall, celebrating a life lived with passion and purpose. Her spirit continues to inspire.IMDb 8.4 - 808
Power and Terror: Noam Chomsky in Our TimesMovie · 2002 · 74mThis documentary features a collection of Noam Chomsky's interviews and lectures concerning the events of September 11th, 2001.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.8 - 809
Netflix Acquires Seth RogenMovie · 2018Seth Rogen is exclusively with Netflix. The company prioritizes securing talent over individual projects, believing it's more efficient to acquire the creator directly than to license their ideas.IMDb 5.0TMDB 7.0 - 810
Get Me Roger StoneMovie · 2017 · 100m · DocumentaryRoger Stone has been a controversial figure in American politics for decades. He gained attention testifying during the Watergate hearings and later advised Donald Trump during his presidential campaign. Known for his outspoken views, political commentary, and innovative election strategies, this is the story of his career.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.0 - 811
Join or DieMovie · 2024 · 99mThis film explores the importance of community involvement and suggests that the future of American democracy hinges on it. It chronicles the decline of civic engagement in the United States through the research of Robert Putnam, whose influential work, "Bowling Alone," offers a potential solution to the nation's current challenges.IMDb 6.7 - 812
The Invisible ClassMovie · 2020 · 90m"The Invisible Class" explores homelessness in America, examining the experiences of those living on the streets and the underlying causes of this complex issue. It offers a profound shift in perspective on a pervasive social problem.IMDb 9.3 - 813
It's Not A Race: The Scooter Cannonball RunMovie · 2016"It's Not A Race" is a documentary-style buddy road movie following two friends on a cross-country scooter ride (reminiscent of Vespas). Filmed as it unfolded, the film captures their 10-day, 3,487-mile journey from Vancouver to Maine during the Scooter Cannonball Run. It has a feel of both "Grey Gardens" and "Easy Rider," but with scooters.IMDb 8.5TMDB 10.0 - 814
The Great American HeistMovie · 2022This film recounts one of the most significant cash and jewel robberies in U.S. history: the 1978 Lufthansa heist. Led by mobster Jimmy Burke, the operation resulted in the theft of nearly $6 million from the Lufthansa Cargo Terminal at JFK Airport in New York.IMDb 7.1 - 815
3212 Un-redactedMovie · 2021 · 98mAn investigation into the deaths of four American Special Forces soldiers in Africa reveals evidence of a major cover-up within the Army.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.0 - 816
HacksMovie · 1997 · 73m"Hacks" is a 73-minute European documentary that explores the nature of hacking within society. Austrian multimedia artist Christine Bader investigates who computer hackers are and what motivates them: are they digital Robin Hoods or anarchistic activists? Bader interviews Dutch, German, and American communication specialists working on diverse network issues – from making the internet accessible to individuals (like Felipe Rodriguez, founder of Internet provider Xs4all) to creating online communities or designing advanced communication networks for a multimedia art project. Rodriguez believes hackers are driven simply by a desire to create, unburdened by technical or financial limitations. The film showcases numerous computer initiatives that demonstrate how readily available technology enables this creative impulse.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.5 - 817
Packard: The Last ShiftMovie · 2014 · 70mOnce a symbol of the American Dream in Detroit, the Packard Motor Car Company and its massive factory closed its doors in 1954. Now, the sprawling ruins stand as a testament to decline, marked by political failures, criminal activity, and destructive acts. Despite its abandonment, the site has become an unexpected attraction, drawing artists and curious people from across the globe, including a developer from Peru.TMDB 8.0 - 818
Con ArtistMovie · 2010 · 84mThis docu-comedy follows a former millionaire known for his flamboyant business dealings. He's compelled to examine his own notoriously irritating personality as he navigates the world of romance, seeking love while leveraging his public profile.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.7 - 819
The Hacker WarsMovie · 2014 · 91m**The Hacker Wars** is a film about the US government's targeting of hacktivists, activists, and journalists. It explores a conflict for control of information – a war for our minds.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.5 - 820Stay Aubrey!Movie · 2015 · 48mThis is a story of desperation, love, sacrifice, and a chance at a new beginning. Legendary Canadian jazz drummer Aubrey Dale's career was hampered by Lupus and Diabetes, and ultimately ended by irreversible kidney failure. When no suitable donor could be found, Aubrey's wife Julie stepped forward and donated one of her kidneys, giving him a second chance at life.
- 821Facebook FolliesMovie · 2011 · 54m"Facebook Follies" is a one-hour documentary exploring the unforeseen repercussions of sharing personal details on social media. The film profiles individuals who experienced job loss, marital breakdown, reputational damage, or even imprisonment as a direct result of Facebook posts – either their own or those of others. Interwoven with these stories are insights from experts in social change, internet security, and modern media, providing a wider perspective on these events.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.0
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Mission Control: The Unsung Heroes of ApolloMovie · 2017 · 101m · DocumentaryThe film focuses on the often-overlooked team at NASA's Mission Control, the people who made the Apollo program's goal of landing men on the moon a reality. It follows their relentless work, careful decisions, and unwavering dedication as they guided each stage of this historic mission during the Cold War. The story highlights their bonds, their drive, and the power of human determination against a backdrop of global competition. Using personal stories and accurate depictions of key moments, the film reveals how these individuals forged a future that united people across borders and continues to inspire us today.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.3
