25 Documentaries Unveiling Society's Deepest Issues
25 titles
- 1
Work in ProgressMovie · 2001 · 125mAn author documents the construction of a new apartment building in a Barcelona neighborhood over a period of one and a half years.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.3 - 2
CantábricoMovie · 2017 · 97mThe Cantabrian Mountains, a natural barrier stretching 400 km along the northern Spanish coast, are a unique ecosystem teeming with wildlife enduring harsh conditions year-round. This documentary follows the lives of various species throughout the seasons, with a particular focus on brown bears and salmon undertaking their thousands-kilometer journey to spawn. It reveals the challenges of this landscape, where danger lurks at every level, highlighting the wonders of nature along the way.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.0 - 3
Food, Inc.Movie · 2008 · 94m · DocumentaryDocumentary filmmaker Robert Kenner explores how large corporations now control every part of the American food system, from farming to restaurants and supermarkets. Narrated by Eric Schlosser, the film includes interviews with ordinary Americans about what they eat, insights from food experts like Michael Pollan, and disturbing footage from inside major meatpacking facilities.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.3 - 4
WikiRebelsMovie · 2010 · 58mWikiRebels explores the formative years of Julian Assange and his subsequent creation of an organization enabling anonymous information sharing from whistleblowers. Assange aims to expose injustice, exemplified by the leaked film "Collateral Murder." The documentary showcases other releases from WikiLeaks and details key leaks since 2006, including revelations about the Icelandic banking crisis, corruption and death squads in Kenya, and toxic waste dumping in Côte d’Ivoire.IMDb 7.5TMDB 6.9 - 5
Man with a Movie CameraMovie · 1929 · 68m · DocumentaryThe film centers on a quiet cameraman who explores city life with constant creativity and curiosity, using only his shoulder-mounted camera. He captures both brief and remarkable moments, examining the many sides of urban existence.
He focuses on the unexpected: silent interactions between strangers, beauty in overlooked places, and the subtle grace of daily habits. His perspective offers a look into the pulse of city life, where the ordinary feels new and everyday moments become special.
As he films, the cameraman stays out of the way, letting the realness of city life come through. This documentary is an exploration and a celebration of the many lives that come together in a large city.IMDb 8.3TMDB 7.8 - 6
The DisenchantmentMovie · 1976 · 97mThis documentary explores the life of poet Leopoldo Panero. Panero's widow and sons discuss the topic of death, focusing on this specific experience, alongside their personal family struggles.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.4 - 7
The Salt of the EarthMovie · 2014 · 110m · DocumentaryFor forty years, photographer Sebastião Salgado has journeyed across the globe, documenting humanity's evolving story. He has captured pivotal moments in recent history – conflicts, famines, and migrations. Now, he turns his lens to untouched landscapes, showcasing wild animals, plants, and breathtaking scenery in a monumental project celebrating the Earth's beauty. His son, Juliano, accompanied him on these final expeditions, and acclaimed photographer Wim Wenders offers an intimate look at Salgado's life and work.IMDb 8.4TMDB 8.1 - 8
Indie Game: The MovieMovie · 2012 · 103m · DocumentaryThis film chronicles the intense experiences of video game developers as they bring their creations to life and release them to players worldwide. It’s a story about the process of making video games, fundamentally exploring the act of creative expression and the vulnerability inherent in sharing one's work with the public.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.5 - 9
The World According to MonsantoMovie · 2008 · 108m · DocumentaryMonsanto is the world's leading producer of genetically modified organisms and a highly controversial corporation. For a century, this company has created some of the most dangerous products ever sold, including PCBs and Agent Orange. Based on extensive research, *The World According to Monsanto* reconstructs the company’s history using newly released documents and personal testimonies.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.5 - 10
The Shock DoctrineMovie · 2009 · 82m · DocumentaryThis film examines the concept of "disaster capitalism," inspired by Naomi Klein's theory that modern capitalism thrives on crises like natural disasters, wars, and terrorism to gain power.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.1 - 11
The Act of KillingMovie · 2012 · 117m · Documentary, HistoryThis disturbing documentary features former Indonesian death squad leaders performing dramatizations of their past mass killings, using different film styles. The reenactments create a confusing mix of reality and fiction, revealing the lasting effects of Indonesia's 1965-66 anti-communist violence and offering a glimpse into the minds of those who carried it out.IMDb 8.2TMDB 7.7 - 12
Berlin: Symphony of a Great CityMovie · 1927 · 69m · DocumentaryBerlin, 1920s: A City's Rhythm and Reality presents the lively atmosphere of Germany rebuilding after World War I. The film takes viewers to a city where the war's impact is lessening as a new time begins.
The story is set in Berlin, a vibrant city full of energy, new ideas, and hope, even with the war's recent wounds. It explores the everyday lives and work of the people living through this difficult period. It’s a close look at the city as it prepares for a new era, before economic problems and political unrest emerge.
With engaging stories and accurate details of the time, "Berlin, 1920s: A City's Rhythm and Reality" gives audiences a personal view of the successes and struggles of ordinary people during a pivotal time in German history. As Hitler is not yet a prominent figure, the film asks us to consider Berlin’s self-reinvention and the path it would take into the turbulent years to come.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.5 - 13Las alas de la vidaMovie · 2006 · 90mForty-seven-year-old Dr. Carlos Cristos, facing a terminal illness, contacts a film director. He asks the director to document his journey of living and dying with dignity, free from unnecessary sentimentality.IMDb 7.9TMDB 8.9
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Inside JobMovie · 2010 · 109m · Documentary, CrimeThis film reveals the startling reality behind the 2008 economic crisis. The worldwide financial collapse, costing over $20 trillion, led to millions losing their homes and jobs. By thoroughly researching and interviewing key financial figures, politicians, and journalists, Inside Job examines the growth of a reckless industry and exposes how damaging connections have poisoned politics, regulation, and academia.IMDb 8.2TMDB 7.7 - 15
The 11th HourMovie · 2007 · 95m · Documentary, Drama, CrimeThis film examines the current condition of the Earth's environment and explores both innovative and practical approaches to healing our planet's ecosystems. It features conversations with leading experts from around the world, including Mikhail Gorbachev, Stephen Hawking, and former CIA Director R. James Woolsey.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.7 - 16
Hubble: 15 Years of DiscoveryMovie · 2005 · 83mTo celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Hubble Space Telescope, the European Space Agency presents this documentary charting its history of groundbreaking discoveries. Using stunning computer animation and previously unseen Hubble images, the film recounts the telescope’s triumphs and challenges. It explores some of the universe's most compelling mysteries – from wormholes to black holes and event horizons – all underscored by a score that reflects the awe-inspiring nature of space exploration.IMDb 7.5TMDB 6.9 - 17
A Crude AwakeningMovie · 2006 · 85mCrude Awakening, by Basil Gelpke and Ray McCormack, joins documentaries like Maxed Out and An Inconvenient Truth in examining forces disrupting modern society. It focuses on crude oil, specifically the dwindling supply of petroleum as consumption risks outstripping what's available.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.3 - 18
The Light Bulb ConspiracyMovie · 2010 · 75m · DocumentaryFor decades, products were designed to endure. But in the 1920s, some business leaders discovered that longer-lasting goods meant lower profits. This led to Planned Obsolescence – the practice of designing products to become unusable after a certain period. This documentary uses investigative research and archival footage, along with insights from experts seeking economic and environmental solutions, to explore the history of this practice, its widespread adoption, and its recent decline.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.6 - 19
The Battle of Chile: Part IMovie · 1975 · 97m · Documentary, HistorySet in Chile during 1973, this film explores the complex political tensions that sparked a violent overthrow of the democratically elected government of Salvador Allende. The movie depicts the growing conflicts and shifting power dynamics as different groups clash. It shows the nation's struggle with these internal issues, highlighting the personal stories behind the major events of a time marked by unrest and significant change.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.2 - 20
The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the RevolutionMovie · 2015 · 113m · DocumentaryThe film explores the Black Panther movement, providing an intimate view of its beginnings and influence on America. It avoids typical stories of tragedy and violence, instead offering a realistic portrayal of the people who created this revolutionary culture during a pivotal time. Through personal stories, we see how the movement changed lives and reshaped society by challenging inequality. The film highlights the strength of working together and reminds us of the continuing fight for civil rights and social justice today.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.0 - 21
The Battle of Chile: Part IIMovie · 1976 · 88m · DocumentaryThe film follows the intense period before the CIA becomes involved in a major political change. It portrays the raw emotions and complicated details of those involved in the coup as the story unfolds. More than just a historical account, the movie examines power struggles, difficult choices, and the human impact of such drastic actions.
The visuals and storytelling create a compelling atmosphere, offering audiences a unique view of this crucial moment. We see the tension between characters struggling with their own values and external pressures as they confront the seriousness of what's happening. These personal stories reveal the wide-ranging effects of secret operations and their influence on global politics.
Ultimately, the film explores the psychological consequences of events like this on individuals and society, providing viewers with a revealing and thought-provoking cinematic experience.IMDb 8.2TMDB 7.7 - 22
An Inconvenient TruthMovie · 2006 · 100m · DocumentaryThis documentary chronicles Al Gore's efforts to bring global warming to international attention. It details his campaign to establish the issue as a globally recognized problem.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.0 - 23
The Battle of Chile: Part IIIMovie · 1979 · 78m · DocumentaryIn the film's final section, director Guzmán offers a personal look at people working to revive and build upon the legacy of Salvador Allende, who was overthrown. The film explores the challenges and successes of those who keep fighting for Allende's progressive ideals from his time as president. By highlighting these determined individuals, Guzmán presents a detailed view of Chile after the coup, showing both the ongoing resistance and how shared memories influence the country's future.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.4 - 24
Capitalism: A Love StoryMovie · 2009 · 128m · Documentary, HistoryMichael Moore returns to his signature focus: how powerful corporations negatively affect the daily lives of Americans – and, by extension, people everywhere.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.1 - 25
CitizenfourMovie · 2014 · 113m · DocumentaryIn June 2013, filmmaker Laura Poitras and journalist Glenn Greenwald traveled to Hong Kong to meet Edward Snowden. Poitras documented their meetings with her camera.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.7
