54 Thought-Provoking Documentaries Spanning Various Subjects
54 titles
- 1
AmyMovie · 2015 · 128m · Documentary, MusicThis documentary chronicles the life of Amy Winehouse, a supremely gifted singer whose career was tragically cut short. It follows her journey from adolescence, where her vocal talent was evident, through her rise to fame and subsequent struggles with alcohol and drug addiction.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.6 - 2
Last Days in VietnamMovie · 2014 · 98m · War, DocumentaryAs the Vietnam War ends, the North Vietnamese Army advances on Saigon, causing widespread panic among the South Vietnamese population trying to flee. American soldiers and diplomats on the ground face a difficult choice: follow White House instructions to evacuate only American citizens, or do otherwise.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.3 - 3
Whose Streets?Movie · 2017 · 90mThis documentary recounts the Ferguson uprising from the perspective of those who experienced it firsthand. It presents a direct and honest portrayal of how the death of 18-year-old Michael Brown ignited a community's response and triggered a widespread global movement.IMDb 6.0TMDB 5.8 - 4
Buy the Ticket, Take the RideMovie · 2006 · 73mThis film offers an intimate portrait of journalist Hunter S. Thompson, focusing on his connections to Hollywood. It explores the lasting impact and distinctive style of a highly controversial figure whose life and work frequently intertwined with prominent figures in film, politics, journalism, and sports.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.2 - 5
RestrepoMovie · 2010 · 93m · War, DocumentaryDirectors Hetherington and Junger spent a year with the 2nd Battalion of the U.S. Army in a dangerous valley in Afghanistan. The documentary offers insight into the unit's approach to overcoming the Taliban, focusing on their dedication, intense combat, and the bonds of friendship forged within the group.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.3 - 6
Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of BeliefMovie · 2015 · 120m · Documentary, TV MovieGOING CLEAR closely examines the experiences of eight former members of the Church of Scientology, revealing the methods used to draw people in and the actions taken in the name of their faith.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.6 - 7
Cocaine Cowboys 2Movie · 2008 · 97m · Action, DocumentaryIn 1991 Oakland, California, Charles Cosby's life takes an unexpected turn when he writes a fan letter to Griselda Blanco, known as the "Cocaine Godmother," who is incarcerated. Six months later, Cosby becomes wealthy, Blanco's lover, and the leader of her lucrative $40 million annual cocaine operation.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.7 - 8
DMT: The Spirit MoleculeMovie · 2010 · 75m · DocumentaryTHE SPIRIT MOLECULE explores Dr. Rick Strassman's pioneering research into DMT, a powerful hallucinogen naturally present in the human brain and many plants, including the Amazonian brew ayahuasca. The film combines interviews with experts from various fields who share their perspectives on DMT and ayahuasca, alongside accounts from Strassman’s research participants. It reveals the profound effects of these compounds and examines theories about their potential impact on human consciousness.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.1 - 9
Merchants 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.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.5 - 10
Tupac: ResurrectionMovie · 2003 · 112m · Music, DocumentaryThe film uses home movies, photographs, and poetry readings to explore the life of Tupac Shakur, a highly admired, influential, and often turbulent figure in hip-hop music.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.9 - 11
BlackfishMovie · 2013 · 83m · DocumentaryBlackfish examines the troubling effects of keeping highly intelligent and emotional animals like killer whales in captivity. The documentary focuses on Tilikum, a notorious orca who has been involved in the deaths of three people, including a trainer. It reveals the sometimes tragic consequences of this practice.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.8 - 12
Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-RabbitMovie · 2005 · 85m · Adventure, Animation, ComedyIn Nick Park's animated adventure, Wallace, a cheese enthusiast and eccentric inventor, and his clever dog, Gromit, run a pest control business. They use gentle methods, providing a home for unwanted animals. However, they uncover a mystery when a hungry vegetarian monster appears, threatening the town's annual vegetable growing contest.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.1 - 13
Jimi HendrixMovie · 1973 · 98mThis documentary, made soon after his passing, examines the short life and lasting impact of guitarist Jimi Hendrix. After achieving fame in the U.K., Hendrix returned to the U.S., profoundly influencing a generation of musicians with his innovative playing. The film features interviews with family and peers, including Eric Clapton, alongside powerful footage from concerts like Woodstock and the Isle of Wight, creating a vivid portrait of a rock icon.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.7 - 14
The Smashing MachineMovie · 2002 · 93mThis film chronicles the life of Mark Kerr from 1999 to 2001, a highly skilled and emotionally exposed athlete widely regarded as the top ultimate fighter globally. A former Olympic wrestler, Kerr consistently overpowered his rivals, earning the moniker "The Smashing Machine." Initially fueled by the potential for wealth and early triumphs, Kerr grapples with injuries and personal anxieties. The intense physical and mental strain of his fights leads him to rely on painkillers, and the film unflinchingly depicts his addiction through raw scenes of him seeking drugs from acquaintances and colleagues, and injecting himself. His surprising loss to Fujita in Japan reveals a deeply challenging and often painful story.IMDb 7.6TMDB 6.9 - 15
Legion of BrothersMovie · 2017 · 79mAfghanistan, right after 9/11: Small groups of Green Berets begin secret missions to remove the Taliban from power. The story that follows is both a look at how the war began and a warning about the effects of fifteen years of continuous fighting, told with rare access to American Special Forces.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.0 - 16
State of Play: Trophy KidsMovie · 2013 · 57mThis first film in HBO Sports' new documentary series examines the increasing pressure parents place on their children to succeed in school sports. Each installment highlights a significant figure or issue in sports, starting with an introduction, followed by a documentary and a panel discussion.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.2 - 17
The Hurt BusinessMovie · 2016 · 107mFrom the makers of 'Bowling for Columbine,' 'Fahrenheit 9/11,' and 'Generation Iron' comes 'The Hurt Business,' a film exploring the growth of mixed martial arts through the experiences of today's leading athletes.IMDb 6.4TMDB 5.7 - 18
The Internet's Own Boy: The Story of Aaron SwartzMovie · 2014 · 105m · Documentary, CrimeAaron Swartz was a brilliant programmer and advocate for social change. He made significant contributions to online activism and open access to information. However, his efforts led to a complex legal battle, tragically culminating in his death at the age of 26.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.9 - 19
The Central Park FiveMovie · 2012 · 119m · DocumentaryIn 1989, five Black and Latino teenagers from Harlem were arrested and convicted of raping a white woman in New York City's Central Park. They served six to thirteen years in prison before a serial rapist confessed to the crime, overturning their convictions. Against a backdrop of a troubled city marked by violence and racial tension, the film recounts the horrific event, the police's hasty judgment, the media's demand for sensational stories, and the public's outrage – and the devastating impact on the five lives wrongly accused.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.0 - 20
Breakfast with HunterMovie · 2003 · 91mBreakfast with Hunter is a feature-length documentary starring the legendary outlaw journalist, Dr. Hunter S. Thompson. Directed by Wayne Ewing, who edited the film from years of cinema verite footage and digital video shot alongside Dr. Thompson, the documentary explores various aspects of the writer's life – his struggles and successes – as he forged a new style of journalism known as Gonzo.IMDb 7.5TMDB 6.7 - 21
Cocaine CowboysMovie · 2006 · 118m · DocumentaryDuring the 1980s, powerful Colombian drug lords brought a new level of violence to Miami, reminiscent of Chicago during Prohibition, and transformed the city. "Cocaine Cowboys" recounts the true story of Miami's rise to become the nation's center for drug trafficking, murder, and money, as revealed by those directly involved.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.3 - 22
Soaked in BleachMovie · 2015 · 100m · Music, Drama, DocumentaryTwenty years after Kurt Cobain's death, ruled a suicide by gunshot, the film explores alternative possibilities. While the official story suggests suicide, emerging evidence raises questions about the Seattle Police Department's swift conclusion and the role of misinformation spread by Courtney Love and amplified by global media. These narratives fostered widespread belief in Cobain's self-inflicted death, a belief now challenged by revelations that expose the origins of those narratives as falsehoods, prompting renewed doubt about what truly happened.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.0 - 23
The Battle for MarjahMovie · 2010 · 68mThis is the story of Operation Moshtarak, the largest military operation since the beginning of the war in Afghanistan, focused on the Taliban's stronghold of Marjah. For two months, VBS correspondent Ben Anderson embedded with the American troops involved, documenting the harsh realities of their lives on the front lines.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.0 - 24
Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood HillsMovie · 1996 · 150m · Documentary, CrimeA close-knit community is shattered by the horrific murder of three children, leading to a desperate search for the killers. The investigation zeroes in on three young men known for their unconventional ways. Though no direct evidence connects them to the crime, public pressure results in their indictment.
The trial hinges on circumstantial evidence and the boys' unusual lifestyles, with the prosecution using these as proof of guilt. The film examines how societal expectations, prejudice, and public opinion can influence a jury. By exploring the trial and the lives of the accused, it raises questions about fairness, judgment, and the dangers of blindly following the crowd. It’s a compelling drama that challenges viewers to consider their own assumptions about guilt and innocence.IMDb 8.2TMDB 7.5 - 25
Conor McGregor: NotoriousMovie · 2017 · 90m · Documentary"Notorious" provides an intimate look at Conor McGregor's remarkable journey to becoming a global icon in Mixed Martial Arts. Over four years, the documentary follows the young fighter as he overcomes obstacles and achieves success, rising from a welfare recipient in Dublin to a world-famous athlete earning millions in Las Vegas. Featuring candid interviews and exclusive footage, the film offers unprecedented access to McGregor's life, revealing his unwavering dedication, strategic thinking, and powerful drive that led him to the top of the UFC.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.9 - 26
Paradise Lost 2: RevelationsMovie · 2000 · 130m · Documentary, CrimeThis film revisits the 1994 murders of three eight-year-old boys in Arkansas and the subsequent trial of three teenagers convicted of the crime. A follow-up to *Paradise Lost*, *Revelations* includes new interviews with the convicted men, as well as with the original judge and police investigators involved in the case.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.2 - 27
Last Men in AleppoMovie · 2017 · 101m · DocumentaryThis documentary offers a firsthand look at the White Helmets, an international organization of everyday people who bravely respond to military strikes and attacks to rescue civilians. The film blends intense moments with scenes of unexpected beauty, following three of the organization's founders – Khaled, Subhi, and Mahmoud – as they navigate the surrounding chaos and face a constant question: whether to leave their home or stay and fight for their country.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.0 - 28
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 - 29
The ImposterMovie · 2012 · 99m · Documentary, Mystery, CrimeIn 1994, a 13-year-old boy vanished from his home in San Antonio, Texas. Three and a half years later, he's discovered alive in a Spanish village, recounting a harrowing tale of kidnapping and torture. His family rejoices at his return. However, everything isn't as it appears.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.3 - 30
Prescription ThugsMovie · 2016 · 86m · DocumentaryThe United States accounts for three-quarters of global prescription drug use. Driven by the loss of his brother to prescription drug addiction, documentarian Chris Bell investigates this widespread problem. His inquiry into the pharmaceutical industry and medical professionals reveals insights from addiction experts, personal stories from those battling addiction, and testimonies from whistleblowers detailing the financial pressures influencing drug development. The investigation ultimately leads Bell to confront the origins of this crisis within his own family.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.5 - 31
Hoop DreamsMovie · 1994 · 174m · DocumentaryThis documentary follows William Gates and Arthur Agee, two African-American teenagers in inner-city Chicago, as they chase their dream of playing professional basketball. They commute 90 minutes daily to St. Joseph High School in suburban Westchester, renowned for its basketball program. Juggling intense practice with everyday hardships, William and Arthur find strong support from their families while striving for success in the NBA. Filmed over five years, this intimate film reveals their lives and the obstacles young athletes face when pursuing ambitious goals.IMDb 8.3TMDB 7.6 - 32
Bigger Stronger Faster*Movie · 2008 · 105m · DocumentaryAmerica prides itself on being the best – the biggest, strongest, fastest. This competitive spirit extends to sports, where performance-enhancing drugs are common. Director Christopher Bell examines this "win-at-all-costs" mentality through the story of his two brothers. They become involved in the steroid subculture, hoping to achieve their version of the American dream.IMDb 7.5TMDB 6.8 - 33
WeinerMovie · 2016 · 96m · DocumentaryThis documentary offers an unprecedented, behind-the-scenes view of Anthony Weiner's 2013 bid to become New York City mayor. It follows his campaign after the fallout from his sexting scandal. The film features complete access to Weiner and his team.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.3 - 34
Snowden's Great EscapeMovie · 2015 · 58mThis film recounts Edward Snowden's efforts to avoid apprehension by the United States. In a first-person account, Snowden details his strategies for escaping capture and avoiding a life sentence in an American prison.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.3 - 35
The War TapesMovie · 2006 · 97mTHE WAR TAPES offers a firsthand look at Operation Iraqi Freedom, filmed entirely by the soldiers on the ground. Bypassing official media channels, Sergeant Steve Pink, Sergeant Zack Bazzi, and Specialist Mike Moriarty share their experiences with raw honesty. The film, featuring a carpenter with literary ambitions, a multilingual student eager to explore, and a father seeking redemption, reveals the camaraderie and humor found alongside the brutal realities of war. Each man left loved ones behind – a girlfriend, mother, or wife – and their candid footage provides an intimate perspective unavailable to even the 2,700 embedded reporters.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.0 - 36
Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. ThompsonMovie · 2008 · 120m · DocumentaryDriven by intense passion, drugs, and a rebellious spirit, Thompson was a fearless journalist who challenged authority with humor and a strong sense of justice. This film chronicles his peak years, 1965 to 1975, featuring previously unseen home movies, audio recordings, and excerpts from unpublished writings.IMDb 7.6TMDB 6.9 - 37
Paradise Lost 3: PurgatoryMovie · 2012 · 121m · Documentary, CrimeThis film examines the aftermath of the release of three teenagers who spent nearly 20 years in prison for the murder of three young boys in Arkansas. New DNA evidence suggests they may be innocent, prompting a renewed look at the case.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.4 - 38
IcarusMovie · 2017 · 121m · DocumentaryDirector Bryan Fogel delves into the hidden world of sports doping, forming a connection with Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov, a former leading scientist for Russia's anti-doping agency. Through extensive conversations and evidence, Fogel and Rodchenkov develop a close relationship, amidst serious accusations linking Rodchenkov to Russia’s systematic doping efforts during the Olympics.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.7 - 39
City of GhostsMovie · 2017 · 90m · War, DocumentaryThis documentary offers an unprecedented look at "Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently," a collective of anonymous citizen journalists. Formed after their city was taken over by ISIS, they risk everything to fight back against a major global threat.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.2 - 40
Anderson 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.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.3 - 41
Inside the Hunt for the Boston BombersMovie · 2014 · 87mIn April 2013, a terrorist attack at the Boston Marathon's finish line caused widespread chaos. The attack, the deadliest on U.S. soil since 9/11, triggered a massive and highly publicized manhunt. Approaching the one-year mark, National Geographic Channel presents a two-hour special, Inside the Hunt for the Boston Bombers.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.5 - 42
ChokeMovie · 1999 · 98mCHOKE plunges into the intense world of freestyle fighting, a rapidly expanding competition popular in the U.S., Brazil, and Japan. The film follows Rickson Gracie, the reigning World Freestyle Fighting Champion, as he trains for a grueling, single-night tournament. The champion must defend his title by winning three separate fights over five hours in a single elimination event – the World Cup finals of hand-to-hand combat.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.1 - 43
KorengalMovie · 2014 · 84m · Documentary, WarKorengal continues the story of the same soldiers, in the same valley, under the same leadership, but offers a new perspective on their experiences during war.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.6 - 44
Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His FatherMovie · 2008 · 94m · Documentary, CrimeIn 2001, medical resident Andrew Bagby is murdered shortly after ending his relationship with his girlfriend. Later, when she reveals she is pregnant, Andrew’s close friend Kurt Kuenne creates this film as a gift for the child.IMDb 8.5TMDB 8.1 - 45
Man on WireMovie · 2008 · 94m · DocumentaryIn 1974, French high-wire artist Philippe Petit performed an illegal walk between the New York World Trade Center towers, then the tallest buildings in the world. He spent nearly an hour on a wire strung 1,350 feet above the city streets before being arrested. This documentary recounts Petit's extraordinary feat.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.4 - 46
TPB AFK: The Pirate Bay - Away from KeyboardMovie · 2013 · 82m · Documentary, CrimeTPB AFK is a documentary about three computer enthusiasts who revolutionized media sharing with their website, The Pirate Bay. The film explores how Tiamo, a beer-loving hardware expert; Brokep, an environmentally conscious activist; and Anakata, a paranoid hacker with libertarian views, managed to provoke the White House into threatening trade sanctions against Sweden. The documentary examines the personal lives of these controversial figures, widely known for their defiance of Hollywood's copyright policies.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.2 - 47
Deep WebMovie · 2015 · 89m · DocumentaryDeep Web offers an inside look at one of the most significant digital crime stories of the decade: the arrest of Ross William Ulbricht, the 30-year-old entrepreneur convicted of being "Dread Pirate Roberts," the creator and operator of the online black market Silk Road. With exclusive access to the Ulbricht family, the film examines how the pioneers of the Deep Web and Bitcoin now find themselves at the center of a struggle for control over a future deeply connected to technology, where our digital freedoms are at stake.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.8 - 48
Casting JonBenetMovie · 2017 · 81m · Documentary, Crime, DramaTwo decades after a highly publicized child murder, the event's lasting effects and consequences are examined.IMDb 6.1TMDB 5.7 - 49
The Fear of 13Movie · 2015 · 92m · Documentary, CrimeTwenty-three years into a death sentence, a man convicted of murder requests execution. However, as his past is revealed, the truth about the case proves far more complicated than anyone imagined.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.5 - 50
Jimi Hendrix: ExperienceMovie · 1968 · 68mThis film chronicles the rise of Jimi Hendrix and his band, The Experience. It follows their journey from playing small clubs to achieving international fame. The story explores Hendrix's innovative guitar playing, his charismatic stage presence, and the cultural impact of his music during the 1960s. It details the band’s performances, recording sessions, and the development of their unique sound. The film captures a pivotal moment in music history, showcasing Hendrix's groundbreaking artistry and his influence on generations of musicians.IMDb 7.9TMDB 3.0 - 51
The Seven FiveMovie · 2015 · 102m · DocumentaryMichael Dowd was the most corrupt police officer in New York City's history. During the 1980s, while on duty in Brooklyn, he engaged in theft and drug dealing.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.3 - 52
Dawg FightMovie · 2015 · 109m · DocumentaryIn a rough neighborhood outside of Miami, young men fight in unsanctioned matches in backyards to make money and gain respect.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.4 - 53
Biggie & TupacMovie · 2002 · 107m · Music, DocumentaryIn 1997, the deaths of rap icons Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. fueled speculation about a bitter rivalry between East Coast and West Coast hip-hop artists. Nick Broomfield's documentary focuses on Russell Poole, a former police officer who claims to have evidence suggesting the Los Angeles Police Department intentionally mishandled the investigations. Poole's findings point to a cover-up involving connections between the police, local gangs, and Death Row Records, the label headed by Marion "Suge" Knight.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.3 - 54
FightvilleMovie · 2011 · 85mFIGHTVILLE explores the world of fighting as both an art and a sport. It's a small-scale reflection of life itself, a physical representation of the harsh struggle for success known as the American Dream.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.0
