48 Riveting Documentaries: Portraits, History, and Behind-the-Scenes Stories
48 titles
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Gimme ShelterMovie · 1970 · 92mThis film chronicles The Rolling Stones' highly publicized 1969 tour of the United States, ending with the infamous and tragic Altamont Speedway Free Festival on December 6th. The event, a pivotal moment in history, symbolized the end of the idealistic "peace and love" era, as it gave way to widespread disillusionment.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.3 - 2
Shine a LightMovie · 2008 · 122m · Documentary, MusicMartin Scorsese's concert film documents The Rolling Stones performing live at New York's Beacon Theatre during their A Bigger Bang tour. Shot over two nights in 2006 with a talented group of cinematographers, the movie blends powerful concert footage with old material and exclusive behind-the-scenes moments. It presents a lively look at the band's lasting energy and history.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.9 - 3
Indian Warriors: The Untold Story of the Civil WarMovie · 2006 · 50mMost people don't realize that twenty to thirty thousand Native Americans fought in the Civil War. This DVD reveals the largely unknown story of the First Americans' involvement in the War Between the States. Meet important Native American figures like Ely Parker, Stand Waite, and Henry Berry Lowery. The DVD also includes interviews with descendants of these soldiers, sharing family stories about their ancestors' experiences. It explores the deeply personal reasons that motivated these Native Americans to fight, showing a perspective beyond the common understanding of the war.IMDb 8.5 - 4
Back in TimeMovie · 2015 · 95m · DocumentaryThirty years after the first film, cast, crew, and fans reflect on the enduring impact of the "Back to the Future" trilogy on popular culture.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.5 - 5
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 - 6
Hitler's Secret Attack on AmericaMovie · 2012 · 45mFor the first time, National Geographic Channel joins scientists in an exploration of the ocean floor, searching for shipwrecks largely unknown to Americans. While the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, is well-known, a lesser-known event occurred just days later: Hitler dispatched U-boats to devastate the U.S. East Coast on December 19th. This deadly assault was subsequently concealed by the U.S. government.IMDb 5.9TMDB 5.7 - 7
Won't You Be My Neighbor?Movie · 2018 · 95m · DocumentaryFor over thirty years, Fred Rogers (1928-2003) hosted a television program where he addressed important life issues with young children. As host, producer, writer, and pianist, he appeared with puppets and friends, speaking directly to his young audience.IMDb 8.3TMDB 8.0 - 8
RoccoMovie · 2016 · 105m · DocumentaryRocco Siffredi is a legendary figure in pornography, comparable to Mike Tyson in boxing or Mick Jagger in rock and roll. His mother initially envisioned a religious life for him, but with her support, he dedicated himself to being a hardcore performer, focusing entirely on desire. In this revealing account, Rocco shares everything – his origins, career, family, and a final revelation that will profoundly alter his life.IMDb 5.7TMDB 5.5 - 9
The Dark AgesMovie · 2007 · 90mStarting with the fall of Rome in the fifth century, this History Channel presentation explores the Dark Ages. It details the widespread chaos across the continent, including attacks by Vikings, Vandals, and Visigoths, as well as the bubonic plague, famine, and civil unrest. The program follows Europe from this turbulent period to the start of a new era, as the turmoil ultimately leads to the Crusades, the Enlightenment, and the Renaissance.IMDb 7.1TMDB 8.1 - 10
When You're StrangeMovie · 2010 · 86m · Documentary, MusicThe Doors, a hugely influential American rock band, were formed by the creative collaboration of four talented artists: drummer John Densmore, guitarist Robby Krieger, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, and singer Jim Morrison. This film uses footage captured between their beginnings in 1965 and Morrison's death in 1971 to chronicle the band's journey, from the film school where Manzarek and Morrison first met, to playing to packed stadiums.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.3 - 11
I Am Bruce LeeMovie · 2012 · 94m · DocumentaryBruce Lee is considered the key figure who transformed martial arts films into an art form. This documentary explores why his influence remains powerful decades after his death. Leading figures in today's entertainment industry – including martial artists, actors, directors, and producers – share their perspectives on the man who revolutionized the genre. The film features interviews with people whose lives were profoundly impacted by Bruce Lee, alongside rare archival footage and photographs. It’s a celebration of his legacy.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.6 - 12
RocketmanMovie · 2019 · 121m · Music, DramaThis is the story of Elton John's life, starting with his early talent at the Royal Academy of Music and following his significant and lasting songwriting collaboration with Bernie Taupin.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.3 - 13
Queen: Days of Our LivesMovie · 2011 · 120m · Music, DocumentaryIn 1971, four college students formed a rock band that would become Queen. Over the next four decades, Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon released 26 albums and sold over 300 million records worldwide, and their popularity remains strong. Their journey wasn't easy; they faced challenges but persevered, fueled by brilliant music and captivating live performances around the world. This film is the band's first-hand account of their story, featuring new interviews and previously unseen archive footage, including their first-ever TV performance. It’s a compelling narrative told with intelligence, humor, and honest reflection.IMDb 8.4TMDB 8.1 - 14
Robin Williams: Come Inside My MindMovie · 2018 · 116m · DocumentaryThis is a funny, personal, and deeply moving look at Robin Williams, one of the most popular and original comedians of all time. The film primarily uses Williams' own words to explore his impact on comedy and popular culture, following his career from the late 1970s in Los Angeles to his death in 2014.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.9 - 15
Drain The Ocean: WWIIMovie · 2016 · 45mWorld War Two created a vast graveyard of ships and submarines on the ocean floor. As ocean levels recede, new 3D reconstructions, based on data, are revealing the secrets of these vessels. The film explores sites like the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor, whose sinking triggered America's entry into the war; the German battleship Bismarck and its unresolved fate; merchant ships torpedoed by U-boats off American shores; Allied inventions related to the D-Day landings; and the troopship Leopoldville, lost with the lives of 400 soldiers. Drain The Ocean unveils these hidden histories.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.8 - 16
The CaptainsMovie · 2011 · 97m · Documentary, Science Fiction"The Captains" is a documentary film written and directed by William Shatner. In it, Shatner interviews the actors who have played starship captains throughout the Star Trek series.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.4 - 17
Hot Girls WantedMovie · 2015 · 84m · DocumentaryThis film offers an unprecedented glimpse into the world of professional adult entertainment, focusing on the increasing number of 18 and 19-year-old women who choose to work in the industry.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.1 - 18
D-Day 360Movie · 2014 · 60mThis documentary focuses on a crucial section of Omaha Beach on D-Day – the Vierville-sur-Mer exit. By analyzing detailed data from laser scans, 3D models, and firsthand accounts, the film reconstructs the events of that day, revealing how the outcome of the pivotal World War II battle hinged on a five-hour struggle across just five miles of French coastline. The film brings the battlefield to life with unprecedented clarity.IMDb 7.7TMDB 6.8 - 19
After Porn Ends 2Movie · 2017 · 90m · Documentary*After Porn Ends 2* continues the story from the first film, meeting the oldest living stars of adult film and exploring the experiences of more recent retirees. The film examines society's persistent prejudices regarding race and gender, as well as the challenges these former performers face in finding new opportunities. Some embrace their past with pride, finding happiness and peace. Others, however, struggle with regret and the difficulty of moving on to a new life.IMDb 5.5TMDB 5.3 - 20
Sound CityMovie · 2013 · 106m · Music, DocumentaryThis is the story of Sound City and its legendary recording equipment, and how the shift to digital technology opened doors for artists who didn't fit into traditional music scenes. It follows David Grohl, former drummer for Nirvana and Foo Fighters, as he works to revive the studio's former greatness.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.3 - 21
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 - 22
After Porn Ends 3Movie · 2018 · 86m · DocumentaryAfter Porn Ends 3 further examines the lasting impact of adult performing careers on the lives of performers after they retire.IMDb 5.4TMDB 5.4 - 23
United States of Secrets (Part Two): Privacy LostMovie · 2014 · 54mThis film explores the secret connection between the tech hub of Silicon Valley and the government's intelligence agency, the NSA.IMDb 8.4TMDB 7.8 - 24
The Edge of DemocracyMovie · 2019 · 121m · DocumentaryThis film explores a pivotal moment in Brazilian history, examining the intertwined personal stories and political events that defined it. With rare access to former Presidents Dilma Rousseff and Lula da Silva, the story chronicles their ascent to power and their subsequent downfall, set against the backdrop of a deeply divided nation.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.7 - 25
X-Rated: The Greatest Adult Movies of All TimeMovie · 2015 · 94m · DocumentaryThis film explores the development of adult cinema through its most significant movies, spanning from the 1970s to the present day. It examines why certain erotic films achieved such popularity, their effects on the film industry and society, and their lasting impact on cinema and modern culture.IMDb 5.6TMDB 6.4 - 26
ReligulousMovie · 2008 · 101m · Documentary, ComedyComedian Bill Maher engages in provocative conversations about religion with people who hold strong beliefs. He journeys globally to explore the core principles of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, questioning topics like homosexuality, evidence for Christ's life, Jewish religious observances, and the threat of violent extremism within some Muslim communities.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.0 - 27
After Porn EndsMovie · 2012 · 90m · DocumentaryThis documentary explores the lives of prominent figures from the adult entertainment industry as they navigate the challenges of transitioning to mainstream society. It follows their attempts to establish "normal" lives after leaving the business, examining the complexities of that journey.IMDb 5.7TMDB 5.6 - 28
The Matrix RevisitedMovie · 2001 · 123m · DocumentaryThis film explores the making of the 1999 science fiction movie *The Matrix*.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.9 - 29
Waffen SS: Hitler's Elite Fighting ForceMovie · 1990 · 60mThe Waffen SS was the Nazi regime's most formidable fighting unit, a deeply controversial element of German history. They were known for a brutal blend of courage and extreme violence.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.0 - 30
Steve Jobs: The Man in the MachineMovie · 2015 · 129m · DocumentaryThe death of Steve Jobs prompted widespread mourning, even among those who had never met him. This film explores Jobs' journey from his suburban beginnings through his time in Japan's zen temples to his leadership of the world's most valuable company. It examines how his life and work fundamentally changed how we interact with computers. *The Man in the Machine* offers a thought-provoking and at times surprising look at the lasting impact of an icon.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.6 - 31
BedlamMovie · 2019 · 85mA psychiatrist visits emergency rooms, jails, and homeless shelters, sharing the personal stories at the heart of a major social crisis. This is an intimate and powerful look into the lives of people struggling with severe mental illness.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.5 - 32
Fyre FraudMovie · 2019 · 96m · DocumentaryThis true-crime comedy follows a disastrous music festival that unexpectedly becomes a viral sensation, examining how social media shapes our world, the impact of late-stage capitalism, and questions of right and wrong in an age of misinformation.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.4 - 33
ZeitgeistMovie · 2007 · 118m · Documentary, HistoryThis documentary explores various historical and contemporary conspiracy theories. It examines alleged connections between Christianity, the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and the Federal Reserve.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.0 - 34
Root of All Evil?Movie · 2006 · 93m · DocumentaryProfessor Richard Dawkins confronts the rise of religious faith in a two-part Channel 4 series, calling it "a process of non-thinking." He expresses surprise that faith is growing despite scientific advancements based on skepticism, investigation, and evidence. Science constantly tests its ideas, while faith is untested and unwavering, directly opposing this process. Dawkins argues that religions, despite promoting morality, peace, and hope, actually foster intolerance, violence, and destruction. The increasing prevalence of religious extremism worldwide threatens humanity and contradicts humanity's historical progress towards enlightenment and tolerance.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.4 - 35
The 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.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.8 - 36
They Shall Not Grow OldMovie · 2018 · 99m · Documentary, History, WarThis documentary uses newly discovered footage to mark the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day and the war's conclusion. It offers a look back at World War I.IMDb 8.2TMDB 7.8 - 37
It Might Get LoudMovie · 2008 · 97m · Documentary, MusicThis documentary explores the electric guitar through the eyes of three influential rock musicians: The Edge, Jimmy Page, and Jack White.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.2 - 38
Beastie Boys StoryMovie · 2020 · 120m · Music, DocumentaryMike Diamond and Adam Horovitz recount the story of their band and their four decades-long friendship in a live documentary directed by their friend, collaborator, and former mentor, Spike Jonze.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.5 - 39CIA: Secret ExperimentsMovie · 2008 · 50mDuring the Cold War, the U.S. government, fearing the spread of Communism, initiates a secret program to explore biological and chemical weapons. The program involves simulated attacks on American cities, exposing populations to dangerous bacteria. However, the primary goal is mind control. Psychiatrists conduct experiments on patients, prisoners, and unsuspecting civilians, using techniques like hypnosis, electroshock, and drugs to manipulate behavior, erase memories, and facilitate interrogations. The film questions the scope of these brainwashing experiments and the CIA's involvement in such unsettling research.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.8
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Art of WarMovie · 2009 · 91mThis documentary explores the core principles of Sun Tzu's "Art of War," using historical examples from World War II, the Vietnam War, and the American Civil War to illustrate its concepts.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.0 - 41
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 - 42
Silicon ValleyMovie · 2013 · 82mIn 1957, years before Apple and Facebook, eight talented young men left Shockley Semiconductor to start their own transistor company. Led by 29-year-old Robert Noyce, a gifted physicist with a knack for business, they would co-invent the microchip – a key part of today's computers, cars, phones, and appliances. SILICON VALLEY tells the story of these pioneers who built the technological center now known as Silicon Valley in rural Santa Clara County.IMDb 7.8 - 43
The Red PillMovie · 2016 · 118m · DocumentaryA feminist filmmaker documents the enigmatic and controversial Men’s Rights Movement, leading her to reconsider her own views. The film follows Cassie Jaye as she explores a different perspective on gender equality, power, and privilege.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.5 - 44
The James Bond StoryMovie · 1999 · 52mBond... James Bond! Arguably cinema's most enduring fictional hero. He debuted in 1962 with *Dr. No* and has remained a dominant action figure ever since. His enduring appeal lies in his adaptability. He consistently navigates perilous situations with effortless charm, sophistication, and composure. This is the complete history of James Bond – exploring the character's origins, the actors who portrayed him, his iconic gadgets, and the women in his life. Everything you've ever wondered about James Bond... and more.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.4 - 45
The Game ChangersMovie · 2019 · 88m · DocumentaryThe film follows a diverse group of individuals – from UFC fighters and special forces to scientists, celebrities, and ordinary people – as they pursue innovative solutions to change how we eat and live. Their journeys take them to locations worldwide, including Las Vegas, Dartmouth, Berlin, and Zimbabwe, all driven by a desire for a significant impact.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.3 - 46
TeslaMovie · 2016 · 54mNikola Tesla was a brilliant engineer and inventor who transformed the electrical world in the 20th century. Though less known than Edison and Marconi, Tesla's ideas were essential to the development of wireless technology. His powerful imagination fueled his genius but also led to problems; the public often saw him as an eccentric, overshadowing his achievements as a pioneering innovator.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.1 - 47
The Longest WarMovie · 2020 · 90mThis film explores the personal stories and emotional impact of America's long involvement in Afghanistan, the longest war in U.S. history. Through powerful interviews with those who experienced it firsthand – including U.S. intelligence workers, soldiers and their families, Afghan officials, journalists, and key government and military figures – the film offers a deeply human perspective on the conflict.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.3 - 48
Zeitgeist: AddendumMovie · 2008 · 123m · Documentary, History, WarZeitgeist: Addendum premiered at the 5th Annual Artivist Film Festival. Director Peter Joseph states that the world's ongoing problems with war, poverty, and corruption stem from a fundamental misunderstanding of human behavior. The film explores the root cause of societal instability and proposes a comprehensive, long-term solution.IMDb 8.2TMDB 7.2
