119 Essential Documentary Films from Harvard
119 titles
- 101
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.Stream onIMDb 8.3TMDB 7.6
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Triumph Over ViolenceMovie · 1965 · 138m · Documentary, History, WarRoman's documentary "Ordinary Fascism" takes viewers to 1920s-1940s Europe, confronting the horrors of fascism and Nazism. The film uses carefully chosen archival footage to create an immersive story about how ordinary people were drawn to radical ideologies and helped build these evil regimes. Witnessing these events on film, viewers are reminded of the importance of preventing history from repeating itself and remaining vigilant against oppressive politics.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.4 - 103
Talking HeadsMovie · 1980 · 15m · DocumentaryThis film explores identity and what people want out of life. It follows a diverse group of characters – different ages, jobs, and backgrounds – as they ask themselves, "Who am I?" and "What do I really want?" The movie offers intimate glimpses into their lives, revealing common human experiences that connect us all. Through honest moments, self-reflection, and humor, it reminds us of our need to connect with others, understand ourselves, and find satisfaction in a constantly changing world.Stream onIMDb 8.0TMDB 7.8
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The Steel RoadMovie · 1929 · 78mA bold and thrilling documentary detailing the construction of the Turkestan-Siberian railway, portrayed as a major victory for Soviet advancement against challenging natural obstacles.Stream onIMDb 7.2TMDB 5.8
- 105
Let There Be LightMovie · 1946 · 58m · Documentary, WarJohn Huston's 1946 film explores the hidden struggles of soldiers returning from war, focusing on the emotional damage they endure alongside physical injuries. This is the concluding film in a U.S. government-commissioned trilogy, offering a powerful look at what we now understand as post-traumatic stress disorder, then known as psychoneurosis or shell-shock.
The movie's honest depiction of soldiers battling inner turmoil remains relevant today, revealing the war's lasting impact on individuals and society. Initially considered controversial by the government, it wasn't shown until 1981. Now, it powerfully reminds us of the enduring scars of war and the need to address both the physical and emotional wounds of those who serve.Stream onIMDb 7.4TMDB 7.3
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The Thin Blue LineMovie · 1988 · 103m · Crime, DocumentaryDocumentarian Errol Morris uses detailed re-enactments to explore the difficult events following the murder of a Dallas police officer. He reconstructs the crime scene and investigation to examine the complicated mix of truth, deception, and emotions involved in such a tragedy. Combining cinematic storytelling with investigative journalism, Morris creates a compelling narrative that reveals the human side of the story behind the news. The film examines themes of justice, trust, and loyalty, while also highlighting the difficulties faced by law enforcement today.Stream on - 107
Lessons of DarknessMovie · 1992 · 54m · War, DocumentaryFollowing the Gulf War, Kuwait is a devastated landscape scarred by oil fires. Werner Herzog's film documents this apocalyptic environment, capturing the eerie atmosphere of murky skies, burned earth, and unpredictable flames. The documentary explores the war's destruction and humanity's connection to nature, examining the consequences of our actions. Herzog masterfully portrays resilience, survival, and the fragility of life amidst the ruins. The film is a powerful reminder of nature’s force, presenting both its beauty and horror.Stream on - 108
The RiverMovie · 1938 · 31mThis Depression-era documentary highlights the Mississippi River's vital role in the United States. It also criticizes the environmental damage caused by progress, especially farming and logging, and the resulting hardship for struggling farmers.Stream onIMDb 6.4TMDB 5.7
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The Beaches of AgnèsMovie · 2008 · 110m · DocumentaryLegendary filmmaker Agnès Varda, a key figure in the French New Wave, offers a personal look at her life in this documentary. The film blends excerpts from her own movies with staged scenes to tell the story of her career, the important relationships she had, and her marriage to fellow director Jacques Demy.Stream onIMDb 8.0TMDB 7.7
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Chronicle of a SummerMovie · 1961 · 91m · DocumentaryParis, summer 1960. Anthropologist and filmmaker Jean Rouch joins forces with sociologist and critic Edgar Morin for a documentary exploring how people cope with difficulties. They interview ordinary Parisians on the streets, asking them about their resilience. The film combines these diverse stories to offer a genuine and moving look at the human capacity to overcome hardship.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.1 - 111Far from PolandMovie · 1984 · 106m"Far From Poland" is a groundbreaking American film that challenges the idea that cinema verite is the only truthful way to depict real-world issues like social and political struggles. Unable to travel to Poland, the filmmaker, nicknamed "Jillski," innovatively redefines documentary filmmaking to address the situation. The film critiques documentary's claims of objectivity and questions the audience's desire for comfortable empathy. It suggests that the Polish people themselves possess a deeper understanding of their oppression than those who observe them from afar.IMDb 6.0TMDB 5.0
- 112
The Yellow CruiseMovie · 1934 · 90m"The Yellow Cruise" is a French documentary film. Originally directed by André Sauvage, it was later taken over by Léon Poirier at the request of André Citroën. The film premiered in Paris in 1934. André Sauvage was commissioned by Pathé-Natan to document a yellow cruise through Asia. In 1931 and 1932, forty-two men, including Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, journeyed thirty thousand kilometers along the Silk Road through the Middle and Far East in caterpillar vehicles. They overcame challenging weather, difficult terrain, mechanical problems, and political conflicts to reach Beijing on February 12, 1932. Dissatisfied with the initial footage, André Citroën purchased the film from Bernard Natan and assigned editing to Léon Poirier, who had previously worked on "La Croisière Noire" in Africa. This project significantly impacted André Sauvage's filmmaking career.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.4 - 113
The Ax FightMovie · 1975 · 30mFilmed by Timothy Asch and Napoleon Chagnon during their research in 1971, this ethnographic film documents a conflict that occurred in the Yanomami village of Mishimishimabowei-teri on February 28th. The film is presented in four parts: initially, raw, unedited footage of the fight as captured by the filmmakers; followed by slow-motion analysis and kinship diagrams; and finally, a complete edited version. This structure reveals both the social forces behind the conflict and how ethnographic understanding is developed from recorded events.Stream on - 114
Mädchen in WittstockMovie · 1975 · 18mSet in Wittstock an der Dosse, a town about 90 kilometers from Berlin in Germany's Brandenburg region, the film follows Volker Kiepp as he arrives in 1974 to interview women and girls working in the local textile industry. He explores their lives beyond work, asking about their hobbies, and delving into their thoughts and feelings.IMDb 6.5TMDB 5.8 - 115
The Wedding CamelsMovie · 1980 · 103m · DocumentaryThe second film in David and Judith MacDougall's Turkana Conversations Trilogy focuses on a complex marriage negotiation within the Turkana community. The story centers on Akai, Lorang's daughter, who is to marry her friend Kongu. While their friendship and similar age suggest a straightforward union, underlying family pressures complicate matters, especially concerning the bridewealth – the animals to be exchanged.
Kongu tries to find a balance, offering enough animals to satisfy Lorang's family without appearing inadequate or straining his own family’s wealth. The negotiations last for days, nearly falling apart several times. Ultimately, the outcome depends not only on tradition but also on the influence of Lorang's wives and how Lorang himself resolves the situation. This film provides a deep look into Turkana society and customs, explored through a personal family event.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.0 - 116
Grizzly ManMovie · 2005 · 103m · DocumentaryThis film chronicles the story of Timothy Treadwell, known as "Grizzly Man," and his thirteen summers spent living in a National Park in Alaska, dedicated to protecting grizzly bears. Through distinctive footage, the documentary offers an intimate look at a man who devoted his life to nature, ultimately sacrificing himself for it.Stream onIMDb 7.7TMDB 7.5
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Lebensläufe - Die Geschichte der Kinder von Golzow in einzelnen PortraitsMovie · 1981 · 257mThis film presents nine separate biographical stories, framed by a prologue and epilogue focusing on Golzow and extended observation. It builds upon a previously established narrative, offering contemporary perspectives on the Golzow people alongside flashbacks exploring the personal lives and struggles of each individual.IMDb 8.6TMDB 6.2 - 118
A Man, When He Is a ManMovie · 2023 · 66mThis film explores the social environment and cultural customs in Costa Rica that contribute to the persistence of male dominance and the subjugation of women throughout Latin America.IMDb 6.6TMDB 1.3 - 119
Paris Is BurningMovie · 1991 · 78m · Documentary"Paris Is Burning" is a landmark documentary exploring the African American and Latinx drag ball culture of 1980s Harlem. The film examines voguing, an expressive dance form central to this community, and "throwing shade," a style of playful verbal sparring. The filmmaker documents competitive fashion houses vying for recognition, while also revealing the hardships faced by those involved. Over seven years, it offers a deeply personal look at the strength and bonds within this community navigating homophobia, transphobia, racism, AIDS, and poverty. Through interviews with influential figures like Willi Ninja, Pepper LaBeija, Dorian Corey, and Venus Xtravaganza, the film shares their stories and the distinctive subculture they built despite facing adversity.Stream on
