994 Essential History Documentary Films
993 titles
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Orient-Express: A Legendary JourneyMovie · 2019The Orient Express was a symbol of luxury and adventure, connecting the West and the East. Famous figures like Mata Hari, Josephine Baker, and Agatha Christie, who even wrote a novel about it, helped build its legendary status. This is a look at the secrets of a famous train.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.9 - 202Different TrainsMovie · 1996 · 38mThis documentary follows the trail of KGB defector Anatoly Golitsyn, piecing together his story from a small collection of audio recordings owned by the filmmaker's father.
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The ExilesMovie · 2022 · 96mChristine Choy is a bold and influential documentarian, cinematographer, and professor, embodying the spirit of New York. Her films and teaching have shaped many artists. In 1989, she began filming the leaders of the Tiananmen Square pro-democracy protests as they fled to exile after the June 4th crackdown. Though she never completed the project, Choy now travels to Taiwan, Maryland, and Paris, sharing the archival footage with the dissidents who have been unable to return to China.IMDb 7.2TMDB 8.0 - 204
Combat AmericaMovie · 1943 · 63mIn 1943, with guidance from Army Air Force Lieutenant Clark Gable, this film chronicles the journey of one B-17 bomber crew as they progress from training to undertaking multiple missions over Europe.IMDb 6.2TMDB 5.4 - 205
The JanesMovie · 2022 · 101mIgnoring laws against abortion, the Catholic Church's opposition, and the Chicago Mob's financial interests, the women of "Jane" risked everything to help women seeking abortions. During the years before Roe v. Wade, when abortion was illegal in most states and even discussing it was a crime in Illinois, the Janes offered affordable and free abortions to an estimated 11,000 women.IMDb 7.6TMDB 5.6 - 206
Dearest AnitaMovie · 2019 · 85mAfter Anita Mui's death, her fans work to rescue a collection of gifts they had lovingly sent, preventing them from being thrown away. As the gifts are returned to their senders, memories of friendship and devotion shared with the iconic singer are revealed.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.0 - 207
NOVA: The Great Math MysteryMovie · 2015 · 54mNOVA takes viewers on a journey exploring the remarkable impact of mathematics throughout history. The program reveals how mathematical patterns appear in nature, from seashells to galaxies and sunflowers. Math has been crucial for advancements ranging from early radio to the discovery of the Higgs boson and successful Mars rover missions. Astrophysicist Mario Livio and experts in various fields trace math's development from Pythagoras to Einstein, ultimately posing a fundamental question: Is math something humans created, or was it a discovery – the language of the universe itself?IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.8 - 208
Trespassing BergmanMovie · 2013 · 108mDuring the 1960s, renowned Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman (1918-2007) relocated from Stockholm to Fårö, a secluded island in the Baltic Sea, where he constructed a house. The house has been maintained since his passing. Now, a collection of devoted film enthusiasts journeys to Fårö from across the globe, seeking out the legendary director's presence and enduring influence. (Adapted from *Bergman's Video*, 2012.)IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.6 - 209
Light GirlsMovie · 2015 · 84mBill Duke, the filmmaker behind Dark Girls, returns with Light Girls, continuing a vital exploration of colorism. The documentary shares the experiences of women with lighter skin, examining the complexities of skin color, preference, privilege, pain, and prejudice. Featuring interviews with Russell Simmons, Soledad O'Brien, Diahann Carroll, India Arie, Iyanla Vanzant, Michaela Angela Davis, Kym Whitley, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, and others, Light Girls offers a powerful look at this often-overlooked issue.IMDb 7.1TMDB 10.0 - 210
Kandahar JournalsMovie · 2015 · 76mApril 2006. Kandahar, Afghanistan. Photojournalist Louie Palu is covering a suicide bombing when he's caught in the aftermath, surrounded by bodies and overwhelmed by the stench of burning flesh. Unaware, he's about to embark on a five-year journey documenting the devastating realities of war.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.0 - 211
Hollywood: The Dream FactoryMovie · 1972 · 51mThis documentary chronicles the rise and fall of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, from its golden age to its eventual sale of the iconic back lot and props. In doing so, it offers a broad history of Hollywood's most prosperous era and the influential studio system that defined it.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.0 - 212
Blown AwayMovie · 2014 · 57mForty years after Cyclone Tracy, the film examines the enduring stories and presents fresh insights into the devastating event that shaped Australia.IMDb 8.0 - 213
The Grenade ManMovie · 2016 · 55mIn July 2011, Norway was struck by shocking terror. Yet, this was not an isolated incident; it was not the first time someone within the community had resorted to extreme actions to instill fear.IMDb 6.9 - 214
KanthMovie · 2025 · 22mAfter World War II, the German presence vanished from many border towns. Two young filmmakers explore what remains in Kąty Wrocławskie, Poland, formerly known as Kanth. They investigate the echoes of the past in this present-day city. - 215
Sholem Aleichem: Laughing In The DarknessMovie · 2012 · 93mSholem Aleichem: Laughing in the Darkness is a compelling look at the writer who inspired the Broadway musical Fiddler on the Roof. The film explores the life of this innovative storyteller, who crafted a unique form of literature. Set against a backdrop of a Jewish community facing upheaval and transformation, he depicted their world with sharp wit. Sholem Aleichem wasn't simply observing the emergence of a new modern Jewish identity; he was instrumental in shaping it.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.2 - 216
Festival ExpressMovie · 2003 · 90mThis film documents a massive Canadian rock festival train tour from the summer of 1970. A chartered train journeyed across Canada, carrying iconic musicians like The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, The Band, and Buddy Guy. For five days, these artists lived and performed together, playing concerts in major cities. The entire trip was captured on film.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.1 - 217
Ruby Ridge: Anatomy of a TragedyMovie · 2000 · 45mThis documentary recounts the eleven-day standoff between the government and Randy Weaver's family. The siege significantly fueled the rise of the Neo-Nazi and militia movements.IMDb 7.4 - 218
Crownsville Hospital: From Lunacy to LegacyMovie · 2018 · 108mCrownsville Hospital: From Lunacy to Legacy is a feature-length documentary film highlighting the history of the Crownsville State Mental Hospital in Crownsville, MD.IMDb 6.4TMDB 7.8 - 219
Camp Century: The Hidden City Beneath the IceMovie · 2020 · 53mIn 1959, at the height of the Cold War, the U.S. government established a top-secret military base in northern Greenland: Camp Century. The base was designed like a small town, complete with roads and housing, and included a nuclear power plant for electricity and missile silos aimed at the Soviet Union.IMDb 6.8TMDB 7.0 - 220
TanturaMovie · 2022 · 95mIn the late 1990s, Israeli student Teddy Katz revealed the massacre of Palestinian civilians by Israeli troops in the village of Tantura in May 1948, during the first Arab-Israeli war. Initially lauded for his work, he was later condemned as a traitor. Decades later, compelling new evidence surfaces that confirms Teddy's original findings.IMDb 8.5TMDB 7.7 - 221
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 - 222
D.O.A.Movie · 1980 · 95m · Documentary, Music, HistoryThis documentary explores the punk scene, following its journey from a groundbreaking music movement to its eventual fade-out. It includes rare interviews with key figures like Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen, providing candid insights into their lives and viewpoints within the subculture. Concert footage captures the energy and rebellious spirit of punk, alongside news clips illustrating the era's social and political context. The film offers a compelling look at youth culture, self-expression, and how music can both connect people and challenge societal standards during punk's rise and decline.IMDb 7.2TMDB 5.6 - 223Konspirace 89Movie · 2019
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Revealed: The Hunt for Bin LadenMovie · 2021 · 86mTo commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11, The History Channel presents a new documentary detailing the world's largest manhunt. Drawing on interviews and stories from the 9/11 Museum's exhibition, the film features insights from Jan Seidler Ramirez, the Museum's chief curator. It chronicles the complex convergence of policy, intelligence, and military decisions that led to the discovery of a secretive compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan.IMDb 6.6TMDB 4.0 - 225
Woodstock: Three Days That Defined a GenerationMovie · 2019 · 106m · Music, DocumentaryFifty years later, Barak Goodman's vivid account of Woodstock brings the legendary music festival to life through the eyes of those who experienced it firsthand. The film captures the sense of freedom, passion, community, and joy that defined those three days of music.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.3 - 226
GottlandMovie · 2014 · 100m"Gottland" offers a unique perspective on 20th-century Czechoslovak history. Inspired by Mariusz Szczygiel's acclaimed book of the same name, this film presents a series of short stories depicting unusual lives. Young filmmakers from Prague's FAMU film school, inspired by the book, explore the history of post-war Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic, seeking out overlooked figures and reminding us of those forgotten or erased from the historical record.IMDb 5.8TMDB 7.0 - 227
The CodebreakerMovie · 2021 · 60mThis is the true story of Elizebeth Smith Friedman, a pioneering codebreaker who aided law enforcement by deciphering messages from gangsters and uncovering a Nazi spy network operating in South America. Her work was instrumental in developing the techniques used in modern cryptography.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.0 - 228Copyright Comedies and MoreMovie · 2022 · 135mThis program features thirteen rare silent films, digitized by the Library of Congress for the 2022 Domitor conference. The selection, from both nitrate and safety film stock, explores themes of censorship, invention, adaptation, and social rights through comedies, trick films, and dramas. Included are titles such as "Pruning the Movies" (1914), "Imperial Japanese Dance" (1894), early Edison camera tests (c. 1890s), "Censorship and its Absurdities" (1915), "In Wrong" (1914), "Tillie’s Tomato Surprise" (1915), "Indian Land Grab" (1910), "The Stolen Play" (1917), "And the Villain Still Pursued Her" (1906), "The Doll’s Revenge" (1907), "The Disintegrated Convict" (1907), "The Mexican Joan of Arc" (1911), and "Fads and Fashions of 1900" (1940s).
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Reimagining A Buffalo LandmarkMovie · 2019 · 30mThe Richardson Olmsted Campus, a historic former psychiatric center and National Landmark, is being restored and transformed for contemporary use.TMDB 10.0 - 230
The PrincessMovie · 2022 · 104m · Documentary, HistoryYears after her death, Princess Diana remains a figure of fascination, embodying both glamour and tragedy – a modern fairy tale that ended tragically. A symbol of both the changing British monarchy and the intense scrutiny of the media, the Princess of Wales experienced an extraordinary rise to fame and the difficult pressures it brought. This documentary uses only original archival footage, without commentary from later sources, to present a unique and revealing look at the life of the People’s Princess.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.4 - 231
The Saturn V StoryMovie · 2014 · 52mIn 1961, President Kennedy's promise to land a man on the moon by the end of the decade was met with disbelief. To lead the way in the space race, the United States embarked on an ambitious, multi-billion dollar space program. This inspiring film uses incredible NASA footage to recount the immense hurdles NASA overcame to achieve Kennedy's goal. Responsible for safely transporting 24 astronauts to the moon, the Saturn V rocket is regarded as one of humanity's greatest technological feats. This is the story of the most powerful machine ever constructed, and the dedicated people who dared to believe it could soar.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.6 - 232
Lincoln's Last DayMovie · 2015 · 51mThis film recounts the events of April 14, 1865, the day Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. It follows the separate paths of the assassin and the President as they lead to the Presidential Box at Ford's Theatre. The film also examines the objects present at the time – including Lincoln’s hat and John Wilkes Booth’s gun – that witnessed the event which irrevocably altered American history.IMDb 7.8TMDB 8.0 - 233
The Story of Doctor CarverMovie · 1938 · 10mThis is the story of Dr. George Washington Carver (1864-1943), a Black educator and expert in plants. He is best known for creating over 140 uses for every part of the peanut plant, including the shells and husks. He also developed products using sweet potatoes and soybeans, and created a new type of cotton that was named after him.IMDb 6.8TMDB 4.0 - 234
ScossaMovie · 2012 · 95mA century ago, a devastating earthquake and subsequent massive tidal wave ravaged and severely damaged the cities of Messina and Reggio Calabria.IMDb 6.5 - 235
Grozny BluesMovie · 2015 · 104m"Grozny Blues" centers on several individuals in Grozny, Chechnya, where political control, strict traditions, forced religious observance, and unresolved past conflicts shape everyday existence. The film follows four women who have long advocated for human rights, but grow increasingly disheartened by the worsening conditions under Putin’s Russia. Their workplace houses a Blues Club popular with young people who have hazy recollections of the Chechen wars of the 1990s and struggle to understand the current turmoil in their nation. Through interwoven personal stories and political realities, Nicola Bellucci portrays the complexities of life in a society caught between war and peace, oppression and freedom, tradition and modernity.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.8 - 236
JFK & LBJ: A Time for GreatnessMovie · 2015 · 92mThis film chronicles how President Lyndon B. Johnson skillfully employed his political power to enact the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The narrative unfolds through previously unseen footage, interviews, and confidential White House recordings.IMDb 7.9TMDB 6.0 - 237
To Arms, We Are Fascists!Movie · 1962 · 108mThis documentary uses archival footage and a poet's narration to explore modern Italian history between 1911 and 1961. It focuses on the circumstances that led to the rise of Fascism and the country’s response to Fascism after World War II.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.8 - 238LisowczycyMovie · 1993Born around 1575, Alexander Joseph Lisowski began his career as a common soldier under Jan Potocki, fighting in the campaign against the Wallachian hospodar. He later gained notoriety leading a confederation of rebellious soldiers, known for their plundering and lawlessness. This led to his banishment. Subsequently, he joined Dmitri Samozwaniec's service, already a legendary commander. His reputation cleared, Lisowski returned to Poland and established his renowned cavalry, later called the Polish cavalry or Lisowczycy, in his honor.
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The SourceMovie · 1999 · 88mThis film follows the Beat Generation, starting with Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac's first meeting in 1944 at Columbia University, and continuing to the deaths of Ginsberg and William S. Burroughs in 1997. The movie uses three actors to portray these writers and chronicles their friendships, how they became known in America, their travels, frequent humor, Kerouac’s death, and Ginsberg's growing activism. Their movement intertwined with bebop music, John Cage's compositions, abstract expressionist art, and experimental theater. In recent interviews, Ginsberg, Burroughs, Kesey, Ferlinghetti, Mailer, Jerry Garcia, Tom Hayden, Gary Snyder, Ed Sanders, and others discuss the significance and lasting influence of the Beats.IMDb 7.2TMDB 5.2 - 240
The MoonMovie · 2006 · 58mIn 1972, humanity's intense connection with the moon diminished. Just three years after Neil Armstrong's historic first steps, the final lunar mission concluded, and we haven't returned since. This film chronicles our enduring fascination with the moon—its origins, its decline, and the renewed passion for lunar exploration we are experiencing today.IMDb 6.9 - 241
Sarı ZeybekMovie · 1993 · 43mTurkish journalist Can Dündar recounts the final 300 days of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's life. The documentary shares accounts and letters from Atatürk's close friends – those who knew him as the founder of the Turkish Republic and the leader of the Turkish army during the War of Independence.TMDB 7.0 - 242
Bombing PompeiiMovie · 2023IMDb 6.6TMDB 8.0 - 243
Panama CanalMovie · 2011 · 112mThe Panama Canal opened on August 15th, 1914, linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and marking America's rise to global prominence.IMDb 7.8 - 244
DjelacMovie · 2020 · 81mThis documentary chronicles the life of Anđelko Herjavec, who rose from working-class beginnings as a Varteks textile worker to become the company's director. He then unexpectedly transitioned to football management, achieving iconic status as one of Croatia's most popular managers. - 245VojtaššákMovie · 2019
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Broadway: The Golden Age, by the Legends Who Were ThereMovie · 2003 · 111mBroadway: The Golden Age is a comprehensive film exploring America's most celebrated theatrical tradition. Award-winning filmmaker Rick McKay filmed over 100 of the greatest stars from Broadway and Hollywood. He discovered that while films and literature can be restored, historic Broadway performances are increasingly vulnerable. These performances exist only in memory, making preservation challenging. Through the firsthand accounts of legendary performers, Broadway: The Golden Age chronicles their journeys to New York and their role in shaping American theatre during its most remarkable century. It features the largest gathering of theatrical legends ever assembled in a single film.IMDb 8.3TMDB 7.0 - 247
Henry VII: Winter KingMovie · 2013 · 59mHistorian Thomas Penn unveils the story of the founder of Britain's Tudor Dynasty and his remarkable rise to power. In 1485, Henry of Richmond arrives in Wales with a small group of soldiers and defeats Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth. He becomes Henry VII and embarks on a political career, masking ruthless ambition with a charming public image. The War of the Roses, his marriage to Elizabeth of York, the dawn of the Renaissance, and Henry's focus on wealth and a sophisticated intelligence network are all key elements of this extraordinary history.IMDb 7.1TMDB 9.0 - 248
Baltic TribesMovie · 2018 · 100mThis docu-drama follows Lars, a 13th-century Danish spy, as he immerses himself in the pre-Christian culture of the Baltic peoples. He participates in their religious ceremonies, experiences their brutal raids, celebrates the Summer Solstice with them, becomes a slave to the Couronians, and even fights alongside the crusaders. The film explores the lives of Europe's last pagans, offering a unique glimpse into the details of their world and the unknown lands they inhabited.IMDb 7.0TMDB 5.8 - 249
Chernobyl: The Lost TapesMovie · 2022 · 96m · DocumentaryThirty-six years after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in Soviet Ukraine, newly discovered archival footage and interviews reveal a powerful and disturbing account of the event's scale and impact. The film documents the Soviet government's efforts to conceal the incident, including the deployment of soldiers to contain the damage. *Chernobyl: The Lost Tapes* presents the complete, unfiltered truth about one of the twentieth century’s most misunderstood tragedies.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.3 - 250
L'InsoumisMovie · 2018 · 95mIMDb 6.6TMDB 7.4 - 251
Flood in the DesertMovie · 2022 · 53mThe film examines the devastating 1928 collapse of the St. Francis Dam, California's second deadliest disaster. A major failure of engineering and human judgment, the dam was constructed by William Mulholland, an engineer who spearheaded Los Angeles’ growth by supplying the city with water via aqueduct. The disaster resulted in over 400 fatalities and the destruction of millions of dollars worth of property.IMDb 7.6TMDB 10.0 - 252
Manufacturing Death: Birth of the Atom BombMovie · 2023 · 45mThe creation of the atomic bomb irrevocably altered the course of history. Prior to the Manhattan Project, a weapon of such destructive force was unimaginable. War, however, often spurs innovation – new methods of warfare, new tools for eliminating human life. The development of nuclear weapons ended World War II and ushered in the atomic age, a period defined by advanced scientific pursuits. But with the world now possessing nuclear weapons, humanity lives under the constant threat of total annihilation.IMDb 6.3TMDB 8.2 - 253
Django & Django: Sergio Corbucci UnchainedMovie · 2021 · 78m · Documentary, HistoryA celebration of the work of Italian director Sergio Corbucci (1926-1990), curated by American filmmaker Quentin Tarantino.IMDb 6.9TMDB 7.0 - 254
Homo sapiensMovie · 2005 · 88mTwo hundred and fifty thousand years ago, the first direct ancestors of modern humans emerged on Earth: Homo Sapiens. From 400,000 to 20,000 BC, the film follows the journeys of Homo Erectus, Neanderthals, and finally, Sapiens. We witness the development of language, art, religious beliefs, agriculture, and animal domestication.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.9 - 255
Chambord: The Leonardo Da Vinci MysteryMovie · 2018Nestled within a vast 5,000-hectare park—an area the size of Paris—stands Chambord, a castle of unparalleled grandeur. Built with nearly 220,000 tonnes of stone in the Loir-et-Cher department, this architectural masterpiece boasts a 156-meter facade, over 70 staircases, 282 fireplaces, and 426 rooms. Commissioned by Francis I in the 16th century, Chambord is also steeped in mystery. Questions remain about its architect, the possible influence of Leonardo da Vinci on its design, its original location within the forest's marshes, and its remarkable survival—remaining undamaged since construction began in September 1519.TMDB 8.7 - 256
Mr. Nobody Against PutinMovie · 2025 · 90m · DocumentaryWith Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russian primary schools become sites for recruiting children into the war. A teacher struggles with the moral conflict of working within a system built on propaganda and violence. He secretly films the reality of what's happening in his own school.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.5 - 257
Paragraph 175Movie · 2000 · 74m · History, DocumentaryUnder the Nazi regime, homosexual men faced widespread persecution, beginning with Paragraph 175 of the German Penal Code in 1871. Thousands were murdered in concentration camps. This powerful and disturbing documentary, narrated by Rupert Everett, presents for the first time largely untold testimonies from some of the survivors.IMDb 7.7TMDB 6.5 - 258
Tutankhamun In ColourMovie · 2020 · 59mThis BBC documentary, "King Tut In Color," revisits the groundbreaking discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb a century later. It presents the dramatic scenes of the excavation and showcases the tomb’s remarkable treasures in their original color.IMDb 6.9TMDB 8.0 - 259
Nazi FugitivesMovie · 2023 · 52mFrom 1933 to 1945, the Nazi regime represents a profoundly horrific period in history. The Nazi Party, under its immoral leader, established a deeply corrupt system for the people of Germany and its perceived enemies. Adolf Hitler did not act alone; he was supported by a group of exceptionally cruel and wicked men who enabled the atrocities. These are the Nazi Fugitives.IMDb 5.3TMDB 3.7 - 260
Cleopatra's Final SecretMovie · 2025 · 67mArchaeologist K. Martinez, who has spent two decades searching for Cleopatra's tomb, now focuses her efforts on a submerged site in the Mediterranean. She teams up with Bob Ballard, the discoverer of the Titanic, along with Egyptian Navy and diving experts, to investigate the location.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.5 - 261
August 28: A Day in the Life of a PeopleMovie · 2017 · 22mThis documentary film chronicles significant events in African-American history that occurred on August 28th. Originally presented at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, the film details key moments from this historical date.IMDb 6.2TMDB 1.0 - 262
The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring YearsMovie · 2016 · 106m · Documentary, MusicIn 1963, The Beatles exploded onto the European music scene and, by 1964, took America by storm. Their revolutionary world tours transformed youth culture and arguably created modern mass entertainment. Throughout this period, they consistently released hugely popular singles and albums. However, the intense pressure of unprecedented fame escalated into overwhelming turmoil by 1966, prompting them to end touring. This allowed The Beatles to dedicate themselves to a series of albums that fundamentally reshaped recorded music.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.5 - 263
SergioMovie · 2009 · 94mSérgio Vieira de Mello was a captivating and multifaceted figure, renowned for his ability to navigate perilous situations and protect vulnerable people. He was the person others turned to in the world's most dangerous places, capable of connecting with even the most hardened individuals. This documentary recounts his most perilous undertaking yet – a mission where his own survival is uncertain.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.7 - 264
William the ConquerorMovie · 2014 · 85mEngland, 11th century. William the Conqueror wins the Battle of Hastings in 1066, reshaping medieval Europe and English history. This is a story of the remarkable Norman warrior who rose to become king.IMDb 6.1TMDB 5.2 - 265
Neutra: Survival Through DesignMovie · 2019 · 104mPJ Letofsky's documentary explores the life and work of Richard Neutra, a highly influential Austrian-American architect. Neutra's designs significantly impacted modern ideas about architecture, design, and the relationship between buildings and nature. His legacy continues through his son, Dion, who has worked with and learned from his father for nearly thirty years.IMDb 5.3 - 266
The War of 1812Movie · 2011 · 120mThe War of 1812 is a two-hour film examining a pivotal moment in North American and world history. The war profoundly shaped the future of the United States, Canada, and Britain; a few different outcomes could have drastically altered the map of the U.S. Canada's formation was forged in the conflict, while Native American aspirations for independence were extinguished. By the war's conclusion, the forced removal of Native populations had begun in the Southeast, setting the stage for the expansion of slavery and the U.S.'s rise to global prominence after nearly collapsing. Though not a decisive victory, the war ensured the survival of American democracy amidst considerable internal and external challenges.IMDb 7.6TMDB 8.0 - 267
Deep Throat: When Porn Makes Its PremiereMovie · 2022 · 53mReleased in 1972, Gerard Damiano's pornographic film *Deep Throat*, starring Linda Lovelace, sparked a major cultural shift. The film, about a woman finding sexual freedom, ignited widespread discussion about sex, desire, and female pleasure. However, it also brought to the forefront conversations surrounding violence, abuse, and the previously hidden world of pornography, transforming it into a widely debated cultural phenomenon.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.4 - 268
Hawking: Can You Hear Me?Movie · 2021 · 90mThis documentary chronicles the extraordinary life of Stephen Hawking. Drawing on newly available personal archives and accounts from his family, it explores not only the magnitude of his achievements but also the profound impact of his disability on his life and work.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.0 - 269
Nazi TitanicMovie · 2012 · 120mIn a strange turn during World War II, Nazi propaganda chief Joseph Goebbels commissioned a film about the Titanic disaster. The massive project required significant resources, diverting personnel and ships from the war effort. Filming took place on the SS Cap Arcona, a cruise ship in the Baltic Sea. Director Herbert Selpin was arrested by the Gestapo for remarks about the ship's crew and subsequently questioned by Goebbels. He was found dead in his cell the following day, ruled a suicide by the Gestapo. The film, *Titanic*, premiered in Nazi-occupied Paris in 1943, far from the grand debut Goebbels envisioned. This film explores the making of *Titanic* and the tragic fate of the German ship Cap Arcona.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.7 - 270
Outbreak: Anatomy of a PlagueMovie · 2010 · 86m"Outbreak: Anatomy of a Plague" tells the story of a flight attendant who believes she has chickenpox and isolates herself in a Montreal hotel. Weeks later, she returns to work unknowingly triggering a major public health crisis. Pandemics have historically caused more deaths than wars, and new ones are always possible. The film compares a modern outbreak to the forgotten 1885 smallpox epidemic that ravaged Montreal. It follows the city's struggle to maintain order as social unrest, prejudice, and economic collapse complicate efforts to contain a deadly infection.IMDb 5.9TMDB 6.3 - 271TáborMovie · 1954
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Leonardo Da Vinci: The Universal ManMovie · 2019 · 90mWhat if one person painted the Mona Lisa, designed the ball bearing, and first described atherosclerosis? This documentary explores these questions and more, uncovering clues through on-location research and interviews with leading experts on Leonardo da Vinci. Using a unique, imagined museum experience, we journey through the Renaissance to reveal Leonardo's extraordinary ingenuity.IMDb 6.8TMDB 7.9 - 273
Sad Hill UnearthedMovie · 2018 · 83m · Documentary, HistoryIn October 2015, a team of dedicated fans travels to the Burgos province of northern Spain. Their mission: to meticulously restore the filming location of the final scene in Sergio Leone's iconic 1966 spaghetti western, *The Good, the Bad and the Ugly*.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.9 - 274
The TentsMovie · 2012 · 89mEvery year, tents in Bryant Park signal the start of New York Fashion Week, an event with a compelling history as remarkable as the designs shown. The most influential figures in fashion recount the surprising and often humorous journey of this famous celebration.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.0 - 275Jiří z PoděbradMovie · 2009
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Storming JunoMovie · 2010 · 88mThis WWII drama follows three young Canadians as they experience the Allied invasion of Juno Beach on June 6, 1944, D-Day. The film recounts the events of that pivotal day from their perspectives.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.9 - 277
For MemoryMovie · 1986 · 104mThe film explores how we remember the past through things like murals, monuments, television documentaries, and commemorative events. It examines the impact of these "memory" productions on society and questions the role historical memory plays in shaping our understanding of the world. - 278
Women and Cars: The Story of an Underestimated LiaisonMovie · 2022 · 52mFrom the moment cars were invented, women have consistently defied expectations with their courage in motorsports. This is the story of women's involvement in racing.TMDB 9.0 - 279
HildegardMovie · 1994 · 47mHildegard of Bingen (portrayed by Patricia Routledge) was an extraordinary figure of the Middle Ages: an abbess, visionary, naturalist, playwright, and composer. Her lasting impact lies in some of the most vivid and profound descriptions of religious experience ever recorded.IMDb 7.7TMDB 6.0 - 280
The True Legend of the Eiffel TowerMovie · 2005 · 95mThis film chronicles the early history of the Eiffel Tower, from its initial conception through to its first application in military contexts.IMDb 6.6TMDB 4.7 - 281Project Censored the MovieMovie · 2013 · 60m"Project Censored: The Movie" examines media censorship by highlighting significant stories often overlooked or downplayed by mainstream news outlets. Inspired by the work of the Project Censored media watchdog group, two California fathers embark on a documentary project to challenge what they see as the pervasive dissemination of superficial news by corporate media to the American public.IMDb 6.7
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Guru: Bhagwan, His Secretary & His BodyguardMovie · 2010 · 98mSet in the vibrant 1970s, the film follows a group seeking spiritual enlightenment, sexual liberation, and a higher state of being. In England, young Hugh Milne is captivated by the voice of spiritual leader Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh on a recording and journeys to India in search of meaning. Sheela Patel, a 21-year-old Indian woman, is brought to the charismatic guru by her father and immediately feels drawn to him. At Bhagwan's ashram in Poona, disciples are encouraged to meditate and practice tantric sex as paths to spiritual awakening. Hugh becomes Bhagwan’s bodyguard, witnessing his growing influence. Sheela becomes his secretary and rises to become a powerful figure overseeing his community in the Oregon mountains.IMDb 6.5TMDB 5.4 - 283
Loose Change 9/11: An American CoupMovie · 2009 · 99m · Documentary, Drama, HistoryFollowing the Bush administration, a new focus on transparency has led to the potential release of previously undisclosed information about the events surrounding 9/11. This documentary features new footage and interviews, presenting a range of evidence – both familiar and previously unavailable – related to the period before and after the attacks.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.3 - 284
Atlantis: The Discovery with Dan SnowMovie · 2024 · 67mFor over 2000 years, the story of Atlantis has fascinated people. But is there any real basis for the legend? Dan Snow journeys to Greece to explore whether the tale of a lost island in the Atlantic Ocean might be based on truth. He examines actual ancient cities destroyed by natural disasters like earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis – could these have inspired the story of Atlantis? - 285
The Weight of Chains 3Movie · 2019 · 123mBoris Malagurski details how the military-industrial complex, powerful corporations, and political factions threaten people's well-being and survival. He examines these dangers through case studies of Serbia, Cuba, Chile, Italy, and Bolivia.IMDb 9.0TMDB 7.4 - 286
The Accountant of AuschwitzMovie · 2018 · 78m · Documentary, History, CrimeOskar Gröning, nicknamed the "Accountant of Auschwitz," was accused of being complicit in the murder of 300,000 Jews. His trial in 2015, when he was 94 years old, drew international attention.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.0 - 287
Hoops, Hopes & DreamsMovie · 2025 · 18mThis is the story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a group of prominent civil rights activists who used basketball to connect with young voters and build community support. Their innovative approach resonated deeply and continues to influence political strategies today.IMDb 7.1 - 288
33 Photos from the GhettoMovie · 2025The film follows two families, one Jewish, who kept images hidden for decades before revealing them to the world. Eighty years later, the photographer's son discovers the forgotten negatives and begins an investigation. He assembles a team of researchers, archivists, and animators who meticulously reconstruct locations and contexts using near-forensic techniques. Together, they trace the events of those tragic days and the lives captured in each photograph.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.6 - 289
ChosinMovie · 2010 · 86mDuring the Korean War, 15,000 American soldiers were trapped and heavily outnumbered. They fought a brutal 78-mile retreat to safety, saving the lives of 98,000 refugees. After six decades of silence, the surviving members of the Chosin Reservoir Campaign recount their powerful and intense experience of one of the war's fiercest battles.IMDb 8.4TMDB 7.0 - 290
Icemen: 200 Years in AntarcticaMovie · 2020 · 53mThis is a compelling story about the exploration of Antarctica over the past two centuries. It examines the driving forces, mental strengths, scientific challenges, and physical resilience of the people who have dared to venture onto the frozen continent.IMDb 6.3 - 291
Boom Bust BoomMovie · 2015 · 70mTerry Jones' *Boom Bust Boom* is the product of a collaboration between writer, director, historian, and Monty Python's Terry Jones, and economics professor and entrepreneur Theo Kocken. Co-written by Jones and Kocken and featuring John Cusack, along with Nobel Prize winners Daniel Kahneman, Robert J Shiller, and Paul Krugman, the film is part of a worldwide effort to reform the economic system through education, aiming to prevent future economic crashes. *Boom Bust Boom* offers a distinctive exploration of the causes of economic downturns, using a multimedia approach blending live action with animation and puppetry to make economics accessible to all.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.2 - 292
Battle of Okinawa in ColorMovie · 2017 · 51mWith Hitler dead and the war over in Europe by 1945, fighting raged on in the Pacific. Okinawa, a small island, hosted the final battle of World War II, resulting in tens of thousands of casualties. Military cameramen risked their lives to document the conflict, filming everything from intense ground combat to kamikaze attacks. This collection presents their color footage, offering a firsthand view of the battle as experienced by the soldiers who fought it.IMDb 8.2TMDB 9.0 - 293
Toyo's CameraMovie · 2009 · 98mDespite restrictions on bringing cameras into the Japanese internment camps, Toyo Miyatake, a Los Angeles photographer and first-generation immigrant, secretly built his own camera with help from fellow inmates. Miyatake, along with his family, was unjustly incarcerated during World War II. Using this makeshift equipment, he documented the harsh realities of camp life and the strength of those around him – many of whom were American citizens who later served in the war. Miyatake stated that he felt a responsibility to record these events as a photographer, ensuring such a tragedy would never be repeated.IMDb 6.8 - 294
The King Who Fooled HitlerMovie · 2019 · 44mThis documentary reveals, for the first time, the story of King George VI's elaborate plan during World War II. The plan involved a complex deception designed to mislead the Germans and divert their attention from the Allied invasion of Normandy in 1944, utilizing double agents and decoys.IMDb 6.4TMDB 7.0 - 295
Lakota Nation vs. United StatesMovie · 2022 · 120mIn this lyrical work, poet Layli Long Soldier explores her family's deep connection to the Black Hills. The writing traces a history from initial encounters and broken agreements to the contemporary Land Back movement, offering a powerful reflection on the enduring strength of a people.IMDb 7.8TMDB 6.2 - 296
The Lancaster at WarMovie · 2009 · 47mThis documentary tells the remarkable story of the Avro Lancaster, a key bomber aircraft used during World War II in the fight against Hitler's Germany. Through interviews with veterans of Bomber Command, the film presents honest personal stories about their involvement in a relentless aerial war that resulted in the loss of 55,000 airmen.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.0 - 297
Lumière! The Adventure ContinuesMovie · 2024 · 103mThe sequel to Lumière! L'aventure commence presents another hundred meticulously restored Lumière films. It delves further into the history of cinema's invention and global impact. Building on the success of the first film, this new feature demonstrates that the most significant and beautiful films ever made have their origins in a profoundly French yet truly international beginning.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.0 - 298
Chesley Bonestell: A Brush with the FutureMovie · 2018 · 96mBefore space exploration and advanced telescopes, an artist's breathtaking visions of planets and stars captivated the world. He began his career as an architect, designing iconic structures like the Chrysler Building and the Golden Gate Bridge. Later, he became a matte painter in Hollywood, contributing to films such as Citizen Kane and Destination Moon. This remarkable man was Chesley Bonestell (1888-1986). His painting "Saturn As Seen From Titan" is widely considered "the painting that launched a thousand careers." This documentary, featuring accounts from those he influenced and rare interview footage of the artist, compellingly explores the life of a quiet artistic visionary whose work in architecture and space art continues to inspire our dreams of reaching for the stars.IMDb 8.2TMDB 8.5 - 299Top Priority: The Terror WithinMovie · 2012 · 114mA Homeland Security officer uncovers a national security issue: 23 aliens have entered the U.S. from terrorist nations. Customs Commissioner Robert Bonner, previously criticized for his role in the NASA Challenger disaster, faces intense media pressure and attempts to conceal the situation. To quell the controversy, the government aggressively targets Julia Davis, her family, and witnesses, employing extensive measures like unexplained deaths, involvement of Hollywood and the Mafia, wrongful imprisonment, and warrantless surveillance via helicopters and airplanes. This documentary reveals shocking details surrounding the deaths of prominent Hollywood figures caught in the scandal. The truth is now revealed.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.8
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BorderMovie · 2009 · 84mIMDb 7.6