19 Ken Burns Documentaries to Watch
19 titles
- 1
Brooklyn BridgeMovie · 1981 · 58mThis documentary explores the challenges and innovative solutions behind building the Brooklyn Bridge 135 years ago, a project that sparked considerable debate at the time. It follows the bridge's development from its initial idea to its completion, charting its evolution into a celebrated symbol of American ingenuity and strength.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.4 - 2
The Statue of LibertyMovie · 1985 · 60mFor over a century, the Statue of Liberty has represented hope and a new beginning for immigrants. Ken Burns offers a lyrical and thought-provoking look at the statue's history and the concept of liberty itself. Using rare photographs, paintings, drawings, and excerpts from historical documents, the film tells the story of this widely admired monument. Interviews with Americans from diverse backgrounds, including Mario Cuomo, Barbara Jordan, James Baldwin, and Jerzy Kosinski, explore the meaning of liberty and the statue's importance to American identity. Nominated for multiple awards, including an Academy Award and an Emmy, *The Statue of Liberty* also received the CINE Golden Eagle, the Christopher Award, and the Blue Ribbon at the American Film Festival.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.7 - 3
Horatio's Drive: America's First Road TripMovie · 2003 · 107mIn the spring of 1903, Dr. Horatio Nelson Jackson made a spontaneous decision and a $50 bet: he would drive from San Francisco to the East Coast in a 20-horsepower Winton touring car, aiming to be the first to cross the country in a car. Many believed automobiles wouldn't succeed. Jackson's journey would prove them wrong.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.4 - 4
Ken Burns: America's StorytellerMovie · 2017 · 55mTom Hanks presents a tribute to the celebrated filmmaker Ken Burns, examining the scope of his career through conversations with his colleagues and an analysis of his approach to bringing American history to life on film. Featuring Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, George Lucas, Wynton Marsalis, Yo-Yo Ma, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Sam Waterston, Doris Kearns Goodwin, and others, the tribute also offers an exclusive preview of Burns' upcoming documentary, THE VIETNAM WAR.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.2 - 5
Defying the Nazis: The Sharps' WarMovie · 2016 · 90mIn 1939, an American couple embarks on a daring mission: to aid refugees fleeing Nazi-occupied Europe. For two years, they put themselves in danger, risking everything to help hundreds find freedom.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.9 - 6
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 - 7
East Lake Meadows: A Public Housing StoryMovie · 2020 · 104mThis film chronicles the story of the East Lake Meadows public housing project in Atlanta and the lives of its residents between 1970 and 2000, culminating in its demolition. It highlights the tenant activism led by Eva Davis as she fought for the rights of those who called East Lake Meadows home.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.5 - 8
Huey LongMovie · 1985 · 88mKen Burns presents an in-depth look at Huey Long, the influential Louisiana governor and U.S. senator.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.0 - 9
Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack JohnsonMovie · 2004 · 214mThis is the story of Jack Johnson, the first African American to become the world heavyweight boxing champion.IMDb 8.3TMDB 7.1 - 10
The Mayo ClinicMovie · 2018 · 115mThe Mayo Clinic, often called a "Medical Mecca," "Supreme Court of Medicine," and a beacon of hope, began in 1883 with an unlikely partnership between the Sisters of Saint Francis and Dr. William Worrall Mayo following a tornado in rural Minnesota. It has since grown into a major organization treating over a million patients annually from across the United States and 150 countries. Dr. Mayo instilled in his sons Will and Charlie a core principle: prioritizing patient needs above all else. Rather than focusing solely on disease, they focused on the whole person. The Clinic’s collaborative, multi-specialty approach, fostered from its earliest days, has shaped a culture of teamwork.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.0 - 11
Ken Burns: Here & ThereMovie · 2020 · 58mThis film explores the life and work of Ken Burns through interviews with those who have collaborated with him, including friends and colleagues, as well as with Burns himself. A recurring theme is the significance of location, as Burns reflects on places that have shaped him, ranging from iconic landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge to his childhood home in rural New Hampshire.IMDb 6.8 - 12
Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made RadioMovie · 1991 · 113mFor half a century, radio was the dominant force in American life, the first true mass medium. Ken Burns' *Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio* explores the lives of three key figures who were instrumental in its invention and early triumph. Their genius, intertwined with friendship, rivalry, and animosity, played out in tragic ways. The film tells the story of Lee de Forest, a flamboyant inventor who created the audion tube; Edwin Howard Armstrong, a brilliant but reclusive inventor who pioneered FM technology; and David Sarnoff, a driven Russian immigrant who built the world's most powerful communications company.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.5 - 13
Mark TwainMovie · 2002 · 212mFilmmaker Ken Burns presents a comprehensive look at Mark Twain, widely regarded as the greatest American author.IMDb 8.3TMDB 7.0 - 14
Thomas Hart BentonMovie · 1989 · 85mThomas Hart Benton created bold and unflinching paintings. While his art is now displayed in museums, he originally hung his works in public places like saloons, so everyday people could see them.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.5 - 15
Baseball: The Tenth InningMovie · 2010 · 243mDuring a period of increasing globalization and deregulation, a major labor strike threatens to destroy baseball, fueled by disputes over money and control. The game is revitalized by the emergence of exceptionally gifted Latin American players. Cal Ripken Jr. establishes himself as an enduring presence, while Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Bonds showcase exceptional skill. The Atlanta Braves become the dominant team in the National League, and the New York Yankees begin a new era of success. As home run records are broken by players like Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa, players across the league face difficult choices about their commitment to winning.IMDb 8.3TMDB 8.0 - 16
The AddressMovie · 2014 · 86mKen Burns' latest documentary explores the Gettysburg Address through the eyes of students at Greenwood School. The film follows their in-depth study of the speech, revealing fresh perspectives and a deeper understanding of its enduring significance.IMDb 7.5TMDB 5.8 - 17
Yosemite — A Gathering of SpiritMovie · 2013 · 25mBurns’ Yosemite: A Gathering of Spirit is a documentary film commemorating the 150th anniversary of the historic act signed by Abraham Lincoln. This act protected Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. - 18
The Shakers: Hands to Work, Hearts to GodMovie · 1984 · 60mKnown as the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, they were widely known as the Shakers because of their lively dancing. Ken Burns presents a deeply affecting look at this unique American religious group, offering a fresh and surprisingly moving perspective on their lives.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.8 - 19
The CongressMovie · 1989 · 89mFor two centuries, the U.S. Congress has been a vital yet often misunderstood part of American life. Ken Burns offers a detailed, thoughtful, and frequently moving look at the history and potential of this distinctive institution. The acclaimed film uses historical photographs and newsreels alongside compelling contemporary footage and interviews with David Broder, Alistair Cooke, Cokie Roberts, Charles McDowell, and others. It chronicles the people, events, and debates that have shaped the first 200 years of Congress and, consequently, the nation itself.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.8
