W2TCH

253 Essential Documentaries Ever Made

253 titles

Default order ↑PopularityIMDb ratingTMDB ratingRelease dateRuntimeTitleBudgetBox office
  1. 201I, a NegroMovie · 1959 · 70m · Documentary"Moi, un noir" is a pioneering documentary that won the Prix Louis Delluc in 1958, a major turning point in Jean Rouch’s ethnographic work. Instead of simply observing, Rouch used collaborative and improvisational methods, a style he called "shared ethnography" and "ethnofiction." This approach lets the film explore the lives of people from Niger who have moved to Abidjan, Ivory Coast for work. By following their everyday routines for a typical week, the film offers a clear look at how they adjust to their new surroundings and city life. The result is a personal portrayal of their strength, hopes, and difficulties, providing viewers with a fresh view on migration and adapting to a new culture.Stream onIMDb 7.3TMDB 7.3
  2. 202DriftersMovie · 1929 · 49mJohn Grierson's silent film documents the herring fishing industry off the coast of Britain. It portrays the work and lives of those involved in this significant North Sea fishery.Stream onIMDb 6.7TMDB 5.9
  3. 203Louisiana StoryMovie · 1948 · 78m · Adventure, DramaA young Cajun boy living in a beautiful bayou forms a close friendship with an orphaned raccoon. Their peaceful life is disrupted when an oil drilling site appears near their home. This story explores the connection between people and animals, the impact of industrial growth on a close-knit community, and the effort to preserve traditional ways of life as things change.Stream onIMDb 6.4TMDB 6.4
  4. 204LondonMovie · 1994 · 85mThis film follows an unseen narrator and his companion, Robinson, on a journey through London and its past during the 1992 general election. It's an exploration of the city's history, viewed through a psycho-geographic lens.Stream onIMDb 7.4TMDB 6.6
  5. 205Workingman's DeathMovie · 2005 · 122mIs hard physical work fading away, or is it simply hidden from view? Where can we find it today? *Workingman's Death* follows the stories of those who do this labor in the illegal mines of Ukraine, among workers in Indonesia, at a slaughterhouse in Nigeria, dismantling oil tankers in Pakistan, and in Chinese steel mills, all striving for a better tomorrow.Stream onIMDb 7.9TMDB 7.0
  6. 206Of Whales, the Moon, and MenMovie · 1963 · 106mInspired by the filmmakers, young men from the island community of Ile-aux-Coudres, located in the St. Lawrence River, attempt to restart beluga whale fishing – a tradition interrupted in 1924 – as a tribute to their ancestors.IMDb 8.2TMDB 7.4
  7. 207The NightcleanersMovie · 1975 · 90m"The Nightcleaners" takes place during the 1970-1972 campaign to organize women office cleaners who faced mistreatment and low wages. Initially planned as a campaign film, the filmmakers adapted their approach to capture the dynamics between the cleaners, the Cleaner's Action Group, and the Unions – and the complexities of the campaign itself.IMDb 7.1TMDB 5.3
  8. 208The Autobiography of Nicolae CeausescuMovie · 2010 · 180mThis three-hour documentary chronicles 25 years of Nicolae Ceaușescu's life, utilizing 1,000 hours of original footage sourced from the Romanian National Archives.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.7
  9. 209The Leader, His Driver, and the Driver's WifeMovie · 1991 · 85mFilmmaker Nick Broomfield seeks an interview with Eugene Terre'Blanche, the leader of the extremist neo-nazi AWB Afrikaner Party in South Africa. The film documents uneasy encounters with nervous AWB followers, militant youth undergoing combat training, and the highly anticipated interview with Terre'Blanche himself. Broomfield gains access through Terre'Blanche's driver, and the driver's conflicted feelings about the movement are also examined.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.5
  10. 210The Battle of MidwayMovie · 1942 · 18m · Documentary, WarThe film details the crucial Battle of Midway in June 1942, a major World War II engagement between the U.S. and Japan. This documentary, meticulously researched for historical accuracy, authentically portrays the events of the battle, honoring the bravery and sacrifices of those involved. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive and Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, this rare footage allows future audiences to understand this pivotal moment in history. Combining archival material, expert insights, and engaging storytelling, the film immerses viewers in the intense naval battle between the two powers.Stream onIMDb 6.1TMDB 5.8
  11. 211The Mad MastersMovie · 1955 · 28m · DocumentaryThe film explores the unusual Hauka movement that emerged in West Africa during French colonialism. Hauka participants would perform dances to simulate possession by their French Colonial administrators. These performances involved intensely recreating military ceremonies, not simply imitating them. This dance-induced experience offered a way to express resistance and challenge colonial rule. The film examines the complexities of identity, cultural resistance, and psychological elements within the Hauka phenomenon, revealing a powerful story of human resilience in the face of oppression.Stream onIMDb 6.5TMDB 6.2
  12. 212Divorce Iranian StyleMovie · 1998 · 76mDIVORCE IRANIAN STYLE takes place within an Iranian divorce court, offering a quiet and personal glimpse into the lives of women in a country often portrayed as restrictive. The film is perceptive and delicately observed, showing how Iranian women cleverly use humor and resourcefulness to navigate societal limitations.Stream onIMDb 7.4TMDB 7.1
  13. 213Ten Minutes OlderMovie · 1978 · 10mThis ten-minute film explores the emotional experience of children in a darkened theater. Fear, curiosity, and ultimately, a smile, play across their faces as they watch something unseen by the audience.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.2
  14. 214India: Matri BhumiMovie · 1959 · 90mThe film blends stories about India's natural environments and wildlife with documentary footage.Stream onIMDb 7.2TMDB 7.0
  15. 215CullodenMovie · 1964 · 69m · TV Movie, War, HistoryOn April 16th, 1746, the Battle of Culloden in the Scottish Highlands resulted in a devastating defeat for Great Britain. The chaotic battle was characterized by poor strategy and extreme violence, causing widespread suffering and loss. The film examines the events that led to this tragedy, highlighting those responsible for the destruction. It also remembers the innocent people who perished or were forever changed by Culloden, sharing their stories and ensuring they are not forgotten.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.4
  16. 216Reassemblage: From the Firelight to the ScreenMovie · 1983 · 40mThis film is a visually rich exploration of women's lives in rural Senegal. By inviting viewers into a shared experience, *Reassemblage* examines the process of documentary filmmaking and how cultures are portrayed on screen.Stream onIMDb 6.5TMDB 5.6
  17. 217Work in ProgressMovie · 2001 · 125mAn author documents the construction of a new apartment building in a Barcelona neighborhood over a period of one and a half years.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.3
  18. 218The ArborMovie · 2010 · 91m · Drama, DocumentaryThis film explores the lives of Bradford playwright Andrea Dunbar, her daughter Lorraine, and the people of Bradford, thirty years after the 18-year-old Andrea wrote a play about growing up there called "The Arbor."Stream onIMDb 7.3TMDB 7.2
  19. 219EmpireMovie · 1965 · 479m · DocumentaryThis film presents a single, unbroken shot following the passage of time around the Empire State Building. Starting in the early evening as city lights appear and the sky darkens, the camera captures the movement of people below the building. As night falls, the building transforms into a canvas of shadows and light. The camera stays fixed, yet the scene feels full of life, drawing the viewer into an immersive experience. With the arrival of dawn, the city awakens in a dynamic contrast to the Empire State Building's constant presence. The quiet beauty of the early morning is captured subtly, creating a lasting impression. The film explores time, city life, and our connection to the urban environment by showcasing the Empire State Building from dusk till dawn. It offers a captivating visual story about how people and their surroundings relate in a city that never sleeps.IMDb 3.7TMDB 4.2
  20. 220The HuntersMovie · 1957 · 72mThis documentary follows four Ju/’hoansi men, part of the !Kung tribe, as they participate in a multi-day giraffe hunt in the Kalahari Desert. The film was created during the 1952-53 Smithsonian–Harvard Peabody expedition.Stream onIMDb 6.9TMDB 6.1
  21. 221Anything Can HappenMovie · 1995 · 39mThis film explores themes of life and death through the eyes of six-year-old Tomaszek, who visits elderly people in a Warsaw park. While riding his scooter, he asks them simple yet profound questions about life. The older men readily share their perspectives, contrasting with the boy's innocent views of the future and existence.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.1
  22. 222Sisters in LawMovie · 2005 · 104m"Sisters in Law" is set in Kumba, South West Cameroon and centers on a female judge who handles cases involving adultery, rape, and abuse.Stream onIMDb 7.3TMDB 6.6
  23. 223The War GameMovie · 1966 · 48m · War, TV MovieThis docudrama examines the grim consequences of a fictional nuclear attack on Britain. Originally commissioned by the BBC, the film was ultimately deemed too intense for television. Premiering in theaters in 1966, its powerful depiction of destruction received widespread acclaim for its realistic portrayal of nuclear war's impact. After being unavailable on British television for nearly two decades, it finally aired in 1985. This thought-provoking film serves as a stark reminder of the potential devastation of nuclear conflict and leaves a lasting emotional impression.Stream onIMDb 7.9TMDB 7.7
  24. 224Encounters at the End of the WorldMovie · 2007 · 99m · DocumentaryDirector Werner Herzog and cinematographer Peter Zeitlinger travel to Antarctica to document the lives of those who live and work there, and to film the continent's distinctive environments. Herzog’s narration states the film will deviate from conventional Antarctic documentaries focused on wildlife, instead examining the aspirations of the inhabitants and the character of the land itself.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.4
  25. 225High SchoolMovie · 1969 · 75m · DocumentaryFrederick Wiseman's documentary offers a quiet, detailed look inside Northeast High School. The film follows teachers and students as they navigate their daily routines, presented through unobtrusive observation. Wiseman avoids taking a position or offering explanations, letting viewers observe the school’s complex interactions firsthand. The film captures everything from classroom discussions to the everyday management of the school, providing an honest view of the educational experience and the people who shape it within the American system.Stream onIMDb 7.5TMDB 7.3
  26. 226S21: The Khmer Rouge Killing MachineMovie · 2003 · 101m · Documentary, History, WarThis documentary explores the S-21 prison in Phnom Penh, featuring interviews with both former prisoners and guards. It investigates the circumstances surrounding the prison's horrific history and attempts to understand how such atrocities could occur.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.4
  27. 227American MovieMovie · 1999 · 107m · Documentary, ComedyAmerican Movie follows Mark Borchardt, an ambitious filmmaker in rural Wisconsin, as he struggles to achieve his dreams while dealing with limited money, family obligations, and personal struggles. The film documents two years of Mark's life as he works to complete his challenging project. It reveals the powerful and often contradictory feelings that motivate artists striving for success, exploring the fine line between ambition and fixation, extravagance and practicality. By honestly showing Mark’s experiences, American Movie provides a thought-provoking look at the difficult reality of the American Dream and the personal costs of chasing it.Stream onIMDb 7.8TMDB 7.6
  28. 228A Happy Mother's DayMovie · 1963 · 26mThis cinéma vérité documentary follows the Fischer family in Aberdeen, South Dakota, in the immediate aftermath of the 1963 birth of the first surviving American quintuplets. Shot soon after the groundbreaking event, the film explores the contrast between the public celebration – the civic promotion, media frenzy, and commercial opportunities – and the private exhaustion and quiet pain experienced by Mrs. Fischer. It reveals the growing tensions between the family's extraordinary public life and the realities of everyday family life.IMDb 5.8TMDB 5.5
  29. 22979 SpringsMovie · 1969 · 25mThe film commemorates Ho Chi Minh, the leader of Vietnam, following his death. It tells the story of his life, which mirrors the history of his country, highlighting his key achievements in the fight against colonialism and imperialism.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.0
  30. 230Position Among the StarsMovie · 2011 · 109mThe film follows grandmother Rumidjah, a poor Christian woman living in the Jakarta slums. Through her perspective, we witness Indonesia's evolving economy and the impact of globalization on the lives of her granddaughter Tari and her sons, Bakti and Dwi.IMDb 8.0TMDB 8.4
  31. 231My WinnipegMovie · 2008 · 80m · Documentary, Drama, ComedyWinnipeg, Manitoba, the heart of North America and Guy Maddin's hometown, is the captivating setting for his film. The story blends reality, imagination, and recollections to create a city that is both charming and unsettling.Stream onIMDb 7.5TMDB 6.8
  32. 232Touching the VoidMovie · 2003 · 106m · Documentary, Action, AdventureThis is the true story of Joe Simpson and Simon Yates' perilous and nearly fatal climb of Siula Grande, a 20,810-foot mountain in the Peruvian Andes, in 1985.Stream onIMDb 7.9TMDB 7.6
  33. 233La Région CentraleMovie · 1971 · 193mMichael Snow's 1971 experimental film was shot over 24 hours in the Canadian mountains, using a robotic arm.IMDb 6.2TMDB 7.3
  34. 234PinaMovie · 2011 · 106m · Documentary"Pina" is a 3D dance film featuring the renowned Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch company, created by the influential German choreographer who passed away in the summer of 2009.Stream onIMDb 7.6TMDB 7.4
  35. 235Dark DaysMovie · 2000 · 82m · DocumentaryThis film offers a look at the people who live permanently in the underground tunnels beneath New York City. It's a cinematic portrait of the city's homeless population who have made these tunnels their home.Stream onIMDb 7.7TMDB 7.2
  36. 236Grey GardensMovie · 1976 · 95m · Documentary"Grey Gardens" explores the lives of Edie Bouvier Beale and her mother Edith, relatives of Jackie Kennedy Onassis, who live in a sprawling Long Island estate, largely cut off from society. The film offers a look inside their private world as they reflect on their past and share stories, with Edith often bedridden due to illness. Their unusual personalities reveal the complexities of their lives and their distinctive bond. It's a study of family, societal pressures, and the resilience of the human spirit in challenging circumstances.Stream onIMDb 7.5TMDB 7.3
  37. 237Hoop 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
  38. 238CrumbMovie · 1994 · 120m · Documentary"R. Crumb: Inside the Mind of a Genius" is a documentary exploring the life and work of cartoonist Robert Crumb, famous for drawings like "Keep On Truckin'" and "Fritz the Cat," and his impact on underground comics. The film features interviews with people who knew Crumb – his mother, brothers, wife, and former partners – offering insights into his personality, influences, and motivations. These interviews are combined with a large collection of his graphic art, illustrating his creative process. The documentary reveals the complexities of Crumb's character, showcasing both his genius and darker aspects, and his significant influence on popular culture. It examines themes of creativity, identity, and relationships, all while maintaining a comedic tone reflective of Crumb’s art. Ultimately, the film is a look at an artist's journey and the world he created with his unique talent.Stream onIMDb 8.0TMDB 7.5
  39. 239HäxanMovie · 1922 · 105m · Documentary, Horror, HistoryBenjamin Christensen’s innovative film examines medieval witchcraft through a series of dramatic scenes. It compares the accusations against witches in the Middle Ages to the mental illnesses of his own time, exploring the psychological roots of these frightening events. The darkly comedic film combines horror, disturbing visuals, and unsettling humor for a memorable experience. The story features grave robbing, brutal torture, and a group of possessed nuns holding a satanic ritual. Blending frightening sequences with macabre wit, the film takes viewers to another time while prompting reflection on superstition, belief, and the human mind's susceptibility to mass hysteria.Stream onIMDb 7.6TMDB 7.6
  40. 240The 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 onIMDb 7.9TMDB 7.6
  41. 241A Grin Without a CatMovie · 1977 · 180mChris Marker’s *A Grin Without a Cat* is a sweeping political essay that follows the growth and fall of global leftist movements from the 1960s to the 1970s. Using historical footage and narration, the film explores revolutionary activity in France, Latin America, and other places, considering the hopes, disappointments, and diminishing optimism of a particular generation.Stream onIMDb 7.8TMDB 7.8
  42. 242The 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
  43. 243Lessons 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 onIMDb 7.9TMDB 7.8
  44. 244The 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
  45. 245LeviathanMovie · 2012 · 87m · DocumentaryThis film offers an experimental look at the North American commercial fishing industry. The story is told entirely through footage captured by GoPro cameras mounted on a fishing boat working off the coast of New England.Stream onIMDb 6.5TMDB 6.5
  46. 246The Battle of the SommeMovie · 1916 · 74mThis documentary and propaganda film details the British Army's preparations and initial actions during the Battle of the Somme.Stream onIMDb 6.6TMDB 6.5
  47. 247Hôtel Terminus: The Life and Times of Klaus BarbieMovie · 1988 · 268m · War, DocumentaryMarcel Ophuls' documentary examines the disturbing life of Klaus Barbie, the notorious Gestapo chief known as "The Butcher of Lyon." He oversaw the deaths of over 4,000 people in occupied France during World War II. Barbie escaped justice, fleeing to South America in 1951 with U.S. assistance. The film follows his life in hiding until a worldwide search resulted in his arrest in 1983 and trial, revealing the difficult questions surrounding his actions. Using interviews and historical footage, the documentary offers a direct look at the horrors he inflicted and the attempts to hold him responsible.Stream onIMDb 7.6TMDB 7.0
  48. 248Land of Silence and DarknessMovie · 1971 · 85m · DocumentaryThis film intimately follows Fini Straubinger, who has been deaf and blind since her teens, showing how she lives and fights for others with similar disabilities. We witness her remarkable strength and resolve as she navigates the world, challenging how we understand the difficulties faced by deaf-blind people trying to connect with their surroundings. The documentary is an inspiring story of perseverance that also reveals a unique way of seeing life, emphasizing the power of acceptance and adapting to overcome hardship.Stream onIMDb 7.9TMDB 7.4
  49. 249Time IndefiniteMovie · 1993 · 114mFollowing his wedding, documentarian Ross McElwee experiences a series of tragedies: his grandmother passes away, his wife suffers a miscarriage, and his father dies shortly after. Deeply affected by these sudden losses, McElwee becomes depressed. Seeking solace with his friend and former poetry teacher, Charlene, he visits his brother, a doctor. Through a series of interviews, McElwee reflects on his intense focus on death and attempts to overcome it.Stream onIMDb 7.7TMDB 6.9
  50. 250Chronicle 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
  51. 251On the BoweryMovie · 1957 · 65mThis film blends documentary and scripted elements to depict life on the Bowery, New York City's skid row. Set against the backdrop of men (and some women) socializing in bars, conversing, and sleeping on the streets, the story centers on a man named Ray.Stream onIMDb 7.3TMDB 6.6
  52. 252Our Daily BreadMovie · 2006 · 92m · DocumentaryThis film offers a look inside Europe's industrial food production system and high-tech farms. Set to the sounds of machinery, it presents a detached view of these vast, almost surreal facilities. The environment is cool and industrial, with little room for personal expression.Stream onIMDb 7.6TMDB 7.7
  53. 253F for FakeMovie · 1973 · 89m · DocumentaryThe film explores the stories of Elmyr de Hory and Clifford Irving, two famous con artists who committed elaborate frauds that impacted the art and publishing worlds. De Hory became known for selling fake paintings by artists like Picasso and Matisse, and ultimately died by suicide to avoid further jail time. Irving gained attention for creating a false autobiography attributed to Howard Hughes. Directed by Welles, the film blends documentary and fictional storytelling to examine the complexities of fraud and the people who carefully plan these deceptions. It looks closely at these individuals and their reasons, offering a detailed look at deception, identity, and the human urge to distort reality for personal benefit.Stream onIMDb 7.7TMDB 7.4