17 Mind-Blowing True Story Documentaries
17 titles
- 1
Grey 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.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.3 - 2
I Think We're Alone NowMovie · 2008 · 64m"I Think We're Alone Now" is a documentary exploring the intense devotion of two people to 80s pop singer Tiffany. Jeff Turner, a 50-year-old from Santa Cruz diagnosed with Asperger's, has been a devoted fan since 1988 and has never had a romantic relationship. He spends his time talking to strangers on the streets. Kelly McCormick, a 38-year-old from Denver, claims to have been friends with Tiffany as a teenager, crediting her with inspiring her life. Both Jeff and Kelly have been labeled stalkers by the media and other fans. The film offers an intimate look into their isolated lives, revealing the roots of their unwavering obsession.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.5 - 3
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 - 4
Capturing the FriedmansMovie · 2003 · 107m · Documentary, CrimeThis Oscar-nominated documentary examines the devastating story of a middle-class American family fractured by accusations of child sexual abuse against the father, Arnold, and son, Jesse. Director Jarecki interviews individuals connected to the case, exploring the question of whether their trials were just, given their claims of innocence and the lack of concrete evidence.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.1 - 5
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 - 6
Exit Through the Gift ShopMovie · 2010 · 86m · DocumentaryBanksy is a world-famous graffiti artist whose art appears on walls worldwide, from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina to the West Bank. He fiercely protects his anonymity to avoid legal trouble and has never been filmed. *Exit Through the Gift Shop* is the surprising true story of a quirky French shop owner who tried to find and befriend Banksy, only for the artist to redirect the camera back at him.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.5 - 7
CinemaniaMovie · 2002 · 79m · DocumentaryThis documentary explores the vibrant world of dedicated movie lovers in New York City. It follows five people deeply passionate about film, who watch two to five movies daily – and hundreds, even thousands, each year. The film reveals their lives, their personal histories, their routines, and the films that hold profound meaning for them.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.8 - 8
Crazy LoveMovie · 2007 · 92m · Documentary, RomanceDan Klores' film explores the unusual relationship between Burt Pugach and Linda Riss. In 1950s New York, Pugach, a successful lawyer, begins a relationship with the much younger Riss. However, Riss ends the relationship after discovering Pugach lied about being divorced. Learning that Riss was engaged to someone else, Pugach hires men to attack her with lye, resulting in a 14-year prison sentence.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.4 - 9
Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His FatherMovie · 2008 · 94m · Documentary, CrimeIn 2001, medical resident Andrew Bagby is murdered shortly after ending his relationship with his girlfriend. Later, when she reveals she is pregnant, Andrew’s close friend Kurt Kuenne creates this film as a gift for the child.IMDb 8.5TMDB 8.1 - 10
Man on WireMovie · 2008 · 94m · DocumentaryIn 1974, French high-wire artist Philippe Petit performed an illegal walk between the New York World Trade Center towers, then the tallest buildings in the world. He spent nearly an hour on a wire strung 1,350 feet above the city streets before being arrested. This documentary recounts Petit's extraordinary feat.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.4 - 11
TabloidMovie · 2011 · 87mThis documentary examines the case of a former Miss Wyoming accused of kidnapping and holding a young Mormon missionary captive.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.4 - 12
MarwencolMovie · 2010 · 83m · DocumentaryFollowing a brutal assault that results in brain damage and financial ruin, Mark Hogancamp finds a path to healing in "Marwencol." He builds a miniature World War II town in his backyard, meticulously recreating it in 1/6th scale.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.2 - 13
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.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.5 - 14
Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's ApocalypseMovie · 1991 · 96m · DocumentaryThis film explores the intense, behind-the-scenes story of making Apocalypse Now, revealing the immense challenges director Francis Ford Coppola faced. Unforeseen events – including severe weather, actors' illnesses, and the proximity of war – significantly increased costs and threatened to overwhelm him.
The movie details Coppola’s unwavering commitment to his vision amidst these difficulties. It shows how his determination, along with the dedication of his crew and cast, ultimately resulted in the creation of a landmark film that remains influential. The difficulties encountered during Apocalypse Now's production highlight the sacrifices required to realize ambitious cinematic projects.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.9 - 15
F 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.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.4 - 16
Married to the Eiffel TowerMovie · 2008 · 45mIn a world where people feel alienated from each other but find comfort in inanimate objects, a unique phenomenon exists. Known as "objectum sexual," primarily affecting women, this involves forming romantic and sexual attachments to non-living things. Erika is married to the Eiffel Tower and dedicated to challenging the stigma surrounding this condition. Her goal is to build a global community for those who share similar affections, including Amy, who loves a church organ, and Eija Riita, who is married to the Berlin Wall.IMDb 6.8TMDB 5.2 - 17
The ImposterMovie · 2012 · 99m · Documentary, Mystery, CrimeIn 1994, a 13-year-old boy vanished from his home in San Antonio, Texas. Three and a half years later, he's discovered alive in a Spanish village, recounting a harrowing tale of kidnapping and torture. His family rejoices at his return. However, everything isn't as it appears.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.3
