30 Compelling Documentaries from 2007 to Stir Your Curiosity
30 titles
In a year brimming with captivating storytelling, the documentary genre shined like never before in 2007. This collection of the Top 30 Documentaries of 2007 dives deep into the lives and minds of some of history's most influential figures while also unveiling the intricacies behind beloved cultural phenomena. From the artistic journey of Scott Walker to the real-life drama in Crazy Love, these films offer an engaging blend of human emotion, creativity, and inspiration - making them essential viewing for any discerning film lover. Get ready to explore a diverse array of stories that will leave you thinking long after the credits roll.
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The Secret Life of BrianMovie · 2007 · 48m · DocumentaryThis documentary explores the creation of the film *Life of Brian* and the subsequent controversy surrounding accusations of blasphemy.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.6 - 2
Must Read After My DeathMovie · 2007 · 73m · DocumentaryWhen her grandmother passes away, a woman inherits hours of hidden film and audio recordings, along with a note instructing her to read something specific after the funeral. The contents reveal a disturbing and previously unknown history of her family.IMDb 6.5TMDB 4.6 - 3
TrumboMovie · 2007 · 96m · Documentary, HistoryThis film chronicles the life of Dalton Trumbo (1905-1976) and the impact of the post-World War II congressional crackdown on Hollywood Communists on individuals and their families. Trumbo, along with other writers, directors, and actors, used their First Amendment rights to refuse to answer questions under oath, resulting in blacklisting and imprisonment. The story follows Trumbo through his time in prison, his family's exile in Mexico, financial hardship, his children facing public disapproval, his work writing under pseudonyms, and his eventual, though incomplete, rehabilitation. Actors read his letters, while his children and friends share their memories and perspectives. Archive photos, newsreels, and interviews provide historical context. Written by.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.6 - 4
Scott Walker: 30 Century ManMovie · 2007 · 95m · Documentary, MusicThis documentary explores the life and work of Scott Walker, the highly influential musician.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.0 - 5
My Kid Could Paint ThatMovie · 2007 · 82m · DocumentaryThis film explores the art and unexpected fame of a four-year-old artist. Her paintings, often likened to those of Picasso, have achieved considerable financial success, earning hundreds of thousands of dollars.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.0 - 6
RRMovie · 2007 · 115m · DocumentaryBenning’s newest film charts the landscape and history of American progress through the movement of trains. Thirty years after his earlier work, *The United States of America* (1975), *RR* continues Benning's exploration of highways and railroads as symbols of American life. The film acts as a political commentary on the role of trains in a society driven by consumerism, particularly highlighted when an Eisenhower speech coincides with a passing coal train. Benning spent two and a half years filming 216 shots of trains, 43 of which are in *RR*. The trains' colors, speeds, and sounds evoke a sense of excitement, nostalgia, and romance, underscored by Benning’s statement that this will be his final film made on 16mm.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.0 - 7
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 - 8
Star Wars: The Legacy RevealedMovie · 2007 · 91m · DocumentaryThis special explores the enduring relevance of Star Wars and its historical inspirations, drawing parallels to Greek mythology. It features interviews with prominent politicians, journalists, and critics alongside historical footage and clips from all six Star Wars films.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.2 - 9
The Pixar Shorts: A Short HistoryMovie · 2007 · 23m · Animation, Family, DocumentaryPixar's first short films offer a glimpse into the company's beginnings and the pioneering era of computer animation. A small team of artists and scientists, working together with limited resources – sharing a single computer in a hallway – poured their efforts into crafting emotionally resonant stories.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.6 - 10
King CornMovie · 2007 · 88m · Documentary"King Corn" follows two college friends who travel to their rural Iowa hometown to investigate the pervasive role of corn in the American diet. Driven by curiosity, they explore how a single crop has become so dominant. Working with local farmers, they cultivate an acre of corn, uncovering the surprising realities behind modern agriculture – including fertilizer use, government subsidies, and genetically modified seeds. This documentary reveals the often humorous and unsettling truths about America's food system.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.3 - 11
Chasing Ghosts: Beyond the ArcadeMovie · 2007 · 90m · DocumentaryIn 1982, the top players in the video game world offer their perspectives on everything from game controllers to celebrity admirers and the meaning of life itself.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.9 - 12
Re-Animator ResurrectusMovie · 2007 · 70m · DocumentaryThis documentary includes interviews with the actors and filmmakers behind Re-Animator (1985), with the exception of David Gale, who has passed away.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.3 - 13
The War on DemocracyMovie · 2007 · 96m · History, Documentary, WarThe film examines the historical and ongoing relationship between Washington and nations like Venezuela, Bolivia, and Chile. According to Pilger, it tells a universal story, analyzing and revealing, through powerful testimonies, the reality behind the myths of a great power. It sheds light on the true nature of the "war on terror." Pilger argues the film’s message is that the greed and power of empire are not unbreakable, and that people power remains a persistent force.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.5 - 14
Loose Change: Final CutMovie · 2007 · 129m · DocumentaryLoose Change Final Cut is the third film in a documentary series that challenges established narratives surrounding the 9/11 attacks and related events. The film aims to prompt a new, independent investigation to provide answers for the families of victims and to ensure those responsible for the attacks are held accountable.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.5 - 15
The Making of Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along BlogMovie · 2007 · 20m · Documentary, ComedyA musically driven comedy about a nerdy aspiring villain who desperately wants to join a superhero team. He meets a Captain and a Penny, and begins a blog to gain their attention. His attempts at evil are repeatedly thwarted by the Captain, while his affections for Penny remain unrequited.IMDb 8.7TMDB 7.5 - 16
Jackass 2.5Movie · 2007 · 64m · Comedy, DocumentaryThe crew returns to complete the remaining stunts from Jackass 2.0. This installment features Wee Man using a "pee" gun on the cast, a mini motorcycle chase through a grocery store, a sperm test, a crew member in a King Kong disguise, and three episodes documenting their comedic adventures in India.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.1 - 17
The Battle of ChernobylMovie · 2007 · 94m · Documentary, HistoryOn April 26, 1986, a massive fire erupted in the sky above Ukraine when the fourth reactor at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant exploded. Immediately, a large-scale effort involving 500,000 people across the Soviet Union began to contain the radiation, construct a protective structure over the damaged reactor, and prevent a catastrophic second explosion that could have devastated half of Europe. This documentary, now a key film on the event, presents the first account of the Chernobyl crisis, combining firsthand testimonies with previously unseen footage.IMDb 8.2TMDB 7.5 - 18
ZooMovie · 2007 · 76m · Documentary"Zoo" explores the world of men who feel a deep connection to animals, focusing on a group involved in a tragic event related to their affection for horses. The film uses interviews and staged scenes to examine these relationships.IMDb 5.5TMDB 4.8 - 19
The 11th HourMovie · 2007 · 95m · Documentary, Drama, CrimeThis film examines the current condition of the Earth's environment and explores both innovative and practical approaches to healing our planet's ecosystems. It features conversations with leading experts from around the world, including Mikhail Gorbachev, Stephen Hawking, and former CIA Director R. James Woolsey.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.7 - 20
PlayingMovie · 2007 · 105m · DocumentaryAfter seeing a newspaper advertisement, everyday women share pieces of their life stories with director Eduardo Coutinho. These stories are then acted out by actresses, creating a fascinating blend of reality, drama, and perspective.IMDb 8.4TMDB 8.4 - 21
For the Bible Tells Me SoMovie · 2007 · 98m · DocumentaryThis film examines the complex relationship between faith and LGBTQ+ identity in America, focusing on how certain interpretations of the Bible have been used by some religious groups to negatively portray and marginalize gay people.IMDb 7.8TMDB 6.9 - 22
Louis Theroux: The Most Hated Family in AmericaMovie · 2007 · 60m · Documentary, TV MovieLouis encounters the Phelps family, the core of the highly divisive Westboro Baptist Church. The Phelps hold strong anti-gay views and frequently protest at military funerals. They believe all global tragedies are divine retribution for homosexuality.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.3 - 23
The Union: The Business Behind Getting HighMovie · 2007 · 104m · Comedy, DocumentaryAdam Scorgie's documentary examines the illegal marijuana trade in British Columbia, suggesting the black market is more lucrative than legalization would make it. The film features interviews with marijuana growers, police, doctors, politicians, criminologists, economists, and celebrities like Tommy Chong, all offering perspectives on this current issue.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.2 - 24
NankingMovie · 2007 · 88m · Documentary, Drama, HistoryThis film recounts the horrific Rape of Nanking, a pivotal and devastating event in history. In 1937, the Japanese army's invasion resulted in the murder of over 200,000 Chinese civilians and the rape of tens of thousands more. Amidst this unimaginable brutality, a small group of Westerners united to shelter and protect 250,000 people. *Nanking* illustrates the profound difference individuals can make in shaping historical events.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.1 - 25
Joe Strummer: The Future Is UnwrittenMovie · 2007 · 123m · Music, DocumentaryFrom 1977 onward, Joe Strummer profoundly impacted countless lives as the frontman of The Clash. Four years after his passing, his influence resonates globally, perhaps more powerfully than ever. "The Future Is Unwritten," directed by Julien Temple, presents a portrait of Joe Strummer as more than just a legend or musician – he was a vital voice of his era. Drawing on a shared punk past and the close friendship between Temple and Strummer in the years leading up to his death, the film is a tribute to Strummer's life, exploring his journey both with and beyond The Clash.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.2 - 26
HelveticaMovie · 2007 · 80m · DocumentaryHelvetica is a documentary film exploring typography, graphic design, and how visual culture shapes our world. It examines the widespread use of the Helvetica typeface – celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2007 – as a lens through which to understand type's impact on daily life. The film journeys through urban environments, showcasing the typography found in major cities, and features conversations with leading designers about their work, creative approaches, and the aesthetic decisions behind their use of type.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.2 - 27
The King of Kong: A Fistful of QuartersMovie · 2007 · 83m · DocumentaryA quiet arcade champion faces off against the legendary Donkey Kong world record holder in an epic gaming battle that captures the attention of the entire industry. For two decades, Billy Mitchell has held the top score, considered unbeatable. But Steve Wiebe appears and claims to have surpassed him. Mitchell refuses to lose his title, and the two compete fiercely for the ultimate recognition as the true King of Kong.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.7 - 28
Encounters 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 - 29
EarthMovie · 2007 · 90m · DocumentaryEARTH, from Disneynature, follows the journeys of three animal families: polar bears, elephants, and humpback whales. It's an epic adventure showcasing the courage and magnificence of these creatures as they navigate life across the planet.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.6 - 30
In the Shadow of the MoonMovie · 2007 · 109m · Documentary, HistoryThis film features previously unseen archival footage from the original NASA recordings, alongside interviews with the astronauts who walked on the Moon. The interviews include Jim Lovell, Dave Scott, John Young, Gene Cernan, Mike Collins, Buzz Aldrin, Alan Bean, Edgar Mitchell, Charlie Duke, and Harrison Schmitt.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.6
