30 Compelling Documentaries That Defined 2013
30 titles
Dive into a breathtaking journey through time and reality as we explore the most captivating documentaries of 2013. These films offer a unique opportunity to delve deep into the human experience, from the thrilling world of BMX stunts in '12 O'Clock Boys', to the evolution of videogames in 'How Videogames Changed the World'. Each film on this list unravels a piece of our collective narrative - an unforgettable exploration that will leave you thoughtful, entertained, and forever changed.
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Birth of the Living DeadMovie · 2013 · 76m · DocumentaryThis film offers a look at the making of George Romero's influential horror film, Night of the Living Dead.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.7 - 2
12 O'Clock BoysMovie · 2013 · 76m · DocumentaryPug, a sharp-witted 13-year-old growing up on a tough Westside neighborhood, wants nothing more than to become part of The Twelve O'Clock Boys, Baltimore’s infamous urban dirt-bike gang. These riders, from across the city, take to the streets and challenge the police, who are restricted from pursuing them due to public safety concerns. After his older brother's unexpected death, Pug seeks guidance from the gang, drawn to their risky way of life. The film offers an immersive, action-filled look at the riders as they live their lives, capturing a defining period in a boy’s life during a time of significant change in one of America's most economically struggling cities.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.0 - 3
Mademoiselle CMovie · 2013 · 93m · DocumentaryThis documentary profiles Carine Roitfeld, the former editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris and influential fashion stylist.IMDb 5.6TMDB 5.6 - 4
Master of the UniverseMovie · 2013 · 88m · DocumentaryA top German investment expert, earning millions daily, now speaks from an empty bank building in Frankfurt, overlooking the city's modern skyline. In a revealing mix of monologue and interview, he shares his unsettlingly fascinating perspective from a world where illusions are the most valuable asset. Marc Bauder's 'Master of the Universe,' based on thorough research, offers a genuine look into the secretive financial world, where the protagonist sees himself as the ultimate authority. Unlike other films about the financial crisis, this drama explores the mindset that enabled it. It's a tense examination of how psychology and finance are deeply intertwined.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.2 - 5
How Videogames Changed the WorldMovie · 2013 · 97m · Documentary, TV MovieCharlie Brooker explores the history of video games, from Pong to Grand Theft Auto, highlighting key titles. "How Videogames Changed the World" examines how interactive entertainment transformed from simple arcade games into a powerful medium considered by some to be art, impacting how we work, communicate, and have fun. With guests including Jonathan Ross, Dara O'Briain, and pioneers like Will Wright and John Romero, Brooker reveals video games as the most innovative art form of the past four decades. This engaging and informative journey will appeal to both newcomers and seasoned gamers.IMDb 7.5TMDB 6.8 - 6
Drew: The Man Behind the PosterMovie · 2013 · 97m · DocumentaryThis documentary explores the life and work of Drew Struzan, the renowned artist behind countless iconic movie posters.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.0 - 7
Into the MindMovie · 2013 · 83m · DocumentaryFrom the creators of All.I.Can comes Into the Mind. The film explores the blurred lines between dreams and reality by showing the world through the perspectives of many people. It examines the connections between mentors and peers to offer a philosophical look at humanity. The film asks: What motivates us to face challenges? How do we accept risks? What drives mountain sports addiction? Through unique segments featuring various mountain sports, the film reveals the interconnectedness of the Earth and captures unprecedented moments. It delves into how we develop our sense of self, build confidence, and ultimately pursue self-discovery.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.8 - 8
GMO OMGMovie · 2013 · 90m · Documentary, FamilyIn the United States today, we unknowingly participate in a massive experiment: consuming genetically engineered food. We eat GMOs every day, but the long-term effects on our health and the environment are largely unknown, and growing studies raise increasing concerns. "GMO OMG" follows a father's journey of discovery about GMOs and their impact on his three young children and the world. It’s a call to action, suggesting we still have time to heal the planet, feed the world sustainably, but only if we begin now.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.8 - 9
MiliusMovie · 2013 · 103m · DocumentaryThis is the story of John Milius, the filmmaker known as the "Zen Anarchist," and his life. He was a highly influential storyteller during his time.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.0 - 10
The Short GameMovie · 2013 · 100m · DocumentaryEvery year, the top 7-year-old golfers from around the globe gather at Pinehurst, North Carolina for the World Junior Golf Championships. "The Short Game" follows eight of these young athletes as they strive to become the future stars of the sport.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.4 - 11
Dear Mr. WattersonMovie · 2013 · 89m · DocumentaryTwenty years after Calvin and Hobbes ended its daily newspaper run, filmmaker Joel Allen Schroeder investigates why the comic strip continues to have such a dedicated fanbase.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.4 - 12
Grounded: Making The Last of UsMovie · 2013 · 85m · DocumentaryThis film chronicles the making of a game, celebrating the challenges of pioneering something entirely new. Without established paths or instructions, the team relied on repeated experimentation and setbacks to forge their vision. It's the story of a diverse group – artists, musicians, programmers, writers, actors, filmmakers, testers, and a dedicated UI designer – who collaborated, pushing each other to create something extraordinary.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.6 - 13
Interior. Leather Bar.Movie · 2013 · 61m · Drama, DocumentaryJames Franco and Travis Mathews use a previously unseen 40 minutes from the film "Cruising" as a springboard to examine themes of sexual and artistic liberation.IMDb 5.0TMDB 5.2 - 14
My Amityville HorrorMovie · 2013 · 88m · Documentary, HorrorThirty-five years later, Daniel Lutz shares his account of the 1975 Amityville haunting that deeply affected his family. The story of George and Kathleen Lutz became a bestseller and inspired films that continue to captivate audiences. This documentary explores the reality of being part of a world-famous haunting, revealing the lasting psychological impact on Daniel. Filmmaker Eric Walter combines extensive research with insights from reporters and witnesses, presenting Daniel Lutz's most personal and detailed account yet.IMDb 5.4TMDB 5.6 - 15
DownloadedMovie · 2013 · 106m · DocumentaryThis documentary examines the rise of music downloading. It follows the young people who pioneered the technology, the musicians and companies whose livelihoods were changed, and the broader effects on society.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.5 - 16
Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday the 13thMovie · 2013 · 400m · DocumentaryBased on Peter M. Bracke's comprehensive book of the same title, this seven-hour documentary explores the production of every film in the *Friday the 13th* series, featuring fresh interviews with cast and crew.IMDb 8.4TMDB 7.9 - 17
David Blaine: Real or MagicMovie · 2013 · 63m · TV Movie, Family, DocumentaryDavid Blaine performs his unique street magic for some of the world's most famous people, including Jamie Foxx, Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Ricky Gervais, Katy Perry, Woody Allen, and Robert DeNiro. He performs at the homes of Kanye West and Harrison Ford, and at the residences of Will Smith and Olivia Wilde. Blaine also visits Stephen Hawking at Cambridge University. He continues to travel globally, astonishing audiences with unprecedented feats of magic.IMDb 7.6TMDB 6.7 - 18
Richard Pryor: Omit the LogicMovie · 2013 · 83m · DocumentaryMike Epps, Richard Pryor Jr., and others share stories about Richard Pryor's profound impact on American culture – exploring the legacy of one of the nation's most brilliant and iconic comedians.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.0 - 19
Beyoncé: Life Is But a DreamMovie · 2013 · 90m · Documentary"Life Is But a Dream" is an HBO documentary offering a look into the life of Beyoncé Knowles during 2011 and 2012, while she was recording her fifth album. Directed by Beyoncé, the film captures intimate moments from her pregnancy alongside behind-the-scenes footage and rehearsals for her major concerts of that period.IMDb 6.6TMDB 8.1 - 20
The Missing PictureMovie · 2013 · 95m · DocumentaryRithy Panh employs clay figures, historical footage, and his own voice to depict the horrors inflicted upon Cambodia by the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.1 - 21
Muscle ShoalsMovie · 2013 · 111m · Documentary, History, MusicIn Muscle Shoals, Alabama, a remarkable musical phenomenon emerged from the Tennessee River. A collection of talented local musicians collaborated to create iconic songs like "Mustang Sally," "I Never Loved a Man," and "Wild Horses," among others. Amidst a time of intense racial division, white and Black musicians joined forces, forging a sound that endures and became known as the distinctive "Muscle Shoals sound."IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.2 - 22
Tim's VermeerMovie · 2013 · 80m · DocumentaryTexas inventor Tim Jenison investigates a long-standing question in art history: How did Johannes Vermeer achieve such realistic painting, long before photography existed? Over ten years, Jenison's quest leads him to Holland, to the Yorkshire coast to consult artist David Hockney, and even to Buckingham Palace. The remarkable research he undertakes reveals discoveries as surprising as the mystery itself.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.3 - 23
The UnbelieversMovie · 2013 · 77m · DocumentaryScientists Richard Dawkins and Lawrence Krauss journey worldwide to advocate for a scientific perspective and encourage critical examination of religious faith.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.5 - 24
On the Way to SchoolMovie · 2013 · 77m · DocumentaryChildren around the world share a powerful desire for education. They believe learning is the key to a brighter future, so they face daily, challenging journeys to reach it. In Kenya, Jackson and his sister walk 15 kilometers each way across the savannah, navigating wild animals. In Argentina, Carlito travels over 18 kilometers twice a day with his sister across the plains. Zahira in the Moroccan Atlas Mountains walks a grueling 22 kilometers along difficult mountain paths to get to her school. And in India, Samuel, using a homemade wheelchair, endures a difficult 4 kilometer journey each day, pushed by his two younger brothers.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.8 - 25
Top Gear: The Perfect Road TripMovie · 2013 · 84m · TV Movie, Action, AdventureA journey is planned from Venice, Italy, to Pau, France – the birthplace of the Grand Prix. Before the trip, the team tests potential vehicles at Monza, home of Italian Formula One. They aim to draw attention driving a Bugatti, Lamborghini, and Model T Ford on the Monaco circuit. After cruising Venice's canals in a Ferrari F12 Berlinetta and Mercedes SLS Black, they transition to the open road. The selection of vehicles includes a Pagani Huayra, Porsche Cayman S, GT3, Aston Martin Vanquish Centenary Edition, Bentley V8 convertible, Rolls Royce Phantom coupe, and BAC Mono – all considered ideal for the pilgrimage.IMDb 7.8TMDB 6.9 - 26
Rewind This!Movie · 2013 · 94m · DocumentaryThe arrival of home video revolutionized culture and history, with the VHS tape having a profound effect. This film explores the wide-ranging ways in which the invention of videotape changed society.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.9 - 27
We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaksMovie · 2013 · 127m · DocumentaryJulian Assange, Bradley Manning, collateral damage, Cablegate, and WikiLeaks – these names and concepts have dramatically reshaped how democratic societies handle privacy, secrecy, and the public's right to know, with potential long-term consequences. *We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks* provides a comprehensive look at WikiLeaks and the wider global discussion surrounding access to information.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.6 - 28
City of God: 10 Years LaterMovie · 2013 · 69m · DocumentaryTen years after the release of the acclaimed film *City of God*, this documentary explores the lives of the actors who starred in it, directed by Fernando Meirelles and Katia Lund. It examines the impact of the film's global success on their lives. The film asks whether the actors were ready for such widespread recognition and if their challenging backgrounds ultimately shaped their experiences with this newfound opportunity.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.8 - 29
Jodorowsky's DuneMovie · 2013 · 87m · DocumentaryIn 1974, Chilean-French director Alejandro Jodorowsky attempted to adapt Frank Herbert's acclaimed 1969 novel, *Dune*, into a film. After two years and a significant investment, the ambitious project ultimately failed. However, the artists Jodorowsky assembled for the film went on to collaborate on other works, significantly influencing the development of modern science fiction cinema.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.8 - 30
BlackfishMovie · 2013 · 83m · DocumentaryBlackfish examines the troubling effects of keeping highly intelligent and emotional animals like killer whales in captivity. The documentary focuses on Tilikum, a notorious orca who has been involved in the deaths of three people, including a trainer. It reveals the sometimes tragic consequences of this practice.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.8
