30 Compelling Documentaries That Defined 2016
30 titles
Step into the world of unforgettable stories and groundbreaking cinematography. Our list of the Top 30 Documentaries of 2016 is a testament to the power of truth-seeking filmmaking. From urban landscapes in Rat Film, to musical legends in Twisted Fucking Sister!, these documentaries offer an immersive journey into the human experience and the complexities that shape it. Delve into these compelling narratives as we showcase some of the most influential films of the year, capturing moments, memories, and histories you won't find anywhere else.
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RatsMovie · 2016 · 84m · DocumentaryInspired by Robert Sullivan's acclaimed book, Morgan Spurlock and his crew journey globally to explore the world of rats and examine the complex ways humans interact with these animals.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.0 - 2
Rat FilmMovie · 2016 · 82m · Documentary"Rat Film" is a documentary that explores the history of Baltimore by examining the relationship between people and rats. The film follows rats as they navigate the city's spaces – across walls, fences, and alleys – and make homes within them. It also looks at the humans who interact with rats, whether through affection, co-existence, or attempts to eradicate them.IMDb 6.9TMDB 7.0 - 3
Paraguay, Droga y BananaMovie · 2016 · 98m · DocumentaryThis documentary explores the complicated connection between Paraguayan politics and the illegal drug trade within the country. It reveals how drug trafficking affects policy and shapes national politics.
The film starts by looking at the economic benefits drug cartels provide to some areas in Paraguay, highlighting the difficult decisions politicians face when balancing community needs with ethical responsibilities. It shows how drug money corrupts local and national politics and fuels desperation that pushes people into the drug trade.
The filmmakers use interviews with experts, politicians, and those impacted by drug trafficking to offer a detailed view of this hidden world. The documentary provides an insightful look at the wide-ranging effects of drugs on Paraguay's political landscape.IMDb 7.8TMDB 8.1 - 4
Les PépitesMovie · 2016 · 88m · DocumentaryIMDb 8.0TMDB 7.2 - 5
Heaven is a Traffic Jam on the 405Movie · 2016 · 40m · DocumentaryMindy Alper, a gifted artist in her fifties, has spent her life managing depression and anxiety. At one point, these struggles made it impossible for her to speak. However, during this period of silence, her artistic talent blossomed. Her drawings became a powerful way to express the intense emotions she felt, developing into a deeply personal visual language. The film explores resilience, the ability of creativity to overcome hardship, and the connection between mental health and art as Mindy navigates her journey toward self-acceptance and healing. It offers an empathetic look at how society perceives people with mental illness.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.3 - 6
We Are Twisted Fucking Sister!Movie · 2016 · 137m · Music, DocumentaryIn 1984, American heavy metal band Twisted Sister achieved worldwide fame. For three decades, they were known for their image – hairspray, women's clothing, and controversial album art. Now, director Andrew Horn has been given access to the archives of Twisted Sister founder Jay French. He delves into the decade leading up to their rise to prominence.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.5 - 7
Homo SapiensMovie · 2016 · 94m · DocumentaryNikolaus Geyrhalter's *Homo Sapiens* examines the limits of human life and the decline of industry, questioning what defines us. The film presents a series of unsettlingly empty landscapes from around the globe: abandoned cities, decaying infrastructure, and asphalt overtaken by nature. These desolate scenes offer a mesmerizing yet chilling glimpse into a potential future where human presence has faded, and nature reclaims what we've built.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.1 - 8
NewtownMovie · 2016 · 85m · DocumentaryThis film examines the response of the Newtown, Connecticut community following the devastating mass shooting at an elementary school – the deadliest school shooting in U.S. history. It details how the town rallied together in the wake of the tragedy.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.7 - 9
National Parks AdventureMovie · 2016 · 43m · DocumentaryNarrated by Robert Redford, *National Parks Adventure* offers a breathtaking journey into America's most stunning national parks and wild landscapes. Using immersive IMAX 3D, the film takes viewers on incredible flights over canyons, mountains, and unique environments in places like Yellowstone, Glacier, Yosemite, and Arches. Celebrating the parks' centennial, the film follows mountaineer Conrad Anker, photographer Max Lowe, and artist Rachel Pohl as they hike, climb, and explore these majestic landscapes in an exciting expedition designed to inspire a sense of adventure.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.9 - 10
The Blues: Another Story of FranceMovie · 2016 · 147m · DocumentaryThis documentary chronicles twenty years of the French national soccer team, Les Bleus, reflecting France's cultural and social changes. The film examines how each game's outcome mirrors the nation’s evolving society, hopes, and challenges. Featuring exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and those within the sport, the documentary provides an intimate look at the intense world of professional soccer and offers insights into French life. It connects the passion for soccer with the complexities of modern France, creating a compelling and human story.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.7 - 11
Hamilton's AmericaMovie · 2016 · 84m · DocumentaryThis documentary explores how Lin-Manuel Miranda developed the Hamilton musical. It reveals his process of taking Alexander Hamilton's historical story and transforming it into a new and innovative stage show.IMDb 8.3TMDB 6.6 - 12
Command and ControlMovie · 2016 · 92m · DocumentaryOn September 18, 1980, at 6:25 p.m., an explosion at the Titan II missile base in Damascus, Arkansas, killed an Air Force member and deeply affected those stationed there. "Command and Control" recounts this event, exploring the delicate balance between routine procedures and the dangers of the U.S. nuclear strategy during the Cold War. The film focuses on a specific instance of human error and its potential for disaster, highlighting how even carefully designed systems can fail unexpectedly.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.8 - 13
Killing for LoveMovie · 2016 · 131m · Crime, DocumentaryIn 1985, Derek and Nancy Haysom were murdered in their Lynchburg, Virginia home. Their daughter Elizabeth and her boyfriend Jens Söring became suspects. Fearing prosecution, they fled to Europe but were eventually apprehended and returned to the United States. Elizabeth was given a 90-year prison sentence for incitement to murder, while Söring received two life sentences. Karin Steinberger, Marcus Vetter, and their team spent over three years investigating this highly publicized case, revealing new evidence – notably, none of the blood found at the crime scene belonged to Jens Söring.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.2 - 14
Justin Timberlake + The Tennessee KidsMovie · 2016 · 90m · Music, DocumentaryIn January 2015, director Jonathan Demme filmed the final performances of Prince's "20/20 Experience World Tour" at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The film captures the essence of the tour: the exceptional musicianship, skilled dancers, and Prince's captivating stage presence.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.4 - 15
Porn to Be FreeMovie · 2016 · 79m · Documentary, HistoryItaly, 1970. A growing group of passionate individuals initiates a peaceful fight for sexual liberation through pornography, challenging religious and political norms. Driven by irony, joy, and idealism, they envision a harmonious connection between body and spirit. However, their efforts are met with censorship, humiliation, arrest, and repression as they advocate for a bold cultural change.IMDb 6.2TMDB 5.6 - 16
RoccoMovie · 2016 · 105m · DocumentaryRocco Siffredi is a legendary figure in pornography, comparable to Mike Tyson in boxing or Mick Jagger in rock and roll. His mother initially envisioned a religious life for him, but with her support, he dedicated himself to being a hardcore performer, focusing entirely on desire. In this revealing account, Rocco shares everything – his origins, career, family, and a final revelation that will profoundly alter his life.IMDb 5.7TMDB 5.5 - 17
Food ChoicesMovie · 2016 · 90m · DocumentaryThis documentary examines how what we eat affects our health, the environment, and other living creatures. It also addresses common misunderstandings about food and diet.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.2 - 18
Gringo: The Dangerous Life of John McAfeeMovie · 2016 · 100m · Documentary, DramaThis true story follows John McAfee, a former tech billionaire who experienced a series of extraordinary events. His life shifts from successful entrepreneur to secluded yogi in the jungle, echoing themes from Joseph Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness'. McAfee's story takes a dramatic turn when he becomes a suspect in a murder. He then unexpectedly considers running for president on the American Libertarian Party ticket. This compelling narrative explores one man’s journey through wealth, isolation, controversy, and ambition.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.6 - 19
Thanks Boss!Movie · 2016 · 84m · Comedy, DocumentaryA family who lost their jobs at a company owned by LVMH (the conglomerate controlled by French billionaire Bernard Arnault) works with a film director to seek compensation from their former employer.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.3 - 20
Voyage of Time: The IMAX ExperienceMovie · 2016 · 45m · DocumentaryThis film explores the entire history of the universe, from its beginning to its ultimate end. It examines everything that led to the world we know today: science and spirituality, creation and destruction, the vastness of the cosmos and the smallest forms of life on Earth.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.9 - 21
The Ivory GameMovie · 2016 · 112m · DocumentaryThis gripping documentary follows wildlife activists and investigators as they risk everything to combat the illegal trade in African ivory.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.6 - 22
The 24 Hour WarMovie · 2016 · 99m · DocumentaryIn the early 1960s, Henry Ford II and Enzo Ferrari engaged in a fierce rivalry at the Le Mans racetrack. This intense competition resulted in driver fatalities, threatened the survival of prominent families, and spurred the creation of a groundbreaking vehicle that revolutionized racing.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.0 - 23
The Eagle HuntressMovie · 2016 · 87m · Family, Documentary, AdventureThe film follows Aisholpan, a 13-year-old girl, as she trains to become the first woman in her family's twelve-generation history to become an eagle hunter. She strives to reach the highest level of a tradition traditionally passed down from father to son for centuries.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.1 - 24
DancerMovie · 2016 · 85m · DocumentarySergei Polunin is a remarkably gifted ballet dancer on the cusp of legendary status, but he begins to doubt his life and his dedication to dance.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.3 - 25
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds: One More Time with FeelingMovie · 2016 · 113m · Documentary, MusicAndrew Dominik's black and white documentary, One More Time With Feeling, follows Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds as they create their album *Skeleton Tree*. Initially conceived as a performance project, the film becomes a deeper exploration of the album's creation against a backdrop of personal tragedy. Stark and intimate, it captures an artist grappling with darkness while working through his sixteenth studio album, *Skeleton Tree*. It documents the writing, recording, and performance process.IMDb 8.2TMDB 7.9 - 26
Beware the SlendermanMovie · 2016 · 115m · Documentary, CrimeThis is a chilling contemporary story about an online monster and two 12-year-old girls willing to do anything for him. Their exploration of the internet plunges them into its darkest corners. The film questions how accountable children are for the things they discover online.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.5 - 27
O.J.: Made in AmericaMovie · 2016 · 467m · Documentary, Crime, HistoryThis is the story of O.J. Simpson, from his fame to his downfall. His highly publicized murder trial brought deep racial divisions in America to the forefront, exposing a nation struggling with its own fractures.IMDb 8.9TMDB 8.4 - 28
13thMovie · 2016 · 100m · DocumentaryThis film examines the American prison system, revealing how it reflects the country's ongoing history of racial inequality.IMDb 8.2TMDB 7.9 - 29
SupersonicMovie · 2016 · 117m · Music, Documentary, HistorySupersonic chronicles Oasis's rapid ascent from their Manchester roots to headlining massive concerts in a mere three years. This authentic and emotional film explores the story of one of Britain’s most influential bands, featuring revealing new interviews with Noel and Liam Gallagher, their mother, and those who worked closest to them.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.4 - 30
Kevin Hart: What Now?Movie · 2016 · 96m · Comedy, Documentary, TV MovieComedian Kevin Hart headlines a show for 50,000 people at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field.IMDb 6.0TMDB 6.5
