22 Essential Documentary Films
22 titles
- 1
Lunarcy!Movie · 2012 · 77mDirector Simon Ennis presents a delightfully quirky documentary about a fascinating group of people. Their intense passion for the moon and the idea of settling there fuels ambitious visions of a future among the stars. (TIFF)IMDb 6.1TMDB 5.6 - 2
Buena Vista Social ClubMovie · 1999 · 105m · Documentary, MusicOscar-nominated documentary. Guitar legend Ry Cooder brings together a group of elderly Cuban folk musicians, some in their nineties, to record a Grammy-winning album in Havana. More than just music, the film is a celebration of life, legacy, and art's power. Director Wim Wenders combines concert footage from unforgettable performances in Amsterdam and Carnegie Hall with intimate portraits of the musicians' lives and stories. The result is a visually beautiful and deeply moving look at these extraordinary artists and their timeless music, connecting with audiences worldwide.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.5 - 3
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 - 4
KumaréMovie · 2012 · 86m · DocumentaryThis documentary follows a man who pretends to be an Indian Guru and gains a large following in Arizona. At the peak of his fame as Guru Kumaré, he must reveal his real identity to his followers and share his most important lesson.IMDb 7.5TMDB 6.8 - 5
Beware of Mr. BakerMovie · 2012 · 100m · Documentary, MusicGinger Baker, renowned for his work with Cream and Blind Faith, found renewed inspiration in 1972 during a visit to Nigeria, where he encountered Fela Kuti's Afrobeat. Following his time in Nigeria, Baker returned to a life marked by personal struggles and significant musical contributions, ultimately finding a home in South Africa. Now 73, he lives there with his wife and a stable of 39 polo ponies. This documentary features interviews with Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Carlos Santana, and others. The film explores Ginger Baker's life – a powerful force, where each drumbeat reflects a man forging his own path.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.4 - 6
Holy Flying CircusMovie · 2011 · 89m · TV Movie, Comedy, DramaThis is a whimsical retelling of the 1979 events surrounding the release of Monty Python's *Life of Brian*, which ignited a major discussion about the boundaries of humor.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.3 - 7
ReligulousMovie · 2008 · 101m · Documentary, ComedyComedian Bill Maher engages in provocative conversations about religion with people who hold strong beliefs. He journeys globally to explore the core principles of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, questioning topics like homosexuality, evidence for Christ's life, Jewish religious observances, and the threat of violent extremism within some Muslim communities.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.0 - 8
American SplendorMovie · 2003 · 101m · Comedy, DramaThis film blends fact and fiction to explore the life of Harvey Pekar, the relatable everyman who became a comic book hero.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.2 - 9
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 - 10
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 - 11
Project NimMovie · 2011 · 93m · DocumentaryFrom the creators of Man on Wire comes the true story of Nim, a chimpanzee who in the 1970s was the subject of a groundbreaking experiment. The experiment sought to prove an ape could learn to communicate using language if raised like a human child. The film follows Nim's remarkable experiences within human society and the lasting effect he has on those he encounters. It's a direct and honest account of an animal we attempted to turn into a person. What we discover about him – and ourselves – is both humorous, insightful, and deeply disturbing.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.8 - 12
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 - 13
Dirty WarsMovie · 2013 · 87m · Documentary, Drama, CrimeJournalist Jeremy Scahill begins investigating the secret expansion of American covert wars. His reporting reveals the US government's response to international terrorism appears to disregard established laws.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.0 - 14
The Internet's Own Boy: The Story of Aaron SwartzMovie · 2014 · 105m · Documentary, CrimeAaron Swartz was a brilliant programmer and advocate for social change. He made significant contributions to online activism and open access to information. However, his efforts led to a complex legal battle, tragically culminating in his death at the age of 26.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.9 - 15
TPB AFK: The Pirate Bay - Away from KeyboardMovie · 2013 · 82m · Documentary, CrimeTPB AFK is a documentary about three computer enthusiasts who revolutionized media sharing with their website, The Pirate Bay. The film explores how Tiamo, a beer-loving hardware expert; Brokep, an environmentally conscious activist; and Anakata, a paranoid hacker with libertarian views, managed to provoke the White House into threatening trade sanctions against Sweden. The documentary examines the personal lives of these controversial figures, widely known for their defiance of Hollywood's copyright policies.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.2 - 16
The Queen of VersaillesMovie · 2012 · 100mThe Queen of Versailles is an epic story about billionaires Jackie and David Siegel and their pursuit of the American dream. The film begins with the construction of their extravagant, 90,000-square-foot mansion, modeled after the Palace of Versailles. Fueled by a successful time-share business built on the real estate boom, their fortunes are shattered when the economic crisis halts construction and threatens their future. Over the next two years, the film captures the effects of this sudden change, depicting the couple's struggles with delusion, denial, and dark humor.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.9 - 17
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 - 18
Searching for Sugar ManMovie · 2012 · 85m · Music, DocumentaryTwo South Africans travel to the United States to uncover the story of Rodriguez, a little-known rock musician from the 1970s who achieved a surprising level of fame there. They aim to find out what became of him.IMDb 8.2TMDB 7.9 - 19
Mondo CaneMovie · 1962 · 105m · DocumentaryThis documentary journeys around the world, exploring unusual cultural practices that offer new perspectives on human experience. It combines travel stories to capture memorable moments and provide insights into traditions from different communities.
The film features scenes like an insect banquet, where eating insects is a culinary experience outside Western norms. It also examines a South Pacific cargo cult, showing how people recreate past rituals and objects hoping to gain prosperity.
The documentary presents a diverse range of cultures that challenge our assumptions about the world. It highlights human creativity and resilience, showcasing the beauty and complexity of these practices and encouraging viewers to reconsider their own perspectives.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.3 - 20
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 - 21
Confessions of a SuperheroMovie · 2007 · 92m · DocumentaryCONFESSIONS OF A SUPERHERO follows four people – three men and one woman – who work as costumed superheroes on Hollywood Boulevard. The documentary offers an intimate look at their daily lives, showcasing both the difficulties and successes as they chase fame. One performer left home for Los Angeles with little money; another was a small-town homecoming queen. Each grapples with the character they portray: one struggles with anger, another is overwhelmed by the persona. Despite being surrounded by celebrity, their journey to stardom is a challenging one.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.7 - 22
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
