Best Documentaries of All Time
by glcobbold | created - 13 Aug 2018 | updated - 1 week ago | Public- Instant Watch Options
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1. Last Train Home (2009)
Not Rated | 85 min | Documentary, Drama
A couple embarks on a journey home for Chinese new year along with 130 million other migrant workers, to reunite with their children and struggle for a future. Their unseen story plays out as China soars towards being a world superpower.
Director: Lixin Fan | Stars: Changhua Zhang, Yang Zhang, Suqin Chen, Qin Zhang
Votes: 3,717 | Gross: $0.29M
2. Honeyland (2019)
Unrated | 89 min | Documentary, Drama
The last female bee-hunter in Europe must save the bees and return the natural balance in Honeyland, when a family of nomadic beekeepers invade her land and threaten her livelihood.
Directors: Tamara Kotevska, Ljubomir Stefanov | Stars: Hatidze Muratova, Nazife Muratova, Hussein Sam, Ljutvie Sam
Votes: 19,415 | Gross: $0.82M
3. Faces Places (2017)
PG | 94 min | Documentary, Adventure
Director Agnes Varda and photographer/muralist J.R. journey through rural France and form an unlikely friendship.
Directors: JR, Agnès Varda | Stars: Agnès Varda, JR, Jeannine Carpentier, Clemens Van Dungern
Votes: 13,610 | Gross: $0.95M
4. The Beatles: Get Back (2021)
PG-13 | 156 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
In January 1969, The Beatles set out to write and record new songs for their first live show in more than two years, culminating in an impromptu concert atop their Savile Row studio.
Votes: 28,107
5. Finding Vivian Maier (2013)
Not Rated | 83 min | Documentary, Biography, Mystery
A documentary on the late Vivian Maier, a nanny whose previously unknown cache of 100,000 photographs earned her a posthumous reputation as one of the most accomplished street photographers.
Directors: John Maloof, Charlie Siskel | Stars: Vivian Maier, John Maloof, Daniel Arnaud, Simon Amédé
Votes: 15,083 | Gross: $1.51M
6. Hands on a Hardbody: The Documentary (1997)
PG | 98 min | Documentary, Comedy, Drama
Twenty-four contestants compete in an endurance/sleep deprivation contest in order to win a brand new Nissan Hardbody truck. The last person to remain standing with his or her hand on the ... See full summary »
Director: S.R. Bindler | Stars: Sid Allen, Brent Baskin, Greg Cox, J.C. Crum
Votes: 2,480 | Gross: $0.49M
7. Tina (I) (2021)
TV-MA | 118 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Exclusive access to the Grammy Award-winning artist to celebrate her career.
Directors: Daniel Lindsay, T.J. Martin | Stars: Tina Turner, Carl Arrington, Ike Turner, Lejeune Richardson
Votes: 6,346
8. Hello, Bookstore (2022)
86 min | Documentary
In the shadow of the pandemic, a small town rallies to protect a beloved local bookstore.
Director: A.B. Zax | Stars: Matthew Tannenbaum, Shawnee Tannenbaum, Sophie Tannenbaum
Votes: 222
9. Further Beyond (2016)
Not Rated | 89 min | Documentary, History
In their debut documentary Christine Molloy and Joe Lawlor take as their point of departure the compelling 18th Century figure, Ambrose O'Higgins, and attempt to retrace his remarkable journey from Ireland to Chile.
Directors: Joe Lawlor, Christine Molloy | Stars: Denise Gough, Alan Howley, Jose Miguel Jimenez
Votes: 156
10. McQueen (2018)
R | 111 min | Documentary, Biography
The life and career of fashion designer Lee Alexander McQueen: from his start as a tailor, to launching and overseeing his eponymous line and his untimely death.
Directors: Ian Bonhôte, Peter Ettedgui | Stars: Alexander McQueen, Joyce McQueen, John Hitchcock, Danny Hall
Votes: 8,419 | Gross: $1.26M
11. Planet Earth (2006)
TV-PG | 49 min | Documentary, Family
A documentary series on the wildlife found on Earth. Each episode covers a different habitat: deserts, mountains, deep oceans, shallow seas, forests, caves, polar regions, fresh water, plains and jungles. Narrated by David Attenborough.
Stars: Sigourney Weaver, David Attenborough, Nikolay Drozdov, Thomas Anguti Johnston
Votes: 220,325
12. Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story (2017)
88 min | Documentary, Biography, History
The life and career of the hailed Hollywood movie star and underappreciated genius inventor, Hedy Lamarr.
Director: Alexandra Dean | Stars: Hedy Lamarr, Mel Brooks, Jennifer Hom, Anthony Loder
Votes: 4,303 | Gross: $0.82M
13. For Sama (2019)
TV-PG | 100 min | Documentary, Biography, War
FOR SAMA is both an intimate and epic journey into the female experience of war.
Directors: Waad Al-Kateab, Edward Watts | Stars: Waad Al-Kateab, Sama Al-Khateab, Hamza Al-Khateab, Afra
Votes: 12,822 | Gross: $0.04M
14. Three Identical Strangers (2018)
PG-13 | 96 min | Documentary, Biography, Drama
In 1980 New York, three young men who were all adopted meet each other and find out they're triplets who were separated at birth. But their quest to find out why turns into a bizarre and sinister mystery.
Director: Tim Wardle | Stars: Robert Shafran, Michael Domnitz, Howard Schneider, Ellen Cervone
Votes: 39,790 | Gross: $12.32M
15. Moonage Daydream (2022)
PG-13 | 135 min | Documentary, Biography, History
A cinematic odyssey exploring David Bowie's creative and musical journey. From visionary filmmaker Brett Morgen, and sanctioned by the Bowie estate.
Director: Brett Morgen | Stars: David Bowie, Trevor Bolder, Ken Fordham, Mike Garson
Votes: 14,456
16. Searching for Sugar Man (2012)
PG-13 | 86 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Two South Africans set out to discover what happened to their unlikely musical hero, the mysterious 1970s rock n roller, Rodriguez.
Director: Malik Bendjelloul | Stars: Rodriguez, Stephen 'Sugar' Segerman, Dennis Coffey, Mike Theodore
Votes: 72,914 | Gross: $3.97M
17. Amy (III) (2015)
R | 128 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Archival footage and personal testimonials present an intimate portrait of the life and career of British singer/songwriter Amy Winehouse.
Director: Asif Kapadia | Stars: Amy Winehouse, Mitch Winehouse, Mark Ronson, Russell Brand
Votes: 55,080 | Gross: $8.41M
18. Afternoon of a Faun: Tanaquil Le Clercq (2013)
Not Rated | 91 min | Documentary, Biography, Drama
A mesmerizing portrait of legendary ballerina Tanaquil Le Clercq - muse to both George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins - whose career was cut short by polio at the age of 27.
Director: Nancy Buirski | Stars: Tanaquil Le Clerq, Jacques d'Amboise, Barbara Horgan, Randall Bourscheidt
Votes: 299 | Gross: $0.17M
19. Madonna: Truth or Dare (1991)
R | 120 min | Documentary, Music
Documentary following singer Madonna on her controversial Blond Ambition tour in 1990.
Director: Alek Keshishian | Stars: Madonna, Donna DeLory, Niki Haris, Luis Camacho
Votes: 10,037 | Gross: $15.01M
20. Free Solo (2018)
PG-13 | 100 min | Documentary, Adventure, Sport
Alex Honnold faces the biggest challenge of his career, climbing El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. He pursues it Free Solo, which means climbing without a rope and alone.
Directors: Jimmy Chin, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi | Stars: Alex Honnold, Tommy Caldwell, Jimmy Chin, Cheyne Lempe
Votes: 77,438 | Gross: $17.54M
21. Flee (2021)
PG-13 | 89 min | Documentary, Animation, Biography
FLEE tells the extraordinary true story of a man, Amin, on the verge of marriage which compels him to reveal his hidden past for the first time.
Director: Jonas Poher Rasmussen | Stars: Daniel Karimyar, Fardin Mijdzadeh, Milad Eskandari, Belal Faiz
Votes: 19,510
22. The Mole: Undercover in North Korea (2020)
123 min | Documentary, Thriller
A real-life undercover thriller about two ordinary men who embark on an outrageously dangerous ten-year mission to penetrate the world's most secretive and brutal dictatorship: North Korea.
Director: Mads Brügger | Stars: Ulrich Løvenskjold Larsen, Mads Brügger, Alejandro Cao de Benos de Les y Pérez, Jim Latrache-Qvortrup
Votes: 5,407
23. Won't You Be My Neighbor? (2018)
PG-13 | 95 min | Documentary, Biography, History
An exploration of the life, lessons, and legacy of iconic children's television host Fred Rogers.
Director: Morgan Neville | Stars: Fred Rogers, Margaret Whitmer, Tom Junod, Joanne Rogers
Votes: 27,122 | Gross: $22.84M
24. Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry (2021)
R | 140 min | Documentary, Biography, Comedy
An intimate look at the singer-songwriter's journey, navigating life on the road, on stage, in the streets and at home, while creating her debut album.
Director: R.J. Cutler | Stars: Billie Eilish, Finneas O'Connell, Maggie Baird, Patrick O'Connell
Votes: 8,829
25. Earth: One Amazing Day (2017)
G | 95 min | Documentary, Family
From BBC Earth Films, the studio that brought you Earth, comes the sequel - Earth: One Amazing Day, an astonishing journey revealing the awesome power of the natural world. Over the course ... See full summary »
Directors: Richard Dale, Lixin Fan, Peter Webber | Stars: Robert Redford, Jackie Chan
Votes: 3,103 | Gross: $0.08M
26. Wild Man Blues (1997)
PG | 105 min | Documentary, Music, Romance
Academy Award-winner Barbara Kopple directs this documentary portrait of Academy Award and Golden Globe-winner Woody Allen, seen traveling with friends and fellow musicians during their New... See full summary »
Director: Barbara Kopple | Stars: Woody Allen, Letty Aronson, Soon-Yi Previn, Dan Barrett
Votes: 2,292 | Gross: $0.43M
27. My Octopus Teacher (2020)
TV-G | 85 min | Documentary, Drama
A filmmaker forges an unusual friendship with an octopus living in a South African kelp forest, learning as the animal shares the mysteries of her world.
Directors: Pippa Ehrlich, James Reed | Stars: Craig Foster, Tom Foster
Votes: 63,853
28. Minding the Gap (2018)
Not Rated | 93 min | Documentary, Sport
Filmmaker Bing Liu searches for correlations between his skateboarder friends' turbulent upbringings and the complexities of modern masculinity.
Director: Bing Liu | Stars: Kent Abernathy, Mengyue Bolen, Nina Bowgren, Keire Johnson
Votes: 10,467 | Gross: $0.01M
29. Kate Nash: Underestimate the Girl (2018)
89 min | Documentary
Kate Nash reaches the stratosphere of pop music at 18. Ten years later she is nearly homeless: dropped by her music label and defrauded by her manager, Kate rises from the darkness through her music, fighting back.
Director: Amy Goldstein | Stars: Kate Nash, Brett Lomas, John Kennedy, Tom Biller
Votes: 163
30. Crip Camp (2020)
R | 106 min | Documentary, History
Down the road from Woodstock, a revolution blossomed at a ramshackle summer camp for teenagers with disabilities, transforming their lives and igniting a landmark movement.
Directors: James Lebrecht, Nicole Newnham | Stars: James Lebrecht, Lionel Je'Woodyard, Joseph O'Conor, Ann Cupolo Freeman
Votes: 8,237
31. Jonathan Agassi Saved My Life (2018)
100 min | Documentary, Biography
Jonathan Agassi is one of the world's most successful gay porn stars. This is a rare and intimate look at the world of porn and escorting, as well as on a unique relationship between a mother and son.
Director: Tomer Heymann | Stars: Jonathan Agassi, Michael Lucas
Votes: 462
32. American Factory (2019)
TV-14 | 110 min | Documentary
In post-industrial Ohio, a Chinese billionaire opens a factory in an abandoned General Motors plant, hiring two thousand Americans. Early days of hope and optimism give way to setbacks as high-tech China clashes with working-class America.
Directors: Steven Bognar, Julia Reichert | Stars: Junming 'Jimmy' Wang, Robert Allen, Sherrod Brown, Dave Burrows
Votes: 23,879
33. Public Speaking (2010)
84 min | Documentary
A feature-length documentary starring Fran Lebowitz, a writer known for her unique take on modern life. The film weaves together extemporaneous monologues with archival footage and the ... See full summary »
Director: Martin Scorsese | Stars: James Baldwin, William F. Buckley, Truman Capote, Pau Casals
Votes: 2,326 | Gross: $0.06M
34. The Beales of Grey Gardens (2006)
Not Rated | 91 min | Documentary
Utilizing hours of unseen archival footage, The Beales is a new take on the women of Grey Gardens.
Directors: Albert Maysles, David Maysles | Stars: Edith 'Little Edie' Bouvier Beale, Edith Bouvier Beale, Albert Maysles, David Maysles
Votes: 1,342
35. The Rescue (2021)
PG | 107 min | Documentary, Action, Mystery
A chronicle of the enthralling, against-all-odds story that transfixed the world in 2018: the daring rescue of twelve boys and their coach from deep inside a flooded cave in Northern Thailand.
Directors: Jimmy Chin, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi | Stars: Bancha Duriyapunt, Apakorn Youkongkaew, Anan Surawan, Woranan Ratrawiphukkun
Votes: 20,623 | Gross: $1.06M
36. Leaving Neverland (2019)
TV-MA | 240 min | Documentary
At the height of his stardom, the world's biggest pop star, Michael Jackson, began long-running relationships with two young boys, aged between seven and ten, along their families. They now allege that he sexually abused them.
Director: Dan Reed | Stars: Michael Jackson, Wade Robson, Joy Robson, Chantal Robson
Votes: 31,128
37. That's Entertainment! (1974)
G | 135 min | Documentary, Family, Musical
Various MGM stars from yesteryear present their favorite musical moments from the studio's 50-year history.
Director: Jack Haley Jr. | Stars: Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Bing Crosby, Peter Lawford
Votes: 5,432 | Gross: $26.89M
38. Diana: In Her Own Words (I) (2017 TV Movie)
TV-PG | 112 min | Documentary, Biography
This documentary uses the recordings Princess Diana made for the book that was written by Andrew Morton. In this documentary Diana narrates her life and the events that surrounded her.
Directors: Tom Jennings, David Tillman | Stars: King Charles III, Princess Diana, Prince Harry, Queen Camilla
Votes: 3,997
39. What Happened, Miss Simone? (2015)
Not Rated | 101 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
A documentary about the life and legend Nina Simone, an American singer, pianist, and civil rights activist labeled the "High Priestess of Soul."
Director: Liz Garbus | Stars: Nina Simone, Lisa Simone Kelly, Roger Nupie, Al Schackman
Votes: 14,834
40. Scheme Birds (2019)
90 min | Documentary
As her childhood turns into motherhood, teenage troublemaker Gemma comes of age in her fading Scottish steel town. But in a place where "you either get knocked up or locked up," innocent games can easily turn into serious crime.
Directors: Ellen Fiske, Ellinor Hallin
Votes: 529
41. Maria By Callas (2017)
PG | 119 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
An intimate look at the life and work of Greek-American opera singer Maria Callas, as told in her own words.
Director: Tom Volf | Stars: Fanny Ardant, Joyce DiDonato, Maria Callas, David Frost
Votes: 2,122 | Gross: $1.27M
42. The Boys (2009)
PG | 101 min | Documentary
Their music is unforgettable. Their name is legend. Delve into the lives and cinematic legacy of the prolific songwriting duo whose music has been featured in classic movies such as Mary Poppins (1964) and The Jungle Book (1967).
Directors: Gregory V. Sherman, Jeff Sherman | Stars: Richard M. Sherman, Robert B. Sherman, Roy Edward Disney, Julie Andrews
Votes: 1,312 | Gross: $0.05M
43. Dancing the Nutcracker: Inside the Royal Ballet (2016 TV Movie)
90 min | Documentary
The magical world of The Nutcracker. For the first time in many years, the Royal Ballet has given full access behind the scenes for a landmark 90-minute documentary as they prepare for this season's yuletide production.
Director: Hugo Macgregor | Stars: Francesca Hayward, Peter Wright
Votes: 29
44. Some Kind of Heaven (2020)
81 min | Documentary
Behind the gates of a palm tree-lined fantasyland, four residents of America's largest retirement community, The Villages, FL, strive to find solace and meaning.
Director: Lance Oppenheim | Stars: Dennis Dean, Lynn Henry, Anne Kincer, Reggie Kincer
Votes: 3,523
45. All the Beauty and the Bloodshed (2022)
Unrated | 113 min | Documentary
Follows the life of artist Nan Goldin and the downfall of the Sackler family, the pharmaceutical dynasty who was greatly responsible for the opioid epidemic's unfathomable death toll.
Director: Laura Poitras | Stars: Nan Goldin, David Velasco, Megan Kapler, Marina Berio
Votes: 7,800
46. The Gleaners & I (2000)
Not Rated | 82 min | Documentary
Varda films and interviews gleaners in France in all forms, from those picking fields after the harvest to those scouring the dumpsters of Paris.
Director: Agnès Varda | Stars: François Wertheimer, Agnès Varda, Jean La Planche, Bodan Litnanski
Votes: 8,803 | Gross: $0.15M
47. The Queen (1968)
Not Rated | 68 min | Documentary
The behind the scenes of a national drag queen contest in New York City, including the rehearsals leading up to the contest, the conversations in the dressing room and the jealousies that emerge before and after the competition.
Director: Frank Simon | Stars: Bernard Giquel, Jack Doroshow, Jim Dine, Rachel Harlow
Votes: 1,327 | Gross: $0.05M
48. McCullin (2012)
91 min | Documentary
To many, Don McCullin is the greatest living war photographer, often cited as an inspiration for today's photojournalists. For the first time, McCullin speaks candidly about his ... See full summary »
Directors: David Morris, Jacqui Morris | Stars: Harold Evans, Don McCullin, Michael Parkinson, Sue Ryder
Votes: 2,287
49. Gallivant (1996)
100 min | Documentary
When British filmmaker Andrew Kotting decided to tour the perimeter of Great Britain with his grandmother Gladys and his daughter Eden, he brought a film crew along. The result is this often humorous and picturesque documentary.
Director: Andrew Kotting | Stars: Andrew Kotting, Eden Kotting, Benji Ming, Gladys Morris
Votes: 270
50. The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years (2016)
Not Rated | 106 min | Documentary, History, Music
A compilation of found footage featuring music, interviews, and stories of The Beatles' 250 concerts from 1963 to 1966.
Director: Ron Howard | Stars: The Beatles, John Lennon, George Harrison, Paul McCartney
Votes: 13,841 | Gross: $2.93M
51. Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened (2016)
95 min | Documentary
This film from acclaimed theater director Lonny Price charts the journey of the original cast of Stephen Sondheim's "Merrily We Roll Along" in the 30-plus years since the musical debuted on Broadway at the Alvin Theatre in 1981.
Director: Lonny Price | Stars: Jason Alexander, Donna Marie Asbury, James Bonkovsky, David Cady
Votes: 739 | Gross: $0.10M
52. Spring Awakening: Those You've Known (2022)
TV-MA | 83 min | Documentary, Musical
Fifteen years after the Tony-winning Broadway run of Spring Awakening, the original cast and creative team reunite for a spectacular, one night only concert.
Director: Michael John Warren | Stars: Jonathan Groff, Lea Michele, John Gallagher Jr., Lauren Pritchard
Votes: 727
53. The Harmony Game (2011)
72 min | Documentary
40 years after the release of Bridge Over Troubled Water, Simon, Garfunkel and the principles involved with it reflect on the making of the album.
Director: Jennifer Lebeau | Stars: Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel, Mort Lewis, Roy Halee
Votes: 219
54. Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind (2018)
TV-MA | 116 min | Documentary, Biography, Comedy
An intimate look into the life and work of the revered master comedian and actor, Robin Williams.
Director: Marina Zenovich | Stars: Robin Williams, Mark Rasmussen, Stan Wilson, John Houseman
Votes: 9,170
55. Chris & Don: A Love Story (2007)
Not Rated | 90 min | Documentary, Biography, Romance
The love story between British writer, Christopher Isherwood (whose book 'The Berlin Stories' inspired the musical and film Cabaret) and Don Bachardy, American portrait artist.
Directors: Tina Mascara, Guido Santi | Stars: W.H. Auden, Don Bachardy, Ted Bachardy, James Berg
Votes: 989 | Gross: $0.21M
56. Cult Killer (2006 TV Movie)
48 min | Documentary
On January 7th 2005, 29 year old Rick Rodriguez murdered his former nanny and then killed himself on a lonely desert highway. Hours earlier he had videoed his suicide note and this final ... See full summary »
Director: Nick Godwin | Stars: Ricky Rodriguez, David Berg, Don Irwin, Judy Irwin
Votes: 68
57. The Arbor (2010)
Unrated | 94 min | Documentary, Biography, Drama
Portrayal of the late Bradford playwright Andrea Dunbar.
Director: Clio Barnard | Stars: Manjinder Virk, Christine Bottomley, Natalie Gavin, Parvani Lingiah
Votes: 2,134 | Gross: $0.02M
58. Allen v. Farrow (2021)
TV-MA | 64 min | Documentary, Biography, Crime
A look behind the years of sensational headlines to reveal the private story of the accusation of sexual abuse against Woody Allen involving his 7-year-old daughter with Mia Farrow.
Stars: Mia Farrow, Fletcher Previn, Dylan O'Sullivan Farrow, Casey Pascal
Votes: 7,856
59. Tickled (2016)
R | 92 min | Documentary, Crime, Mystery
Journalist David Farrier stumbles upon a mysterious tickling competition online. As he delves deeper he comes up against fierce resistance, but that doesn't stop him getting to the bottom of a story stranger than fiction.
Directors: David Farrier, Dylan Reeve | Stars: David Farrier, Dylan Reeve, David Starr, Kevin Clarke
Votes: 20,729 | Gross: $0.61M
60. Becoming Cousteau (2021)
PG-13 | 94 min | Documentary, Adventure, Biography
A look at the life, passions, achievements and tragedies surrounding the famous explorer and environmentalist Jacques Cousteau, featuring an archive of his newly restored footage.
Director: Liz Garbus | Stars: Carol Burnett, Vincent Cassel, Louis Malle, George Bush
Votes: 1,447
61. The Tickle King (2017)
TV-MA | 20 min | Documentary, Short
This follow-up to 'Tickled' features new footage documenting the bizarre and unsettling things that happen to the filmmakers.
Directors: David Farrier, Dylan Reeve | Stars: Kevin Clarke, David D'Amato, Delan Ellington, David Farrier
Votes: 1,195
62. Elvis Presley: The Searcher (2018)
TV-PG | 205 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Elvis Presley's evolution as a musician and a man.
Director: Thom Zimny | Stars: Steve Allen, Ann-Margret, Chet Atkins, Chris Bearde
Votes: 2,696
63. A Bunch of Amateurs (2022)
95 min | Documentary
Bradford Movie Makers is one of the oldest amateur filmmaking clubs in the world. Once a thriving community, these days the membership is dwindling and the group struggle to keep the wolf from the door.
Director: Kim Hopkins | Stars: Colin Egglestone, Harry Nicholls, Joe Ogden, Jeanette Wilson
Votes: 413
64. Collective (2019)
Not Rated | 109 min | Documentary, Crime
Director Alexander Nanau follows a crack team of investigators at the Romanian newspaper Gazeta Sporturilor as they try to uncover a vast health-care fraud that enriched moguls and politicians and led to the deaths of innocent citizens.
Director: Alexander Nanau | Stars: Dan Alexandru Condrea, Liviu Iolu, Razvan Lutac, Mirela Neag
Votes: 13,440
65. Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) (2021)
PG-13 | 118 min | Documentary, History, Music
Documentary about the legendary 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival which celebrated African-American music and culture and promoted Black pride and unity.
Director: Questlove | Stars: Dorinda Drake, Barbara Bland-Acosta, Darryl Lewis, Ethel Beatty
Votes: 13,883
66. Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me (2013)
Not Rated | 81 min | Documentary
The uncompromising Tony and Emmy Award-winner is showcased both on and off stage via rare archival footage and intimate cinema vérité.
Director: Chiemi Karasawa | Stars: Elaine Stritch, Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, James Gandolfini
Votes: 987 | Gross: $0.30M
67. Janet Baker: Full Circle (1982 TV Movie)
58 min | Documentary
Follows Janet Baker's final year in Opera as she performs with the ENO, ROH and Glyndebourne.
Director: Bob Bentley | Star: Janet Baker
68. The Most Beautiful Boy in the World (2021)
93 min | Documentary, Biography, History
In 1971, due to the world premiere of Death in Venice, Italian director Luchino Visconti proclaimed his Tadzio as the world's most beautiful boy. 50 years later, that shadow still weighs upon Björn Andresen's life.
Directors: Kristina Lindström, Kristian Petri | Stars: Kristina Lindström, Luchino Visconti, Mario Tursi, Björn Andrésen
Votes: 1,935
69. Geri (1999 TV Movie)
110 min | Documentary
TV documentary which shows the roller-coaster career of the former Spice Girl, Geri Horner, including very candid behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with her.
Director: Molly Dineen | Stars: Geri Horner, King Charles III, Molly Dineen, Stephen Fry
Votes: 49
70. The Salt of the Earth (2014)
PG-13 | 110 min | Documentary, Biography, History
The life and work of photographer Sebastião Salgado, who has spent forty years documenting societies in hidden corners of the world.
Directors: Juliano Ribeiro Salgado, Wim Wenders | Stars: Sebastião Salgado, Wim Wenders, Lélia Wanick Salgado, Juliano Ribeiro Salgado
Votes: 23,464 | Gross: $1.34M
71. Love and Drugs on the Street: Girls Sleeping Rough (2017– )
20 min | Reality-TV
Eye-opening stories of the daily lives of women sleeping rough on Brighton's streets.
Votes: 29
72. Wigan Casino (1977 TV Movie)
26 min | Documentary
Director: Tony Palmer | Star: Mike Walker
Votes: 10
73.
American Masters (1985– )
Episode:
No Direction Home: Bob Dylan
(2005)
Not Rated | 208 min | Documentary, Biography, History
A chronicle of Bob Dylan's strange evolution between 1961 and 1966 from folk singer to protest singer to "voice of a generation" to rock star.
Director: Martin Scorsese | Stars: Bob Dylan, B.J. Rolfzen, Dick Kangas, Liam Clancy
Votes: 12,111
74. All in My Family (2019)
39 min | Documentary, Short, Family
From documentarian Hao Wu comes a heartfelt portrait of how he created a thoroughly modern family in America, only to face the dilemma of introducing his same-sex partner and their children... See full summary »
Director: Hao Wu
Votes: 784
75. The Decline of Western Civilization (1981)
Not Rated | 100 min | Documentary, History, Music
A look into the Los Angeles punk rock scene, that was largely ignored by the rock music press of the time.
Director: Penelope Spheeris | Stars: Eugene Tatu, Alice Bag Band, Black Flag, Catholic Discipline
Votes: 4,868
76. Edifício Master (2002)
110 min | Documentary
The daily lives and routine of 37 families living in a huge 12-story building in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro: their drama, aspirations, intimate revelations, loneliness, dreams...
Director: Eduardo Coutinho | Star: Fernando José
Votes: 1,683
77. The Jazz Baroness (2009)
82 min | Documentary
The true story of a British heiress's love for jazz genius Thelonious Monk.
Director: Hannah Rothschild | Stars: Deborah Cavendish, Chico Hamilton, Roy Haynes, Quincy Jones
Votes: 134
78. Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work (2010)
R | 84 min | Documentary, Biography, Comedy
A documentary on the life and career of Joan Rivers, made as the comedienne turns 75 years old.
Directors: Ricki Stern, Anne Sundberg | Stars: Joan Rivers, Melissa Rivers, Kathy Griffin, Jocelyn Pickett
Votes: 3,820 | Gross: $2.93M
79. Quincy (2018)
TV-MA | 124 min | Documentary, Biography
An intimate look into the life of icon Quincy Jones. A unique force in music and popular culture for 70 years, Jones has transcended racial and cultural boundaries; his story is inextricably woven into the fabric of America.
Directors: Alan Hicks, Rashida Jones | Stars: Quincy Jones, Rashida Jones, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Clarence Avant
Votes: 5,166
80. The Alpinist (2021)
PG-13 | 92 min | Documentary, Biography
Marc-André Leclerc climbs alone, far from the limelight. The free-spirited 23-year-old makes some of the boldest solo ascents in history. With no cameras and no margin for error, Leclerc's approach is the essence of solo adventure.
Directors: Peter Mortimer, Nick Rosen | Stars: Marc-André Leclerc, Peter Mortimer, Alex Honnold, Jason Kruk
Votes: 14,427
81. Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010)
R | 87 min | Documentary, Comedy, Crime
Following the style of some of the world's most prolific street artists, an amateur filmmaker makes a foray into the art world.
Director: Banksy | Stars: Banksy, Mr. Brainwash, Space Invader, Debora Guetta
Votes: 68,830 | Gross: $3.29M
82. Deepsea Challenge (2014)
PG | 91 min | Documentary
As a boy, filmmaker James Cameron dreamed of a journey to the deepest part of the ocean. This film is the dramatic fulfillment of that dream.
Directors: John Bruno, Ray Quint, Andrew Wight | Stars: James Cameron, Suzy Amis, Frank Lotito, Paul Henri
Votes: 2,321 | Gross: $0.15M
83. Anita O'Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer (2007)
Not Rated | 90 min | Documentary, Music
A tribute to jazz diva Anita O'Day, completed just weeks before her death in November 2006.
Directors: Robbie Cavolina, Ian McCrudden | Stars: Anita O'Day, Louis Armstrong, Buddy Bregman, Dick Cavett
Votes: 248
84. Crumb (1994)
R | 119 min | Documentary, Biography, Comedy
An intimate portrait of controversial cartoonist Robert Crumb and his traumatized family.
Director: Terry Zwigoff | Stars: Robert Crumb, Aline Kominsky-Crumb, Charles Crumb, Maxon Crumb
Votes: 21,595 | Gross: $3.17M
85. The Gleaners and I: Two Years Later (2002)
63 min | Documentary
Agnes Varda returns to the people she met in her 2000 documentary on gleaning and meets some new people who were inspired by her first film.
Director: Agnès Varda | Stars: Bodan Litnanski, Macha Makeïeff, Agnès Varda, François Wertheimer
Votes: 1,318
86. Before You Know It (2013)
Not Rated | 110 min | Documentary, Biography, Drama
From Stonewall to #LoveWins, three gay seniors navigate the adventures, challenges and surprises of life and love in their golden years.
Director: PJ Raval | Stars: Dennis Creamer, Ty Martin, Robert Mainor, Cassie Cass
Votes: 267
87. American Symphony (2023)
PG-13 | 104 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
In this deeply intimate documentary, musician Jon Batiste attempts to compose a symphony as his wife, writer Suleika Jaouad, undergoes cancer treatment.
Director: Matthew Heineman | Stars: Jon Batiste, Lindsey Byrnes, Jonathan Dinklage, Suleika Jaouad
Votes: 3,757
88. Fyre (2019)
TV-MA | 97 min | Documentary, Crime, Music
An exclusive behind the scenes look at the infamous unraveling of the Fyre music festival.
Director: Chris Smith | Stars: Billy McFarland, Jason Bell, Gabrielle Bluestone, Shiyuan Deng
Votes: 52,057
89. The Compleat Beatles (1982 Video)
119 min | Documentary, Music
The history of the great British rock band.
Director: Patrick Montgomery | Stars: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr
Votes: 1,194
90. Whitney (2018)
R | 120 min | Documentary, Biography, Drama
An in-depth look at the life and music of Whitney Houston.
Director: Kevin Macdonald | Stars: Whitney Houston, Ellen White, Michael Houston, Cissy Houston
Votes: 7,874 | Gross: $3.03M
91. Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice (2019)
PG-13 | 95 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
With one of the most memorably stunning voices that has ever hit the airwaves, Linda Ronstadt burst onto the 1960s folk rock music scene in her early twenties.
Directors: Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman | Stars: Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris
Votes: 2,481 | Gross: $0.16M
92. Bright Lights: Starring Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds (2016 TV Movie)
TV-14 | 95 min | Documentary
An intimate portrait of actress Debbie Reynolds and her relationship with her beloved children, Carrie and Todd.
Directors: Alexis Bloom, Fisher Stevens | Stars: Debbie Reynolds, Carrie Fisher, Todd Fisher, Catherine Hickland
Votes: 3,587
93. The Queen of Versailles (2012)
PG | 100 min | Documentary
A documentary that follows a billionaire couple as they begin construction on a mansion inspired by Versailles. During the next two years, their empire, fueled by the real estate bubble and cheap money, falters due to the economic crisis.
Director: Lauren Greenfield | Stars: Jaqueline Siegel, David Siegel, Lorraine Barrett, June Downs
Votes: 13,702 | Gross: $2.40M
94. Spielberg (2017 TV Movie)
TV-MA | 147 min | Documentary, Biography
A documentary on Steven Spielberg, filmmaker. Includes interviews with relatives, film critics, peers and people who have worked with him.
Director: Susan Lacy | Stars: Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Richard Dreyfuss, Bill Butler
Votes: 8,305
95.
American Masters (1985– )
Episode:
Carole King: Natural Woman
(2016)
TV-14 | 55 min | Documentary, Biography, History
Rare home movies, performances and photos help illustrate the life and career of songwriter-singer Carole King, from 1960s New York to Los Angeles in the 1970s to extensive present-day interviews with King and and those who know her best.
Director: George Scott | Stars: Carole King, Eugenia Klein, Sidney N. Klein, Joel Zwick
Votes: 95
96. Oasis: Supersonic (2016)
R | 122 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Oasis's breakthrough years documented into a detailed depiction of the infamous brothers from Manchester forming the band in the early 90's leading up to the legendary performance at Knebworth.
Director: Mat Whitecross | Stars: Paul Arthurs, Christine Biller, Mark Coyle, Debbie Turner
Votes: 12,390 | Gross: $0.24M
97. Every Act of Life (2018)
93 min | Documentary, Biography
The life of Tony-winning playwright Terrence McNally (Master Class, Ragtime): 60 years of groundbreaking plays and musicals, the struggle for LGBT rights, addiction and recovery, finding ... See full summary »
Director: Jeff Kaufman | Stars: F. Murray Abraham, Lynn Ahrens, Jon Robin Baitz, Christine Baranski
Votes: 164
98. Lives Well Lived (2018)
72 min | Documentary
Lives Well Lived celebrates the incredible wit, wisdom and experiences of adults aged 75 to 100 years old. Through their intimate memories and inspiring personal histories encompassing over... See full summary »
Director: Sky Bergman | Stars: Rose Albano Ballestero, Susy Eto Bauman, Ciel Bergman, Blanche Brown
Votes: 119
99. Haulout (2022)
25 min | Documentary, Short
Follows a man waiting in his hut in the desolate expanse of the Russian Arctic. He is holding out in order to observe a natural event that occurs here, every year, but ocean warming is taking its toll.
Directors: Maxim Arbugaev, Evgenia Arbugaeva | Star: Maxim Chakilev
Votes: 1,718
100. Time (I) (2020)
PG-13 | 81 min | Documentary, Biography
Fox Rich fights for the release of her husband, Rob, who is serving a 60-year sentence in prison.
Director: Garrett Bradley | Stars: Sibil Fox Richardson, Robert G. Richardson, Mahlik Richardson, Remington B. Richardson
Votes: 6,297
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