TOP DOCUMENTARY MOVIES: 2000-2024
Thought-Provoking. Provocative. Controversial. Fascinating.
A choice of 590 outstanding documentaries, released between 2000 and 2024.
This list is in random order and purely subjective.
A choice of 590 outstanding documentaries, released between 2000 and 2024.
This list is in random order and purely subjective.
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590 titles
- DirectorAlan LoweryJohn PilgerStarsJohn PilgerStuart EwenMelvin GoodmanThought-provoking documentary on war propaganda: how governments manipulate the facts and how most media let them get away with it.
- DirectorChristopher CasselStarsJ. Robert OppenheimerKai BirdEllen BradburyExploring how one man's brilliance, hubris and relentless drive changed the nature of war forever.
- DirectorMstyslav ChernovStarsMstyslav ChernovEvgeniy MaloletkaLiudmyla AmelkinaAs the Russian invasion begins, a team of Ukrainian journalists trapped in the besieged city of Mariupol struggle to continue their work documenting the war's atrocities.
- DirectorDaniel RoherStarsAlexei NavalnyYulia NavalnayaChristo GrozevFollows the man who survived an assassination attempt by poisoning with a lethal nerve agent in August 2020. During his months-long recovery he makes shocking discoveries about the attempt on his life and decides to return home.
- DirectorErin AxelmanSam EilertsenStarsPeter BeinartJeremy Ben-AmiNoam ChomskyWhen two young American Jews raised to unconditionally love Israel witness the way Israel treats Palestinians, their lives take sharp left turns. Their stories reveal a deepening generational divide over modern Jewish identity.
- DirectorJames HanlonGédéon NaudetJules NaudetStarsTony BenatatosYusuf Baran BilgicJamal BraithwaiteA real life documentary following the events of September 11 from an insider's view, through the lens of James Hanlon and two French filmmakers who were in Manhattan that one day.
- DirectorJames MarshStarsPhilippe PetitJean François HeckelJean-Louis BlondeauA look at tightrope walker Philippe Petit's daring, but illegal, high-wire routine performed between New York City's World Trade Center's twin towers in 1974, what some consider, "the artistic crime of the century".
- DirectorMichael MooreStarsMichael MooreGeorge W. BushBen AffleckMichael Moore's view on what happened to the United States after September 11 and how the Bush Administration allegedly used the tragic event to push forward its agenda for unjust wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
- DirectorTim HetheringtonSebastian JungerStarsThe Men of Battle Company 2nd of the 503rd Infantry Regiment 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat TeamJuan 'Doc RestrepoDan KearneyA year with one platoon in the deadliest valley in Afghanistan.
- DirectorMatthew HeinemanTells the story of the last months of the 20-year war in Afghanistan through the intimate relationship between American Green Berets and the Afghan officers they trained.
- DirectorShaunak SenStarsSalik RehmanMohammad SaudNadeem ShehzadAmidst the darkening backdrop of Delhi's apocalyptic air and escalating violence, two brothers devote their lives to protect one casualty of the turbulent times: the bird known as the Black Kite.
- DirectorAlex PritzStarsNeidinha BandeiraBitaté Uru Eu Wau WauWhen a network of Brazilian farmers seizes a protected area of the Amazon rainforest, a young Indigenous leader and his mentor must fight back in defense of the land and an uncontacted group living deep within the forest.
- DirectorRon HowardStarsCarlota AndrésInés AndrésJosé AndrésA chronicle of how Andrés and his nonprofit rebuilds nations in the wake of disaster, providing healthy food to those affected.
- DirectorJon AlpertStarsDelirisFreddyRobertA relentless ride through the streets and prisons of Newark, New Jersey's largest city, and desperate fight to survive the deadliest enemy ever to attack America.
- DirectorSacha JenkinsStarsLouis ArmstrongSteve AllenErnie AndersonFollow the life and legacy of the master and so-called founding father of jazz, America's first pop star, and cultural ambassador.
- DirectorLisa CortesStarsLittle RichardRalph HarperNewt CollierThe life and career of Little Richard, the one-of-a-kind rock 'n' roll icon who shaped the world of music.
- DirectorBrett MorgenStarsDavid BowieTrevor BolderKen FordhamA cinematic odyssey exploring David Bowie's creative and musical journey. From visionary filmmaker Brett Morgen, and sanctioned by the Bowie estate.
- DirectorSam WrenchStarsTaylor SwiftMike MeadowsMax BernsteinExperience the Eras Tour concert, performed by the one and only Taylor Swift.
- DirectorBeyoncéMark RitchieEd BurkeStarsBeyoncéBlue Ivy CarterDiana RossBeyoncé in performance at her record-breaking RENAISSANCE World Tour and the creative mastermind behind it.
- DirectorMarie AmiguetVincent MunierStarsVincent MunierSylvain TessonTwo men explore the high-altitude wilderness of Tibet with many cameras, filming wildlife from a respectful distance and searching for the rare snow leopard.
- DirectorMargaret BrownStarsTheodore ArthurGary AutreyChris DavisFollows descendants of the survivors from the Clotilda, the last ship that carried enslaved Africans to the United States, as they reclaim their story.
- DirectorRobert GreeneStarsJoe EldredMike ForemanEd GavaganA group of survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests battle for justice.
- DirectorAlonso RuizpalaciosStarsMónica Del CarmenRaúl BrionesMaría Teresa Hernández CañasTwo professional actors undergo an immersive process to find out what it takes to be a cop in Mexico City.
- DirectorTraci CurryStanley NelsonStarsArthur HarrisonCarlos RocheTyrone LarkinsThis unnervingly vivid dive into the 1971 uprising from Emmy® winning director Stanley Nelson sheds new light on the enduring violence and racism of the prison system and highlights the urgent, ongoing need for reform 50 years later.
- DirectorJeremy WorkmanStarsMatt GreenFor over six years, and for reasons he can't explain, Matt Green, 37, has been walking every block of every street in New York City - a journey of more than 8,000 miles. THE WORLD BEFORE YOUR FEET tells the story of one man's unusual personal quest and the unexpected journey of discovery, humanity, and wonder that ensues.
- DirectorWeixi ChenHao WuAnonymousRaw and intimate, this documentary captures the struggles of patients and frontline medical professionals battling the COVID-19 pandemic in Wuhan.
- DirectorNanfu WangStarsAlex AzarBill de BlasioAnthony FauciHow did the Chinese government turn pandemic cover-ups in Wuhan into a triumph for the Communist party?
- DirectorAlex GibneyOphelia HarutyunyanSuzanne HillingerStarsAlex AzarCharlie BakerScott BeckerAn in-depth look at how the United States government handled the response to the COVID-19 outbreak during the early months of the pandemic.
- DirectorJimmy ChinElizabeth Chai VasarhelyiStarsAlex HonnoldTommy CaldwellJimmy ChinAlex 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.
- DirectorPeter MortimerNick RosenJosh LowellStarsPeter SarsgaardAlex HonnoldYvon ChouinardIn the shady campgrounds of Yosemite valley, climbers carved out a counterculture lifestyle of dumpster-diving and wild parties that clashed with the conservative values of the National Park Service.
- DirectorWerner HerzogStarsWerner HerzogBruce ChatwinKarin EberhardA journey where the viewer can see Werner Herzog's creative and personal vision which was shared with iconic travel writer Bruce Chatwin, the prolific author of 'In Patagonia' and a champion of the nomadic life.
- DirectorNathan GrossmanStarsGreta ThunbergSvante ThunbergNiclas SvenningsenThe documentary follows Greta Thunberg, a teenage climate activist from Sweden, on her international crusade to get people to listen to scientists about the world's environmental problems.
- DirectorAlastair FothergillJonathan HughesKeith ScholeyStarsDavid AttenboroughMax HughesOne man has seen more of the natural world than any other. This unique feature documentary is his witness statement.
- DirectorSerena DaviesStarsDavid AttenboroughJames MwendaWith a million species at risk of extinction, Sir David Attenborough explores how this crisis of biodiversity has consequences for us all.
- DirectorJonathan ClayStarsDavid AttenboroughElena BennettJason BoxDavid Attenborough and scientist Johan Rockström examine Earth's biodiversity collapse and how this crisis can still be averted.
- DirectorLucy WalkerStarsTrina CunninghamMike DavisDon HankinsAn investigation into our landscape's hidden fire stories and on-the-ground experiences of firefighters and residents struggling through deadly fires.
- DirectorJoshua TickellRebecca Harrell TickellStarsWoody HarrelsonRay ArchuletaJohn WickA revolutionary group of activists, scientists, farmers, and politicians band together in a global movement of "Regenerative Agriculture" that could balance our climate, replenish our vast water supplies, and feed the world.
- DirectorPippa EhrlichJames ReedStarsCraig FosterTom FosterA 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.
- DirectorVictor KossakovskyStarsGundaDocumentary looks at the daily life of a pig and its farm animal companions: two cows and a one-legged chicken.
- DirectorGabriela CowperthwaiteStarsTilikumDave DuffusSamantha BergA documentary following the controversial captivity of killer whales, and its dangers for both humans and whales.
- DirectorRichard LadkaniSean BogleMatthew PodolskyStarsRomel Eduardo Ledezma AbaroaRafael Pacchiano AlamánHector CapetilloThe vaquita, the world's smallest whale, is near extinction as its habitat is destroyed by Mexican cartels and Chinese mafia, who harvest the swim bladder of the totoaba fish, the "cocaine of the sea." Environmental activists, Mexican navy and undercover investigators are fighting back against this illegal multi-million-dollar business.
- DirectorKeith ScholeyAlastair FothergillStarsNatalie PortmanEcho, a young Pacific dolphin, seems far more interested in exploring his spectacular coral reef home than learning to survive in it. But lessons from his family may encourage Echo to master his vital role in the marine community.
- DirectorSally AitkenStarsValerie TaylorJeremiah S. SullivanRon TaylorPioneering scuba diver Valerie Taylor, who has dedicated her life to exposing the myth surrounding our fear of sharks.
- DirectorRichard da CostaAlex ParkinsonStarsDuncan AllcockKjetil Ove AlvestadStuart AndersonA deep sea diver is stranded on the seabed with 5 minutes of oxygen and no hope of rescue. With access to amazing archive this is the story of one man's impossible fight for survival.
- DirectorTodd Douglas MillerStarsNeil ArmstrongMike CollinsBuzz AldrinA look at the Apollo 11 mission to land on the moon led by commander Neil Armstrong and pilots Buzz Aldrin and Mike Collins.
- DirectorRachel FleitStarsSelma BlairA deeply intimate and raw portrait of Selma Blair after she is diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and tries to slow the progression of her disease.
- DirectorIan BonhôtePeter EttedguiStarsJean-Baptiste AlaizeRyley BattEllie ColeThe history and current standing of the Paralympic Games, which has grown to become the world's third largest sporting event.
- DirectorMarta PrusStarsYana KudryavtsevaMargarita MamunIrina VinerAn intimate portrait of the world's most outstanding rhythmic gymnast Margarita Mamun who needs to overcome mental fragility to take part in the Olympic Games.
- DirectorErin Lee CarrStarsSimone BilesScott BlackmunRichard BlumenthalUSA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar is convicted of serial sexual abuse of young athletes.
- DirectorBonni CohenJon ShenkStarsMaggie NicholsGina NicholsJohn NicholsFollow the Indianapolis Star reporters that broke the story about USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar's abuse and hear from gymnasts like Maggie Nichols.
- DirectorSasha Joseph NeulingerStarsSasha Joseph NeulingerHenry NevisonHoward NevisonDigging through the vast collection of his father's home videos, a young man reconstructs the unthinkable story of his boyhood and exposes vile abuse passed through generations.
- DirectorTia LessinEmma PildesStarsAbbyJudith ArcanaHeather BoothPolice arrested seven women who were part of a clandestine network. Using code names, blindfolds and safe houses, they built an underground service for women seeking safe, affordable, illegal abortions calling themselves JANE.
- DirectorSara DosaStarsMiranda JulyKatia KrafftMaurice KrafftIntrepid scientists and lovers Katia and Maurice Krafft died in a volcanic explosion doing the very thing that brought them together: unraveling the mysteries of volcanoes by capturing the most explosive imagery ever recorded.
- DirectorChristopher André MarksStarsTraianos DellasPanagiotis FyssasVassilis GagatsisIn the summer of 2004, audiences looked on in disbelief as the Greek National Football Team, a country that had never previously won a single match in a major tournament, took down the giants of world football to become the unlikeliest of European Champions. The architect behind this unprecedented triumph was legendary German football coach 'King' Otto Rehhagel. After accomplishing every major success in Germany, he made the bold decision to leave all he knew behind and work in a foreign country with the underachieving Greek National Team. This is the story of how these two contrasting cultures came together to speak the same language and write a new chapter of Greek mythology.
- DirectorAsif KapadiaStarsDiego MaradonaDalma MaradonaPeléConstructed from over 500 hours of never-before-seen footage, this documentary centers on the career of celebrated football player Diego Maradona, who played for S.S.C. Napoli in the 1980s.
- DirectorMary MazzioStarsCommonArshay CooperKen AlpartNarrated by Common, this film chronicles the first African American high school rowing team in this country (made up of young men, many of whom were in rival gangs from the West Side of Chicago, coming together to row in the same boat).
- DirectorAndre GainesStarsKevin HartRob SchneiderChris RockChronicles the incredible life and times of legendary comedian and activist Dick Gregory.
- DirectorHanns-Bruno KammertönsVanessa NöckerMichael WechStarsRoss BrawnFlavio BriatoreLuca Cordero di MontezemoloThrough exclusive interviews and archival footage, this documentary traces an intimate portrait of seven-time Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher.
- DirectorNate AdamsAdam CarollaStarsWilly T. RibbsPhillip RibbsGeraldine RibbsAn in-depth profile of the life and career of Willy T. Ribbs - the controversial Black driver who shattered the color barrier of professional auto-racing and became the first Black qualifier in the storied history of the Indy 500.
- DirectorMarcus RaboyStarsWill SmithDaphne ReidJanet Hubert30 years later, we're bringing the Banks family back together. Join Will Smith and his former co-stars for a funny and heartfelt night full of music and dancing in honor of the show that ran for six seasons and 148 episodes.
- DirectorAndrew DominikStarsEarl CaveNick CaveAndrew DominikExplores the creative relationship and songs from Nick Cave and Warren Ellis' last two studio albums, "Ghosteen" and "Carnage".
- 20211h 58mPG-138.0 (14K)96MetascoreDirectorQuestloveStarsDorinda DrakeBarbara Bland-AcostaDarryl LewisDocumentary about the legendary 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival which celebrated African-American music and culture and promoted Black pride and unity.
- DirectorMelissa HaizlipSam PollardStarsBlair UnderwoodSidney PoitierMichael JacksonBefore Oprah, before Arsenio, there was Mr. SOUL. Ellis Haizlip ensures that the Revolution would be televised with "SOUL!," America's first "Black Tonight Show." From 1968 to 1973, the public-television variety show SOUL!, guided by enigmatic producer and host Ellis Haizlip, offered an unfiltered, uncompromising celebration of Black literature, poetry, music, and politics--voices that had few other options for national exposure, and, as a result, found the program an improbable place to call home. The series was among the first to provide expanded images of African Americans on television, shifting the gaze from inner-city poverty and violence to the vibrancy of the Black Arts Movement. With participants' recollections and illuminating archival clips, Mr. SOUL captures a critical moment in culture whose impact continues to resonate, and an unsung hero whose voice we need now more than ever, to restore the SOUL of a nation.
- DirectorFrank OzStarsDerek DelGaudioHal SchulmanJason EnglandStoryteller and Conceptual Magician Derek DelGaudio attempts to understand the illusory nature of identity and answer the deceptively simple question 'Who am I?'
- DirectorMorgan NevilleStarsAsia ArgentoAnthony BourdainAriane BourdainA documentary about Anthony Bourdain and his career as a chef, writer and host, revered and renowned for his authentic approach to food, culture and travel.
- DirectorDavis GuggenheimStarsMichael J. FoxDavis GuggenheimTracy PollanFollows the life of beloved actor and advocate Michael J. Fox, exploring his personal and professional triumphs and travails, and what happens when an incurable optimist confronts an incurable disease.
- DirectorMarilyn AgreloStarsFrank BiondoLinda BoveFran BrillTake a stroll down Sesame Street and witness the birth of the most impactful children's series in TV history. From the iconic furry characters to the songs you know by heart, learn how a gang of visionary creators changed our world.
- DirectorMorgan NevilleStarsFred RogersMargaret WhitmerTom JunodAn exploration of the life, lessons, and legacy of iconic children's television host Fred Rogers.
- DirectorKirsten JohnsonStarsMichael HilowAna HoffmanDick JohnsonA daughter helps her father prepare for the end of his life.
- DirectorMaite AlberdiStarsSergio ChamyRomulo AitkenMarta OlivaresA private investigator in Chile hires someone to work as a mole at a retirement home where a client of his suspects the caretakers of elder abuse.
- DirectorMaite AlberdiStarsAugusto GóngoraPaulina UrrutiaGustavo CeratiAugusto and Paulina have been together for 25 years. Eight years ago, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Both fear the day he no longer recognizes her.
- DirectorJulie CohenBetsy WestStarsPatricia Bell-ScottPauli MurrayDolores ChandlerA look at the life and ideas of Pauli Murray, a non-binary Black lawyer, activist and poet who influenced both Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Thurgood Marshall.
- DirectorGeorge KunhardtPeter W. KunhardtTeddy KunhardtStarsBryan StevensonChristy StevensonHoward StevensonA look at how Alabama attorney Bryan Stevenson struggles to create more fairness in the legal system.
- DirectorAmanda LipitzStarsLily BolkaChloe LipitzSadie MangelsdorfThe story of three American teenage girls-each adopted from China-who discover they are blood-related cousins on 23andMe. Their online meeting inspires the young women to confront the burning questions they have about their lost history.
- DirectorJimmy ChinElizabeth Chai VasarhelyiStarsBancha DuriyapuntApakorn YoukongkaewAnan SurawanA 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.
- DirectorTodd HaynesStarsJohn WatersMary WoronovBarbara WaltersThe Velvet Underground explores the multiple threads that converged to bring together one of the most influential bands in rock and roll.
- DirectorJonah HillStarsSharon FeldsteinJonah HillPhil StutzFollow Hill and his therapist as he has candid discussions of mental health and the progressively worsening anxiety attacks related to movie promotion that have turned his dream job into a nightmare.
- DirectorRic BurnsStarsOliver SacksRoberto CalassoAntónio DamásioThe life and career of the renowned neurologist and author, Dr. Oliver Sacks.
- DirectorGarrett BradleyStarsSibil Fox RichardsonRobert G. RichardsonMahlik RichardsonFox Rich fights for the release of her husband, Rob, who is serving a 60-year sentence in prison.
- DirectorDavy RothbartStarsCheryl SanfordChris FeddersonEmmanuel Durant Jr.Using two decades of intimate home video, the story of the Sanford family, whose struggles with addiction and gun violence eventually lead to a journey of love, loss, and acceptance.
- DirectorJeff Orlowski-YangStarsTristan HarrisJeff SeibertBailey RichardsonExplores the dangerous human impact of social networking; tech experts sound the alarm on their own creations.
- DirectorRamona S. DiazStarsAmal ClooneyRonaldo 'Bato' Dela RosaRodrigo DuterteA look at how Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte uses social media to spread disinformation.
- DirectorHogir HiroriStarsMahmud ReshoSihamZahraFilm follows a group into Syria's Al-Hol, a dangerous camp in the Middle East, as they risk their lives to save a women being held by ISIS as abducted sex slaves.
- DirectorJonas Poher RasmussenStarsDaniel KarimyarFardin MijdzadehMilad EskandariFLEE 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.
- DirectorLina SoualemStarsHiam AbbassUm AliNemat AbbassYears after leaving her Palestinian village to pursue an acting career in France, Hiam Abbass returns home with her daughter, in this intimate documentary about four generations of women and their shared legacy of separation.
- DirectorChristopher AmosStarsIan McKellenStephen FryPeter TatchellThe profound life story of the controversial human rights campaigner whose provocative acts of civil disobedience rocked the establishment, revolutionised attitudes to homosexuality and exposed tyrants in the fight for equality.
- DirectorSam FederStarsLaverne CoxBianca LeighJen RichardsAn in-depth look at Hollywood's depiction of transgender people and the impact of those stories on transgender lives and American culture.
- DirectorDavid FranceStarsOlga BaranovaDavid IsteevRamzan KadyrovA group of activists risk their lives fighting for LGBTQ+ rights in Chechnya.
- DirectorAlexander NanauStarsDan Alexandru CondreaLiviu IoluRazvan LutacDirector 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.
- DirectorChris BolanStarsTerry DonahuePat HenschelDiana BolanFalling in love in 1947, two women -- Pat Henschel and pro baseball player Terry Donahue -- begin a 65-year journey of love and overcoming prejudice.
- DirectorJames LebrechtNicole NewnhamStarsJames LebrechtLionel Je'WoodyardJoseph O'ConorDown the road from Woodstock, a revolution blossomed at a ramshackle summer camp for teenagers with disabilities, transforming their lives and igniting a landmark movement.
- StarsJacqueline BassettLynn JohnsonTony WalkerDirector Michael Apted revisits the same group of British-born adults after a seven-year wait. The subjects are interviewed as to the changes that have occurred in their lives during the last seven years.
- DirectorJenifer McShaneStarsJoe SmarroErnie StevensA pair of officers with the San Antonio Police Department mental health unit work to divert people away from jail and into mental health treatment.
- DirectorCaolan RobertsonStarsJanice AtkinsonJustin BarrettGail DunneChronicles the migrant crisis occurring in Europe and the consequences on both refugees and natives.
- DirectorBen MastersStarsBen MastersJay KlebergFilipe DeAndradeFive friends travel from El Paso to the Gulf of Mexico along the Rio Grande via bicycle, horseback, and canoe, exploring the relationship between the river and the proposed wall along America's border with Mexico.
- DirectorSteven BognarJulia ReichertStarsJunming 'Jimmy' WangRobert AllenSherrod BrownIn 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.
- DirectorPeter JacksonStarsThomas AdlamWilliam ArgentJohn AshbyA documentary about World War I with never-before-seen footage to commemorate the centennial of the end of the war.
- DirectorAshton GleckmanStarsBenjamin FerenczSimon SrebnikFilip MüllerA chronicle of the Holocaust, exploring stories of survival, tragedy, hope, and resilience through one of history's darkest chapters.
- DirectorSidney BernsteinStarsJasper BrittonAdolf HitlerSidney BernsteinCameramen from Britain's Army Film Unit capture footage of concentration camps in German in 1945.
- DirectorRobert BaharAlmudena CarracedoStarsMaría MartínFrancisco FrancoAdolf HitlerThe Silence of Others reveals the epic struggle of victims of Spain's 40-year dictatorship under General Franco, who continue to seek justice to this day. Filmed over six years, the film follows the survivors as they organize the groundbreaking 'Argentine Lawsuit' and fight a state-imposed amnesia of crimes against humanity, and explores a country still divided four decades into democracy. Seven years in the making, The Silence of Others is the second documentary feature by Emmy-winning filmmakers Almudena Carracedo and Robert Bahar (Made in L.A.). It is being Executive Produced by Pedro Almodóvar, Agustín Almodóvar, and Esther García.