best documentary
by staave | created - 23 Mar 2013 | updated - 10 Feb 2016 | Public- Instant Watch Options
- Genres
- Movies or TV
- IMDb Rating
- In Theaters
- Release Year
- Keywords
1. Cosmos (1980)
TV-PG | 60 min | Documentary
Astronomer Carl Sagan leads us on an engaging guided tour of the various elements and cosmological theories of the universe.
Stars: Carl Sagan, Jaromír Hanzlík, Jonathan Fahn, Jean Charney
Votes: 44,165
2. The First Eden (1987)
Documentary
Sir David Attenborough reviews the history of mankind's relationship with the natural world in the lands around the Mediterranean.
Star: David Attenborough
Votes: 428
3. The Trials of Life (1990)
600 min | Documentary
Each of the twelve 50-minute episodes features a different aspect of the journey through life, from birth to adulthood and continuation of the species through reproduction.
Star: David Attenborough
Votes: 1,878
4. The Private Life of Plants (1995)
49 min | Documentary
David Attenborough's study of the world of plants, which demonstrates, with the aid of time-lapse photography, the rich and varied ways in which they flourish.
Star: David Attenborough
Votes: 2,860
5. Microcosmos (1996)
Not Rated | 80 min | Documentary
A documentary on insect life in meadows and ponds.
Directors: Claude Nuridsany, Marie Pérennou | Stars: Kristin Scott Thomas, Jacques Perrin
Votes: 11,652 | Gross: $1.57M
6. The Life of Birds (1998)
TV-PG | 49 min | Documentary
David Attenborough's comprehensive and richly detailed study of birds, examining the variety of different species and their ways of life.
Star: David Attenborough
Votes: 3,037
7. State of the Planet (2000 TV Movie)
147 min | Documentary
David Attenborough investigates the latest scientific research to discover whether or not there is a global environmental crisis, and, if so, what solutions there are to it.
Director: Kate Broome | Star: David Attenborough
Votes: 764
8. Winged Migration (2001)
G | 89 min | Documentary
Documentary on the migratory patterns of birds, shot over the course of three years on all seven continents.
Directors: Jacques Perrin, Jacques Cluzaud, Michel Debats | Stars: Jacques Perrin, Philippe Labro
Votes: 12,369 | Gross: $10.76M
9. The Blue Planet (2001)
TV-G | 49 min | Documentary
Mammoth series, five years in the making, taking a look at the rich tapestry of life in the world's oceans.
Stars: David Attenborough, Pierce Brosnan, Peter Scoones
Votes: 42,716
10. Bowling for Columbine (2002)
R | 120 min | Documentary, Crime, Drama
Filmmaker Michael Moore explores the roots of America's predilection for gun violence.
Director: Michael Moore | Stars: Michael Moore, Charlton Heston, Marilyn Manson, Salvador Allende
Votes: 148,760 | Gross: $21.58M
11. The Life of Mammals (2002–2003)
50 min | Documentary
David Attenborough's comprehensive study of how a remarkable group of animals evolved - a group that includes ourselves.
Star: David Attenborough
Votes: 4,242
12. Deep Blue (2003)
G | 83 min | Documentary
Join a voyage through aquatic realms where humans have rarely dared to go. Waddle with playful penguins, dart with lightning speed through schools of sharks, ride over stormy waves with massive whales and view rare alien-like creatures.
Directors: Andy Byatt, Alastair Fothergill | Stars: Pierce Brosnan, Michael Gambon, David Attenborough, Frank Glaubrecht
Votes: 3,145 | Gross: $0.13M
13. Super Size Me (2004)
PG-13 | 100 min | Documentary
While examining the influence of the fast food industry, Morgan Spurlock personally explores the consequences on his health of a diet of solely McDonald's food for one month.
Director: Morgan Spurlock | Stars: Morgan Spurlock, Daryl Isaacs, Chemeeka Walker, Dania Abu-Rmaileh
Votes: 113,294 | Gross: $11.53M
14. Coast (2005– )
TV-PG | 60 min | Documentary
The story of the coastline of the UK and her near neighbours.
Stars: Nicholas Crane, Neil Oliver, Mark Horton, Miranda Krestovnikoff
Votes: 361
15. The Aristocrats (2005)
Not Rated | 89 min | Documentary, Comedy
One hundred superstar comedians tell the same very, VERY dirty, filthy joke--one shared privately by comics since Vaudeville.
Directors: Penn Jillette, Paul Provenza | Stars: George Carlin, Don Rickles, Chris Rock, Chris Albrecht
Votes: 17,061 | Gross: $6.38M
16. Life in the Undergrowth (2005)
50 min | Documentary
David Attenborough's ground-breaking exploration of a group of organisms that are vast in number, yet often too small to be noticed: the invertebrates.
Star: David Attenborough
Votes: 3,847
17. Journey of Life (2005– )
300 min | Documentary
The 5 x 60 minute programs cover the story of evolution, from the beginning of time to where we find ourselves today - the individual program titles being Seas Of Life, Land Grab, Airborne, Living Together and Human Life.
Star: Steve Leonard
Votes: 128
18. 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: 220,326
19. An Inconvenient Truth (2006)
PG | 96 min | Documentary
Filmmaker Davis Guggenheim follows Al Gore on the lecture circuit, as the former presidential candidate campaigns to raise public awareness of the dangers of global warming and calls for immediate action to curb its destructive effects on the environment.
Director: Davis Guggenheim | Stars: Al Gore, Billy West, George Bush, George W. Bush
Votes: 85,220 | Gross: $23.81M
20. Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern (2006– )
60 min | Reality-TV
Host Andrew Zimmern explores various cultures through their cuisines.
Stars: Andrew Zimmern, Tim Mikeska, Bill Esparza, Arturo Feliz-Camilo
Votes: 2,574
21. Galapagos (2006)
180 min | Documentary
The history of these beautiful Islands from their creation as uprising lava to their being studied by Darwin to their modern day inhabitants.
Stars: Tilda Swinton, Richard Wollocombe, Tom Hiddleston, Stacy Keach
Votes: 1,437
22. Earth: The Power of the Planet (2007)
Not Rated | 60 min | Documentary
In each episode, geologist Dr. Iain Stewart explains the effects and importance of a specific force of nature, such as wind or volcanism. He also examines the various ways in which it ... See full summary »
Stars: Iain Stewart, Leo Houlding, Victor Baker, Jerry Wiant
Votes: 2,091
23. Sicko (2007)
PG-13 | 123 min | Documentary, Drama
A documentary comparing the highly profitable American health care industry to other nations, and HMO horror stories including shotgun deaths.
Director: Michael Moore | Stars: Michael Moore, Tucker Albrizzi, Tony Benn, George W. Bush
Votes: 76,831 | Gross: $24.54M
24. Earth (2007)
G | 90 min | Documentary
Feature-length version of the documentary TV series Planet Earth (2006), following the migration paths of four animal families.
Directors: Alastair Fothergill, Mark Linfield | Stars: James Earl Jones, Patrick Stewart, Anggun, Ulrich Tukur
Votes: 14,743 | Gross: $38.05M
25. Ganges (2007 TV Movie)
148 min | Documentary
This amazing series reveals how the Ganges, India's sacred river for millions of Hindus that share its banks and waters with a rich variety of wildlife, has shaped the wildlife, culture and beliefs of India.
Star: Sudha Bhuchar
Votes: 234
26. Wild China (2008)
60 min | Documentary
An in-depth look at some of China's most impressive natural sites such as the ancient Han kingdom, the Mongol steppes, the Silk Road and the Tibetan Plateau.
Star: Bernard Hill
Votes: 2,882
27. Food, Inc. (2008)
PG | 94 min | Documentary, News
An unflattering look inside America's corporate controlled food industry.
Director: Robert Kenner | Stars: Michael Pollan, Eric Schlosser, Richard Lobb, Vince Edwards
Votes: 52,226 | Gross: $4.42M
28. Unknown Africa (2008– )
30 min | Documentary
This is the Africa you have never seen - not even in your wildest dreams. Saba Douglas-Hamilton travels way off the beaten path to three African countries which are not on the tourist map. ... See full summary »
Star: Saba Douglas-Hamilton
Votes: 9
29. Wildes Russland (2008– )
TV-PG | 360 min | Documentary
An in-depth look at Russia's most natural wonders including Siberia, Kamchatka, the Artic, Caucasus, Primorye, and the Urals.
Stars: Christian Brückner, Paterson Joseph, Jason Hildebrandt, Hans Henrik Wöhler
Votes: 663
30. Life in Cold Blood (2008)
58 min | Documentary
A nature documentary series written and presented by David Attenborough, that looks at the evolution and habits of amphibians and reptiles.
Star: David Attenborough
Votes: 2,954
31. Nature's Great Events (2009)
49 min | Documentary, Family
This exploration of the planet's most breathtaking natural events follows vast migrations, huge ocean convergences, powerful weather systems and mighty floods.
Stars: David Attenborough, Joe Stevens, Shane Moore, Owen Newman
Votes: 3,373
32. Yellowstone (2009– )
50 min | Documentary
Filmed over the course of a year in Yellowstone, this documentary tracks the area's wildlife as they grapple with life and death within one of America's last remaining wilderness regions.
Stars: Peter Firth, Mary Beth Schwartz, Jeff Henry, Dick Powell
Votes: 1,883
33. Wild Pacific (2009– )
TV-PG | 50 min | Documentary
A documentary series on life in and adapted to the conditions of the Southern part of the Pacific Ocean, a vast aquatic region with an unequaled number of islands. Both wildlife and human ... See full summary »
Stars: Benedict Cumberbatch, Mike Rowe, Richard Wollocombe, Mark Brownlow
Votes: 2,516
34. Capitalism: A Love Story (2009)
R | 127 min | Documentary, Crime, History
An examination of the social costs of corporate interests pursuing profits at the expense of the public good.
Director: Michael Moore | Stars: Michael Moore, William Black, Jimmy Carter, Elijah Cummings
Votes: 43,872 | Gross: $14.36M
35. Life (2009)
TV-G | 43 min | Documentary
David Attenborough's legendary BBC crew explains and shows wildlife all over planet earth. From giving an overview of the challenges facing life to hunting the deep sea and various major evolutionary groups of creatures.
Stars: Oprah Winfrey, David Attenborough, Doug Allan, Roger Munns
Votes: 42,818
36. Oceans (2008)
G | 84 min | Documentary
An ecological drama/documentary, filmed throughout the globe. Part thriller, part meditation on the vanishing wonders of the sub-aquatic world.
Directors: Jacques Perrin, Jacques Cluzaud | Stars: Pierce Brosnan, Pedro Armendáriz Jr., Jacques Perrin, Rie Miyazawa
Votes: 10,075 | Gross: $19.42M
37. Charles Darwin and the Tree of Life (2009 TV Movie)
59 min | Documentary, Family
David Attenborough explores Charles Darwin's controversial theory of evolution by natural selection.
Star: David Attenborough
Votes: 2,227
38. The Cove (2009)
PG-13 | 92 min | Documentary, Biography, Crime
Using state-of-the-art equipment, a group of activists, led by renowned dolphin trainer Ric O'Barry, infiltrate a cove near Taijii, Japan to expose both a shocking instance of animal abuse and a serious threat to human health.
Director: Louie Psihoyos | Stars: Richard O'Barry, Louie Psihoyos, Hardy Jones, Michael Illiff
Votes: 51,452 | Gross: $0.87M
39. Inside Nature's Giants (2009– )
Documentary
Scientists study the nature, anatomy and evolution of some of natures most fascinating creatures.
Stars: Peter Fison, Denny Heide, Mark Evans, Tim Cockerill
Votes: 185
40. Wonders of the Solar System (2010)
TV-PG | 60 min | Documentary, Family
In this spellbinding series Professor Brian Cox visits the most extreme locations on Earth to explain how the laws of physics carved natural wonders across the solar system.
Stars: Brian Cox, Carolyn Porco, Richard Hoover, Ralph Lorenz
Votes: 4,718
41. Ancient Worlds (2010)
Not Rated | 60 min | Documentary
An Ancient society is examined, but not just from a historical point of view. The researchers try to present and approach it as if they lived in that Classical or earlier culture, religion etcetera.
Stars: Richard Miles, Simon Russell Beale, Valerio Massimo Manfredi, Julie Berry
Votes: 210
42. How the Earth Changed History (2010– )
Documentary
In each episode, geologist Iain Stewart describes how a certain geological force played a determinant part in human history. Culture may render people less dependent on nature, it still ... See full summary »
Stars: Iain Stewart, Ali Haleyalur
Votes: 814
43. First Life (2010)
59 min | Documentary
David Attenborough goes back in time to investigate the origins of life.
Stars: David Attenborough, Justin Marshall, Jean-Bernard Caron, Mary Droser
Votes: 1,767
44. The Great Rift: Africa's Greatest Story (2010– )
176 min | Documentary
The Great Rift Valley in Africa was created when the African and Arabian tectonic plates separated about 35 million years ago. This series investigates the forces that created the rift and focuses on the landscape and wildlife.
Stars: Hugh Quarshie, Ingrid Kvale, Martin Dohrn, Tim Fogg
Votes: 661
45. The Story of Science (2010– )
Documentary
Michael Mosley takes an informative and ambitious journey exploring how the evolution of scientific understanding is intimately interwoven with society's historical path.
Stars: Michael Mosley, Simon Chaplin, Floor Lagerwey, Margaret Esiri
Votes: 652
46. BBC Mountain Gorilla (2010– )
180 min | Documentary
Three-part television documentary about the lives of the 700 remaining mountain gorillas in Africa.
Star: Patrick Stewart
Votes: 49
47. Inside Job (2010)
PG-13 | 109 min | Documentary, Crime
Takes a closer look at what brought about the 2008 financial meltdown.
Director: Charles Ferguson | Stars: Matt Damon, Gylfi Zoega, Andri Snær Magnason, Sigridur Benediktsdottir
Votes: 78,985 | Gross: $4.31M
48. Through the Wormhole (2010–2017)
TV-PG | 60 min | Documentary
Hosted by Morgan Freeman, Through the Wormhole will explore the deepest mysteries of existence - the questions that have puzzled mankind for eternity. What are we made of? What was there ... See full summary »
Stars: Morgan Freeman, Sean Carroll, Michio Kaku, Kip Thorne
Votes: 18,433
49. Madagascar (2011)
240 min | Documentary
Over 80% of Madagascar's animals and plants are found nowhere else on Earth. Discover what made Madagascar so different from the rest of the world, and how evolution ran wild there.
Stars: David Attenborough, Gavin Thurston, Tim Fogg, Emma Napper
Votes: 2,322
50. Frozen Planet (2011–2012)
TV-PG | 33 min | Documentary
Focuses on life and the environment in both the Arctic and Antarctic.
Stars: David Attenborough, Alec Baldwin, Chadden Hunter, Michael Kelem
Votes: 32,999
51. Earthflight (2011–2012)
59 min | Documentary
A nature documentary about a bird's-eye view of the natural world, joining the journeys of snow geese, cranes, albatrosses, eagles and other birds across six continents. Beginning in North ... See full summary »
Star: David Tennant
Votes: 618
52. Kingdom of the Oceans (2011)
52 min | Documentary
A four-part documentary series on ocean life around the world.
Stars: Salvatore Vecchio, Jacques Perrin, François Sarano, Stéphane Durand
Votes: 119
53. Queen: Days of Our Lives (2011 TV Movie)
TV-14 | 120 min | Documentary, Music
The life and times of the rock band Queen - told in two parts covering in part one the 1970's and in part two the 1980's and beyond.
Director: Matt O'Casey | Stars: Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, Chris Smith
Votes: 2,016
54. Wonders of the Universe (I) (2011)
TV-G | 59 min | Documentary, Family
Professor Brian Cox visits some of the most dramatic parts of the globe to explain the fundamental principles that govern the laws of nature - light, gravity, energy, matter and time. With ... See full summary »
Stars: Brian Cox, Steven Mackintosh
Votes: 4,343
55. Planet Dinosaur (2011)
180 min | Documentary, Animation, Action
Based on the latest paleontological discoveries from all continents, veteran actor John Hurt narrates the gory, bleak stories of the brutal relationship between the ancient apex predators and their gigantic herbivorous prey.
Star: John Hurt
Votes: 1,750
56. Inside the Human Body (2011)
Not Rated | 60 min | Documentary
Inside The Human Body - takes us deep under our skin where we are dwarfed by even the smallest cell, where blood vessels becomevast cathedrals and the tiniest cluster of cilia becomes an expansive forest.
Stars: Christopher Cotten, Michael Mosley
Votes: 601
57. A History of Ancient Britain (2011–2012)
TV-G | 60 min | Documentary
Neil Oliver tells the epic story of how Britain and its people came to be over thousands of years of ancient history - the beginnings of our world forged in ice, stone, and bronze.
Stars: Neil Oliver, Alison Sheridan, Francis Pryor, Paul Bahn
Votes: 240
58. 6 Days to Air: The Making of South Park (2011 TV Movie)
Not Rated | 42 min | Documentary, Comedy
A look at the making of South Park: HUMANCENTiPAD (2011).
Director: Arthur Bradford | Stars: Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Anne Garefino, Frank C. Agnone II
Votes: 3,199
59. Dark Matters: Twisted But True (2011–2012)
30 min | Documentary, Horror, Sci-Fi
Delves into the most unusual research ever conducted, including attempts to crossbreed humans and apes, actual zombie investigations and head transplantation studies. Cutting-edge CGI ... See full summary »
Stars: John Noble, Jim Ottaviani, Sean Montgomery, David Maiullo
Votes: 915
60. Human Planet (2011)
TV-PG | 50 min | Documentary
A cinematic experience bringing you the most amazing human stories in the world. Humans and wildlife surviving in the most extreme environments on Earth
Stars: John Hurt, Roger Munns
Votes: 27,800
61. Kingdom of Plants 3D (2012)
50 min | Documentary
3D technology reveals a whole new dimension in the lives of plants, from the most bizarre to the most beautiful. In this sensational series, shot over the course of a year, David ... See full summary »
Stars: David Attenborough, Tim Cragg, Anthony Geffen, Oliver Page
Votes: 1,052
62. Vikings (2012)
59 min | Documentary, History
Vikings is a documentary series written and presented by Neil Oliver charting the rise of the Vikings from prehistoric times to the empire of Canute.
Star: Neil Oliver
Votes: 283
63. Great Barrier Reef (2012 TV Movie)
120 min | Documentary
Earth's largest living structure is also home to the most magical marine environment on the planet, and the Great Barrier Reef, a series of interconnected habitats harboring Earth's most ... See full summary »
Votes: 15
64. Planet Ocean (2012)
Not Rated | 94 min | Documentary
Dive into our planet's greatest mysteries with a team of international underwater cinematographers as they explore the breathtaking bond between humanity and the ocean.
Directors: Yann Arthus-Bertrand, Michael Pitiot | Stars: Josh Duhamel, Sharon Mann
Votes: 1,596
65. Marley (2012)
PG-13 | 144 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
A documentary on the life, music, and legacy of Bob Marley.
Director: Kevin Macdonald | Stars: Bob Marley, Ziggy Marley, Rita Marley, Jimmy Cliff
Votes: 14,496 | Gross: $1.41M
66. More Than Honey (2012)
Unrated | 95 min | Documentary
An in-depth look at honeybee colonies in California, Switzerland, China and Australia.
Director: Markus Imhoof | Stars: Fred Jaggi, Randolf Menzel, John Miller, Liane Singer
Votes: 4,320 | Gross: $0.07M
67. Africa (2013)
TV-PG | 51 min | Documentary
Africa, the world's wildest continent. David Attenborough takes us on an awe-inspiring journey through one of the most diverse places in the world. We visit deserts, savannas, and jungles and meet up with some of Africa's amazing wildlife.
Stars: David Attenborough, Simon Blakeney, Bill Rudolph, Justine Evans
Votes: 17,123
68. Wild Arabia (2013– )
180 min | Documentary
British biologist and military veteran Steve Backshall visits the Arabian peninsula to film its surprisingly rich and varied wildlife. Contrary to its desert reputation, Arabia comprises various distinct regions, each with its own species.
Stars: Alexander Siddig, Sue Gibson, Chadden Hunter, Mateo Willis
Votes: 535
69. Wonders of Life (2013)
TV-PG | 59 min | Documentary
Physicist and professor Brian Cox travels across the globe to uncover the secrets of the most extraordinary phenomenon in the universe: life.
Star: Brian Cox
Votes: 1,725
70. Penguins: Spy in the Huddle (2013)
TV-G | 177 min | Documentary
Penguins - Spy in the Huddle spends nearly a year in the close company of penguins, deploying 50 spycams to capture as never before the true character of these birds.
Stars: David Tennant, Peter Drost
Votes: 436
71. Blackfish (2013)
PG-13 | 83 min | Documentary
A documentary following the controversial captivity of killer whales, and its dangers for both humans and whales.
Director: Gabriela Cowperthwaite | Stars: Tilikum, Dave Duffus, Samantha Berg, Dean Gomersall
Votes: 72,458 | Gross: $2.07M
72. Natural Curiosities (2013–2018)
Documentary, History
David Attenborough presents a collection of his favourite natural curiosities found throughout the animal kingdom from armoured giants to crafty insects.
Stars: David Attenborough, Guy Chapellier
Votes: 818
73. Science Britannica (2013)
60 min | Documentary
Brian Cox discusses British scientists and their contributions to our modern world.
Stars: Brian Cox, Paul Nurse, Simon Baron-Cohen, Tipu Aziz
Votes: 229
74. Rise of Animals: Triumph of the Vertebrates (2013)
TV-PG | 60 min | Documentary
David Attenborough embarks on a remarkable 500 million-year journey revealing the extraordinary group of animals that dominate our world, and how their evolution defines our human bodies.
Star: David Attenborough
Votes: 1,047
75. David Attenborough's Natural History Museum Alive (2014 TV Movie)
64 min | Documentary, Animation
This documentary narrated by David Attenborough was filmed at the Natural History Museum, London, and uses state of the art CGI imagery to bring to life several extinct animals in the ... See full summary »
Director: Daniel M. Smith | Star: David Attenborough
Votes: 912
76. Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey (2014)
TV-PG | 43 min | Documentary
An exploration of our discovery of the laws of nature and coordinates in space and time.
Stars: Neil deGrasse Tyson, Christopher Emerson, Keythe Farley, Piotr Michael
Votes: 128,732
77. Life Story (2014–2015)
TV-PG | 60 min | Documentary
David Attenbourough narrates on the greatest of all adventures - the journey through life.
Stars: David Attenborough, Rolf Steinmann, Emma Napper, Sophie Lanfear
Votes: 2,338
78. Human Universe (2014)
TV-PG | 60 min | Documentary, Family
Brian travels the globe to discuss these topics with examples from our planet and others in the universe.
Stars: Brian Cox, Bill Anders, Charles Duke
Votes: 1,523
79. The Hunt (II) (2015)
TV-PG | 64 min | Documentary
The fascinating relationship between predators and their prey, and the strategies predators use to catch their food and prey use to escape death.
Stars: David Attenborough, Jamie McPherson, Huw Cordey, Damien Boisseau
Votes: 4,367
80. Wild Britain with Ray Mears (2010– )
30 min | Documentary
Adventurer and nature lover Ray Mears explores some of Britain's more inaccessible countryside to discover the wildlife living just outside our front door.
Star: Ray Mears
Votes: 86
Tell Your Friends