Documentaries have the power to captivate and enlighten us, shedding light on compelling stories that resonate with our collective experiences. Whether it's the heartwarming journey of penguins braving freezing temperatures in "March of the Penguins," or the inspiring tale of friendship in "Won't You Be My Neighbor?," there is an abundance of incredible documentaries that have touched our hearts and minds throughout the years. From exploring the dark secrets of society in "The Central Park Five" to delving into the enigmatic life of a music legend in "Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck," these films have left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. Join us as we dive into a list of some of the best documentaries ever made, each offering a unique perspective and an unforgettable story.
March of the Penguins
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Not only did March of the Penguins attain legitimate cultural recognition upon its premiere in 2005, it stands as one of the most outstanding nature documentaries ever witnessed by the world. Seriously: Who could have anticipated that the waddling, peculiar mating season of penguins would ignite our emotions? Oh, and before it slips our mind—March of the Penguins showcases the ultimate achievement for a documentary film in the 21st century. The narration is provided by none other than Morgan Freeman.
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When We Were Kings
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Some sports enthusiasts may debate this, but When We Were Kings is equivalent to Muhammad Ali what The Last Dance is to Michael Jordan. What this means is: If you require a reminder of the boxing legend's supremacy (both as a social activist and an athlete), look no further than this detailed chronicle of his journey to Kinshasa, Zaire for the "Rumble in the Jungle" against George Foreman.
Observe on The Criterion Channel
Minding the Gap
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Fortunately, the Academy was wise in recognizing Minding the Gap with an Oscar nomination in 2018. Bing Liu, through his compelling portrayal of his closest friends over a 12-year period, has created a heartrending coming-of-age narrative that strikes a chord—and will linger in your conscience for years after viewing the film. (Even if you only remember it for its extraordinary skateboarding cinematography.) Or, at least until Liu, who is undoubtedly poised to become a noteworthy filmmaking luminary, unveils his subsequent labor of love.
Observe on Hulu
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Won't You Be My Neighbor?
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If there's one documentary on this list that is certain to leave you uncontrollably teary-eyed, it is Won't You Be My Neighbor? The documentary delves into the life of the late children's television star Fred Rogers, whose show, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, profoundly impacted the lives of millions of young (and old!) individuals.
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Free Solo
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If you enjoy documentaries that leave you perspiring, then hey, Free Solo will have you seeking a shower afterward. The film chronicles rock climber Alex Honnold's ascent to the summit of the treacherous El Capitan in Yosemite National Park... without the aid of ropes, harnesses, or any other protective gear. So yes! Viewing Free Solo is akin to spending an hour in a sauna.
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The Last Waltz
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In the 1970s, Martin Scorsese captured the final performance of the Canadian rock group The Band. The show included appearances from Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, and Joni Mitchell, resulting in an unforgettable concert film.
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Grey Gardens
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If watching a documentary that features subjects who genuinely identify as Big Edie and Little Edie doesn't intrigue you, then we're uncertain what will. Grey Gardens is recognized as an all-time classic documentary for good reason—following the lives of the two Edies as they reside in seclusion within a dilapidated mansion in New York.
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13th
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Filmmaker Ava DuVernay provides an in-depth examination of how the United States prison system has functioned as a medium for institutionalized racism and inequality. 13th combines footage and compelling interviews with a host of exceptional academics, activists, politicians, and individuals who have experienced incarceration.
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Amy
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Amy Winehouse possessed a voice that propelled her into the status of a music icon at a tender age, but her fate took an unexpectedly twisted turn. This heart-wrenching biopic sheds light on the true nature of Winehouse's widely-known "party girl" persona, offering a fresh perspective on the enigmatic talent's personal life and career, while also serving as a retrospective on how the world lost her.
Observe on Showtime
Three Unfamiliar Individuals
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THREE UNFAMILIAR INDIVIDUALS [Trailer] Coming to theaters on June 29th.
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The renowned reunion of triplets who were separated at birth takes a discouraging turn when the three embark on a journey to uncover the circumstances surrounding their separation as infants. This riveting documentary captures the astounding circumstances that could only arise from the twists and turns of real-life events.
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Honeyland
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Honeyland [Official Trailer] – In Theaters on July 26, 2019
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If you're longing to immerse yourself in a world different from your own, look no further than Honeyland, a captivating documentary that transports you to the Balkan Mountains alongside Hatidže Muratova, one of the last Macedonians preserving ancient beekeeping traditions. Filmed over three years, the movie uncovers a fascinating contrast between the analog woman and a young family that moves in nearby. Even without its central plot, the breathtaking cinematography and landscapes alone make watching this film a sheer delight.
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The Endeavor
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The Endeavor (2017) | Official U.S. Trailer HD
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Within the confines of the infamous Folsom Prison, level-four convicts—prisoners assigned to maximum security—come together for an intensive three-day group therapy session that forms part of their rehabilitation process. It is during this time that these convicts delve deep into their past traumas and vulnerabilities, which have contributed to their violent behavior. The documentary experiences moments of heart-wrenching emotion, sheer terror, and utmost urgency.
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Pina
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Pina Official Domestic Trailer #1 - Wim Wenders Movie (2011) HD
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Renowned director Wim Wenders presents a poignant portrait of his friend Pina Bausch, an internationally acclaimed dancer and choreographer who unexpectedly passed away during the early stages of the documentary's production. Shot in stunning 3D, Pina delivers a dance performance unlike anything you have ever witnessed. The film not only serves as a captivating biographical account of a creative genius but also celebrates the human body's beauty and the art it can produce.
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The Act of Killing
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The Act of Killing - Official Trailer
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Between 1965 and 1966, Indonesia experienced an anti-communist purge, resulting in a mass killing that historians estimate claimed the lives of anywhere between 400,000 to 3,000,000 victims. Fifty years later, director Joshua Oppenheimer (with the collaboration of Christine Cynn and an anonymous Indonesian filmmaker) created The Act of Killing, a gripping and unflinching examination of former members of the death squads, who are now revered for the society they helped establish.
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The Central Park Five
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The Central Park Five Official Trailer #1 (2012) - Ken Burns Documentary Movie HD
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In April 1989, a violent assault and rape took place as 28-year-old Trisha Meili was jogging in New York City's Central Park. That very same night, five young men—four black and one Hispanic—were arrested on suspicion of gang activity within the park. Following hours of interrogation and coerced confessions, the teenage boys were charged with assault, rape, and the attempted murder of Meili. This case triggered a media frenzy perpetuated by racism, resulting in the conviction of these young boys. Ken Burns's documentary reflects on one of the most infamous criminal cases in recent history, a decade after another individual confessed to committing the crime.
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Man on Wire
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In 1974, a week before his 24th birthday, high-wire artist Philippe Petit astounded the ordinarily skeptical residents of New York City by walking on a wire 1,000 feet above the ground between the towers of the World Trade Center. Over the course of 45 minutes, Petit bravely completed eight crossings between the skyscrapers.
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Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck
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The Buzz: Kurt Cobain Montage of Heck (HBO)
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At the age of 27, Kurt Cobain was one of the most renowned musicians in the world—a status he would have preferred to avoid. However, his overwhelming fame, coupled with his mental illness and drug addiction, ultimately led to his demise. Montage of Heck attempts to reconstruct a depiction of Cobain using recordings from his personal archive as well as interviews with the loved ones he left behind, including his Nirvana bandmates.
Watch on HBO Max
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The Overnighters
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The Overnighters Official Trailer 1 (2014) - Documentary HD
View the trailerDirector Jesse Moss examines the residents of Williston, a small town in North Dakota that experienced a significant population surge due to an oil boom amid the recession. As jobseekers flooded the town, overwhelming its housing market, the locals turned against these newcomers—except for Jay Reinke, a Lutheran pastor who opened the doors of his church to provide sanctuary for the town's latest residents.
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These are just a few examples of the incredible and thought-provoking documentaries that have captivated audiences in recent years. From the touching story of Mr. Rogers in "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" to the jaw-dropping feats of "Free Solo," these films have shown the incredible power of the documentary genre to entertain, inform, and inspire. Whether you're a documentary enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the genre, these films are a must-watch for anyone who appreciates the art of storytelling and the power of real-life narratives. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be amazed by the best documentaries that the world of cinema has to offer.
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