Top Documentary Movies

General Discussions Lounge
1

I enjoy watching documentary movies as much as feature films, so thought I would share some great documentary's that are worth seeking out (no particular order);

 

1. Bobby Fisher Against the World - Who knew chess could be so thrilling!!

2. Blackfish - Orcas in captivity, not surprising they eat people!

3. The Art of the Steal - A criminal act of outright corporation stealing

4. The Cove - You'll never eat sushi again!

5. Deepwater - Hollywood couldn't even make this up!!

6. Exit through the Gift Shop - Are we the joke??

7. Garbo the spy - Admiration doesn't do him justice

8. Grizzly Man - Bonkers!!

9. Man on a Wire - Amazing head for heights

10. Mr. Death: The Rise and Fall of Fred A. Leuchter, Jr. - No such thing as humane murder

11. Senna - Even if you know nothing about Formula 1 this will grip you

12. Stories We Tell - Family whispers....great

13. TT3D Closer to the Edge - Even if you know nothing of bike racing, this is to street bike racing what Senna is to F1, watch with Senna

14. The Thin Blue Line - A travesty of justice

15. Touching the Void - The strength of the human spirit on top of a mountain..inspiring

 

I could easily double this list but the these are certainly worth taking some time to enjoy.

2

Currently, my favorite historical documentaries are on Youtube. My Plex/Roku/Youtube channel have allowed me to watch them

History of the English Language 1 (First 4 are great ) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26Gb7GQ33-Q

History of Britian (7 part series) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhN2_fQN-Pg

The First World War (10 part, I think) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qY3Sb8xiQ_c

Not to mention History of Scotland and The Store of Ireland. In Search of Myths and Heroes- King Arthur.

And there are also a bunch of science documentaries... Cosmos.

Good stuff.

3

Here are mine:

-Armadillo (Military/Afghanistan)

-It Might Get Loud (Music, U2/Jack White/Jimmy Page)

-Gasland (Environmental/ Fracking/US)

-Restrepo (War/Afghanistan)

-Craigslist Joe (Social/US)

-Talihina Sky (Music/Kings of Leon)

I am a BIG fan of non-fiction.....

4

Here are some of my favorite documentaries:

Taxi to the Dark Side (2007)

Objectified (2009)

Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2012)

An Inconvenient Truth (2006)

Home (2009)

The Fog of War (2003)

The Cove (2009)

5

The World at War, People's Century, & Adam Curtis' The Century of the Self and All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace are essentials imho. much of Curtis' material is available to stream and download from thoughtmaybe.

... but these are all tv series, so in answer to your question for documentary films, i would have to thumbs up the  MC5 - A true testimonial.  

6

I just realized the irony in having both Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2012) and The Cove (2009) in my favorite documentary films... well, I still love sushi and I'm gonna continue eating it!  B)

Just not dolphin or shark sushi, or other overfished, nearly extinct fish.

7

Far and away my favorite doc is The Nature of Existence (2010)


A great doc about the differ t world views surrounding the nature of existence where the film maker asks people from all different religions/world views the same sets of questions about the topic of purpose and existence. The film takes a very neutral stance and I never felt like any particular view was being pushed as the correct one. I really can’t recommend it enough for anyone interested in the topic.

8

Far and away my favorite doc is The Nature of Existence (2010)

A great doc about the differ t world views surrounding the nature of existence where the film maker asks people from all different religions/world views the same sets of questions about the topic of purpose and existence. The film takes a very neutral stance and I never felt like any particular view was being pushed as the correct one. I really can't recommend it enough for anyone interested in the topic.

It's hard to find this documentary, "The Nature of Existence". Any tips? I'd be interested in watching it.

9

I like "Reversal of fortune (2005)"  a lot.

10

It's hard to find this documentary, "The Nature of Existence". Any tips? I'd be interested in watching it.


Its on Netflix (not sure if its US only) other than that you can buy it directly from the website.
11

Herzog's docs are consistently exceptional.

1) Into the Abyss

2) Encounters at the End of the World

3) Grizzly Man

4) Cave of Forgotten Dreams

5) Happy People

He's made many, many other special films. Check them out. You'll get addicted to his unique narration alongside images of people and places you never knew existed. 

The most affecting doc I've ever seen was "The Act of Killing," which Herzog produced. It's just...on another level. 

12

Alone in the Wilderness - Dick Proenneke films himself building a cabin in the middle of nowhere.
http://youtu.be/iYJKd0rkKss

13

America freedom to facism

14

For you astronomy lovers out there I highly recommend… journey to the edge of the universe.

Amazing visuals and fantastic commentary if you get the UK version. Avoid the north American version with Alec Baldwin.