Documentary films are an art form all their own. They possess the power to shape opinions, change minds, stir emotions, and introduce viewers to unseen worlds. From intimate profiles of individuals to sweeping explorations of global events, documentaries cover a limitless range of subjects. If it happened — or could happen — a documentary can tell that story.
What defines a truly exceptional documentary? There’s no single formula, but the documentaries listed here offer powerful stories and deep insights. Documentaries may be more accessible to create than narrative films, but standing out in this medium requires unique perspective and skill. If you’re ready to dive into your next unforgettable viewing experience, these documentaries are a great place to start. They’ll challenge, inspire, anger, and move you, often all at once.
13th
Director: Ava DuVernay
Year: 2016
Runtime: 100 minutes
Rating: NR
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
13th is Ava DuVernay’s powerful exploration of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery except as punishment for a crime. This award-winning documentary reveals how this loophole led to mass incarceration in the U.S. and fostered a modern form of enslavement. It’s a thought-provoking work that uncovers the dark complexities of America’s prison system — a must-watch for anyone interested in social justice.
The Act of Killing
Director: Joshua Oppenheimer
Year: 2012
Runtime: 122 minutes
Rating: NR
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
The Act of Killing confronts audiences with former Indonesian death squad leaders who reenact their atrocities. This unsettling film forces viewers to question the nature of evil and the human capacity for violence. A remarkable exploration of guilt, denial, and morality, The Act of Killing is unforgettable for its unflinching honesty.
Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry
Director: Alison Klayman
Year: 2012
Runtime: 91 minutes
Rating: R
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%
This fascinating portrait of Ai Weiwei, a groundbreaking artist and outspoken critic of the Chinese government, goes beyond his art to delve into his activism. Alison Klayman captures Ai’s fearless confrontation with censorship and his relentless fight for freedom, highlighting the power of art to challenge authority and inspire change.
American Movie
Director: Chris Smith
Year: 1999
Runtime: 107 minutes
Rating: R
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
American Movie is a hilarious and heartwarming journey following aspiring filmmaker Mark Borchardt as he attempts to make his horror film. With resilience and humor, Borchardt pursues his dream against all odds. This documentary is a testament to the relentless passion required to create, making it an endearing watch for anyone who loves film.
Amy
Director: Asif Kapadia
Year: 2015
Runtime: 128 minutes
Rating: R
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
Asif Kapadia’s Amy chronicles the rise and tragic fall of musician Amy Winehouse. This intimate portrayal uses archival footage and personal interviews to explore her talent and the circumstances that led to her demise. Amy is both a tribute and a cautionary tale, showing the delicate balance of fame, artistry, and vulnerability.
An Inconvenient Truth
Director: Davis Guggenheim
Year: 2006
Runtime: 95 minutes
Rating: PG
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
In An Inconvenient Truth, Al Gore delivers a powerful message on climate change, its dangers, and the actions necessary to mitigate it. Davis Guggenheim’s film remains strikingly relevant as it emphasizes the urgency of addressing the climate crisis. It’s a wake-up call and an important reminder that we must take action before it’s too late.
The Battle of Chile
Director: Patricio Guzmán
Year: 1975
Runtime: 320 minutes
Rating: NR
Patricio Guzmán’s The Battle of Chile is an epic chronicle of political turmoil in 1970s Chile, documenting the revolution and subsequent military coup against President Salvador Allende. Though lengthy, this three-part series is a riveting examination of power, resistance, and repression. It remains a critical historical document, especially for those interested in Latin American history.
The Battle of the Somme
Director: Geoffrey H. Malins
Year: 1916
Runtime: 74 minutes
Rating: N/A
Filmed on the front lines during World War I, The Battle of the Somme brought audiences face-to-face with the realities of war. Though it lacks the narrative structure of modern documentaries, its raw footage offers a powerful historical record, and it’s essential viewing for understanding the early impact of war films.
Belfast, Maine
Director: Frederick Wiseman
Year: 1999
Runtime: 248 minutes
Rating: NR
Frederick Wiseman’s Belfast, Maine is a quiet, observant portrait of a small American town. Without narration or interviews, Wiseman captures the daily lives of the town’s residents, creating a mosaic of humanity. This film’s hypnotic quality and respect for its subjects make it a unique viewing experience.
Berlin, Symphony of a Great City
Director: Walther Ruttmann
Year: 1927
Runtime: 60 minutes
Rating: NR
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%
This early cinematic masterpiece captures a day in the life of Berlin, blending stunning visuals and rhythmic editing to create a “symphony” of the city. Without synchronized sound, it evokes a haunting, almost musical energy that reflects the heartbeat of a vibrant metropolis. It’s a fascinating look at city life before digital cinema transformed filmmaking.
These documentaries showcase the genre’s power to inform, provoke, and inspire. They don’t just capture moments; they define them, allowing us to see the world from new perspectives.