Top 10 Must-Watch Documentaries: A Definitive Guide
Documentaries possess the remarkable ability to engage, educate, and profoundly influence our understanding of the world. The finest examples of documentary filmmaking achieve all three, immersing audiences in extraordinary true narratives that compel, motivate, and challenge existing viewpoints. From compelling accounts of human resilience to in-depth explorations of cultural and political landscapes, the documentary genre has yielded some of cinema’s most impactful works. This curated list ranks the top ten greatest documentaries ever created, spotlighting the indelible stories, masterful direction, and widespread acclaim that have distinguished them.
Spanning diverse subjects from audacious heists and pivotal concerts to financial controversies, sporting rivalries, and deeply personal journeys, these documentaries resonate across generations. Each film has garnered significant recognition, with notable critical success including perfect scores on Rotten Tomatoes. Whether you are a dedicated documentary enthusiast or seeking your next captivating film, this ranking showcases the pinnacle of the genre. Prepare to be moved, inspired, and profoundly affected by the sheer power of real-life storytelling.
10. Anvil! The Story of Anvil (2008)
The documentary chronicles the journey of Canadian heavy metal band, Anvil (Image: Abramorama)
Directed by Sacha Gervasi, Anvil! The Story of Anvil presents a poignant and often amusing portrayal of the Canadian heavy metal band Anvil. Despite influencing prominent bands such as Metallica and Slayer, Anvil never attained mainstream popularity enjoyed by their contemporaries.
Following band founders Steve “Lips” Kudlow and Robb Reiner, the film meticulously records their persistent efforts to sustain their aspirations. This includes navigating disastrous European tours and endeavoring to record their thirteenth album against considerable obstacles.
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By interweaving raw emotion with moments of comedic misfortune, the film underscores the tenacity and fervent dedication propelling the band’s ongoing odyssey.
Celebrated for its genuine portrayal and underdog narrative, Anvil! The Story of Anvil became a surprise success, earning critical praise and solidifying its status as a leading rock documentary achievement.
9. Murderball (2005)
Murderball delivers an intense and inspirational look into the world of wheelchair rugby (Image: THINKFilm)
Co-directed by Henry Alex Rubin and Dana Adam Shapiro, Murderball is an electrifying and motivational documentary exploring the fiercely competitive realm of wheelchair rugby. It centers on the intense rivalry between the U.S. and Canadian teams in the lead-up to the 2004 Paralympic Games. The film vividly portrays the exceptional athleticism, unwavering resolve, and personal challenges faced by the athletes, dismantling misconceptions surrounding disability and emphasizing their competitive drive.
Filmed with limited resources and employing a raw, immersive approach, Murderball effectively delivers both high-octane sports action and profoundly intimate personal narratives. The film garnered widespread acclaim for its dynamism and emotional resonance, securing an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature and establishing itself as a milestone in sports documentary filmmaking.
8. Inside Job (2010)
Inside Job is a compelling exposé of the 2008 financial crisis (Image: Sony Pictures Classics)
Charles Ferguson directed Inside Job, a compelling exposé into the 2008 financial crisis. The film meticulously uncovers the systemic corruption ingrained within the financial services sector that precipitated the economic meltdown. Through rigorous investigation and interviews with key experts, the documentary dissects deregulation, imprudent banking practices, and inherent conflicts of interest that ignited the crisis. It also elucidates the enduring repercussions for ordinary citizens.
Praised for its lucidity and comprehensive analysis, Inside Job debuted at the Cannes Film Festival and subsequently received the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Narrated by Matt Damon, it remains essential viewing for comprehending how unchecked avarice and policy shortcomings contributed to one of the most devastating financial calamities in recent history.
7. Flee (2021)
This documentary follows Amin Nawabi, a refugee from Afghanistan, as he recounts his journey to Denmark (Image: Neon, Participant)
Jonas Poher Rasmussen directed Flee, a groundbreaking animated documentary presenting the deeply personal account of Amin Nawabi, an Afghan refugee. For the first time, Amin shares his harrowing voyage to Denmark. By seamlessly blending striking animation with archival footage, the film offers a potent and intimate exploration of identity, displacement, and survival.
Premiering at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, where it was awarded the Grand Jury Prize, Flee achieved widespread recognition for its innovative narrative approach and profound emotional impact. It achieved a historic milestone as the first film to receive nominations for Best Documentary Feature, Best Animated Feature, and Best International Feature at the Academy Awards. Commended for its LGBTQ+ representation and impactful depiction of the refugee experience, Flee stands as a significant achievement in both animation and documentary filmmaking.
6. Life Itself (2014)
An insightful documentary about the life and lasting impact of acclaimed film critic Roger Ebert (Image: Magnolia Pictures, CNN Films)
Steve James directed Life Itself, a deeply moving and insightful documentary examining the life and legacy of the esteemed film critic Roger Ebert. Drawing upon Ebert’s 2011 memoir, the film interweaves interviews with family, friends, and notable colleagues—including Martin Scorsese, Werner Herzog, and Ava DuVernay—alongside archival material and intimate moments from Ebert’s final months.
Beyond chronicling his distinguished career and his renowned rivalry and eventual partnership with Gene Siskel, the documentary explores Ebert’s profound influence on cinema and his personal trials, notably his battle with cancer. It also emphasizes his enduring passion for storytelling, his collaborative endeavors with filmmakers, and his evolution into one of the most respected and influential cultural voices of his era.
Life Itself premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and later screened at Cannes, garnering widespread praise for its emotional depth and rich detail. It was shortlisted for the Academy Award for Best Documentary and received a News & Documentary Emmy for Outstanding Editing.
5. 20 Feet from Stardom (2013)
20 Feet from Stardom casts a spotlight on the often-unrecognized figures of the music industry (Image: Radius-TWC)
Morgan Neville directed 20 Feet from Stardom, a film that spotlights the unsung heroes of the music industry: backup singers. These vocalists have contributed significantly to countless hit songs while largely remaining in the shadows. Featuring archival performances and personal interviews with legends such as Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, and Lisa Fischer, the film provides an intimate glimpse into their challenges, triumphs, and the sacrifices made in careers adjacent to fame.
The documentary not only celebrates their exceptional talent but also raises questions about the very nature of fame and achievement within the music industry. Lisa Fischer, a central voice in the film, challenges the conventional notion that supporting roles in music are less valuable, underscoring the inherent artistry of backup singing itself.
20 Feet from Stardom was met with widespread critical acclaim, securing the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. In 2023, it was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry, solidifying its cultural and historical significance.
4. Fire of Love (2022)
A couple’s shared dedication to studying volcanoes led them to some of the world’s most hazardous eruptions (Image: National Geographic Documentary Films)
Sara Dosa directed Fire of Love, a visually arresting and deeply poignant documentary centered on French volcanologists Katia and Maurice Krafft. This married couple’s shared fervor for volcanic study propelled them to document the world’s most perilous eruptions. Through rare archival footage and a lyrical, French New Wave-inspired style, the film encapsulates their intrepid pursuit of scientific discovery and breathtaking imagery.
For over two decades, the Kraffts meticulously documented volcanic eruptions at close range, capturing some of the most remarkable footage ever recorded. Their final expedition to Mount Unzen in 1991 tragically resulted in their deaths.
Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival, Fire of Love received the Jonathan Oppenheim Editing Award and widespread praise for its unique narrative and mesmerizing visuals. It later earned a nomination for Best Documentary Feature at the Academy Awards, cementing its place as one of the most captivating and emotionally resonant documentaries in recent years.
3. I Am Not Your Negro (2016)
This documentary explores the deep-seated roots of racism in America and its enduring effects. (Image: Magnolia Pictures)
Raoul Peck directed I Am Not Your Negro, a powerful documentary narrated by Samuel L. Jackson. It is based on James Baldwin’s unfinished manuscript, Remember This House. Through Baldwin’s insightful reflections on civil rights figures Medgar Evers, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King Jr., the film delves into the entrenched origins of racism in America and its persistent impact.
By juxtaposing Baldwin’s powerful words with archival footage and contemporary visuals, the documentary delivers a scathing critique of racial dynamics in the United States. Critically lauded, it received an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature and won the BAFTA for Best Documentary.
2. Summer of Soul (2021)
Summer of Soul reveals the historically overlooked 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival (Image: Searchlight Pictures)
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson directed Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised), a film that brings to light the long-neglected 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival. This vibrant celebration of Black music and culture featured iconic performers including Stevie Wonder, B.B. King, and Nina Simone. By combining restored live concert footage with impactful interviews, the film underscores the event’s profound cultural significance and the subsequent media amnesia surrounding it.
Achieving a 99% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the documentary earned widespread critical adoration, securing an Oscar, BAFTA, Critics’ Choice Award, and a Grammy. Transcending the typical concert film, Summer of Soul stands as a crucial historical record, ensuring this transformative cultural moment is never forgotten.
1. Man on Wire (2008)
This documentary recounts Philippe Petit’s legendary 1974 high-wire walk between the Twin Towers (Image: Magnolia Pictures,)
James Marsh’s Man on Wire is an enthralling documentary capturing the artistry and audacity of Philippe Petit’s legendary 1974 high-wire walk between the Twin Towers of New York’s World Trade Center. Seamlessly integrating actual footage, still photographs, and skillful re-enactments, the film generates palpable suspense and has frequently been compared to a cinematic heist.
Adapted from Petit’s memoir To Reach the Clouds, the documentary unfolds with thriller-like pacing, chronicling the meticulous planning, execution, and aftermath of this gravity-defying feat. Featuring interviews with Petit and his collaborators, the film delves into the personal motivations and intricate logistical details underpinning this clandestine performance. Actor Paul McGill’s portrayal of a young Petit in dramatic re-enactments has been lauded by critics as a masterful recreation of one of history’s most daring artistic endeavors. The film was awarded a rare 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes.