Great Documentaries

by fred-sickly | created - 19 Oct 2013 | updated - 18 Aug 2018 | Public

Like documentaries as much as I do? How many of these have you seen? Have you seen any good ones that I left out?

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1. Resurrect Dead: The Mystery of the Toynbee Tiles (2011)

Not Rated | 86 min | Documentary

60 Metascore

An urban mystery unfurls as one man pieces together the surreal meaning of hundreds of cryptic tiled messages that have been appearing in city streets across the U.S. and South America.

Director: Jon Foy | Stars: Justin Duerr, Marc Duerr, Kevin Riley, Abby Miller

Votes: 2,314 | Gross: $0.01M

2. Charlie: The Life and Art of Charles Chaplin (2003)

TV-PG | 132 min | Documentary, Biography

80 Metascore

Narrated by Sydney Pollack, film critic Richard Schickel's dazzling two-hour plus documentary to one of the towering figures in film: Charles Chaplin. Hardcore Chaplin fans may not find ... See full summary »

Director: Richard Schickel | Stars: Charles Chaplin, Sydney Pollack, Bill Irwin, Norman Lloyd

Votes: 1,420

3. Man on Wire (2008)

PG-13 | 94 min | Documentary, Biography, Crime

89 Metascore

A look at tightrope walker Philippe Petit's daring, but illegal, high-wire routine performed between New York City's World Trade Center's twin towers in 1974, what some consider, "the artistic crime of the century".

Director: James Marsh | Stars: Philippe Petit, Jean François Heckel, Jean-Louis Blondeau, Annie Allix

Votes: 58,688 | Gross: $2.96M

4. Pink Ribbons, Inc. (2011)

Not Rated | 97 min | Documentary

66 Metascore

Breast cancer has become the poster child of corporate cause-related marketing campaigns. Countless women and men walk, bike, climb and shop for the cure. Each year, millions of dollars are... See full summary »

Director: Léa Pool

Votes: 728 | Gross: $0.02M

5. Witch Hunt (2008)

Unrated | 91 min | Documentary, Crime

The story of several families who have their lives destroyed when their hometown is whipped into a frenzy by allegations of child molestation.

Directors: Don Hardy, Dana Nachman | Stars: Jack Cummings, Jackie Cummings, Allen Grafton, Ed Jagels

Votes: 1,070

6. Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills (1996)

Not Rated | 150 min | Documentary, Crime

A horrific triple child murder leads to an indictment and trial of three nonconformist boys based on questionable evidence.

Directors: Joe Berlinger, Bruce Sinofsky | Stars: Tony Brooks, Diana Davis, Terry Wood, Dick Clay

Votes: 18,159

7. Paradise Lost 2: Revelations (2000 TV Movie)

Unrated | 130 min | Documentary, Crime

The case of the West Memphis Three, its questionable circumstances and the parties involved are followed up years later.

Directors: Joe Berlinger, Bruce Sinofsky | Stars: Damien Wayne Echols, Melissa Byers, Norris Deajon, Tim Sullivan

Votes: 9,661

8. Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory (2011)

Not Rated | 121 min | Documentary, Crime

85 Metascore

A further followup of the case of the West Memphis Three and the decades long fight to exonerate them that finally gained traction with new DNA evidence.

Directors: Joe Berlinger, Bruce Sinofsky | Stars: Gary Gitchell, Todd Moore, Dana Moore, Pam Hobbs

Votes: 10,874

9. West of Memphis (2012)

R | 147 min | Documentary, Crime

80 Metascore

An examination of a failure of justice in the case against the West Memphis Three.

Director: Amy Berg | Stars: Jason Baldwin, Damien Wayne Echols, Jessie Misskelley, Michael Baden

Votes: 10,958 | Gross: $0.31M

10. Trumbo (2007)

PG-13 | 96 min | Documentary, Biography

71 Metascore

Through a focus on the life of Dalton Trumbo (1905-1976), this film examines the effects on individuals and families of a congressional pursuit of Hollywood Communists after World War II. ... See full summary »

Director: Peter Askin | Stars: Dalton Trumbo, Joan Allen, Brian Dennehy, Michael Douglas

Votes: 1,246 | Gross: $7.85M

11. We Are Legion: The Story of the Hacktivists (2012)

Not Rated | 93 min | Documentary

66 Metascore

A documentary on the workings and beliefs of the self-described "hacktivist" collective, Anonymous.

Director: Brian Knappenberger | Stars: Anon2World, Anonyops, Julian Assange, Aaron Barr

Votes: 10,422

12. The Five Obstructions (2003)

Unrated | 90 min | Documentary

79 Metascore

Filmmaker Lars Von Trier challenges Jørgen Leth, the filmmaker behind The Perfect Human (1967), to remake his classic short under circumstances of increasing constraint.

Directors: Jørgen Leth, Lars von Trier | Stars: Claus Nissen, Majken Algren Nielsen, Daniel Hernandez Rodriguez, Jacqueline Arenal

Votes: 9,211 | Gross: $0.09M

13. The Yes Men (2003)

R | 83 min | Documentary, Comedy

68 Metascore

Anti-corporate activists travel from conference to conference, impersonating member of the World Trade Organization.

Directors: Dan Ollman, Sarah Price, Chris Smith | Stars: Andreas Bichlbauer, Mike Bonanno, Andy Bichlbaum, Michael Moore

Votes: 6,177 | Gross: $0.20M

14. The Yes Men Fix the World (2009)

87 min | Documentary, Comedy

71 Metascore

Troublemaking duo Andy Bichlbaum and Mike Bonanno, posing as their industrious alter-egos, expose the people profiting from Hurricane Katrina, the faces behind the environmental disaster in Bhopal, and other shocking events.

Directors: Andy Bichlbaum, Mike Bonanno, Kurt Engfehr | Stars: Reggie Watts, Mike Bonanno, Andy Bichlbaum, Richard Ebeling

Votes: 5,207 | Gross: $0.19M

15. The Weather Underground (2002)

Unrated | 92 min | Documentary, History, War

77 Metascore

The remarkable story of The Weather Underground, radical activists of the 1970s, and of radical politics at its best and most disastrous.

Directors: Sam Green, Bill Siegel | Stars: Lili Taylor, Pamela Z, Jim Lange, Evan White

Votes: 3,769 | Gross: $0.56M

16. We Live in Public (2009)

Unrated | 91 min | Documentary

69 Metascore

A documentary focusing on the life of dot-com entrepreneur Josh Harris, and his exploits over the last decade.

Director: Ondi Timoner | Stars: Josh Harris, Tom Harris, Carlos Alvarez, David Amron

Votes: 1,983 | Gross: $0.04M

17. Lovecraft: Fear of the Unknown (2008)

TV-PG | 90 min | Documentary, Biography

A chronicle of the life, work and mind that created the Cthulhu mythos.

Director: Frank H. Woodward | Stars: Robin Atkin Downes, Neil Gaiman, Peter Straub, Guillermo del Toro

Votes: 2,069

18. How to Draw a Bunny (2002)

90 min | Documentary

78 Metascore

Interviews with Christo, Chuck Close, Roy Lichtenstein, Judith Malina, James Rosenquist and others help illuminate the life and work of Warhol contemporary Ray Johnson.

Director: John W. Walter | Stars: Joseph Ialacci, Richard Feigen, Frances Beatty, Mort Janklow

Votes: 610 | Gross: $0.00M

19. Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010)

R | 87 min | Documentary, Comedy, Crime

85 Metascore

Following the style of some of the world's most prolific street artists, an amateur filmmaker makes a foray into the art world.

Director: Banksy | Stars: Banksy, Mr. Brainwash, Space Invader, Debora Guetta

Votes: 68,836 | Gross: $3.29M

20. The Art of the Steal (2009)

Unrated | 101 min | Documentary

75 Metascore

Documentary that follows the struggle for control of Dr. Albert C. Barnes' 25 billion dollar collection of modern and post-impressionist art.

Director: Don Argott | Stars: Julian Bond, David D'Arcy, Richard Feigen, Richard H. Glanton

Votes: 2,494 | Gross: $0.54M

21. Marina Abramovic: The Artist Is Present (2012)

Not Rated | 106 min | Documentary, Biography, History

74 Metascore

A documentary that follows the Serbian performance artist as she prepares for a retrospective of her work at The Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Directors: Matthew Akers, Jeff Dupre | Stars: Marina Abramovic, Ulay, Klaus Biesenbach, David Balliano

Votes: 6,475 | Gross: $0.09M

22. Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child (2010)

Not Rated | 88 min | Documentary

74 Metascore

Director Tamra Davis pays homage to her friend in this definitive documentary but also delves into Basquiat as an iconoclast. His dense, bebop-influenced neoexpressionist work emerged while... See full summary »

Director: Tamra Davis | Stars: Jean Michel Basquiat, Julian Schnabel, Larry Gagosian, Bruno Bischofberger

Votes: 2,486 | Gross: $0.26M

23. Rivers and Tides (2001)

TV-G | 90 min | Documentary

82 Metascore

Portrait of Andy Goldsworthy, an artist whose specialty is ephemeral sculptures made from elements of nature.

Director: Thomas Riedelsheimer | Stars: Andy Goldsworthy, Anna Goldsworthy, Holly Goldsworthy, James Goldsworthy

Votes: 2,472

24. Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired (2008)

Unrated | 99 min | Documentary, Crime

78 Metascore

Examines the public scandal and private tragedy which led to legendary filmmaker Roman Polanski's sudden flight from the United States.

Director: Marina Zenovich | Stars: Andrew Braunsberg, Richard Brenneman, Douglas Dalton, Marilyn Beck

Votes: 5,207 | Gross: $0.06M

25. Bobby Fischer Against the World (2011)

TV-14 | 93 min | Documentary, Biography, History

76 Metascore

'Bobby Fischer Against the World' is a documentary feature exploring the tragic and bizarre life of the late chess master Bobby Fischer. The drama of Bobby Fischer's career was undeniable, ... See full summary »

Director: Liz Garbus | Stars: Bobby Fischer, David Edmonds, Anthony Saidy, Susan Polgar

Votes: 7,402

26. Pretty as a Picture: The Art of David Lynch (1997 TV Movie)

Not Rated | 85 min | Documentary, Biography

From an early age, David Lynch was inspired by the arts and the warm inner glow that comes with the pursuit of creative expression. "Pretty as a Picture:The Art of David Lynch" examines how... See full summary »

Director: Toby Keeler | Stars: Patricia Arquette, Angelo Badalamenti, Robert Blake, Mel Brooks

Votes: 862

27. Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff (2010)

Not Rated | 86 min | Documentary, Biography

71 Metascore

In 2001 Jack Cardiff (1914-2009) became the first director of photography in the history of the Academy Awards to win an Honorary Oscar. But the first time he clasped the famous statuette ... See full summary »

Director: Craig McCall | Stars: Jack Cardiff, Martin Scorsese, Kirk Douglas, Lauren Bacall

Votes: 1,348 | Gross: $0.02M

28. Visions of Light (1992)

92 min | Documentary, History

Cameramen and women discuss the craft and art of cinematography, illustrating their points with clips from 100 films, from The Birth of a Nation (1915) to Do the Right Thing (1989).

Directors: Arnold Glassman, Todd McCarthy, Stuart Samuels | Stars: Conrad L. Hall, John Bailey, Vilmos Zsigmond, Charles Lang

Votes: 3,336 | Gross: $0.80M

29. First Position (2011)

Not Rated | 95 min | Documentary

72 Metascore

A documentary that follows six young dancers from around the world as they prepare for the Youth America Grand Prix, one of the most prestigious ballet competitions in the world.

Director: Bess Kargman | Stars: Aran Bell, Rebecca Houseknecht, Joan Sebastian Zamora, Miko Fogarty

Votes: 3,455 | Gross: $1.10M

30. Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan's Hope (2011)

PG-13 | 88 min | Documentary

64 Metascore

A behind-the-scenes look at the fans who gather by the thousands each year in San Diego, California to attend Comic-Con, the world's largest comic book convention.

Director: Morgan Spurlock | Stars: Kevin Smith, Stan Lee, Eli Roth, Seth Rogen

Votes: 2,861 | Gross: $0.03M

31. Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey (2011)

PG | 80 min | Documentary, Biography

71 Metascore

The Muppet Elmo is one of the most beloved characters among children across the globe. Meet the unlikely man behind the puppet - the heart and soul of Elmo - Kevin Clash.

Directors: Constance Marks, Philip Shane | Stars: Kevin Clash, Whoopi Goldberg, Frank Oz, Bill Barretta

Votes: 7,222 | Gross: $0.30M

32. Rock School (2005)

R | 93 min | Documentary, Music

67 Metascore

At the real life School of Rock a group of misfit kids get in touch with their inner rock star.

Director: Don Argott | Stars: Tucker Collins, Will O'Connor, C.J. Tywoniak, Napoleon Murphy Brock

Votes: 1,047 | Gross: $0.06M

33. Young@Heart (2007)

PG | 107 min | Documentary, Music

75 Metascore

A documentary on a chorus of senior citizens from Massachusetts who cover songs by Jimi Hendrix, Coldplay, Sonic Youth, and other unexpected musicians.

Directors: Stephen Walker, Sally George | Stars: Joe Benoit, Helen Boston, Louise Canady, Elaine Fligman

Votes: 4,067 | Gross: $3.96M

34. How to Survive a Plague (2012)

Not Rated | 110 min | Documentary, History, News

86 Metascore

The story of two coalitions -- ACT UP and TAG (Treatment Action Group) -- whose activism and innovation turned AIDS from a death sentence into a manageable condition.

Director: David France | Stars: Peter Staley, Larry Kramer, Iris Long, Bob Rafsky

Votes: 4,358 | Gross: $0.13M

35. Waking Sleeping Beauty (2009)

PG | 86 min | Documentary, Drama, History

70 Metascore

The story of the Disney Renaissance, an incredibly prolific, successful and prestigious decade lasting from 1984 to 1994 that saw the fallen Walt Disney Animation Studios' unexpected progressive triumphant return to excellence.

Director: Don Hahn | Stars: Roy Edward Disney, John Lasseter, Michael Eisner, Don Hahn

Votes: 3,274 | Gross: $0.08M

36. Unknown White Male (2005)

PG-13 | 88 min | Documentary, Biography

65 Metascore

The true story of Doug Bruce who woke up on Coney Island with total amnesia. This documentary follows him as he rediscovers himself and the world around him.

Director: Rupert Murray | Stars: Doug Bruce, Rupert Murray

Votes: 1,068 | Gross: $0.12M

37. When We Were Kings (1996)

PG | 88 min | Documentary, Sport

83 Metascore

Boxing documentary on the 1974 world heavyweight championship bout between defending champion, George Foreman, and the underdog challenger, Muhammad Ali.

Director: Leon Gast | Stars: Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Don King, James Brown

Votes: 19,139 | Gross: $2.79M

38. Pumping Iron (1977)

PG | 86 min | Documentary, Sport

72 Metascore

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno face off in a no-holds-barred competition for the title of Mr. Olympia in this critically-acclaimed film that made Schwarzenegger a household name.

Directors: George Butler, Robert Fiore | Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, Matty Ferrigno, Victoria Ferrigno

Votes: 24,954

39. Winnebago Man (2009)

Not Rated | 85 min | Documentary, Biography, Comedy

71 Metascore

Jack Rebney is the most famous man you've never heard of - after cursing his way through a Winnebago sales video, Rebney's outrageously funny outtakes became an underground sensation and ... See full summary »

Director: Ben Steinbauer | Stars: Jack Rebney, Ben Steinbauer, Keith Gordon, Nick Prueher

Votes: 5,091 | Gross: $0.18M

40. Wordplay (2006)

PG | 94 min | Documentary

73 Metascore

An in-depth look at The New York Times' long-time crossword puzzle editor Will Shortz and his loyal fan base.

Director: Patrick Creadon | Stars: Will Shortz, Ken Burns, Jon Stewart, Merl Reagle

Votes: 3,782 | Gross: $3.12M

41. Word Wars (2004)

Unrated | 80 min | Documentary, Comedy

61 Metascore

A look at the obsessive world of competitive Scrabble.

Directors: Eric Chaikin, Julian Petrillo | Stars: Joe Edley, Matt Graham, Marlon Hill, Joel Sherman

Votes: 1,741 | Gross: $0.06M

42. Who Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin' About Him?) (2010)

Not Rated | 116 min | Documentary, Biography, Music

68 Metascore

The life and work of the enigmatic folk rock singer-songwriter.

Director: John Scheinfeld | Stars: Gerry Beckley, Lee Blackman, Perry Botkin Jr., Ray Cooper

Votes: 1,871 | Gross: $0.03M

43. Imagine: John Lennon (1988)

R | 100 min | Documentary, Biography, Music

A biography of the rock music star.

Director: Andrew Solt | Stars: John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Paul McCartney, George Harrison

Votes: 5,182 | Gross: $3.75M

44. Let It Be (1970)

G | 81 min | Documentary, Music

69 Metascore

The filmed account of The Beatles' attempt to recapture their old group spirit by making a back to basics album, which instead drove them further apart.

Director: Michael Lindsay-Hogg | Stars: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr

Votes: 6,586 | Gross: $1.06M

45. Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man (2005)

PG-13 | 105 min | Documentary, Biography, Music

68 Metascore

A documentary on the legendary singer-songwriter, with performances by those musicians he has influenced.

Director: Lian Lunson | Stars: Leonard Cohen, Bono, Rufus Wainwright, Martha Wainwright

Votes: 2,337 | Gross: $1.04M

46. The Devil and Daniel Johnston (2005)

PG-13 | 110 min | Documentary, Biography, Music

77 Metascore

Daniel Johnston, manic-depressive genius singer/songwriter/artist is revealed in this portrait of madness, creativity and love.

Director: Jeff Feuerzeig | Stars: Daniel Johnston, Mabel Johnston, Bill Johnston, Laurie Allen

Votes: 10,537 | Gross: $0.33M

47. Stop Making Sense (1984)

PG | 88 min | Documentary, Music

94 Metascore

Considered by critics as the greatest concert film of all time, the live performance was shot over the course of three nights at Hollywood's Pantages Theater in December of 1983 and features Talking Heads' most memorable songs.

Director: Jonathan Demme | Stars: David Byrne, Bernie Worrell, Alex Weir, Steven Scales

Votes: 20,090 | Gross: $5.02M

48. American Masters (1985– )
Episode: No Direction Home: Bob Dylan (2005)

Not Rated | 208 min | Documentary, Biography, History

A chronicle of Bob Dylan's strange evolution between 1961 and 1966 from folk singer to protest singer to "voice of a generation" to rock star.

Director: Martin Scorsese | Stars: Bob Dylan, B.J. Rolfzen, Dick Kangas, Liam Clancy

Votes: 12,111

49. Rock the Bells (2006)

Not Rated | 103 min | Documentary, Music

70 Metascore

An inside look at what it took to bring the Wu-Tang Clan together for their final performance at the Rock the Bells Hip-Hop festival.

Directors: Denis Henry Hennelly, Casey Suchan | Stars: Chali 2na, D.J. Abilities, Babu, Jerome Baldwin

Votes: 361

50. Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap (2012)

R | 106 min | Documentary, Music

66 Metascore

A documentary on rap music and its rise to global prominence.

Directors: Ice-T, Andy Baybutt | Stars: Ice-T, Dr. Dre, Chuck D, Snoop Dogg

Votes: 3,620 | Gross: $0.29M

51. Reincarnated (2012)

R | 96 min | Documentary, Music

42 Metascore

Hip-Hop artist Snoop Dogg changes his name to Snoop Lion, travels to Jamaica, immerses himself in Rastafarian culture, and produces his first reggae record.

Director: Andy Capper | Stars: Snoop Dogg, Diplo, Dr. Dre, Damian Marley

Votes: 2,533

52. Kurt & Courtney (1998)

R | 95 min | Documentary, Biography, Crime

A documentary on the life of Kurt Cobain and his relationship with Courtney Love.

Director: Nick Broomfield | Stars: Courtney Love, Nick Broomfield, Kurt Cobain, Mari Earle

Votes: 7,355 | Gross: $0.44M

53. Kurt Cobain About a Son (2006)

Not Rated | 96 min | Documentary, Music

69 Metascore

In this visual essay style documentary, intimate audio of journalist Michael Azerrad's interviews with Kurt Cobain is played over more recently photographed footage of Cobain's Washington state homes and haunts.

Director: AJ Schnack | Stars: Kurt Cobain, Evan Fortin, Nathan Streifel, Michael Azerrad

Votes: 3,849 | Gross: $0.08M

54. Searching for Sugar Man (2012)

PG-13 | 86 min | Documentary, Biography, Music

79 Metascore

Two South Africans set out to discover what happened to their unlikely musical hero, the mysterious 1970s rock n roller, Rodriguez.

Director: Malik Bendjelloul | Stars: Rodriguez, Stephen 'Sugar' Segerman, Dennis Coffey, Mike Theodore

Votes: 72,926 | Gross: $3.97M

55. Joy Division (2007)

R | 93 min | Documentary, Music

A chronological account of the influential late 1970s English rock band.

Director: Grant Gee | Stars: Richard Boon, Anton Corbijn, Kevin Cummins, Bob Dickinson

Votes: 3,871

56. It Might Get Loud (2008)

PG | 98 min | Documentary, Music

70 Metascore

A documentary on the electric guitar from the point of view of three significant rock musicians: The Edge, Jimmy Page, and Jack White.

Director: Davis Guggenheim | Stars: Jimmy Page, The Edge, Jack White, Dallas Schoo

Votes: 13,552 | Gross: $1.61M

57. The Last Waltz (1978)

PG | 117 min | Documentary, Biography, Music

84 Metascore

A film account and presentation of the final concert of The Band.

Director: Martin Scorsese | Stars: Robbie Robertson, Muddy Waters, Neil Young, Van Morrison

Votes: 20,184 | Gross: $0.32M

58. Don't Look Back (1967)

Not Rated | 96 min | Documentary, Music

84 Metascore

Documentary covering Bob Dylan's 1965 tour of England, which includes appearances by Joan Baez and Donovan.

Director: D.A. Pennebaker | Stars: Bob Dylan, Albert Grossman, Bob Neuwirth, Joan Baez

Votes: 10,016

59. Wesley Willis (2003 Video)

Not Rated | 59 min | Documentary, Music

Documentary about the late Chicago artist and musician Wesley Willis. Filmmaker Daniel Bitton follows Willis throughout the Chicago area, riding the bus, talking to friends and strangers ... See full summary »

Director: Daniel Bitton | Stars: Wesley Willis, Vaginal Croutons, The Causey Way, Steve Albini

Votes: 290

60. If I Should Fall from Grace: The Shane MacGowan Story (2001)

91 min | Documentary, Biography, Music

Music videos and archived footage of ex-Pogues singer Shane MacGowan. We follow his life from the early days in Ireland and England, through his formation of - and later dismissal from - The Pogues, to his new band The Popes.

Director: Sarah Share | Stars: Nick Cave, Philip Chevron, Victoria Mary Clarke, Elvis Costello

Votes: 372

61. The Nomi Song (2004)

Not Rated | 98 min | Documentary, Biography, Music

71 Metascore

Having failed to break into professional opera in his native Germany (where, as an usher in West Berlin's Deutsche Oper, he would serenade the staff after the real performances were over) ... See full summary »

Director: Andrew Horn | Stars: Klaus Nomi, Ann Magnuson, David Bowie, Gabriele Lafari

Votes: 1,122 | Gross: $0.07M

62. Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone (2010)

Not Rated | 107 min | Documentary, Music

69 Metascore

A career retrospective of Fishbone, an all African-American rock band from Los Angeles who created a high energy blend of funk, metal, ska, and punk and experienced a career as chaotic and unique as the music they created.

Directors: Lev Anderson, Chris Metzler | Stars: Norwood Fisher, Angelo Moore, Chris Dowd, Walter A. Kibby II

Votes: 399

63. Hype! (1996)

Not Rated | 84 min | Documentary, History, Music

Documentary covering the growth and subsequent overexposure of the Seattle "grunge" music scene in the early 90s

Director: Doug Pray | Stars: 7 Year Bitch, Valerie M. Agnew, Carrie Akre, Jeff Ament

Votes: 2,930 | Gross: $0.27M

64. Scratch (2001)

R | 92 min | Documentary, Music

77 Metascore

The story of the hip-hop DJ from the birth of hip-hop to the invention of scratching and "beat-juggling" vinyl, to the more recent "turntablism" movement. Underdogs and virtuosos who have radically changed the way we hear and create music.

Director: Doug Pray | Stars: The Allies, A-Trak, Craze, DJ Infamous

Votes: 2,905

65. Shut Up & Sing (2006)

R | 93 min | Documentary, Biography, Music

77 Metascore

A documentary on the The Chicks (formerly the Dixie Chicks) in the wake of singer Natalie Maines' anti-George W. Bush statement at a 2003 concert.

Directors: Barbara Kopple, Cecilia Peck | Stars: Natalie Maines, Emily Strayer, Martie Maguire, Clayton Allen

Votes: 4,991 | Gross: $1.22M

66. Scott Walker: 30 Century Man (2006)

Not Rated | 95 min | Documentary, Biography, Music

65 Metascore

A documentary on the influential musician Scott Walker.

Director: Stephen Kijak | Stars: Sara Kestelman, Arnie Potts, Jarvis Cocker, Scott Walker

Votes: 1,542

67. New York Doll (2005)

PG-13 | 75 min | Documentary, Music

72 Metascore

A recovering alcoholic and recently converted Mormon, Arthur "Killer" Kane, of the rock band The New York Dolls, is given a chance at reuniting with his band after 30 years.

Director: Greg Whiteley | Stars: Arthur Kane, David Johansen, Sylvain Sylvain, Nina Antonia

Votes: 1,828 | Gross: $0.22M

68. Anvil (2008)

Not Rated | 80 min | Documentary, Biography, Drama

82 Metascore

Since 1978, Anvil has become one of heavy metal's most influential yet commercially unsuccessful acts. In 2006, after a fledging European tour Anvil sets out to record their thirteenth album and continue to follow their dreams.

Director: Sacha Gervasi | Stars: Robb Reiner, Steve 'Lips' Kudlow, Tiziana Arrigoni, Scott Ian

Votes: 16,846 | Gross: $0.67M

69. Bad 25 (2012)

Not Rated | 131 min | Documentary, Music

69 Metascore

A documentary on Michael Jackson and the legacy of his record "Bad".

Director: Spike Lee | Stars: Michael Jackson, Glen Ballard, John Barnes, Jennifer Batten

Votes: 2,416

70. Beyond the Mat (1999)

R | 102 min | Documentary, Biography, Sport

73 Metascore

A heartfelt documentary focusing on the day-to-day lives of professional wrestlers, some on the rise, some on the wane, and others fighting for their lives.

Director: Barry W. Blaustein | Stars: Terry Funk, Mick Foley, Jake Roberts, Barry W. Blaustein

Votes: 9,479 | Gross: $2.05M

71. Style Wars (1983 TV Movie)

Not Rated | 69 min | Documentary, Music

A documentary that exposes the rich growing subculture of hip-hop that was developing in New York City in the late '70s and early '80s, specifically focusing on graffiti art and breakdancing.

Director: Tony Silver | Stars: Demon, Kase 2, Eric Haze, D. 5

Votes: 3,300

72. My Architect (2003)

116 min | Documentary, Biography

81 Metascore

Director Nathaniel Kahn searches to understand his father, noted architect Louis Kahn, who died bankrupt and alone in 1974.

Director: Nathaniel Kahn | Stars: Edmund Bacon, Edwina Pattison Daniels, Balkrishna Doshi, Frank Gehry

Votes: 3,321 | Gross: $2.75M

73. Tales from the Script (2009)

Not Rated | 105 min | Documentary

War stories and life lessons from the industry's top writers.

Director: Peter Hanson | Stars: Allison Anders, Jane Anderson, Doug Atchison, John August

Votes: 1,543 | Gross: $0.01M

74. American Movie (1999)

R | 107 min | Documentary, Comedy

84 Metascore

Documentary about an aspiring filmmaker's attempts to finance his dream project by finally completing the low-budget horror film he abandoned years before.

Director: Chris Smith | Stars: Mark Borchardt, Mike Schank, Tom Schimmels, Monica Borchardt

Votes: 19,358 | Gross: $1.16M

75. What Happened to Kerouac? (1986)

Not Rated | 96 min | Documentary, Biography, History

Documentary explore the unfulfilled promise of Beat Generation icon Jack Kerouac, covering the period from the publication of his notorious novel On the Road in 1957 to his alcohol-related death 12 years later.

Directors: Richard Lerner, Lewis MacAdams | Stars: Gregory Corso, Jan Kerouac, Herbert Huncke, Fran Landesman

Votes: 365

76. Tyson (2008)

R | 90 min | Documentary, Biography, Sport

83 Metascore

A mixture of original interviews, archival footage, and photographs sheds light on the life experiences of Mike Tyson.

Director: James Toback | Stars: Mike Tyson, Mills Lane, Trevor Berbick, Cus D'Amato

Votes: 12,935 | Gross: $0.89M

77. This Film Is Not Yet Rated (2006)

Unrated | 98 min | Documentary

75 Metascore

Kirby Dick's exposé about the American movie ratings board.

Director: Kirby Dick | Stars: Kirby Dick, Kimberly Peirce, Darren Aronofsky, Atom Egoyan

Votes: 28,631 | Gross: $0.30M

78. Wheel of Time (2003)

Not Rated | 80 min | Documentary

65 Metascore

Wheel of Time is Werner Herzog's photographed look at the largest Buddhist ritual in Bodh Gaya, India.

Director: Werner Herzog | Stars: The Dalai Lama, Lama Lhundup Woeser, Takna Jigme Sangpo, Matthieu Ricard

Votes: 2,739

79. What Would Jesus Buy? (2007)

PG | 91 min | Documentary, Comedy

60 Metascore

An examination of the commercialization of Christmas in America while following Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping Gospel Choir on a cross-country mission to save Christmas from... See full summary »

Director: Rob VanAlkemade | Stars: Adetola Abiade, Paul Allen, Paul Norman Allen, Shannon Baxter

Votes: 1,184 | Gross: $0.20M

80. What the #$*! Do We (K)now!? (2004)

Not Rated | 109 min | Documentary, Comedy, Drama

38 Metascore

A fictional photographer's quest to spiritually rediscover herself is interspersed with documentary footage of scientists and theologians discussing the philosophical aspects of quantum physics.

Directors: William Arntz, Betsy Chasse, Mark Vicente | Stars: Marlee Matlin, Elaine Hendrix, John Ross Bowie, Robert Bailey Jr.

Votes: 13,848 | Gross: $10.94M

81. What the Bleep!?: Down the Rabbit Hole (2006)

PG | 156 min | Documentary, Drama

45 Metascore

Interviews with scientists and authors, animated bits, and a storyline involving a deaf photographer are used in this docudrama to illustrate the link between quantum mechanics, neurobiology, human consciousness and day-to-day reality.

Directors: William Arntz, Betsy Chasse, Mark Vicente | Stars: Marlee Matlin, Elaine Hendrix, Barry Newman, Armin Shimerman

Votes: 2,928 | Gross: $0.14M

82. Waste Land (2010)

Not Rated | 99 min | Documentary

78 Metascore

On the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro is Jardim Gramacho, the world's largest landfill, where men and women sift through garbage for a living. Artist Vik Muniz produces portraits of the workers and learns about their lives.

Directors: Lucy Walker, Karen Harley, João Jardim | Star: Vik Muniz

Votes: 9,362 | Gross: $0.19M

83. Religulous (2008)

R | 101 min | Documentary, Comedy, War

56 Metascore

Bill Maher's take on the current state of world religion.

Director: Larry Charles | Stars: Bill Maher, Tal Bachman, Jonathan Boulden, Steven Burg

Votes: 60,251 | Gross: $13.00M

84. Room 237 (I) (2012)

Not Rated | 102 min | Documentary

80 Metascore

An exploration of various interpretations of Stanley Kubrick's horror film, The Shining (1980).

Director: Rodney Ascher | Stars: Bill Blakemore, Geoffrey Cocks, Juli Kearns, John Fell Ryan

Votes: 23,120 | Gross: $0.26M

85. Waco: The Rules of Engagement (1997)

Not Rated | 165 min | Documentary, History

A reassessment of the tragedy at Waco that left 76 members of the Branch Davidian religious sect dead.

Director: William Gazecki | Stars: Dan Gifford, Jim Cavanaugh, Dick DeGuerin, Clive Doyle

Votes: 3,734

86. The Times of Harvey Milk (1984)

Not Rated | 90 min | Documentary, Biography, History

A documentary of the successful career and assassination of San Francisco's first elected gay city supervisor.

Director: Rob Epstein | Stars: Harvey Fierstein, Harvey Milk, Anne Kronenberg, Tory Hartmann

Votes: 6,580 | Gross: $0.01M

87. An Unreasonable Man (2006)

Not Rated | 122 min | Documentary, Biography

75 Metascore

A look at the career of consumer advocate Ralph Nader.

Directors: Henriette Mantel, Steve Skrovan | Stars: Ralph Nader, Pat Buchanan, Howard Zinn, Eric Alterman

Votes: 1,767 | Gross: $0.18M

88. A Brief History of Time (1991)

G | 80 min | Documentary, Biography

78 Metascore

A film about the life and work of the cosmologist, Stephen Hawking, who despite his near total paralysis, was one of the great minds of all time.

Director: Errol Morris | Stars: Stephen Hawking, Isobel Hawking, Janet Humphrey, Mary Hawking

Votes: 5,917 | Gross: $2.28M

89. Hawking (2013)

TV-PG | 86 min | Documentary, Biography, Comedy

Hawking is the extraordinary story of the planet's most famous living scientist, told for the first time in his own words and by those closest to him. Made with unique access to Hawking's ... See full summary »

Director: Stephen Finnigan | Stars: Stephen Hawking, Arthur Pelling, Finlay Macrae, Nathan Chapple

Votes: 1,716

90. The Atheism Tapes (2004)

Documentary

Jonathan Miller interviews five atheists and one theologian on the subject of atheism.

Stars: Jonathan Miller, Arthur Miller, Richard Dawkins, Steven Weinberg

Votes: 435

91. Ayn Rand: A Sense of Life (1996)

Not Rated | 145 min | Documentary, Biography

A documentary focusing on the life of novelist and philosopher Ayn Rand, the author of the bestselling novels The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged and originator of the Objectivist philosophy.

Director: Michael Paxton | Stars: Sharon Gless, Michael S. Berliner, Harry Binswanger, Sylvia Bokor

Votes: 649 | Gross: $0.21M

92. Best Worst Movie (2009)

Not Rated | 93 min | Documentary, Comedy

61 Metascore

A look at the making of the film Troll 2 (1990) and its journey from being crowned the "worst film of all time" to a cherished cult classic.

Director: Michael Paul Stephenson | Stars: George Hardy, Pita Ray, Micki Knox, Tommy Bice

Votes: 8,525 | Gross: $0.10M

93. Brakhage (1998)

Not Rated | 73 min | Documentary, Biography

A film about the life and work of avant-garde filmmaker Stan Brakhage.

Director: Jim Shedden | Stars: Jerry Aronson, Marilyn Brakhage, Stan Brakhage, Philip S. Solomon

Votes: 182

94. Buck (2011)

PG | 88 min | Documentary

76 Metascore

An examination of the life of acclaimed 'horse whisperer' Buck Brannaman, who recovered from years of child abuse to become a well-known expert in the interactions between horses and people.

Director: Cindy Meehl | Stars: Buck Brannaman, Gary Myers, Bibb Frazier, Betty Staley

Votes: 3,432 | Gross: $4.02M

95. Capturing the Friedmans (2003)

Not Rated | 107 min | Documentary, Biography, Crime

90 Metascore

Documentary on the Friedmans, a seemingly typical, upper-middle-class Jewish family whose world is instantly transformed when the father and his youngest son are arrested and charged with shocking and horrible crimes.

Director: Andrew Jarecki | Stars: Arnold Friedman, Jesse Friedman, David Friedman, Elaine Friedman

Votes: 27,145 | Gross: $3.12M

96. Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey (1993)

PG | 83 min | Documentary, Biography, History

A documentary about the inventor of the first electronic synthesiser instrument and his subsequent life after he was abducted by the KGB as well as a history of his instrument.

Director: Steven M. Martin | Stars: Leon Theremin, Robert Moog, Clara Rockmore, Nicolas Slonimsky

Votes: 988 | Gross: $0.19M

97. This Filthy World (2006)

Not Rated | 86 min | Documentary, Biography, Comedy

68 Metascore

Jeff Garlin's documentary on the work of John Waters.

Director: Jeff Garlin | Star: John Waters

Votes: 1,744

98. The Imposter (2012)

R | 99 min | Documentary, Biography, Crime

77 Metascore

A documentary centered on a young man in Spain who claims to a grieving Texas family that he is their 16-year-old son who has been missing for 3 years.

Director: Bart Layton | Stars: Adam O'Brian, Nicholas Barclay, Carey Gibson, Bryan Gibson

Votes: 50,476 | Gross: $0.89M

99. The Union: The Business Behind Getting High (2007)

104 min | Documentary

BC's illegal marijuana trade industry has evolved into a business giant, dubbed by some involved as 'The Union', Commanding upwards of $7 billion Canadian annually. With up to 85% of 'BC ... See full summary »

Director: Brett Harvey | Stars: Adam Scorgie, Chris Bennett, Steve Bloom, Renee Bojee

Votes: 7,833

100. Grass (1999)

R | 80 min | Documentary, History

64 Metascore

The history of the American government's war on marijuana in the 20th century.

Director: Ron Mann | Stars: Woody Harrelson, Harry J. Anslinger, George Bush, Cab Calloway

Votes: 3,631 | Gross: $0.31M



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