My Favourite Documentaries
I am including both film and television documentaries. I have a separate list for nature documentaries.
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- DirectorJohn SpottonStarsBuster KeatonEleanor KeatonGerald PottertonThis film is a documentary about the filming of one of Buster Keaton's movies: The Railrodder (1965).
- DirectorRobert YoungsonStarsStan LaurelOliver HardyJay JacksonA compilation of primarily Laurel and Hardy shorts - From Soup to Nuts, Wrong Again, Putting the Pants on Philip, The Finishing Touch, Sugar Daddies and short clips from others - plus Max Davidson's Call of the Cuckoo and Dumb Daddies, with some cross-over Charley Chase footage, which, along with Robert Youngson's previous "The Golden Age of Comedy", "When Comedy Was King", "Days of Thrills and Laughter", led to a renewed interest in and a revival of television showings of Laurel and Hardy shorts. The cast was billed in order of their appearance: Oliver Hardy, Stan Laurel, Vivien Oakland (with a Vivian typo), Glen Tyron, Edna Murphy, Anita Garvin, Tiny Sanford, Jimmy Finlayson, Charlie Chase, Viola Richard, Max Davidson, Del Henderson, Josephine Crowell, Anders Randolf (as Anders Randolph), Edgar Kennedy, Dorothy Coburn, Lillian Elliott and "Spec" O'Donnell.
- DirectorRobert YoungsonStarsStan LaurelOliver HardyCharley ChaseStan Laurel and Oliver Hardy are seen in clips from films made before they became a team, Hardy in two films starring Billy West, an imitator of Chaplin, and Laurel as a brash ladykiller in Charlie Chase's Just Rambling Along (1918). The two actors appeared together in Flying Elephants and Sugar Daddies in 1927, but it was not until they made Do Detectives Think? (1927) that their famous comedy style began to emerge. Clips from the following films are included: The Second Hundred Years (1927), You're Darn Tootin' (1928), Habeas Corpus (1928), That's My Wife (1929), Angora Love (1929), Should Married Men Go Home (1928), and Early to Bed (1928). To further illustrate the comedy technique used by the Hal Roach Studios, the compilation also includes Charlie Chase's classic The Way of All Pants (1927). Other performers seen in the excerpts include Jean Harlow, Jimmy Finlayson, Snub Pollard, Bryant Washburn, Charlie Hall, Tom Kennedy, Noah Young, Charlotte Mineau, Tom Dugan, Charles Rogers, and The Original Flappers.
- DirectorBrian Trenchard-SmithStarsGrant PageAngela MaoGeorge LazenbyAustralian stuntman/actor Grant Page investigates the burgeoning interest in martial arts, from students in Sydney to the action stars of the Hong Kong film industry.
- DirectorGodfrey ReggioStarsEdward AsnerPat BenatarJerry BrownA collection of expertly photographed phenomena with no conventional plot. The footage focuses on the relationship between nature, humanity, and technology.
- DirectorLeonard HoStarsJames B. NicholsonHoi-Chuen LeeBruce LeeThe Official Golden Harvest tribute to the Master of the Martial Arts Film, Bruce Lee.
- DirectorRon FrickeCarefully picked scenes of nature and civilization are viewed at high speed using time-lapse cinematography in an effort to demonstrate the history of various regions.
- CreatorNick Freand JonesStarsAlex CoxMark CousinsCult films receive interesting introductions from an expert, before the entire film is screened.
- DirectorGodfrey ReggioStarsChristie BrinkleyDavid BrinkleyPatrick DisantoAn exploration of technologically developing nations and the effect the transition to Western-style modernization has had on them.
- StarsClive JamesMariana de MoraesFrançoise SaganA travel program originally broadcast on BBC, and later transferring to ITV.
- CreatorJules VerneStarsMichael PalinBasil PaoChris CollinsMichael Palin attempts to copy the exploits of fictional character Phileas Fogg, by trying to travel around the world (without flying) in 80 days.
- DirectorAl ReinertStarsJim LovellKen MattinglyRussell SchweickartAn in-depth look at various NASA moon landing missions, starting with Apollo 8.
- StarsOliver ReedSeries narrated by Oliver Reed featuring the finest moments from Hammer's classic horror movies alongside clips from the company's acclaimed war films, costume dramas, comedies and much more.
- StarsGeorge TokoroHiroko MoriguchiMegumiToddlers, aged two to four, are followed by cameras as they are sent on their first errands by themselves. From delivering forgotten items to shopping trips, the little ones get to make their first independent journeys into the world.
- DirectorSandra WeintraubStarsJohn SaxonKareem Abdul-JabbarChris CasamassaA review about martial arts films as well as some of its biggest movie stars.
- StarsMichael PalinNeil HardwickLasse LehtinenMichael Palin undertakes a journey by the most direct route possible with the most land to cross from the North Pole to the South Pole.
- DirectorRon FrickeStarsPatrick DisantoA collection of expertly photographed scenes of human life and religion.
- DirectorTed NewsomStarsPeter CushingChristopher LeeRoy Ward BakerThe history of Hammer Films and their legacy, narrated by the studio's most beloved stars, Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee.
- DirectorToby RussellStarsJackie ChanJohn WooBruce LiDocumentary that traces the history of Martial Arts in Cinema.
- DirectorToby RussellStarsJoel CutraraJackie ChanSing ChenWelcome to the world of the martial arts. A voyage for the times of the martial arts cinema, from the beginning in China in the 6th Century B.C. by a Buddhist monk, Bodhidharma, until the actual time and the influence in the world, with interviews to actors like Gordon Liu and Jackie Chan and historians like David Weeden, and a review to the most important movies of all times and to the most famous action movies actors. A magnificent jewel of this genre what nobody wouldn't lose.
- DirectorToby RussellStarsShenagh CameronJackie ChanLing ChangWomen too can fight! The sequel of "Top Fighter" focuses in the importance of the women in the martial-arts movies, from her first characters as "hero's girl" until becoming superstars by themselves. A voyage by the times and the most famous beauty fighters from this genre: Angela Mao, Michelle Yeoh, Cynthia Rothrock and much more.
- DirectorKeith FultonLouis PepeStarsKeith FultonTerry GilliamCharles RovenA documentary following Terry Gilliam through the creation of "12 Monkeys" (1995)
- DirectorLeon GastStarsMuhammad AliGeorge ForemanDon KingBoxing documentary on the 1974 world heavyweight championship bout between defending champion, George Foreman, and the underdog challenger, Muhammad Ali.
- StarsMichael PalinRob HehnlinEmily SymonsMichael Palin embarks on another epic journey of exploration and adventure, this time 15,000 miles through 18 countries around the Pacific rim.
- DirectorMichael MatessinoStarsJohn CarpenterDavid FosterBill LancasterA revealing and insightful look into the making of this underrated horror film.
- DirectorKevin BurnsDavid ComtoisStarsRoddy McDowallMort AbrahamsCharlton HestonThe story behind the making of the 5 "Planet of the Apes" movies.
- DirectorJackie ChanStarsJackie ChanWillie ChanCharles ChanAbout Jackie Chan is written and filmed very much. A living legend, a unique creative personality, one of the biggest movie stars in the history of cinema, a man whose enthusiastic love for his work knows no equal in the world, the man who put life into cinema piggy bank. Striking person. Man of dreams.
- StarsLouis TherouxDavid PaulJ.J. MichaelsLouis Theroux documents some of the US's most bizarre happenings, events and rituals, by getting involved himself.
- DirectorPaul JayStarsBret HartOwen HartBrian PillmanDocumentary focusing on the career of pro wrestler Bret Hart & his controversial exit from the WWF.
- StarsMichael PalinNigel PegramComedian and world traveler, Michael Palin, follows the footsteps of the adventuring author, Ernest Hemingway.
- DirectorJackie ChanXavier LeeStarsJackie ChanKen LoBradley James AllanA documentary where Jackie Chan and his stuntman team show you the secrets of some of the great stunts they do in films. The film also takes you on the sets of "Who Am I?" and "Rush Hour".
- DirectorBarry W. BlausteinStarsTerry FunkMick FoleyJake RobertsA 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.
- DirectorRussell LevenStarsMark KermodeSonny GrossoWilliam FriedkinDocumentary on the production of The French Connection (1971).
- DirectorJohn LittleBruce LeeStarsBruce LeeKareem Abdul-JabbarPeter ArcherA documentary showing the life of Bruce Lee up-close.
- DirectorKeith R. ClarkeStarsSamuel L. JacksonDavid CarradineJackie ChanA look at the history of martial arts films from their chinese roots to the present, presented by Samuel L. Jackson.
- DirectorJohn GriffinStarsChevy ChaseKenneth AngerRichard L. BareThis documentary on the history of short subjects was first shown on the Turner Classic Movies (TCM) cable network. It surveys the genre from the beginning of the movies in the 1890's, when all movies were shorts, through the 1950's, when short subjects virtually disappeared from theaters. Several series of shorts are highlighted, including the The Three Stooges, Joe McDoakes, Robert Benchley, the Pete Smith Specialties, John Nesbitt's Passing Parade, and the Dogville comedies. Animated short films are given short shrift.
- DirectorChristian CharlesStarsJerry SeinfeldChris RockGarry ShandlingA look at the work of two stand-up comics, Jerry Seinfeld and a lesser-known newcomer, detailing the effort and frustration behind putting together a successful act and career while living a life on the road.
- DirectorGodfrey ReggioStarsBelladonnaMarlon BrandoElton JohnA visual montage portrait of our contemporary world dominated by globalized technology and violence.
- StarsMichael PalinMichael Palin travels across Sahara desert region, the largest in the world.
- DirectorIsaac JulienStarsPam GrierFred WilliamsonMelvin Van PeeblesFilmmaker Isaac Julien uses film clips and interviews to illustrate the history of the so-called "blaxploitation" genre.
- DirectorRobin ShouStarsSammo Kam-Bo HungChia-Liang LiuRidley TsuiA short action film interwoven into a documentary tells the story of the legendary unsung heroes of Hong Kong film, the stuntmen and women. This film features the world's most illustrious stuntmen, and many current working stuntmen, profiled through interviews and clips that showcase their work. It explores their death-defying feats and foolhardy working methods and traces their origin back to the original Hong Kong stuntmen known as "red trousers" - a term used to describe acrobats in Peking Opera. By incorporating the martial arts, fantasy, adventure short action film, "Lost Time," the viewer is given an actual account of how stunts are created and executed on film.
- DirectorKevin MacdonaldStarsSimon YatesJoe SimpsonBrendan MackeyThe true story of two climbers and their perilous journey up the west face of Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes in 1985.
- StarsChris CrudelliMark Durden-SmithTing LeungDocumentary examining the world of martial arts.
- StarsMichael PalinThe Dalai LamaMichael Palin travels the Himalaya mountain region.
- StarsPaul MertonNeil BrandTerry JonesA profile of some of the greatest stars of silent comedy.
- DirectorStefan HutchinsonStarsP.J. SolesIrwin YablansMoustapha AkkadA retrospective documentary about the Halloween films.
- DirectorLeslie IwerksStarsStacy KeachJohn LasseterBrad BirdThe Pixar Story takes audiences behind the scenes of the groundbreaking company that pioneered a new generation of animation and forever changed the face of filmmaking.
- DirectorAndrew LeavoldStarsTikoy AguiluzRoy ArabejoTilman BaumgaertelThe bizarre history of Filipino B-films, as told through filmmaker Andrew Leavold's personal quest to find the truth behind its midget James Bond superstar Weng Weng.
- StarsMichael PalinSevval SamIlie NastaseWith the Iron Curtain coming down in 1991, Michael Palin embarks on 20 countries tour from Balkans to Baltic of Central and Eastern Europe.
- DirectorErik HollanderStarsSteve AltenJoe AlvesRoy ArbogastAfter three decades, Jaws continues to intrigue, thrill and frighten viewers. This documentary focuses on the many ways Jaws has helped to shape common elements of pop culture.
- CreatorTerry BullmanStarsJason ChambersBill DuffRandy CoutureThe ultimate search of a Human Weapon, each episode of Human Weapon charts an expedition through foreign continents, famous cities, exotic villages, back alleys and lush landscapes.
- CreatorAmy RappStarsJimmy SmithDouglass AndersonBirol Tarkan YildizTwo MMA fighters go on quests around the world regarding other fighting styles.
- DirectorCharles de LauzirikaStarsHarrison FordDaryl HannahMichael DeeleyThe definitive three-and-a-half hour documentary about the troubled creation and enduring legacy of the science fiction classic Blade Runner (1982), culled from 80 interviews and hours of never-before-seen outtakes and lost footage.
- DirectorMark HartleyStarsPhillip AdamsGlory AnnenChristine AmorThe story of the Australian exploitation genre cinema of 1970s and 80s.
- StarsEric IdleJohn CleeseMichael PalinA documentary on the history on British comedy group Monty Python. Features interviews with the five surviving members plus other comedians and artists whose careers they have influenced.
- DirectorPete McCormackStarsGeorge ChuvaloHenry CooperGeorge ForemanTen of Muhammad Ali's former rivals pay tribute to the three-time world heavyweight champion.
- DirectorSteve WebbStarsKareem Abdul-JabbarJackie ChanMargaret ChoHow Bruce Lee Changed the World explores the amazing multitude of ways that Bruce Lee - the first international Asian superstar - has influenced pop culture.
- DirectorPaul MertonStarsPaul MertonKiri BloomMatthew EarleyPaul Merton looks at the British films of Alfred Hitchcock, the silent films and the early sound films.
- DirectorPaul MertonStarsPaul MertonLouis LumièreNeil Brand
- DirectorJake WestStarsJulian PetleyMarc MorrisAndy NymanA documentary analyzing the furore which so-called "video nasties" caused in Britain during the 1980s.
- DirectorElijah DrennerStarsRobert ForsterEric SchaeferEddie MullerA documentary about the history of exploitation movies, from the silent-film era to the 1970s.
- StarsMark GatissJohn CarpenterMichael RobertsMark Gatiss examines the history of the horror film, from classic Hollywood monsters to Hammer's glory days and beyond.
- StarsKarl PilkingtonRicky GervaisStephen MerchantBritish comedy duo Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant send their simple and closed-minded friend Karl Pilkington on a trip around the world to experience a variety of people and cultures.
- DirectorRobert V. GalluzzoStarsJason AllentoffSharen CamilleMike CucinottaThe cast and crew of all four Psycho films recall their time working on the influential horror series as today's masters of horror reminisce on what the movies stirred in them.
- DirectorMark HartleyStarsRoger CormanJohn LandisPete TombsA fast moving odyssey into the subterranean world of the rarely explored province of Filipino genre filmmaking.
- DirectorElijah DrennerStarsTeda BracciJudith BrownRoberta CollinsRetrospective documentary on the making of the 70's women-in-prison exploitation cult favorites "The Big Doll House (1971)" and "The Big Bird Cage (1972)".
- StarsLuke CollyerEd StaffordGadiel 'Cho' Sanchez RiveraThe story of Ed Stafford's 2 1/2 year journey to become the first man to walk the length of the Amazon River.
- DirectorJames MarshStarsNim ChimpskyStephanie LaFargeHerbert TerraceTells the story of a chimpanzee taken from its mother at birth and raised like a human child by a family in a brownstone on the upper West Side in the 1970s.
- DirectorDavid Paul MeyerStarsLoyiso GolaRabin HarduthKagiso LedigaIn the world of stand-up comedy in South Africa, Trevor Noah uses his childhood experiences in a biracial family during apartheid to prepare for his first one-man show.
- DirectorRon FrickeStarsBalinese Tari Legong DancersNi Made Megahadi PratiwiPuti Sri Candra DewiFilmed over nearly five years in twenty-five countries on five continents, and shot on seventy-millimetre film, Samsara transports us to the varied worlds of sacred grounds, disaster zones, industrial complexes, and natural wonders.
- StarsPaul MertonCarla LaemmleAngela LansburyPaul Merton looks at the pioneers of early Hollywood and how they laid down the blueprint for the modern cinema industry.
- DirectorAlex StapletonStarsRoger CormanMartin ScorseseQuentin TarantinoA documentary on DIY producer/director Roger Corman and his alternative approach to making movies in Hollywood.
- DirectorGilles PensoStarsRay HarryhausenPeter JacksonTerry GilliamThe life and work of the renowned film visual effects artist and producer.
- DirectorMike MalloyStarsFranco NeroJohn SaxonHenry SilvaA documentary concerning the violent Italian 'poliziotteschi' cinematic movement of the 1970s which, at first glance, seem to be rip-offs of American crime films like DIRTY HARRY or THE GODFATHER, but which really address Italian issues like the Sicilian Mafia and red terrorism. Perhaps even more interesting than the films themselves were the rushed methods of production (stars performing their own stunts, stealing shots, no live sound) and the bleed-over between real-life crime and movie crime.
- DirectorBrett WhitcombStarsEmily DoleDee BooherLarry WhistlerGLOW: The Story of The Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling chronicles the rise and fall of the first ever all-female wrestling show through the stories of those who lived it.
- DirectorJohn DasStarsMark GatissDario ArgentoFabrizio BavaActor, writer and life-long horror film aficionado Mark Gatiss follows his 'A History of Horror' with this exploration of European horror cinema. Including interviews with directors Dario Argento and Guillermo del Toro amongst others.
- DirectorDaniel GriffithStarsWayne KinseyJoe DanteKim NewmanThe shocking true story behind the making of Hammer Films notorious vampire saga.
- DirectorStevan RileyStarsKen AdamMaud AdamsJohn BarryA history of the James Bond films.
- StarsMichael PalinSusie ValerioCarolina FerrazMichael Palin travels around Brazil, from Amazonia to Rio, from the North East to the Deep South, to find out what makes this vast country tick.
- DirectorJosh JohnsonStarsBen JousanDavid GregoryMicah MatthewsHome video changed the world. The cultural and historical impact of the VHS tape was enormous. This film traces the ripples of that impact by examining the myriad aspects of society that were altered by the creation of videotape.
- DirectorMami SunadaStarsHayao MiyazakiYumiko MiyoshiToshio SuzukiFollows the routines of those employed at Studio Ghibli, including filmmakers Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki as they work to release two films simultaneously, The Wind Rises and The Tale of the Princess Kaguya.
- StarsKarl PilkingtonJohn MontgomeryRichard YeeKarl is faced with the different aspects of life by travelling around the world and discovering how different people face life's challenges.
- StarsSylvia SymsCelia ImrieCharlton HestonA look back at television appearances by legends of the silver screen, using BBC archive footage to tell the story of their lives and careers.
- DirectorScott DevineJ.M. KennyStarsChristopher LeeZack SnyderMarv WolfmanA documentary detailing the epic Rogues' Gallery of DC Comics from The Joker and Lex Luthor, Sinestro, Darkseid and more, this documentary will explore the Super Villains of DC Comics.
- DirectorGodfrey ReggioDirector Godfrey Reggio reveals humanity's trance-like relationship with technology, which, when commandeered by extreme emotional states, produces massive effects far beyond the human species.
- CreatorCraig LangmanStarsEd StaffordChris RyanEd Stafford attempts to survive alone on a Desert island for 60 days. With no clothes, no knife or anything except his camera, an emergency satellite phone and an emergency medical kit.
- StarsEd StaffordEd Stafford pushes his survival limits as he tries to survive in some of the worlds' toughest environments without even essential equipment and only a camera by his side.
- DirectorJake WestStarsSian BarberMartin BarkerGraham BrightPrepare to be corrupted and depraved once more by the sequel to the definitive guide to the Video Nasties phenomenon--the most extraordinary and scandalous era in the history of British film. All 82 films that fell foul of the Director of Public Prosecutions DzSection 3dz list are trailer-featured, with specially-filmed intros for each title.
- DirectorAkira MikiHidekazu SatoStarsShigeo AkahoriAki AsakuraNaoko AsariA documentary about the making of The Tale of Princess Kaguya, Isao Takahata's first feature film for 14 years.
- StarsIan NathanDerek MalcolmNeil NormanDiscovering Film celebrates the lives of some of the most prolific and iconic Hollywood stars.
- DirectorMark CraigStarsEugene CernanFred 'Baldy' BaldwinAlan BeanWhen Apollo astronaut Gene Cernan stepped off the moon in December 1972 he left his footprints and his daughter's initials in the lunar dust. Only now is he ready to share his epic but deeply personal story of fulfillment, love, and loss.
- DirectorRoger GraefJames RoganStarsEric IdleTerry GilliamJohn CleeseUniquely intimate documentary following the stars of Monty Python as they reunite for a final time to stage a marathon ten shows of Monty Python Live (mostly) - One Down Five to Go at The O2, London in July 2014.
- DirectorMark HartleyStarsSam FirstenbergDavid PaulsenLuigi CozziThe history of the independent film company, The Cannon Film Group, Inc..
- DirectorSteve JamesStarsRoger EbertChaz EbertGene SiskelThe life and career of the renowned film critic and social commentator, Roger Ebert.
- DirectorGary McFeatTim RidgeStarsSteve BisleyTim BurnsBertrand CadartThe Madnes of Max is a feature-length documentary that tells the story of how the 1979 Mad Max feature film was made.
- StarsEd StaffordEd Stafford is on a mission to investigate some of the planet's mysteries. Using photographs of Earth, taken by satellites, showing strange markings in some of the most remote places on the planet, he sets out to find the targets, and solve the riddles.
- DirectorJames ReedJames MorganAn award-winning documentary about Rohani, an 80-year-old hunter who dives on a single breath descending to great depths for several minutes. Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Togian Islands of Indonesia.
- DirectorGilles PensoAlexandre PoncetStarsRick BakerJoe DanteGuillermo del ToroFrom King Kong to Avatar, from Star Wars to The Lord of the Rings, movie creatures have never been more popular as they are today. Yet the art of creating monsters for the big screen is as old as cinema itself.
- DirectorSteven OkazakiStarsWataru AkashiKyôko KagawaTakeshi KatôA feature-length documentary about the life and films of legendary actor Toshiro Mifune, weaving together film clips, archival stills, and interviews with such luminaries as Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese. Narrated by Keanu Reeves.
- DirectorSteve YuStarsSteve AustinLouie BensonJoe CaseA fallen professional wrestling superstar battles his past demons in a struggle to reclaim his life and the family that has given up on him.