The Top Best Documentaries
by Saglight1 | created - 21 Apr 2014 | updated - 3 weeks ago | Public- Instant Watch Options
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1. The Greatest Night in Pop (2024)
PG-13 | 96 min | Documentary, Music
On January 25th 1985, dozens of the era's most popular musicians gathered in Los Angeles to record a charity single for African famine relief. Setting egos aside, they collaborated on a song that would make history.
Director: Bao Nguyen | Stars: Lionel Richie, Harriet Sternberg, Wendy Rees, Harry Belafonte
Votes: 11,091
2. My Octopus Teacher (2020)
TV-G | 85 min | Documentary, Drama
A filmmaker forges an unusual friendship with an octopus living in a South African kelp forest, learning as the animal shares the mysteries of her world.
Directors: Pippa Ehrlich, James Reed | Stars: Craig Foster, Tom Foster
Votes: 63,779
3. Down to Earth with Zac Efron (2020– )
TV-PG | 40 min | Documentary, History, Reality-TV
In this travel show, actor Zac Efron journeys around the world with wellness expert Darin Olien in search of healthy, sustainable ways to live.
Stars: Zac Efron, Darin Olien, Steve Hoffmann, Bruce Pascoe
Votes: 7,973
An incredible docuseries streaming on Netflix.
4. Limitless (2022)
TV-14 | 50 min | Documentary, Adventure
A different way we can live better for longer: regenerating damage, maximizing strength, building resilience, shocking the body, supercharging memory and confronting mortality.
Stars: Chris Hemsworth, Peter Attia, Elsa Pataky, Luke Zocchi
Votes: 4,147
5. Welcome to Chechnya (2020)
TV-MA | 107 min | Documentary
A group of activists risk their lives fighting for LGBTQ+ rights in Chechnya.
Director: David France | Stars: Olga Baranova, David Isteev, Ramzan Kadyrov, Maxim Lapunov
Votes: 3,137
6. Dick Johnson Is Dead (2020)
PG-13 | 89 min | Documentary, Biography, Drama
A daughter helps her father prepare for the end of his life.
Director: Kirsten Johnson | Stars: Michael Hilow, Ana Hoffman, Dick Johnson, Kirsten Johnson
Votes: 7,233
Such a unique and incredible documentary about life and death. Won a Special Jury Award at Sundance. Worth the watch!
7. A Secret Love (2020)
TV-MA | 81 min | Documentary, Biography, Drama
Falling in love in 1947, two women -- Pat Henschel and pro baseball player Terry Donahue -- begin a 65-year journey of love and overcoming prejudice.
Director: Chris Bolan | Stars: Terry Donahue, Pat Henschel, Diana Bolan, Kim Donahue
Votes: 4,928
Such a beautiful love story, now streaming on Netflix.
8. Love, Antosha (2019)
R | 92 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
A portrait of the extraordinary life and career of actor Anton Yelchin.
Director: Garret Price | Stars: Anton Yelchin, J.J. Abrams, Sofia Boutella, Nicolas Cage
Votes: 1,709 | Gross: $0.05M
This documentary is now on Amazon Prime.
9. Citizenfour (2014)
R | 114 min | Documentary, Biography
A documentarian and a reporter travel to Hong Kong for the first of many meetings with Edward Snowden.
Director: Laura Poitras | Stars: Edward Snowden, Glenn Greenwald, William Binney, Jacob Appelbaum
Votes: 57,972 | Gross: $2.80M
10. Honeyland (2019)
Unrated | 89 min | Documentary, Drama
The last female bee-hunter in Europe must save the bees and return the natural balance in Honeyland, when a family of nomadic beekeepers invade her land and threaten her livelihood.
Directors: Tamara Kotevska, Ljubomir Stefanov | Stars: Hatidze Muratova, Nazife Muratova, Hussein Sam, Ljutvie Sam
Votes: 19,402 | Gross: $0.82M
11. Icarus (2017)
TV-MA | 120 min | Documentary, Sport
When Bryan sets out to uncover the truth about doping in sports, a chance meeting with a Russian scientist transforms his story from a personal experiment into a geopolitical thriller.
Director: Bryan Fogel | Stars: Bryan Fogel, Dave Zabriskie, Don Catlin, Grigory Rodchenkov
Votes: 54,690
12. Three Identical Strangers (2018)
PG-13 | 96 min | Documentary, Biography, Drama
In 1980 New York, three young men who were all adopted meet each other and find out they're triplets who were separated at birth. But their quest to find out why turns into a bizarre and sinister mystery.
Director: Tim Wardle | Stars: Robert Shafran, Michael Domnitz, Howard Schneider, Ellen Cervone
Votes: 39,675 | Gross: $12.32M
WOW!! Go see this engrossing film!
13. RBG (2018)
PG | 98 min | Documentary, Biography
The exceptional life and career of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who has developed a breathtaking legal legacy while becoming an unexpected pop culture icon.
Directors: Julie Cohen, Betsy West | Stars: Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Ann Kittner, Harryette Helsel, Nina Totenberg
Votes: 15,058 | Gross: $14.02M
14. Cameraperson (2016)
Not Rated | 102 min | Documentary, Biography, History
Exposing her role behind the camera, Kirsten Johnson reaches into the vast trove of footage she has shot over decades around the world. What emerges is a visually bold memoir and a revelatory interrogation of the power of the camera.
Director: Kirsten Johnson | Stars: Kirsten Johnson, Aisha Bukar, Eric W. Davis, Jacques Derrida
Votes: 3,236 | Gross: $0.10M
An extraordinary look at the human condition around the globe.
15. Tea With the Dames (2018)
Unrated | 84 min | Documentary
Dames Judi Dench, Eileen Atkins, Joan Plowright, and Maggie Smith get together for tea to reminisce and discuss their acting careers.
Director: Roger Michell | Stars: Maggie Smith, Eileen Atkins, Judi Dench, Joan Plowright
Votes: 2,835 | Gross: $0.87M
16. Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father (2008)
Not Rated | 95 min | Documentary, Biography, Crime
A filmmaker decides to memorialize a murdered friend when his friend's ex-girlfriend announces she is expecting his son.
Director: Kurt Kuenne | Stars: Kurt Kuenne, Andrew Bagby, David Bagby, Kathleen Bagby
Votes: 40,682 | Gross: $0.02M
17. Fantastic Fungi (2019)
Not Rated | 81 min | Documentary
Fantastic Fungi is a descriptive time-lapse journey about the magical, mysterious and medicinal world of fungi and their power to heal, sustain and contribute to the regeneration of life on Earth that began 3.5 billion years ago.
Director: Louie Schwartzberg | Stars: Brie Larson, Andrew Weil, Giuliana Furci, Paul Stamets
Votes: 11,537
18. Twenty Feet from Stardom (2013)
PG-13 | 91 min | Documentary, Biography, History
Backup singers live in a world that lies just beyond the spotlight. Their voices bring harmony to the biggest bands in popular music, but we've had no idea who these singers are or what lives they lead, until now.
Director: Morgan Neville | Stars: Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, Lisa Fischer, Judith Hill
Votes: 13,951 | Gross: $4.95M
19. The September Issue (2009)
PG-13 | 90 min | Documentary
A documentary chronicling Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour's preparations for the 2007 fall-fashion issue.
Director: R.J. Cutler | Stars: Anna Wintour, Thakoon Panichgul, André Leon Talley, Grace Coddington
Votes: 7,997 | Gross: $3.82M
20. Going Clear: Scientology & the Prison of Belief (2015)
Not Rated | 119 min | Documentary
A documentary looking at the inner-workings of the Church of Scientology.
Director: Alex Gibney | Stars: Paul Haggis, Jason Beghe, Spanky Taylor, David Miscavige
Votes: 40,903
A Must-See, Terrifying Documentary!
21. Won't You Be My Neighbor? (2018)
PG-13 | 95 min | Documentary, Biography, History
An exploration of the life, lessons, and legacy of iconic children's television host Fred Rogers.
Director: Morgan Neville | Stars: Fred Rogers, Margaret Whitmer, Tom Junod, Joanne Rogers
Votes: 27,112 | Gross: $22.84M
22. Amy (III) (2015)
R | 128 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Archival footage and personal testimonials present an intimate portrait of the life and career of British singer/songwriter Amy Winehouse.
Director: Asif Kapadia | Stars: Amy Winehouse, Mitch Winehouse, Mark Ronson, Russell Brand
Votes: 55,026 | Gross: $8.41M
23. Paragraph 175 (2000)
Not Rated | 81 min | Documentary, History, Romance
Historian Klaus Müller interviews survivors of the Nazi persecution of homosexuals because of the German Penal Code of 1871, Paragraph 175.
Directors: Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman | Stars: Rupert Everett, Klaus Müller, Karl Gorath, Pierre Seel
Votes: 2,192 | Gross: $0.07M
24. Fed Up (2014)
PG | 92 min | Documentary
An examination of America's obesity epidemic and the food industry's role in aggravating it.
Director: Stephanie Soechtig | Stars: Michele Simon, Katie Couric, Bill Clinton, Michael Pollan
Votes: 12,354 | Gross: $1.54M
25. Shakespeare Behind Bars (2005)
Not Rated | 93 min | Documentary
Twenty male inmates in a Kentucky prison form an unlikely Shakespearean acting troupe.
Director: Hank Rogerson
Votes: 379 | Gross: $0.05M
26. Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead (2010)
Not Rated | 97 min | Documentary
Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead is an American documentary that chronicles Australian Joe Cross's 60-day journey across the United States, where he embarks on a juice-only fast in a quest to reclaim his health.
Directors: Joe Cross, Kurt Engfehr | Stars: Joe Cross, Amy Badberg, Merv Cross, Virginia Cross
Votes: 8,917
27. My Architect (2003)
116 min | Documentary, Biography
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
28. Super Size Me (2004)
PG-13 | 100 min | Documentary
While examining the influence of the fast food industry, Morgan Spurlock personally explores the consequences on his health of a diet of solely McDonald's food for one month.
Director: Morgan Spurlock | Stars: Morgan Spurlock, Daryl Isaacs, Chemeeka Walker, Dania Abu-Rmaileh
Votes: 113,263 | Gross: $11.53M
29. Chris & Don: A Love Story (2007)
Not Rated | 90 min | Documentary, Biography, Romance
The love story between British writer, Christopher Isherwood (whose book 'The Berlin Stories' inspired the musical and film Cabaret) and Don Bachardy, American portrait artist.
Directors: Tina Mascara, Guido Santi | Stars: W.H. Auden, Don Bachardy, Ted Bachardy, James Berg
Votes: 989 | Gross: $0.21M
30. Spellbound (2002)
G | 97 min | Documentary, Comedy, Thriller
Spellbound follows eight teenagers on their quest to win the 1999 National Spelling Bee.
Director: Jeffrey Blitz | Stars: Angela Arenivar, Ubaldo Arenivar, Jorge Arenivar, Scott McGarraugh
Votes: 12,461 | Gross: $5.73M
31. Pressure Cooker (2008)
Unrated | 99 min | Documentary
Infamously blunt, Wilma Stephenson runs a "boot camp" teaching Culinary Arts at Frankford High, disciplining her students into capable chefs and responsible students. But behind her tough ... See full summary »
Directors: Mark Becker, Jennifer Grausman
Votes: 434
32. The Eyes of Tammy Faye (2000)
PG-13 | 79 min | Documentary, Biography
Twelve years after the dramatic collapse of the Christian empire of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, this documentary tells for the first time what really happened when they lost control of the first and most successful TV ministry of its kind.
Directors: Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato | Stars: RuPaul, Tammy Faye Bakker, Virginia Fairchild, Johnny Grover
Votes: 2,222 | Gross: $1.03M
33. Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel (2011)
PG-13 | 86 min | Documentary, Biography
A look at the life and work of the influential fashion editor of Harpers Bazaar, Diana Vreeland.
Directors: Lisa Immordino Vreeland, Bent-Jorgen Perlmutt, Frédéric Tcheng | Stars: Diana Vreeland, Richard Avedon, David Bailey, Lauren Bacall
Votes: 1,696 | Gross: $1.00M
34. Bowling for Columbine (2002)
R | 120 min | Documentary, Crime, Drama
Filmmaker Michael Moore explores the roots of America's predilection for gun violence.
Director: Michael Moore | Stars: Michael Moore, Charlton Heston, Marilyn Manson, Salvador Allende
Votes: 148,725 | Gross: $21.58M
35. Six by Sondheim (2013 TV Movie)
Not Rated | 86 min | Documentary, Biography, History
An intimate and candid look at the life and art of the legendary composer-lyricist.
Directors: James Lapine, Autumn de Wilde, Todd Haynes | Stars: Barbara Barrie, Jack Bashkow, Judy Bennett, Charles Braswell
Votes: 1,095
36. Africa: The Serengeti (1994)
Not Rated | 39 min | Documentary, Short
The Serengeti is a huge area of grassland in Tanzania, Africa. Once a year, in the time of drought, about two million herd animals like antelopes travel north to feed and mate before moving south again, when plants there begin to blossom.
Director: George Casey | Star: James Earl Jones
Votes: 707
37. Murderball (2005)
R | 88 min | Documentary, Sport
Quadriplegics, who play full-contact rugby in wheelchairs, overcome unimaginable obstacles to compete in the Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece.
Directors: Henry Alex Rubin, Dana Adam Shapiro | Stars: Joe Soares, Keith Cavill, Mark Zupan, Robert Soares
Votes: 10,457 | Gross: $1.52M
38. Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones (2023)
TV-14 | 39 min | Documentary, Adventure
Travel around the world with author Dan Buettner to discover five unique communities where people live extraordinarily long and vibrant lives.
Stars: Dan Buettner, Marion Nestle
Votes: 3,172
39. Food, Inc. (2008)
PG | 94 min | Documentary, News
An unflattering look inside America's corporate controlled food industry.
Director: Robert Kenner | Stars: Michael Pollan, Eric Schlosser, Richard Lobb, Vince Edwards
Votes: 52,210 | Gross: $4.42M
40. Who Killed the Electric Car? (2006)
PG | 92 min | Documentary
A documentary that investigates the birth and death of the electric car, as well as the role of renewable energy and sustainable living in the future.
Director: Chris Paine | Stars: Martin Sheen, Tom Hanks, Mel Gibson, Reverend Gadget
Votes: 12,755 | Gross: $1.68M
41. March of the Penguins (2005)
G | 80 min | Documentary, Family
In the Antarctic, every March since the beginning of time, the quest begins to find the perfect mate and start a family.
Director: Luc Jacquet | Stars: Morgan Freeman, Romane Bohringer, Charles Berling, Jules Sitruk
Votes: 59,943 | Gross: $77.44M
42. An Inconvenient Truth (2006)
PG | 96 min | Documentary
Filmmaker Davis Guggenheim follows Al Gore on the lecture circuit, as the former presidential candidate campaigns to raise public awareness of the dangers of global warming and calls for immediate action to curb its destructive effects on the environment.
Director: Davis Guggenheim | Stars: Al Gore, Billy West, George Bush, George W. Bush
Votes: 85,207 | Gross: $23.81M
43. Every Act of Life (2018)
93 min | Documentary, Biography
The life of Tony-winning playwright Terrence McNally (Master Class, Ragtime): 60 years of groundbreaking plays and musicals, the struggle for LGBT rights, addiction and recovery, finding ... See full summary »
Director: Jeff Kaufman | Stars: F. Murray Abraham, Lynn Ahrens, Jon Robin Baitz, Christine Baranski
Votes: 164
44. Ask Dr. Ruth (2019)
Not Rated | 100 min | Documentary, Biography
Charting the incredible life of Dr. Ruth Westheimer, a Holocaust survivor who became America's most famous sex therapist.
Director: Ryan White | Stars: Ruth Westheimer, Pierre Lehu, Cliff Rubin, John Lollos
Votes: 1,099 | Gross: $0.30M
45. Love, Gilda (2018)
Not Rated | 88 min | Documentary
In her own words, comedienne Gilda Radner looks back and reflects on her life and career. Weaving together recently discovered audiotapes, interviews with her friends, rare home movies and ... See full summary »
Director: Lisa D'Apolito | Stars: Andrew Alexander, Anne Beatts, Chevy Chase, Bill Hader
Votes: 1,789 | Gross: $0.63M
46. Jane (II) (2017)
PG | 90 min | Documentary, Biography
The life and work of the renowned primatology scientist, Jane Goodall, especially on her research about chimpanzees.
Director: Brett Morgen | Stars: Jane Goodall, Hugo Van Lawick, Hugo Eric Louis van Lawick
Votes: 5,660 | Gross: $1.72M
47. Becoming Mike Nichols (2016)
TV-14 | 72 min | Documentary
Filmmaker Mike Nichols sits down with theater director Jack O'Brien to discuss his personal life and professional work.
Director: Douglas McGrath | Stars: Ann-Margret, Anne Bancroft, Richard Burton, Leslie Caron
Votes: 627
48. Life Itself (2014)
R | 121 min | Documentary, Biography
The life and career of the renowned film critic and social commentator, Roger Ebert.
Director: Steve James | Stars: Roger Ebert, Chaz Ebert, Gene Siskel, Martin Scorsese
Votes: 16,250 | Gross: $0.81M
49. Becoming (II) (2020)
PG | 89 min | Documentary, Biography
Join former first lady Michelle Obama in an intimate documentary looking at her life, hopes and connection with others during her 2019 book tour for 'Becoming.'
Director: Nadia Hallgren | Stars: Elizabeth Alexander, Adrian K. Collins, Valerie Jarrett, Gayle King
Votes: 6,693
50. Hillary (2020)
TV-MA | 63 min | Documentary, Biography
A look at the life and work of Hillary Rodham Clinton, interweaving biographical chapters of her life with behind-the-scenes footage from her 2016 U.S. presidential campaign.
Stars: Hillary Clinton, Jennifer Palmieri, Amy Chozick, Peter Baker
Votes: 2,689
51. Wham! (2023)
TV-14 | 92 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Through archival interviews and footage, George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley relive the arc of their Wham career, from '70s best buds to '80s pop icons.
Director: Chris Smith | Stars: Bananarama, Bono, David Bowie, Boy George
Votes: 8,929
52. Three Minutes: A Lengthening (2021)
PG | 69 min | Documentary, History, War
A snippet of 16mm film offers an emotionally charged, meditative glimpse into the lives of the unsuspecting Jewish citizens of a small Polish village at the precipice of World War II.
Director: Bianca Stigter | Stars: Helena Bonham Carter, Glenn Kurtz, Moszek Tuchendler
Votes: 645
53. David Byrne's American Utopia (2020)
TV-14 | 105 min | Documentary, Music, Musical
Spike Lee documents the former Talking Heads frontman's brilliant, timely 2019 Broadway show, based on his recent album and tour of the same name.
Director: Spike Lee | Stars: David Byrne, Jacqueline Acevedo, Gustavo Di Dalva, Daniel Freedman
Votes: 5,248
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