2016 Award Contenders: Documentary
by IMDb-Editors | created - 13 Oct 2016 | updated - 20 Oct 2016 | Public- Instant Watch Options
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1. 13th (2016)
TV-MA | 100 min | Documentary, Crime, History
An in-depth look at the prison system in the United States and how it reveals the nation's history of racial inequality.
Director: Ava DuVernay | Stars: Melina Abdullah, Michelle Alexander, Cory Booker, Dolores Canales
Votes: 37,561
2. O.J.: Made in America (2016)
TV-MA | 467 min | Documentary, Biography, Crime
A chronicle of the rise and fall of O.J. Simpson, whose high-profile murder trial exposed the extent of American racial tensions, revealing a fractured and divided nation.
Director: Ezra Edelman | Stars: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Mike Albanese, Muhammad Ali, Marcus Allen
Votes: 21,306
3. 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: 3,195 | Gross: $0.10M
4. Fire at Sea (2016)
114 min | Documentary
Capturing life on the Italian island of Lampedusa, a frontline in the European migrant crisis.
Director: Gianfranco Rosi | Stars: Samuele Pucillo, Mattias Cucina, Samuele Caruana, Pietro Bartolo
Votes: 6,044 | Gross: $0.12M
5. Gleason (2016)
R | 110 min | Documentary, Biography
After he is diagnosed with ALS, former professional football player Steve Gleason begins making a video diary for his unborn son, as he, his wife, and their friends and family work to raise money for ALS patients as his disease progresses.
Director: Clay Tweel | Stars: Steve Gleason, Mike Gleason, Scott Fujita, Mike McKenzie
Votes: 3,074 | Gross: $0.59M
6. Life, Animated (2016)
PG | 92 min | Documentary, Comedy, Drama
A coming-of-age story about a boy and his family who overcame great challenges by turning Disney animated movies into a language to express love, loss, kinship and brotherhood.
Director: Roger Ross Williams | Stars: Owen Suskind, Ron Suskind, Cornelia Suskind, Walter Suskind
Votes: 6,168 | Gross: $0.26M
7. Tickled (2016)
R | 92 min | Documentary, Crime, Mystery
Journalist David Farrier stumbles upon a mysterious tickling competition online. As he delves deeper he comes up against fierce resistance, but that doesn't stop him getting to the bottom of a story stranger than fiction.
Directors: David Farrier, Dylan Reeve | Stars: David Farrier, Dylan Reeve, David Starr, Kevin Clarke
Votes: 20,512 | Gross: $0.61M
8. Tower (2016)
TV-14 | 82 min | Documentary, Animation, Crime
Animation, testimony, and archival footage combine to relate the events of August 1, 1966 when a gunman opened fire from the University of Texas clock tower, killing 16 people.
Director: Keith Maitland | Stars: Monty Muir, Violett Beane, Cole Bee Wilson, Aldo Ordoñez
Votes: 8,270 | Gross: $0.09M
9. Weiner (2016)
R | 96 min | Documentary
An examination of disgraced New York Congressman Anthony Weiner's mayoral campaign and today's political landscape.
Directors: Josh Kriegman, Elyse Steinberg | Stars: Anthony Weiner, Huma Abedin, Jordan Zain Weiner, Barbara Morgan
Votes: 10,517 | Gross: $1.61M
10. The Witness (I) (2015)
89 min | Documentary, Biography, Crime
The brother of Kitty Genovese investigates the circumstances of her murder and the truth of the story that dozens of locals witnessed the crime and did nothing to intervene.
Directors: James D. Solomon, Jessica Robinson | Stars: William Genovese, Shannon Beeby, Aaron Adler, Linda Ellen Bonekoskey
Votes: 4,540
11. The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years (2016)
Not Rated | 106 min | Documentary, History, Music
A compilation of found footage featuring music, interviews, and stories of The Beatles' 250 concerts from 1963 to 1966.
Director: Ron Howard | Stars: The Beatles, John Lennon, George Harrison, Paul McCartney
Votes: 13,780 | Gross: $2.93M
12. Hooligan Sparrow (2016)
Not Rated | 84 min | Documentary, Crime, Drama
A human rights activist and filmmaker travels to Hainan Province to seek justice for six elementary school girls who were sexually abused, while being followed by local governments, national secret police, and even her own neighbors.
Director: Nanfu Wang | Stars: Ye Haiyan, Huang, Wang Jianfen, Tang Jitian
Votes: 543
13. The Eagle Huntress (2016)
G | 87 min | Documentary, Adventure, Sport
Thirteen-year-old Aisholpan trains to become the first female in twelve generations of her nomad family to become an eagle huntress.
Director: Otto Bell | Stars: Aisholpan Nurgaiv, Daisy Ridley, Rys Nurgaiv
Votes: 4,168 | Gross: $3.17M
14. Off the Rails (I) (2016)
TV-14 | 86 min | Documentary
How one man's love of transport led to a lifetime of incarceration.
Director: Adam Irving | Stars: Charles Bilal, Courtney Brown, Sally Butler, Jervis Cameron
Votes: 357
15. Audrie & Daisy (2016)
TV-14 | 95 min | Documentary, Crime
A look at the effects that online bullying has on the lives of teenagers and their community.
Directors: Bonni Cohen, Jon Shenk | Stars: Robin Bourland, Daisy Coleman, Charles Coleman, Melinda Coleman
Votes: 7,015
16. Amanda Knox (2016)
TV-MA | 92 min | Documentary, Crime
American exchange student Amanda Knox is charged with the 2007 death of another student in Italy.
Directors: Rod Blackhurst, Brian McGinn | Stars: Amanda Knox, Meredith Kercher, Raffaele Sollecito, Giuliano Mignini
Votes: 26,043
17. Before the Flood (2016)
PG | 96 min | Documentary, News
A look at how climate change affects our environment and what society can do to prevent the demise of endangered species, ecosystems and native communities across the planet.
Director: Fisher Stevens | Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Ban Ki-moon, Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Mike Brune
Votes: 28,815
18. Holy Hell (2016)
Not Rated | 100 min | Documentary, Drama
An inside look at Buddhafield, a West Hollywood cult formed by a charismatic teacher in the 1980s that eventually imploded.
Director: Will Allen | Stars: Will Allen, Dimitrius Pulido, Phillipe Coquet, David Christopher
Votes: 6,036 | Gross: $0.02M
19. Into the Inferno (2016)
104 min | Documentary
An exploration of active volcanoes around the world.
Director: Werner Herzog | Stars: Werner Herzog, Katia Krafft, Maurice Krafft, Clive Oppenheimer
Votes: 9,899
20. Jim: The James Foley Story (2016)
TV-MA | 111 min | Documentary, Biography, War
An in-depth look at the life and work of American journalist James Foley, who was killed by ISIS terrorists in 2014.
Director: Brian Oakes | Stars: James Foley, Unai Aranzadi, Zac Baillie, Manu Brabo
Votes: 1,689
21. Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures (2016)
TV-MA | 108 min | Documentary, Biography
An examination of the life and work of the revered and controversial photographer Robert Mapplethorpe.
Directors: Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato | Stars: Nancy Rooney, Harry Mapplethorpe, George Stack, Robert Mapplethorpe
Votes: 1,553
22. Rats (II) (2016)
Not Rated | 88 min | Documentary, Horror
A history of rat infestations in major cities throughout the world.
Director: Morgan Spurlock | Stars: Ed Sheehan, Bobby Corrigan, Rick Simeone, Michael Blum
Votes: 1,574
23. Everything Is Copy (2015)
TV-14 | 89 min | Documentary, Biography
A look at the life and work of writer/filmmaker Nora Ephron.
Directors: Jacob Bernstein, Nick Hooker | Stars: Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, Amy Adams, Reese Witherspoon
Votes: 1,132
24. Mavis! (2015)
TV-14 | 80 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Her family group, the Staple Singers, inspired millions and helped propel the civil rights movement with their music. After 60 years of performing, legendary singer Mavis Staples' message of love and equality is needed now more than ever.
Director: Jessica Edwards | Stars: Mavis Staples, Jeff Tweedy, Adam Ayres, Donny Gerrard
Votes: 400
25. My Beautiful Broken Brain (2014)
TV-14 | 86 min | Documentary, Biography
After suffering a stroke at age 34, a woman documents her struggles, setbacks and eventual breakthrough as she relearns to speak, read and write.
Directors: Sophie Robinson, Lotje Sodderland | Stars: David Lynch, Sophie Robinson, Hente Sodderland, Jan Sodderland
Votes: 2,448
26. Southwest of Salem: The Story of the San Antonio Four (2016)
91 min | Documentary
A documentary that follows the struggle for exoneration of four Latina lesbians who were wrongfully convicted of gang rape against two young girls.
Director: Deborah S. Esquenazi
Votes: 477
27. Team Foxcatcher (2016)
TV-14 | 90 min | Documentary, Biography, Crime
Documentary filmmaker Jon Greenhalgh examines the life of Dave Schultz, a professional wrestler who was part of 'Team Foxcatcher', funded by multi-millionaire John du Pont.
Director: Jon Greenhalgh | Stars: John du Pont, Dave Schultz, Mike Gostigian, Ray Wilson
Votes: 7,185
28. The Circus: Inside the Greatest Political Show on Earth (2016–2023)
TV-14 | 30 min | Documentary
Groundbreaking weekly docu-series that pulls back the curtain on American politics. Hosts John Heilemann, Mark McKinnon and Jenn Palmieri go behind the scenes for an unbiased, inside look at the stories beyond the headlines.
Stars: John Heilemann, Mark McKinnon, Alex Wagner, Jennifer Palmieri
Votes: 1,340
29. The Eighties (2016)
42 min | Documentary, History
A documentary series focusing on the Reagan presidency, the AIDS crisis, the end of the Cold War, Wall Street corruption, the tech boom, the expansion of television, and the evolving music industry.
Stars: H.W. Brands, Chris Connelly, Gil Troy, Tom Hanks
Votes: 1,498
30. The Hunt (II) (2015)
TV-PG | 445 min | Documentary
The fascinating relationship between predators and their prey, and the strategies predators use to catch their food and prey use to escape death.
Stars: David Attenborough, Jamie McPherson, Huw Cordey, Hugh Pearson
Votes: 4,349
31. Jackie Robinson (2016)
TV-PG | 240 min | Documentary, Biography
Documentary chronicles the personal and professional life of Jackie Robinson from his birth in 1919 to his death in 1972. Robinson's rise from humble beginnings to became an American hero and pivotal figure in American history are detailed.
Stars: Keith David, Jamie Foxx
Votes: 533
32. Soundbreaking: Stories from the Cutting Edge of Recorded Music (2016)
Documentary, History, Music
Soundbreaking explores the history of recorded music. Featuring more than 150 original interviews, the series charts a century's worth of innovation and experimentation, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the birth of brand new sounds.
Stars: Dermot Mulroney, Todd Boyd, Questlove, Don Was
Votes: 1,418
33. 30 for 30 (2009– )
TV-G | 60 min | Documentary, Biography, History
A collection of documentary films focused on sports.
Stars: Brent Musburger, Chuck D, Larry Bird, William C. Rhoden
Votes: 5,517
34. Frontline (1983– )
TV-MA | 60 min | Documentary, News
FRONTLINE is investigative journalism that questions, explains and changes our world and American television's top long-form news and current affairs series since 1983
Stars: Will Lyman, Sarah Childress, Priyanka Boghani, Arun Rath
Votes: 2,271
35. Last Chance U (2016–2020)
TV-MA | 55 min | Documentary, Sport
Intense look inside the world of junior college football, chronicling the stories of players and coaches in the classroom and on the field.
Stars: Ron Ollie, Brittany Wagner, John III Franklin, Buddy Stephens
Votes: 7,475
36. Morgan Spurlock Inside Man (2013– )
60 min | Documentary, Reality-TV
CNN and Morgan Spurlock investigate intriguing topics of our times by digging deep to learn how the real story unfolds from the inside.
Stars: Morgan Spurlock, Brian Walkingstick Burgess, John W. Houghtaling, Paul Debevec
Votes: 432
37. P.O.V. (1988– )
60 min | Documentary
POV, a cinema term for "point of view," is television's longest-running showcase for independent non-fiction films. Since 1988, POV has presented more than 300 of the best, boldest, and ... See full summary »
Stars: Stacey Abrams, Rashida Tlaib, Lucy McBath, Veronica Escobar
Votes: 240
38. This Is Life with Lisa Ling (2014–2022)
TV-PG | 45 min | Documentary
Award-winning journalist and former co-host of The View Lisa Ling goes on a gritty, breathtaking journey to far corners of America.
Stars: Lisa Ling, Jex Blackmore, TaQuita McKinney, Jonathan Peacy
Votes: 487
39.
30 for 30 (2009– )
Episode:
Fantastic Lies
(2016)
TV-G | 102 min | Documentary, Biography, History
A documentary examination of the accusations of sexual misconduct against the Duke University lacrosse team that were ultimately found to be baseless
Director: Marina Zenovich | Stars: Crystal Mangum, Joe Alleva, Bradley Bannon, Bill Bell
Votes: 1,219
40. Dark Horse (2015)
PG | 85 min | Documentary, Drama, Sport
An inspirational true story of a group of friends from a working men's club who decide to take on the elite 'sport of kings' and breed themselves a racehorse
Director: Louise Osmond | Stars: Jan Vokes, Howard Davies, Brian 'Daisy' Vokes, Angela Davies
Votes: 1,322
41. Keepers of the Game (2016)
82 min | Documentary
Members of an all-Native girls lacrosse team try to prove the game is their rightful inheritance, putting more than just a championship on the line.
Director: Judd Ehrlich | Stars: Tsiotenhariio Herne, Jacelyn Lazore, Mimi Lazore, Marcella Thomas
Votes: 71
42. Gimme Danger (2016)
R | 108 min | Documentary, Music
An in-depth look at legendary punk band The Stooges.
Director: Jim Jarmusch | Stars: Iggy Pop, Jim Jarmusch, Bob Waller, The Stooges
Votes: 6,476 | Gross: $0.44M
43. Miss Sharon Jones! (2015)
Unrated | 93 min | Documentary, Music
Miss Sharon Jones: Dreams never expire but sometimes they are deferred. Miss Sharon Jones follows the talented and gregarious soul singer of the Grammy nominated R&B band "Sharon Jones and ... See full summary »
Director: Barbara Kopple | Stars: Sharon Jones, Starr Duncan-Lowe, Binky Griptite, Megan Holken
Votes: 688 | Gross: $0.12M
44. The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble (2015)
PG-13 | 96 min | Documentary, Music
Cellist Yo-Yo Ma and other international artists of The Silk Road Project discuss their philosophies on music and culture.
Director: Morgan Neville | Stars: Yo-Yo Ma, Kinan Azmeh, Kayhan Kalhor, Cristina Pato
Votes: 742 | Gross: $1.16M
45. Presenting Princess Shaw (2015)
Not Rated | 83 min | Documentary, Music
A documentary on the collaborative relationship between New Orleans based songwriter/YouTube star Samantha Montgomery and composer/video artist Ophir Kutiel.
Director: Ido Haar | Stars: Tiffany Crawford, Kutiman, Samantha Montgomery, Tiffany Shante
Votes: 603 | Gross: $0.06M
46. We Are X (2016)
R | 93 min | Documentary, Music
A documentary film about the legendary Japanese rock band X JAPAN.
Director: Stephen Kijak | Stars: Yoshiki, Hiroshi Morie, Sugizo, Toshimitsu Deyama
Votes: 1,063 | Gross: $0.05M
47. Kate Plays Christine (2016)
Not Rated | 112 min | Documentary, Biography, Drama
Actress Kate Lyn Sheil prepares to portray the role of Christine Chubbuck, a real-life news reporter who took her own life on local Florida television in 1974.
Director: Robert Greene | Stars: Kate Lyn Sheil, Stephanie Coatney, Michael Ray Davis, Zachary Gossett
Votes: 1,195
48. Nuts! (I) (2016)
Unrated | 79 min | Documentary, Animation
The mostly true story of Dr. John Romulus Brinkley, an eccentric genius who built an empire with his goat-testicle impotence cure and a million-watt radio station.
Director: Penny Lane | Stars: Gene Tognacci, Andy Boswell, John Causby, Kelly Mizell
Votes: 875
49. Under the Sun (2015)
Not Rated | 106 min | Documentary
A propaganda documentary about North Korea that reveals a few hidden facts because the director continues filming between the scripted scenes.
Director: Vitaliy Manskiy | Stars: Lee Zin-Mi, Yu-Yong, Hye-Yong, Oh-Gyong
Votes: 5,025 | Gross: $0.07M
50. Newtown (2016)
Not Rated | 85 min | Documentary, History
A look at how the community of Newtown, Connecticut came together in the aftermath of the largest mass shooting of schoolchildren in American history.
Director: Kim A. Snyder | Stars: Gene Rosen, Syeda Suriya Ahmed, Abbey Clements, Sally Cox
Votes: 1,731 | Gross: $0.01M
51. Zero Days (2016)
PG-13 | 116 min | Documentary
A documentary focused on Stuxnet, a piece of self-replicating computer malware that the U.S. and Israel unleashed to destroy a key part of an Iranian nuclear facility, and which ultimately spread beyond its intended target.
Director: Alex Gibney | Stars: David Sanger, Emad Kiyaei, Eric Chien, Liam O'Murchu
Votes: 10,373 | Gross: $0.10M
52. I Am Not Your Negro (2016)
PG-13 | 93 min | Documentary, History
Writer James Baldwin tells the story of race in modern America with his unfinished novel, Remember This House.
Director: Raoul Peck | Stars: Samuel L. Jackson, James Baldwin, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X
Votes: 23,427 | Gross: $7.12M
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