Best Documentaries (2000-2015)
The best documentaries educate, inspire us to action, provoke our conscious and also entertain with the absurd. This is a compilation of those films that have made a lasting impact for me.
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- DirectorEmad BurnatGuy DavidiStarsEmad BurnatSoraya BurnatMohammed BurnatA documentary on a Palestinian farmer's chronicle of his nonviolent resistance to the actions of the Israeli army.
- DirectorOrlando von EinsiedelStarsAndré BaumaEmmanuel de MerodeMélanie GoubyA team of brave individuals risk their lives to protect the last mountain gorillas.A gut-wrenching reality of conflict in the DRC. The story follows the orphan gorillas caught in the cross-fire, aided by brave people of good-will and threatened by corruption and violence. It reveals the complex interplay of local and international interests on control of resources.
- DirectorLouie PsihoyosStarsRichard O'BarryLouie PsihoyosHardy JonesUsing state-of-the-art equipment, a group of activists, led by renowned dolphin trainer Ric O'Barry, infiltrate a cove near Taijii, Japan to expose both a shocking instance of animal abuse and a serious threat to human health.I don't think I've ever heard a more painfully haunting sound than the recording of a slaughter of dolphins from this film. Very powerful. Activist sentiment stirred thoroughly. Makes you want to run to the nearest aquarium and "free willy" all the cetaceans.
- DirectorJoshua OppenheimerAnonymousChristine CynnStarsAnwar CongoHerman KotoSyamsul ArifinA documentary which challenges former Indonesian death-squad leaders to reenact their mass-killings in whichever cinematic genres they wish, including classic Hollywood crime scenarios and lavish musical numbers.Follows the bizarre cinematic attempt to process one former "enforcer's" involvement in the mass murder of civilians in Indonesia. Equal parts confession and justification, but fully a search for redemption for the main subject. Truly a masterpiece of social investigation exploring the long-term impact of violence/genocide on the perpetrators and the victims.
- DirectorWerner HerzogStarsTimothy TreadwellAmie HuguenardWerner HerzogA devastating and heart-rending take on grizzly bear activists Timothy Treadwell and Amie Huguenard, who were killed in October of 2003 while living among grizzly bears in Alaska.This movie reminds me of a Yellowstone Park Ranger's quote "wildlife is wild...wildlife should not be approached, no matter how tame or calm they appear." Although, it seems pretty awesome to commune with the bears and the protagonist does build real observable relationships with various ursine friends, except for one (foreshadow). Ultimately however, this documentary is not really a cautionary tale of breaching the human/animal divide. At the heart - it's really focused on the search for 'recognition' and the lengths that humans will go to find their purpose in a world obsessed with stardom and public affirmation.
- DirectorMorgan SpurlockStarsMorgan SpurlockDaryl IsaacsChemeeka WalkerWhile 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.After battling with the McD's diet like a gladiator Morgan Spurlock should pound his chest and exclaim "are you not entertained!?" This documentary is possibly the biggest catalyst for a cultural shift of public attitude toward fast-food ever. 'Supersize Me' hits the mega corporation where it hurts - the Mcnuggets (it's profits). 10 years after the release of this film and McDonald's is pimping it's new kale options, coincidence or market adjustment?
- DirectorRebecca Cammisa"Which Way Home" is a feature documentary film that follows unaccompanied child migrants, on their journey through Mexico, as they try to reach the United States. We follow children like Olga and Freddy, nine-year old Hondurans, who are desperately trying to reach their parents in the US.; children like Jose, a ten-year old El Salvadoran, who has been abandoned by smugglers and ends up alone in a Mexican detention center; and Kevin, a canny, streetwise fourteen-year old Honduran, whose mother hopes that he will reach the U.S. and send money back to her. These are stories of hope and courage, disappointment and sorrow. They are the children you never hear about; the invisible ones.Thousands of youth from Central America have made, and continue to make, the journey "pa'l Norte." They are fleeing violence of all types (narco-traffickers, gangs, paramilitaries, unaccountable police) and poverty. This film allows for a small taste of the process - a typical symbol of the trip, the trains laden with hopeful immigrants plays a key role.
- DirectorMark AchbarJennifer AbbottStarsMikela JayRob BeckwermertChristopher GoraDocumentary that looks at the concept of the corporation throughout recent history up to its present-day dominance.What's the difference between a psychopath and a corporation? Apparently nothing.
- DirectorHubert SauperStarsElizabeth 'Eliza' Maganga NseseRaphael Tukiko WagaraDimond RemtuliaA documentary on the effect of fishing the Nile perch in Tanzania's Lake Victoria. The predatory fish, which has wiped out the native species, is sold in European supermarkets, while starving Tanzanian families have to make do with the leftovers.Inequality and injustice are experienced on different levels throughout the world. This shows how the push of global turbo capitalism affects those on the 'losing end' of progress and highlights the horrific moral compromises enacted on all sides in the name of survival.
- DirectorEugene JareckiStarsEugene JareckiDavid SimonShanequa BenitezFrom the dealer to the narcotics officer, the inmate to the federal judge, a penetrating look inside America's criminal justice system, revealing the profound human rights implications of U.S. drug policy.What is the strongest proof that a system is broken? When even people tasked to enforce that system are crying out for reform. Criminal justice in the US is abysmal, but particularly the impact on low-income communities of color who have been dehumanized and monetized by policies ranging from the war on drugs to profit-driven private prison systems.
- DirectorJames MarshStarsPhilippe PetitJean François HeckelJean-Louis BlondeauA 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".A Frenchman has never been so charming. Combines the thrill and spontaneity of a college dare with a methodical dedication to one's craft over a lifetime. Pulling off a stunt like this is the best legacy for any acrobat.
- DirectorChris SmithStarsMark BorchardtMike SchankTom SchimmelsDocumentary about an aspiring filmmaker's attempts to finance his dream project by finally completing the low-budget horror film he abandoned years before.I don't know if I can acurately describe how awesome this film is...just check out the link below. Remeber: "life is kinda cool sometimes."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__qK05-cais - DirectorJim HanonStarsSami AwadAhmad Al'AzzehYonatan Shapira"Little Town of Bethlehem" shares the gripping story of three men, born into violence, willing to risk everything to bring an end to violence in their lifetime. A Christian, a Muslim, and a Jew-shaped by events of their Palestinian and Israeli upbringing-find inspiration in the words and actions of Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi. Sami, Ahmad, and Yonatan believe that violence can indeed be stopped but recognize their own struggles will remain. Yet they will struggle together to discover a common humanity through non-violent action. In the city of Bethlehem where it is said God became man, these men stand alongside others whose central desire is to be accepted and treated as fully human.Their story brings fresh hope to the ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel while taking a stand against violence throughout the world.
- DirectorGreg JacobsJon SiskelStarsKevin CovalAdam GottliebElizabeth GrafBy turns hopeful and heartbreaking, Louder Than a Bomb follows the fortunes of four Chicago-area high school poetry teams as they prepare for and compete in the world's largest youth slam.
- DirectorMichael MooreStarsMichael MooreTucker AlbrizziTony BennA documentary comparing the highly profitable American health care industry to other nations, and HMO horror stories including shotgun deaths.
- DirectorSteve JamesStarsTio HardimanAmeena MatthewsToya BateyA year in the life of a city grappling with urban violence.
- DirectorJoe BerlingerStarsDan AshleyPablo FajardoKent RobertsonThe story of lawsuit by tens of thousands of Ecuadorans against Chevron over contamination of the Ecuadorean Amazon.
- DirectorEugene JareckiStarsGore VidalJohn McCainKen AdelmanIs American foreign policy dominated by the idea of military supremacy? Has the military become too important in American life? Jarecki's shrewd and intelligent polemic would seem to give an affirmative answer to each of these questions.
- DirectorJeffrey BlitzStarsAngela ArenivarUbaldo ArenivarJorge ArenivarSpellbound follows eight teenagers on their quest to win the 1999 National Spelling Bee.At some point in our lives we are all awkward, geeky adolescents, mocked for our tastes and obsessions...you are not alone.
- DirectorMichael MooreStarsMichael MooreCharlton HestonMarilyn MansonFilmmaker Michael Moore explores the roots of America's predilection for gun violence.The relevance of this documentary just seems to increase over the years. The arguments are not even in dispute by a majority of gun owners who recognize the need, and want, better background checks and regulations on gun sales. So many sequels just the last few years could yield Bowling for Sandy Hook, Virginia Tech, Tucson etc...
The battle of freedom vs safety continues. - DirectorSteve JamesStarsRoger EbertChaz EbertGene SiskelThe life and career of the renowned film critic and social commentator, Roger Ebert.
- DirectorJehane NoujaimStarsAhmed HassanKhalid AbdallaMagdy AshourA group of Egyptian revolutionaries battle leaders and regimes, risking their lives to build a new society of conscience.
- DirectorShan NicholsonStarsLloyd MurphyThrough archival footage Nicholson tells the story of the real Warriors that walked the streets of New York City in the 1970s and the harsh reality of gang life in a city that seemed to be falling apart.
- DirectorKen BurnsSarah BurnsDavid McMahonStarsAntron McCrayKevin RichardsonKharey WiseA documentary that examines the 1989 case of five black and Latino teenagers who were convicted of raping a white woman in Central Park. After having spent between 6 and 13 years each in prison, a serial rapist confessed to the crime.
- DirectorBart LaytonStarsAdam O'BrianNicholas BarclayCarey GibsonA 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.
- DirectorTim HetheringtonSebastian JungerStarsThe Men of Battle Company 2nd of the 503rd Infantry Regiment 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat TeamJuan 'Doc RestrepoDan KearneyA year with one platoon in the deadliest valley in Afghanistan.
- DirectorRobert KennerStarsMichael PollanEric SchlosserRichard LobbAn unflattering look inside America's corporate controlled food industry.
- DirectorBanksyStarsBanksyMr. BrainwashSpace InvaderFollowing the style of some of the world's most prolific street artists, an amateur filmmaker makes a foray into the art world.Consumer culture can permeate the counter-culture just as easily as anywhere else.
- DirectorLucy WalkerStarsVelda BontragerMark BontragerDewayne ChuppAmish teenagers experience and embrace the modern world as a rite-of-passage before deciding which life they will choose.
- DirectorVikram GandhiStarsVikram GandhiTobyGregA documentary about a man who impersonates a wise Indian Guru and builds a following in Arizona. At the height of his popularity, the Guru Kumaré must reveal his true identity to his disciples and unveil his greatest teaching of all.
- DirectorRick RowleyStarsJeremy ScahillNasser Al AulaqiSaleha Al AulaqiInvestigative journalist Jeremy Scahill is pulled into an unexpected journey as he chases down the hidden truth behind America's expanding covert wars.
- DirectorCarl DealTia LessinStarsMichael BrownGeorge W. BushJulie Chen MoonvesA redemptive tale of an aspiring rap artist surviving failed levees and her own troubled past and seizing a chance for a new beginning.
- DirectorNeil DiamondCatherine BainbridgeJeremiah HayesStarsAdam BeachChris EyreRussell MeansThe history of the depiction of Native Americans in Hollywood films.
- DirectorZach HeinzerlingStarsUshio ShinoharaNoriko ShinoharaAlex ShinoharaThis candid New York love story explores the chaotic 40-year marriage of famed boxing painter Ushio Shinohara and his wife, Noriko. Anxious to shed her role as her overbearing husband's assistant, Noriko finds an identity of her own.
- DirectorJacob KornbluthStarsRobert ReichCandice BergenConan O'BrienA documentary that follows former U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich as he looks to raise awareness of the country's widening economic gap.
- DirectorHeidi EwingRachel GradyStarsMike PapantonioLou EngleBecky FischerA documentary on kids who attend a summer camp hoping to become the next Billy Graham.