With HBO Documentary Films (Sorted by Popularity Ascending)
1. George Carlin's American Dream (2022 TV Movie)
Documentary, Biography, Comedy
Interviews with George Carlin's family and friends, material from his stand-up specials and footage from his personal archive.
Directors: Judd Apatow, Michael Bonfiglio | Stars: Gillian Jacobs, Steve Martin, Kevin Smith, Patton Oswalt
Votes: 554
2. The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst (2015)
TV-14 | 279 min | Documentary, Biography, Crime
Filmmaker Andrew Jarecki examines the complicated life of reclusive real estate icon Robert Durst, the key suspect in a series of unsolved crimes.
Stars: Andrew Jarecki, Robert Durst, Gary Napoli, Jeanine Pirro
Votes: 45,102
3. The Invisible Pilot (2022)
TV-MA | 169 min | Documentary, Biography, Crime
Follows the story of a seemingly happy husband and father who unexpectedly jumped off a bridge in 1977, and years later it's found that there might had been hypnosis, secret identities and a dangerous double life and law-breaking involved.
Stars: Ray Buffer, Konstantin Podprugin, Galen Trine-McMahan
Votes: 676
4. The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley (2019)
TV-14 | 119 min | Documentary, Crime
The story of Theranos, a multi-billion dollar tech company, its founder Elizabeth Holmes, the youngest self-made female billionaire, and the massive fraud that collapsed the company.
Director: Alex Gibney | Stars: Alex Gibney, Elizabeth Holmes, Dan Ariely, Roger Parloff
Votes: 12,201
5. I Love You, Now Die: The Commonwealth v. Michelle Carter (2019)
TV-MA | 143 min | Documentary, Crime
Teen Michelle Carter's actions shocked a nation - but what really happened behind closed doors? This HBO special showcases the prosecution's point of view and alternately the defense's. Which side do you fall on?
Director: Erin Lee Carr | Stars: Jesse Barron, Emily Bazelon, Sam Boardman, Peter Breggin
Votes: 6,418
6. The Vow (2020– )
TV-MA | 60 min | Documentary, Crime
A look at the experiences of the members of the NXIVM, an organization and sex cult that made headlines for being charged with sex trafficking, racketeering, and conspiracy.
Stars: Bonnie Piesse, Sarah Edmondson, Mark Vicente, Anthony Ames
Votes: 4,827
7. I'll Be Gone in the Dark (2020–2021)
TV-MA | 353 min | Documentary, Crime, Mystery
Gripping examination of the unsolved crimes of the Golden State Killer who terrorized California in the 1970's and 1980's.
Stars: Patton Oswalt, Paul Haynes, Amy Ryan, Lauren Orlando
Votes: 7,394
8. There's Something Wrong with Aunt Diane (2011 TV Movie)
TV-MA | 101 min | Documentary, Crime
This documentary explores the depth behind the case of a woman whose vehicle collision killed numerous people, including herself. Was she really the reckless drunk, or the perfect suburban mother?
Director: Liz Garbus | Stars: Jesse Temple, Brad Katinas, Diane Schuler, Jay Schuler
Votes: 5,380
9. Juice WRLD: Into the Abyss (2021)
115 min | Documentary, Music
An intimate look into the life, and extensive career of the late hip hop star, Jarad Anthony Higgins known professionally as Juice Wrld.
Director: Tommy Oliver | Stars: Juice WRLD, Cole Bennett, Lil' Bibby, Benny Blanco
Votes: 1,375
10. Mommy Dead and Dearest (2017)
TV-MA | 82 min | Documentary, Crime
In this documentary, the murder of Deedee Blanchard by her daughter Gypsy Rose is explored, as well as the circumstances leading up to the event.
Director: Erin Lee Carr | Stars: Jim Arnott, David Blanchard, Dee Dee Blanchard, Gypsy Rose Blanchard
Votes: 9,638
11. The Crime of the Century (2021)
TV-MA | 231 min | Documentary, Crime
A searing indictment of Big Pharma and the political operatives and government regulations that enable over-production, reckless distribution and abuse of synthetic opiates.
Stars: Patrick Radden Keefe, Edward Byrne, Kadrolsha Ona Carole, Anna Lembke
Votes: 3,054
12. Undercurrent: The Disappearance of Kim Wall (2022)
TV-MA | 125 min | Documentary, Biography, Crime
A two-part documentary, examining the disappearance and murder of journalist, Kim Wall, and the subsequent trial of her killer.
Votes: 697
13. Cobain: Montage of Heck (2015)
TV-MA | 132 min | Documentary, Animation, Biography
An authorized documentary on the late musician Kurt Cobain, from his early days in Aberdeen, Washington to his success and downfall with the grunge band Nirvana.
Director: Brett Morgen | Stars: Kurt Cobain, Wendy O'Connor, Don Cobain, Jenny Cobain
Votes: 29,689
14. Tina (2021)
TV-MA | 118 min | Documentary, Biography, History
Exclusive access to the Grammy Award-winning artist to celebrate her career.
Directors: Daniel Lindsay, T.J. Martin | Stars: Tina Turner, Carl Arrington, Ike Turner, Lejeune Richardson
Votes: 4,529
15. The Janes (2022)
101 min | Documentary
Police arrested seven women who were part of a clandestine network. Using code names, blindfolds and safe houses, they built an underground service for women seeking safe, affordable, illegal abortions calling themselves JANE.
Directors: Tia Lessin, Emma Pildes
Votes: 49
16. 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: 38,970
17. Citizenfour (2014)
R | 114 min | Documentary, Biography, History
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: 55,270 | Gross: $2.80M
18. The Murders at Starved Rock (2021)
TV-14 | 174 min | Documentary, Crime, Mystery
Follows the brutal murders of three women at Starved Rock State Park in LaSalle, Illinois and the decades of questions and doubts left in their wake.
Stars: Johnny Cannizzaro, Crystal Lujan, Rod Thorson, Andy Hale
Votes: 1,001
19. Murder on Middle Beach (2020)
TV-MA | 265 min | Documentary, Crime, Mystery
A young man is determined to solve an unspeakable crime and absolve the people he loves, while looking for answers within his fractured family and community.
Stars: Madison Hamburg, Mark E. Safarik
Votes: 3,693
20. 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: 4,430
21. Moonage Daydream (2022)
Documentary, Music
A cinematic odyssey exploring David Bowie's creative and musical journey. From visionary filmmaker Brett Morgen, and sanctioned by the Bowie estate.
Director: Brett Morgen | Star: David Bowie
Votes: 9
22. Exterminate All the Brutes (2021)
TV-MA | 232 min | Documentary, History
The path to the new world, an unsettling and intricate story of genocides. Conquest, slavery and the fabrication of "Whiteness".
Stars: Raoul Peck, Josh Hartnett, Caisa Ankarsparre, Fraser James
Votes: 2,460
23. Inside Deep Throat (2005)
NC-17 | 89 min | Documentary, Biography, History
An examination of the infamous pornographic film Deep Throat (1972), covering aspects from the film's creation to its cultural impact.
Directors: Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato | Stars: Linda Lovelace, Harry Reems, Dennis Hopper, Gerard Damiano
Votes: 6,794 | Gross: $0.65M
24. All That Breathes (2022)
97 min | Documentary
The darkening backdrop of Delhi's apocalyptic air and escalating violence, two brothers devote their lives to protect one casualty of the turbulent times: the bird known as the Black Kite.
Director: Shaunak Sen | Stars: Salik Rehman, Mohammad Saud, Nadeem Shehzad
Votes: 53
25. Q: Into the Storm (2021)
TV-MA | 353 min | Documentary
When documentary filmmaker Cullen Hoback sets out to uncover the forces behind QAnon, his attention turns to 8chan, the site where "Q" posts.
Stars: Cullen Hoback, Fredrick Brennan, Craig James, Ron Watkins
Votes: 5,863
26. Beware the Slenderman (2016)
TV-14 | 114 min | Documentary, Biography, Crime
Tells the story of two 12-year old girls, who attempted to murder one of their friends in an attempt to appease Slenderman, a fictional monster from a horror website.
Director: Irene Taylor | Stars: Morgan Geyser, Anissa Weier, Angie Geyser, Bill Weier
Votes: 7,087
27. The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart (2020)
TV-MA | 111 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
An exploration of the history of the Bee Gees, featuring revealing interviews with oldest brother Barry Gibb, and archival interviews with the late twin brothers Robin and Maurice.
Director: Frank Marshall | Stars: Barry Gibb, Maurice Gibb, Robin Gibb, Peter Brown
Votes: 4,591
28. Real Sex (1990–2009)
TV-MA | Documentary
Documentary series that explores sex in the '90s. Each episode has several segments about current trends in sexuality as well as street interviews with common people.
Stars: Susan Block, Barbara Carrellas, Annie Sprinkle, Samantha Jones
Votes: 359
29. The Slow Hustle (2021)
88 min | Documentary, Crime
After Baltimore Police Detective Sean Suiter is killed in the line of duty, the tragedy soon becomes enmeshed in a widening corruption scandal that threatens to unravel the public's already strained relationship with law enforcement.
Director: Sonja Sohn | Stars: Umar Burley, Jill Carter, Kevin Davis, Jeremy Eldridge
Votes: 355
30. Four Hours at the Capitol (2021)
TV-MA | 92 min | Documentary
A chronicle of the incursion at the U.S. Capitol, when thousands of citizens from across the country gathered in Washington D.C., many with the intent of disrupting the certification of Joe Biden's presidency.
Director: Jamie Roberts | Stars: Eddie Block, Buddy Carter, James McGovern, Leah Han
Votes: 2,880
31. Baby God (2020)
TV-MA | 78 min | Documentary, Crime
For more than 30 years, Dr. Quincy Fortier covertly used his own sperm to inseminate his fertility patients. Now his secret is out and his children seek the truth about his motives and try to make sense of their own identities.
Director: Hannah Olson | Stars: Wendi Babst, Quincy Fortier, Brad Gulko, Cathy Holm
Votes: 734
32. Woodstock 99: Peace Love and Rage (2021)
TV-MA | 110 min | Documentary, Music
Woodstock 99, a three-day music festival promoted to echo unity and counterculture idealism of the original 1969 concert but instead devolved into riots, looting and sexual assaults.
Director: Garret Price | Stars: Maureen Callahan, Carson Daly, Jonathan Davis, Mike Elling
Votes: 5,265
33. Adrienne (2021)
98 min | Documentary, Biography
As the muse of Hal Hartley's indie classics and as writer/director of the critically acclaimed Waitress, Adrienne Shelly was a shining star in the indie film firmament.
Director: Andy Ostroy | Stars: Sara Bareilles, Robert John Burke, Nathan Fillion, Andy Griffith
Votes: 607
34. The Cheshire Murders (2013 TV Movie)
TV-MA | 118 min | Documentary, Crime
A documentary about a brutal home invasion in Cheshire, Connecticut in 2007.
Directors: Kate Davis, David Heilbroner | Stars: Jennifer Petit, Hayley Petit, William Petit Jr., Michaela Petit
Votes: 2,715
35. Spielberg (2017 TV Movie)
TV-MA | 147 min | Documentary, Biography
A documentary on Steven Spielberg, filmmaker. Includes interviews with relatives, film critics, peers and people who have worked with him.
Director: Susan Lacy | Stars: Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Richard Dreyfuss, Bill Butler
Votes: 7,073
36. Marina Abramovic: The Artist Is Present (2012)
Not Rated | 106 min | Documentary, Biography, History
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: 6,169 | Gross: $0.09M
37. The Case Against Adnan Syed (2019)
TV-14 | 268 min | Documentary, Crime
Popularized by the podcast, "Serial," the ongoing story of Adnan Syed who was convicted of murdering a high school student.
Stars: Sarah Koenig, Anne Yao, Saad Chaudry, Laura Estrada Sandoval
Votes: 2,446
38. Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind (2018)
TV-MA | 116 min | Documentary, Biography, Comedy
An intimate look into the life and work of the revered master comedian and actor, Robin Williams.
Director: Marina Zenovich | Stars: Robin Williams, Steve Allen, Robert Altman, Roseanne Barr
Votes: 8,081
39. Tiger (2021)
TV-MA | 192 min | Documentary, Biography, Sport
A look at the life, success and scandals of golf legend Tiger Woods.
Stars: Tiger Woods, Pete McDaniel, Steve Williams, Bryant Gumbel
Votes: 4,345
40. Allen v. Farrow (2021)
TV-MA | 256 min | Documentary, Biography, Crime
A look behind the years of sensational headlines to reveal the private story of the accusation of sexual abuse against Woody Allen involving his 7-year-old daughter with Mia Farrow.
Stars: Mia Farrow, Fletcher Previn, Dylan O'Sullivan Farrow, Casey Pascal
Votes: 7,135
41. Icahn: The Restless Billionaire (2022)
TV-14 | 101 min | Documentary, Biography
Explores the fascinating contradictions at the heart of the famed financier, Carl Icahn. Amassing close to $20 billion dollars over the last half century and at the forefront of some of the most legendary business deals of our times.
Director: Bruce David Klein | Stars: Carl Icahn, Andrew Ross Sorkin
Votes: 552
42. 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: 2,773
43. The Forever Prisoner (2021)
119 min | Documentary, Crime
Follows the story of Abu Zubaydah, the first high-value detainee subjected to the CIA's program, later identified as torture by those outside the agency.
Director: Alex Gibney | Stars: Stephen Gaudin, Chantell Higgins, Daniel Jones, Steven Kleinman
Votes: 529
44. Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory (2011)
Not Rated | 121 min | Documentary, Crime
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: 10,109
45. Elvis Presley: The Searcher (2018)
TV-PG | 205 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Elvis Presley's evolution as a musician and a man.
Director: Thom Zimny | Stars: Steve Allen, Ann-Margret, Chet Atkins, Chris Bearde
Votes: 2,231
46. Jagged (2021)
TV-MA | 99 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Documentary centers on the life and work of Canadian singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette while making her breakout album 'Jagged Little Pill'
Director: Alison Klayman | Stars: Alanis Morissette, Lorraine Ali, Glen Ballard, Steve Baltin
Votes: 1,423
47. Tales of the Grim Sleeper (2014)
TV-MA | 110 min | Documentary, Crime
Nick Broomfield digs into the case of the notorious serial killer known as the Grim Sleeper, who terrorized South Central Los Angeles over a span of twenty-five years.
Directors: Nick Broomfield, Barney Broomfield, Marc Hoeferlin | Stars: Nick Broomfield, Lonnie David Franklin Jr., Donna, Steve
Votes: 3,041
48. The Lady and the Dale (2021)
TV-14 | 212 min | Documentary, Biography, Crime
Elizabeth Carmichael, a larger-than-life entrepreneur rose to prominence with her promotion of a fuel-efficient, three-wheeled car known as The Dale.
Stars: Candi Michael, Gerry McGuinness, Evan Michael Lee, Susan Stryker
Votes: 1,249
49. Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God (2012)
TV-14 | 106 min | Documentary
Alex Gibney explores the charged issue of pedophilia in the Catholic Church, following a trail from the first known protest against clerical sexual abuse in the United States and all the way to the Vatican.
Director: Alex Gibney | Stars: Alex Gibney, Terry Kohut, Gary Smith, Pat Kuehn
Votes: 3,880
50. Showbiz Kids (2020)
TV-MA | 95 min | Documentary
A documentary about the highs and lows of children in show business, featuring interviews and examinations of the lives and careers of the most famous former child actors in the world.
Director: Alex Winter | Stars: Cameron Boyce, Todd Bridges, Baby Peggy, Rohith Kalavacharla
Votes: 1,720