With HBO Documentary Films (Sorted by Popularity Ascending)
1. All That Breathes (2022)
Not Rated | 97 min | Documentary
Amidst 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: 3,458
2. How Do You Measure a Year? (2021)
29 min | Documentary, Short
From the time she was two years old and until she turned 18, they had a ritual: Dad asked (and filmed), and Ella answered. What do you dream about? What scares you? What do you think about ... See full summary »
Director: Jay Rosenblatt | Star: Ella Rosenblatt
Votes: 542
3. Moonage Daydream (2022)
PG-13 | 135 min | Documentary, Biography, History
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 | Stars: David Bowie, Trevor Bolder, Ken Fordham, Mike Garson
Votes: 9,815
4. 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: 47,817
5. The Vow (2020–2022)
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: Sarah Edmondson, Mark Vicente, Bonnie Piesse, Anthony Ames
Votes: 5,985
6. 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: 30,864
7. 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: 56,473 | Gross: $2.80M
8. 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 1970s and 1980s.
Stars: Patton Oswalt, Paul Haynes, Amy Ryan, Lauren Orlando
Votes: 8,108
9. 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: 13,945
10. 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: 4,820
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: 3,702
12. 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: 39,846
13. 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: 6,907 | Gross: $0.65M
14. 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: 10,443
15. 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: 5,800
16. Being Mary Tyler Moore (2023)
119 min | Documentary
Mary's vanguard career, who, as an actor, performer, and advocate, revolutionized the portrayal of women in media, redefined their roles in show business, and inspired generations to dream big and make it on their own.
Director: James Adolphus | Stars: Mary Tyler Moore, James L. Brooks, Rob Reiner, Treva Silverman
17. You Were My First Boyfriend (2023)
97 min | Documentary
You Were My First Boyfriend is a feature-length documentary in which filmmaker Cecilia Aldarondo revisits her 1990s adolescence, a generation after she thought she'd left it all behind.
Directors: Cecilia Aldarondo, Sarah Enid Hagey | Stars: Trinity Soos, Ella Fraley, Natalie Grace, Isabella Rivera-Gandulla
Votes: 7
18. Mind Over Murder (2022)
TV-MA | 331 min | Documentary, Biography, Crime
Chronicles the bizarre and psychologically complex story of six individuals who were convicted for the 1985 murder of a beloved 68- year-old grandmother, Helen Wilson, in Beatrice, Nebraska.
Stars: Cara D'Adamo, Scott Watson, Noah Archibald, Tim Shelburne
Votes: 1,292
19. 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: 7,732
20. Love to Love You, Donna Summer (2023)
107 min | Documentary, Music
Follows the life of iconic singer Donna Summer.
Directors: Brooklyn Sudano, Roger Ross Williams | Star: Donna Summer
Votes: 11
21. 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: 7,782
22. 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: 7,209
23. 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: 5,203
24. George Carlin's American Dream (2022)
TV-MA | 217 min | Documentary, Biography, Comedy
Interviews with George Carlin's family and friends, material from his stand-up specials and footage from his personal archive.
Stars: Kelly Carlin, Patrick Carlin, Chris Rock, Patton Oswalt
Votes: 3,516
25. 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 | Stars: Abby, Judith Arcana, Heather Booth, Richard J. Daley
Votes: 1,240
26. 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: 4,120
27. Last Stop Larrimah (2023)
118 min | Documentary
Nestled deep in the Australian Outback is the town of Larrimah and its 11 eccentric residents. When one of them mysteriously disappears into thin air, the remaining residents become suspects and a long history of infighting is unveiled.
Director: Thomas Tancred
28. 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: 2,701
29. 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, Geoffrey Dean Mallard, Rod Thorson
Votes: 1,251
30. 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: 379
31. 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: 6,303
32. 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: 2,934
33. 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, William Weier
Votes: 7,398
34. 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: 2,567
35. 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: 5,116
36. The Stroll (2023)
84 min | Documentary
The history of New York's Meatpacking District told from the point of view of transgender sex workers who lived and worked there. They recount the violence, policing, and gentrification that lead to a movement for transgender rights.
Directors: Zackary Drucker, Kristen Lovell
Votes: 38
37. 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: 10,407
38. 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.
Stars: Kim Wall, Peter Madsen
Votes: 1,120
39. Unveiled: Surviving La Luz Del Mundo (2022)
TV-MA | 200 min | Documentary, Crime
The light of the world, described as a hermetic and non-traditional Christian and as several members recount the sexual abuse they suffered as minors at the hands of their successive leaders.
Stars: Rhonda Schwartz, Sochil Martin
Votes: 231
40. Escape from Kabul (2022)
73 min | Documentary, History
Features never-before-seen archival footage of the historic confrontation at Kabul airport, from the U.S. withdrawal of its troops from Afghanistan through the subsequent evacuation of Afghan citizens after the Taliban seized the city.
Director: Jamie Roberts | Stars: Oari Salahuddin Ayubi, Sofia Flesch Baldin, Joe Biden, William Callen
Votes: 775
41. The Anarchists (2022– )
TV-MA | 53 min | Documentary
It showcases a series of events that unfold over six years. An impulsive one-time gathering, turns into an annual event.
Stars: Jason Henza, Juan Galt, Kim Kylland, Larken Rose
Votes: 879
42. Nuclear Family (2021)
TV-MA | 158 min | Documentary, Biography
Ry Russo-Young turns the camera on her own past to explore the meaning of family.
Stars: Cade Russo-Young, Cris Arguedas, Jacob Estes, Kathleen Ridolfi
Votes: 451
43. Four Hours at the Capitol (2021)
TV-MA | 92 min | Documentary, Crime
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: 3,545
44. 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: 4,691
45. Public Speaking (2010)
84 min | Documentary
A feature-length documentary starring Fran Lebowitz, a writer known for her unique take on modern life. The film weaves together extemporaneous monologues with archival footage and the ... See full summary »
Director: Martin Scorsese | Stars: James Baldwin, William F. Buckley, Truman Capote, Pau Casals
Votes: 2,167 | Gross: $0.06M
46. 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, Nate Larson, Galen Trine
Votes: 986
47. 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, Tyler Maroney, Yusuf Syed
Votes: 2,655
48. 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: 8,550
49. 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: 750
50. 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: 7,535