Documentaries have their special power to educate, inflame, and provoke to see more acutely upon the world. Compared to fictional movies, such movies present real stories, significant opinions, as well as fascinating tales that provoke a person to respond and to think. You have a good reason to either love or not love history, science, true crime, or human interest stories, there is a documentary for you. One of the best documentary movies of all time not only entertained various audiences but also shaped people's lives and raised discussions that were worth talking about.
If you are one of those film enthusiasts fascinated by the best of documentary movies, here is a list of some films which are the most remarkable films ever made. These are great documentaries with good stories, good cinematography, and great impact, and therefore these are documentaries that all those who like great cinema should watch.
Throughout the years, documentary films have become both black-and-white historical records and modern cinematic masterpieces with gorgeous visuals and strong storytelling. Unlike traditional movies, documentaries focus on real life, real people; a basis for delivering truth and knowledge.
Public opinion has been changed, laws have been changed and hidden truth has been revealed through many of the best documentary movies of all time. Whether technical and scientific, or social and human, or downright criminal, documentaries offer something that no other genre can.
Joshua Oppenheimer’s pioneering documentary about the 1965-66 mass killings in Indonesia. The unique thing is that the former executioners reenact their crimes in movie styles from musicals to Westerns. It lends the nature of evil, guilt, and memory a chilling, but surreal, sense. As a result, it is often considered one of the best documentary movies ever.
Hoop Dreams is a true masterpiece of documentary filmmaking as we follow two African American teenagers from Chicago as they pursue their dream to become professional basketball players. It follows the lives of the poverty, education, and sports ambition of five years. It is more than just a sports documentary, it’s a deep exploration into the makeup of American society and is, therefore, one of the best documentary movies ever made.
According to many this movie is one of the most influential documentaries in history, directed by Errol Morris. It looks at how Randall Dale Adams was wrongly convicted and sentenced to death for a crime that he did not commit. With the film’s one-off storytelling style and the use of re-enactments the true crime documentary genre found a new benchmark and proved that investigative filmmaking is very powerful indeed.
The first thought-provoking documentary 13th directed by Ava DuVernay looks at the American history of racial inequality by exploring the prison system. It explains how mass incarceration has evolved into mass slavery. The film, also one of the best documentary movies, combines historical footage, expert interviews, and strong visuals, making it one of the best documentary movies, if by social justice and history you mean the logging of the virgin forests, the polio pandemic, the deserts of the National Parks and the Great Depression.
It is a heartwarming documentary of Fred Rogers, the beloved host of Mister Rogers Neighborhood. The film explores his philosophy of kindness, empathy, love, through archival footage and interviews. It is the most touching documentary ever made, it’s a must see for anyone that wants to indulge how power of positivity is depicted in the movies.
This Netflix series served many twists throughout it, especially as it culminated in shocking reveals. The story incorporates the case of Steven Avery, who was wrongfully convicted of a crime, had been released, then arrested for another crime under questionable conditions. One of the best documentary movies on the true crime genre which has motivated widely debated talks and discussion about justice systems.
This documentary concerns Michael Peterson, a novelist considered by many as a murderer of his wife. The film is over a decade long, incorporating courtroom drama, family tribulations, and outrageous twists. This is an immersive experience in which you’ll be questioning what occurred.
This deeply felt documentary recounts how Andrew Bagby, the ex-boyfriend of his killer, was murdered. But the film takes an unexpected and tragic turn when it is initially made as a tribute to his unborn son. One of the most emotionally powerful documentaries there ever been made.
An important factor in bringing attention to global warming was former Vice President Al Gore’s documentary. It is both scientific and presents facts in such a way that is easy to understand, which makes it an important watch for those that are interested in the environment.
This recent documentary shines a light on the tenebrous side of the fishing industry and its pressure on the ocean. It uncovers the truth of the enormity of destruction of marine life; illegal fishing, government corruption and all generally. Must watch for anyone concerned about the future of the planet.
Amy Winehouse was a superstar before her life and career fell apart in a flame of tragedy. This heartbreaking documentary tells all. Its stark, unflinching account of drug misuse based on unseen footage, personal recordings, interviews, and archived material gives the best insight into that confusion.
Academy Award-winning, This Oscar-winning documentary, follows the incredible story of this musician who was destined to be forgotten but was not, until he became famous in South Africa, completely caught in the wind. The story is an inspiring tale of how music can positively impact people’s lives in ways anyone couldn’t imagine.
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The best documentary movies are storytelling in the best way possible, by being entertaining and it is also educational. Every time I explore history – crime – music – social issues through documentary I am able to see the world differently. In contrast to fictional films, they create real stories, that aid in inspiring, shocking and moving the spectators.
You must watch documentaries, if not documentaries, for a film junkie to fully understand what cinema is. Many of the best documentary movies of all time have affected lives, bends opinions, and even led to actual world changes. Documentaries cater to different people with heartbreaking human tales, shocking true crime cases, etc.
Some documentaries are a very powerful way to perceive real stories, discover hidden truths, and better understand the world around us. The top 243 best documentary movies of all time tell impressive stories, have deep emotions, and mind-opening themes that affect people. Having a preferred interest will ensure that you always have something to watch whether they are historical, criminal, musical, or environmental. These films are both entertaining, educative, and inspirational. Relationships are challenged with the best of documentaries and they spark important conversations. These must-watch documentaries will leave an impression and if you are a film enthusiast, they will be very essential to have on your watchlist.
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