55 Documentaries You Have To Watch!
It is extremely difficult to narrow it down to only 55, I could have easily named this “500 Documentaries That I Really Like”, but that’s not a catchy title, and no one wants to read through every documentary film I've ever watched. Writing this also helped me narrow down my real favorites, the ones that really stood out for me. I've always loved documentaries, I love the idea of delving deeply into a topic with a contradicting or opposing idea, or not knowing anything about the topic/subject at all. Then leaving with either a newfound interest in the topic or gaining new insight or understanding on a subject I knew very little about. These 55 documentaries have that in common. These are documentaries that either opened my mind to new ideas, or came to me at a specific time in my life where I needed the information. For a couple of these, I had personal interactions with the people involved, which made the film take on a whole new meaning. I have not rewatched many of these recently to be sure that they stood the test of time, but they were all very powerful for ME when I first watched them. I hope they do the same for you. These are not ranked by any order. These are all amazing films in their own right, it would be impossible for me to try and rank them. **CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS**
Blackfish
Summary: Blackfish tells the story of Tilikum, a performing killer whale that killed several people while in captivity. Along the way, director-producer Gabriela Cowperthwaite compiles shocking footage and emotional interviews to explore the creature’s extraordinary nature, the species’ cruel treatment in captivity, the lives, and losses of the trainers and the pressures brought to bear by the multi-billion dollar sea-park industry.
My Take: I have to start with Blackfish! This was a very powerful documentary and a popular movie that made international headlines and changed hearts and minds all across the world. It was the first time I realized that orcas should not be held in captivity. Even though they look happy performing, their reality is extremely different, it’s actually the polar opposite. I never really thought about it much, but after seeing Blackfish, I couldn't stop thinking about it. It forever changed how I viewed the subject. If you are not familiar with Seaworld / other marine parks and the torture they put orcas, dolphins, and other marine wildlife through, please watch Blackfish!
Blood Brother
Summary: Documentarian visits his best friend in India to see the mutual unconditional love that keeps his buddy bonded to a village hostel housing AIDS-afflicted children.
My Take: Kleenex Warning! You will need them! This was an extremely emotional documentary about a very special individual who decided to dedicate his life to children in India affected by AIDS, and essentially shunned from society. His dedication and connection with these kids that are at the very bottom of the social ladder is the best example of humanity. A selfless human that sees people in need and dedicates his life to help them, he definitely changed my outlook on compassion and empathy and how big the human heart can be.
Maidentrip
Summary:14-year-old Laura Dekker sets out on a two-year voyage in pursuit of her dream to become the youngest person ever to sail around the world alone.
My Take: As someone who is not a fan of heavy seas, the courage of this young girl blew my top off. Her brave spirit, her endurance of isolation and loneliness, and her ability to stay calm and level headed in the face of real, imminent danger are second to none. She is a true adventurer, through and through. For me, I always leave these types of documentaries with a sense of urgency, as an adventurer myself she made me realize the present is the best time to start planning my next adventure.
The Galapagos Affair: Satan Came to Eden
Summary: Darwin meets Hitchcock in this feature-length documentary. THE GALAPAGOS AFFAIR is a gripping tale of idealistic dreams gone awry, set in the brutal yet alluring landscape of the Galapagos Islands. This film skillfully interweaves an unsolved 1930s murder mystery with stories of present-day Galapagos pioneers (a handful of Europeans, Americans, and Ecuadoreans who settled idiosyncratically on the Islands between the 1930s and 1960s). As such, it is a parable about the search for paradise — about what happens when a handful of individualists settle on the same small island seeking their own distinct and sometimes clashing notions of Eden.
My Take: Stranger than any fiction. Unfortunately for us humans we just can’t seem to get along, even on a small remote island, showing that even on the micro-level we find reasons for disagreement with our neighbors. In its essence, the film tells the story of a couple, some might call eccentrics, who left Europe to settle in the Galapagos Islands in the hopes of finding their paradise. But when newcomers arrive and try to build a community and settle into this tiny island as well, things do not go well and melodrama unfolds. If you love excitement, mystery, unpredictable plotlines, and some history — watch this film!
Life According to Sam
Summary: After they learn that their only child has Progeria, Drs. Leslie Gordon and Scott Berns set up a foundation and oversee the development of an experimental drug to treat the rare disorder.
My Take: Kleenex Warning! An absolutely unbelievable young man! Sam has Progeria, a degenerative and incurable disease that ages the body rapidly. This movie was a glimpse into the special, unique family of Sam and his parents. When I complain about something in my life that I feel is hard, I try to remember people like Sam, that even though everything is stacked against him, he still smiles, he still loves, he still goes to school, he still tries to live life to the fullest. He will instantly be an inspiration for anyone who watches this film.
Virunga
Summary: VIRUNGA Is the incredible true story of a group of brave people risking their lives to build a better future in a part of Africa the worlds’ forgotten and a gripping expose of the realities of life in the Congo.
My Take: It is always infuriating to see how little we think of our fellow species and how much for granted we take the environment. However, it is also inspiring when you see a group of people who dedicate their lives (sometimes risking their own lives) to help (in this case) gorillas in the Congo. These rangers and caretakers are amazing, humane, brave, and altruistic individuals who recognize the importance of our closest relatives. This affirmed for me the urgency of conservation, for the animals' sake, for the environment's sake, and ultimately for our sake.
Religulous
Summary: Commentator-comic Bill Maher plays devil’s advocate with religion as he talks to believers about their faith. Traveling around the world, Maher examines the tenets of Christianity, Judaism and Islam and raises questions about homosexuality, proof of Christ’s existence, Jewish Sabbath laws, violent Muslim extremists.
My Take: This was one of my first forays into atheism. Bill delivers this film with his regular comedic touch, offending every major religious group equally yet shining just enough light to show the parody, insanity, and hilarity of it all. I was never particularly religious, but this was one movie that got me to see things through a different lens. Since then I have listened to many lectures, read many books, and have shaped the way I think about organized religion, god, and religious leaders. Sometimes comedy is the best way to approach a serious topic, through laughter you will find the truth.
Merchants of Doubt
Summary: A documentary that looks at pundits-for-hire who present themselves as scientific authorities as they speak about topics like toxic chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and climate change.
My Take: A movie that everyone in the modern era of disinformation should watch. Taking notes from the tobacco industry’s playbook, Big Oil has replicated the model, by not dismissing climate change, but simply casting doubt and planting seeds of uncertainty everywhere. I saw this movie in the theater and everyone in the audience had the same gasp as they clearly showed the deception. Climate change is a major threat for humanity, this movie exposes Big Oil, the revolving door between the government and corporate backers, and the actual truth that climate scientists know.
Last Days in Vietnam
Summary: During the chaotic final weeks of the Vietnam War, the North Vietnamese Army closes in on Saigon as the panicked South Vietnamese people desperately attempt to escape. On the ground, American soldiers and diplomats confront the same moral quandary: whether to obey White House orders to evacuate U.S. citizens only — or to risk treason and save the lives of as many South Vietnamese citizens as they can.
My Take: A very moving and unexpected story about the last days of the US in Vietnam. In times of war, humanity is thrown out the window, atrocities are recounted through tales and footage, and generally speaking, it is a dark period in history. Although this is true for the Vietnam war, the exiting of the US from there showed a sense of humanity and the good that people do and can possess within them, even in the most trying of times.
Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret
Summary: Follows the shocking, yet humorous, journey of an aspiring environmentalist, as he daringly seeks to find the real solution to the most pressing environmental issues and true path to sustainability.
My Take: This movie was pretty controversial, although it shouldn't be. We all know extremely well that the meat industry is one of the biggest contributors to climate change, methane emissions, water usage, and deforestation. This movie actually got me to stop eating meat completely. Before this, I never really put together the connection between my food and climate change, I figured cars were the biggest culprit however all transport only contributes 13% of all carbon emissions. To say this was an eye-opener would be an understatement.
One Day in September
Summary: The Palestinian terrorist group Black September holds Israeli athletes hostage at the 1972 Summer Olympic Games in Munich.
My Take: Infuriating is what comes to mind. The complete and utter lack of care and lack of effort from the German authorities all across this harrowing ordeal to help the Israeli athletes at the hands of the vile terrorists was infuriating. It also clearly showed that as a nation the Germans still had hatred towards the Jews (at least then in the 70's) and were perfectly ok with the slaughter of these poor athletes. This documentary shows you how everything went down, it shows you what evil looks like in the form of the terrorists and the local officials, and it shows you how through everything, the heart of a small nation persevered through.
The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst
Summary: A groundbreaking six-part documentary directed and produced by Andrew Jarecki and produced and shot by Marc Smerling (the Oscar nominees behind `Capturing the Friedmans’). The story delves into the strange history of real estate heir Robert Durst, long suspected in the still-unsolved 1982 disappearance of his wife as well as the subsequent murders of family friend Susan Berman and neighbor Morris Black. It features an extended, revealing interview with Durst himself, with whom Jarecki developed a unique relationship following the release of `All Good Things’,’ Jarecki’s 2010 feature about Durst’s life starring Ryan Gosling and Kirsten Dunst. `The Jinx’ results from nearly a decade of research by the filmmakers, who expose police files, key witnesses, never-before-seen footage, private prison recordings, and thousands of pages of formerly hidden documents.
My Take: This was a suspenseful documentary that ultimately leaves you speechless at the very last minute. If you're a documentary fan I’m sure you've either seen this or heard of it so I feel like less is more in this instance. Just watch it and be prepared to get sucked in — and have a wonderful weekend of binge-watching.
The Salt of the Earth
Summary: The life and work of photographer Sebastião Salgado, who has spent forty years documenting deprived societies in hidden corners of the world.
My Take: One of my favorite photographers of all time, Sebastiao’s images are powerful, captivating and at times haunting. What he has achieved on his farm in Brazil is nothing short of spectacular. What he has achieved through his images is legendary. This movie covers his life in a deep and personal way, it gives you an insight into how this man sees the world and therefore how he sees through his lens. His love for the environment is clear, and his dedication to reforesting his once barren farmland is a thing of beauty and admiration. When I watched this in the theater you could hear a pin drop, every single person in attendance was in utter and complete silence, totally in tune with an extremely captivating man and movie. Watch this at night for some extra feels.
Beyond the Myth: A Film About Pit Bulls and Breed Discrimination
Summary: Beyond the Myth is a film about dogs commonly referred to as “pit bulls” and those who love and defend these breeds. It explores the contributing factors behind the public’s generalized fear of “pit bulls,” and examines the conflict existing between advocates and opponents of breed discriminatory laws, as carried out in three cities that ban pit bull-type dogs: Denver, Miami, and Cincinnati-along with San Francisco, which requires the animals to be spayed and neutered.
My Take: I didn't need to see this film to change my mind about Pitbulls, but I’m sure many people do. This film dispels the myths that were wrongfully created about a breed that is as kind and gentle as any other breed (oftentimes gentler). I could go into a long list of things that people get wrong about the breed, but the documentary does a better job explaining it. Go watch it and fall in love with this amazing cuddly and under-appreciated dog breed.
Project Nim
Summary: Nim Chimpsky — a chimpanzee who in the 1970s became the focus of a landmark experiment which aimed to show that an ape could learn to communicate with language if raised and nurtured like a human child. This film follows Nim’s extraordinary journey through human society, and the enduring impact he makes on the people he meets along the way.
My Take: This was one of those movies where you lose some faith in humanity — it is a case of humans playing God, and we know that never trends well. For Nim, this story is all too familiar. A family took him in as a science experiment in the hopes of teaching him sign language. When he was small and cute, he was like a pet and everyone loved him. However, when Nim grew up and became a strong fully grown male chimpanzee, the story as it always does, changed completely. Nim is not a toy, not a human, not a dog — but a chimp. When we use animals in this way, trying to raise them as humans, not to their benefit, but to ours, and then dispose of them like a perishable item rather than letting them live their lives in the wild, to me, that is pure evil! This is an amazing story but one with an all too predictable ending that I believe in hindsight many of the participants in the Nim project probably also felt — regret.
The Seven Five
Summary: Former NYPD officer Michael Dowd tells how he and his partner committed a long list of crimes, including running their own cocaine ring, while on the job in the 1980s and early ‘90s.
My Take: Everyone despises a crooked cop, priest, or politician. When you have someone in power that is supposed to look out for you and your community but instead they become corrupt and abuse that power — it's a special kind of evil. This cop, however corrupt and disgusting he is, is also a charismatic “typical” New Yorker and is a pleasure to watch as he narrates the majority of the film with all the insane stories of old school New York.
Finding Vivian Maier
Summary: Finding Vivian Maier is the critically acclaimed documentary about a mysterious nanny, who secretly took over 100,000 photographs that were hidden in storage lockers and, discovered decades later, is now among the 20th century’s greatest photographers. Directed by John Maloof and Charlie Siskel, Maier’s strange and riveting life and art are revealed through never before seen photographs, films, and interviews with dozens who thought they knew her.
My Take: This is a pretty spectacular and tragic movie, spectacular because it uncovers unbelievable images by the late, great Vivian Maier. Tragic, because she never received the accolades, credit, and acknowledgment for her achievements while she was alive. Maier’s massive body of work would come to light in 2007 when her work was discovered at a local thrift auction house on Chicago’s Northwest Side. As a standalone, it is an amazing story, but coupled with the unbelievable talent of Vivian herself, this story makes for an unbelievable and unforgettable film.
Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father
Summary: In 2001, 28-year-old Dr. Andrew Bagby is found dead in a park in Pennsylvania. He had been shot by his ex-girlfriend, who then fled to Canada, where she was able to walk free on bail, pregnant with Andrew’s child. Andrew’s enraged parents' campaign to gain custody of the child and convict their son’s killer. Filmmaker Kurt Kuenne pairs this story with home movies and interviews with those who knew Andrew, hoping to give his best friend’s son an opportunity to discover who his dad was.
My Take: Kleenex Warning! If this documentary didn't exist, I wouldn't believe this story was true. It is almost too insane to be true, but it is, very gut-wrenchingly true. I’m not a judge, but if I was I probably would not let an unhinged woman with a potential murder charge roam the streets freely. However, this Canadian judge decided this was the correct course of action. This movie is a beautiful homage to Zachary by his friends, but also partly good detective work on the part of the filmmaker. There are parts in this film that are enraging, other parts that heartwarming, and some parts that are utterly heartbreaking — it is a rollercoaster ride of emotions.
The Wolfpack
Summary: Confined in an apartment from a New York housing project, the six Angulo brothers learned everything they know about the world through watching films and spend their time reenacting their favorite movies with intricate homemade costumes.
My Take: Seeing this documentary in a theater literally 7 minutes away from where these kids lived was surreal. It is insane that in the heart of the city 6 brothers could be so completely isolated from society. The whole time, the movie gave me a very “culty” feeling, but that was never the case according to the film. Regardless it is an unbelievable reveal that in the heart of one of the most modern, lively, busy cities in the world — and minutes away from where I was — such a secluded family could live in the midst.
Meru
Summary: Three elite climbers struggle to find their way through obsession and loss as they attempt to climb Mount Meru, one of the most coveted prizes in the high stakes game of Himalayan big wall climbing.
My Take: I saw this movie when it premiered in NYC and got the pleasure of listening to a Q& A with Jimmy & his wife Elizabeth. Anything Jimmy does, I’ll watch. He is the top tier adventure documentary creator of our times, in my eyes. When you watch his films you experience a cocktail of emotions ranging from sweaty palms to exhilaration, anxiety, and relief, depending on the scene. Meru is a truly technically impressive achievement and the videography and journey that Jimmy, Conrad, and Renan go through is absolutely mesmerizing.
Night Will Fall
Summary: Researchers discover film footage from World War II that turns out to be a lost documentary shot by Alfred Hitchcock and Sidney Bernstein in 1945 about German concentration camps.
My Take: Seeing as half of my family was murdered in the holocaust, watching holocaust related movies and/or documentaries is always dark for me. This however was extra dark and very raw, but more compelling than anything I've ever seen on the topic. The raw footage that the film crew captured was like nothing I’ve ever seen before, more haunting than any scary movie that ever existed.
Into the Inferno
Summary: A 2016 documentary film directed by Werner Herzog. In it, Herzog explores active volcanoes from around the world and the people who live near them.
My Take: Clive Oppenheimer & Werner Herzog created this visually captivating film. I recently had Clive on my podcast to discuss this and he goes in-depth about volcanoes, an extremely interesting topic. You cannot have a documentary list without Werner Herzog on said list, and while it was extremely difficult to narrow down a choice from his film roster, I decided to go with this one. With his usual way of shooting, narration, and captivating subjects you can be sure Werner delivers a great and visually spectacular film.
Wild Wild Country
Summary: When a controversial guru builds a utopian city in the Oregon desert, it causes a massive conflict with local ranchers. This docuseries chronicles the conflict, which leads to the first bioterror attack in the United States and a massive case of illegal wiretapping. It is a pivotal, but largely forgotten, time in American cultural history that tested the country’s tolerance for the separation of church and state. Brothers Mark and Jay Duplass serve as executive producers on the series.
My Take: One of my favorite topics — cults. This movie was extremely popular when it came out. Like the Jinx, this is another binge-worthy docuseries, worth the better part of your weekend. A crazy story of this magnitude comes along once in a blue moon, yet still, I had never heard about this group. Cults and cult leaders fascinate me. How these often charismatic and intelligent people are able to persuade thousands of people that they alone can solve x,y,z for them, the lengths their followers will go to, and just how malleable the human brain is, is fascinating.
Poop Talk
Summary: Comedians take an uncensored look at a taboo topic, sharing their most embarrassing stories about an act that everyone can relate to.
My Take: I am a simple man, I don't need much. Tell me some poop jokes and I’m a happy camper. Enter: Poop Talk. This is literally a whole movie dedicated to telling the most hilarious poop stories humanity has ever heard. If your level of humor is such that hilarious poop stories make you laugh — look no further.
Long Live Benjamin
Summary: Famed artist Allen Hirsch has his life transformed when he meets Benjamin, a Capuchin monkey, and decides to bring him from the forests of Venezuela to the streets of New York City.
My Take: So, a little back story here. I was sitting on my friends' rooftop having brunch with a few other people, a woman sat next to my wife and I, and we started chatting. Somehow we got to the fact that her husband used to have a monkey, and that the New York Times did a documentary about it. She told us about their upstate farm and a few stories that didn't make the film. Weirdly enough, I kind of just brushed it off and didn't think about it again for a few weeks. Then one day my wife reminded me about it and I looked it up. To say that we were both blown away by this touching movie would be an understatement. Allen really loved Benjamin, he rescued him after his mother was killed by poachers in Venezuela. This story breaks the boundaries between human and animal, and puts on display the gamut of emotions both of us are capable of. Like most monkeys that are raised by humans, when they grow up the story changes, and Benjamin was not immune to this. Allen really did his best here, but no matter how you slice it — it is better for wild animals to stay wild.
Free Solo
Summary: Professional rock climber Alex Honnold attempts to conquer the first free solo climb of famed El Capitan’s 900-meter vertical rock face at Yosemite National Park.
My Take: I saw this on the big screen when it first came out. Alex Honnold is arguably the most impressive athlete that ever existed. Literally, every single audience member was gasping for breath as Alex was ascending this massive rock. We were all, audibly, oohing and ahhing with every placement of every hand, holding our breath hoping he makes it (we all knew he makes it) up the mountain. He is as close to superman as humanly possible, and this movie was his ascension up the mountain, but also his ascension into our hearts and the hearts of millions. Alex pushes the boundaries of what we think humans can achieve, and he is an inspiration to everyone.
Human Harvest
Summary: Nobel Peace Prize nominees David Matas and David Kilgour investigate the organ harvesting trade in China and uncover one of the world’s worst crimes against humanity.
My Take: When you look for mass human atrocities in the modern era, this is arguably at the top, but also the least discussed. China’s government has been arresting the Falun Gong practitioners and essentially using them as unwilling organ donors for unsuspecting and usually extremely sick foreigners who have the money to spend. This level of evil is on par with atrocities committed in the holocaust. To arrest and persecute a people based on their beliefs, to experiment on them, harvest their organs, and sell them through an “on-demand” system is the epitome of evil. Israel was the first nation to ban its citizens from using insurance to pay for this, I hope more countries have followed since. The fact that the world is quiet and fails to condemn China for this is mind-boggling. Watch and share this movie so others hopefully see this, spread the word, and help save lives.
Cocaine Cowboys
Summary: Cocaine Cowboys chronicles the development of the illegal drug trade in Miami during the 1970s and 1980s with interviews of both law enforcement and organized crime leaders, in addition to news footage from the era. The film reveals that in the 1960s and early 1970s, marijuana was the primary import drug into the region. During the 1970s, marijuana imports were replaced by the much more lucrative cocaine imports; as more cocaine was smuggled into the United States, the price dropped, allowing it to turn “blue-collar” and become accessible to a wider market.
My Take: An instant cult classic, an inside look at Miami during the peak of the cocaine trade, and the characters that fueled this industry. This movie is a true account, given by some of the agents & gangsters that were active during that time.
Class Action Park
Summary: Class Action Park is the first-ever feature-length documentary to explore the legend, legacy, and truth behind a place that long ago entered the realm of myth. Shirking the trappings of nostalgia, the film uses investigative journalism, newly unearthed and never-before-seen documents and recordings, original animations, and interviews with the people who lived it to reveal the shocking true story for the first time.
My Take: By far the funniest documentary I've ever seen, potentially the funniest movie I’ve ever seen. If you are looking for pure entertainment, a bit of chuckling at other people's unfortunate theme park debacles, and appreciation of how far we’ve come with security measures — then look no further than Class Action Park. I am not exaggerating when I say that this is the funniest movie I’ve seen this year. Watch it, and thank me later.
Father Soldier Son
Summary: Father Soldier Son is a 2020 American documentary film directed and produced by Catrin Einhorn and Leslye Davis. It follows the family of Brian Eisch, a Sgt. First Class in the United States Army and the effects of his deployment to the War in Afghanistan has on him and his young sons
My Take: Kleenex Warning! Filmed over a decade, this film is truly touching, and also an incredible display of the strong relationship the filmmakers made with this family while their story unfolds. I don't want to give away too much — this is a very personal family story, and one that unfortunately happens way too often in the US. This is quality filmmaking, magnificent storytelling, and ultimately a very sad tale told through the eyes of a veteran and his boys.
One Child Nation
Summary: One Child Nation is a stunning, nuanced indictment of the mindset that prioritizes national agenda over human life, and serves as a first-of-its-kind oral history of this collective tragedy — bearing witness to the truth as China has already begun to erase the horrors of its “population war” from public record and memory.
My Take: I knew of this, but I didn't really know about it too much. We all heard about China and their One-child policy, but we never really heard the human stories, the tragedies, and after-effects. I’ll be honest, while I was watching, I was extremely surprised to see a lack of emotions from some of the parents as they told, in detail, how they abandoned their babies in the markets for them to starve to death and essentially become bird food. It is unimaginable to me, and while the authoritarian leadership dictated everything to its citizens, the lack of “fight” or resistance from them seemed odd to me. This is not a criticism of the subjects, it's just my point of view - perhaps you will have a different one when you watch it. It's a must-see for anyone looking to gain more knowledge on this topic and the human lives that were victims of it.
The Imposter
Summary: Filmmaker Bart Layton chronicles the tale of Frederic Bourdin, a con artist who seemingly tricked a Texas family into believing he was a relative who disappeared years earlier
My Take: This is a crazy story. I truly found it hard to believe what was happening in front of me as I watched this almost ludicrous story unfold. When you want to believe something so badly, your mind will bend over backward to do just that. This family so wanted to believe that this imposter was their son, that somehow they did, even though he looked nothing like him. It is a must-watch.
The Union: The business behind getting high
Summary: The basic point of this documentary is to present the facts about Marijuana. It focuses less on the BC market and more on the reasons why marijuana should be viewed in the same light as alcohol and tobacco. It argues for the legalization of marijuana. The argument is compelling and factual with many legitimate sources.
My Take: I use to smoke a lot of weed when I was younger, I don't anymore. I still believe that Marijuana should 100% be legal everywhere. This documentary makes an excellent case for why it should be legal, and why it was made illegal, initially. The “war on drugs” has been the most costly war in the US. It also has been the least successful one. This film shines a light on the industry, the politics, the actual facts on marijuana, the misinformation around it, private prisons, and much more. With interviews from Joe Rogan, Tommy Chong, and others, this documentary is both entertaining and educational.
My Octopus Teacher
Summary: A filmmaker forges an unusual friendship with an octopus living in a South African kelp forest, learning as the animal shares the mysteries of her world
My Take: We often dismiss what we don't understand. This dedicated filmmaker decided to go into the ocean every day and through sheer determination and plenty of luck he formed a bond with this amazing creature from a world that is foreign and unseen to us. There are creatures in the ocean that we know very little about, and only a curious few really dedicate their lives to form close bonds with them, or study them at length. I hope to see more documentaries like this one and more in the future. Ones that explore our fellow inhabitants on this earth, and tell their story, because they obviously can't.
Welcome to Chechnya
Summary: Activists risk their lives to confront Russian leader Ramzan Kadyrov and his government-directed campaign to detain, torture, and execute LGBTQ Chechens.
My Take: The horrific way LGBTQ people are treated in Chechnya & Dagestan is saddening. It is a human rights issue, as they are killed simply for being queer. It is a sobering reality to see how truly free people can be in the west, where we can (mostly) be whatever we want, or share our thoughts and ways of being, with no fear of immediate persecution. In many places in the world like Chechnya or Iran or Pakistan or others, it is still illegal to be gay, and quite often punishable by death. This is either state-sanctioned or ordered by vigilantes with free reigns by the community. These of course, are not the only countries seeing these prejudices. These activists risk their lives to help others - and it's very, very needed and admirable.
Somm
Summary: Four wine stewards prepare to learn everything about wine as they ready for the master sommelier exam, one of the world’s most challenging tests, which is presided over by the notoriously secretive Court of Master Sommeliers
My Take: I had no idea how hard it was to become a master sommelier, I have a new level of admiration and appreciation for these people, their craft, and the level of dedication they have. As someone who (at the time of watching the film) never even really liked wine, I had a change of heart right after watching it. To know the country, region, town and sometimes farm and type of grape, year, etc — simply from taking a sip of wine — is extraordinary. If you love wine, watch this. If you don't love wine — you will after watching the film.
The Art of Flight
Summary: From the brilliant mind of Travis Rice
My Take: Travis Rice + snowboarding = a fucking amazing movie! I could go on and on about the amazing cinematography, absolutely mind-blowing mountains, and gravity-defying riding, but I won't do this movie justice. If you're a snowboarding fan — watch this documentary!
Chasing Ice
Summary: Chasing Ice is the story of one man’s mission to change the tide of history by gathering undeniable evidence of our changing planet. Within months of that first trip to Iceland, the photographer conceived the boldest expedition of his life: The Extreme Ice Survey. With a band of young adventurers in tow, Balog began deploying revolutionary time-lapse cameras across the brutal Arctic to capture a multi-year record of the world’s changing glaciers.
My Take: Climate change is arguably the most important issue of our times. Jeff Orlowski is one of the first people to capture the massive icebergs that are breaking from the glaciers. James Balog is a dedicated environmental photographer and is obsessed with documenting the impacts of climate change. 50 years from now, we will appreciate that there were dedicated scientists that documented and rang the alarm on climate change. We are losing massive ice sheets more than ever, and this film documents it better than any other that I've seen.
Kumare
Summary: A 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.
My Take: And… we are back to cult movies. I honestly had such a hard time picking only 2 cult-related movies. This was a very interesting movie, as it showed how easily people can get swept up to follow a guru. Vikram is a reporter, not a guru! Yet with little effort, he amassed a dedicated cult following of people who were so enthralled with his every word and/or move that he could have easily gone the way of every cult leader. This was a fascinating experiment, one that speaks on the psychology of humans and how malleable we are in our need for improvement or enlightenment.
Off The Grid: Life on The Messa
Summary: Twenty-Five miles from town, a million miles from mainstream society, a loose-knit community of radicals live in the desert, struggling to survive with little food, less water and no electricity, as they cling to their unique vision of the American dream
My Take: A chilling look into the lives of people who have given up on societal norms and have decided to live their lives in the closest version of the Wild West that is possible (in our modern era). The characters are as wild as you would think, and the shotguns are as prevalent as you would imagine. Think Mad Max meets Qanon, and you have this community. These people are not bad or stupid; this movie allows for nuance and allows them to share their story and their way of living, with all its flaws, in a humane way. With more distrust in media and government mounting, I wouldn't be surprised to see more, rather than less, of these communities popping up across the country in the coming years. This movie gives us an insight into a world very few get to experience.
Sharkwater
Summary: Arguing that sharks are misunderstood as dangerous creatures, biologist Rob Stewart travels to the Galapagos Islands, Costa Rica and other places where the animals can be found. Underwater, he feeds sharks to demonstrate their fundamentally nonviolent nature. With 90 percent of the shark population destroyed by indiscriminate hunting, Stewart joins forces with conservationist Paul Watson to fight poachers who illegally kill the animals for their fins and sell the meat to the Taiwanese Mafia.
My Take: A few years ago Rob was killed in a tragic underwater accident while filming the latest installment of his Sharkwater documentary series, on the importance of shark conservation. Rob was a Canadian filmmaker and conservationist. He truly loved sharks and dedicated his life to tell their story, and stop shark finning, which is not only incredibly cruel but is also causing an ecological crisis. Like others on this list, Rob was a selfless individual who cared deeply about a cause bigger than himself, and dedicated his life to it. He will be deeply missed.
Paper Clips
Summary: As a part of their study of the Holocaust, the children of the Whitwell, TN Middle School try to collect 6 million paper clips representing the 6 million Jews killed by the Nazis, and grows to include millions of others killed.
My Take: I recently saw an article that said half of Americans don't know that 6 million Jews were killed in the Holocaust. Kind of shocking, considering how recently this occurred. This extremely touching movie touches on what it means to lose 6 MILLION people. Spoiler alert: It is an unfathomable amount of people to lose, and the kids, like the parents and teachers, learned this through this unbelievable thoughtful, and thought-provoking project. The holocaust showed us the worst of human atrocities, and the survivors showed us the best of humanity. For these kids, this was a life-changing project, teaching them to love the other, to accept people's differences, and also gave them an amazing history lesson rooted through personal experience.
The Summit
Summary: In August 2008, 22 international climbers converged on High Camp of K2, the last stop before the summit. Forty-eight hours later, 11 had been killed or simply vanished into thin air. At the heart of `The Summit’ lies a mystery about one extraordinary man, Ger McDonnell, the first Irishman to summit K2.
My Take: While everyone knows of Everest, K2, the world's second-highest mountain, and far more dangerous one, is less known/talked about. Avalanches, altitude sickness, crevasses, hypothermia are just some of the deadly threats that are part of high alpine mountaineering. However, something happened on the mountain, on that day, that is still somewhat murky and unknown. This film is a chilling ֿaccount told by the climbers that were there.
The Internet’s Own Boy: The story of Aaron Schwartz
Summary: The story of programming prodigy and information activist Aaron Swartz, who took his own life at the age of 26.
My Take: This extremely bright kid was one of the founders of Reddit, one of the most popular websites on the internet. He was obsessed with information and he wanted it to be accessible to all - with no roadblocks or paywalls. He believed all information should be shared en masse. This is his inspiring, thought-provoking, and unfortunate story.
Mission Blue
Summary: The life and work of oceanographer, marine biologist, and environmentalist Sylvia Earle. The overwhelming majority of us take up a job or pick a career that we like and that will benefit US. There are a few altruistic individuals like Sylvia that dedicate their lives to the common good and to protect our most vulnerable. She is a little lady with a huge personality and an unparalleled passion and love for the ocean and its inhabitants and until her last breath, she will be an activist and advocate on their behalf.
My Take: To say our oceans are pretty important is an understatement. However, we keep taking them for granted. Sylvia Earle has dedicated her life to studying our oceans, and her wish that we protect the oceans that sustain us, like we protect our lands. Her advocacy, as this movie shows, is powerful — and has often come up against resistance.
Trips of Compassion
Summary: Thousands of PTSD victims live in Israel, which in recent years has been promoting an innovative treatment, namely psycho-active substances, known as psychedelic drugs. The film documents PTSD victims undergoing MDMA treatment at Beer Yaacov psychiatric hospital over several years. We return with them to the site of the trauma, to the life before, and the long and complex road to leaving the bleeding wounds behind and returning to life.
My Take: We demonize what we don't understand. There are many drugs — marijuana, ayahuasca, MDMA, LSD, cocaine, etc., that may or may not have medicinal properties and effects, but because they are a Schedule 1 narcotic, we cannot test them. This movie is as raw as it gets, giving you insight into a scientific study and opening up before you the inner lives of the participants. Through the usage of MDMA, under strict guidance and observance of doctors, these participants managed to achieve amazing results with their healing of PTSD. When conventional medicine doesn't work, the alternatives can offer a path back to health, and our only roadblocks are often just bureaucratic ones.
The Last Dance
Summary: Charting the rise of the 1990’s Chicago Bulls, led by Michael Jordan, one of the most notable dynasties in sports history.
My Take: This has to be one of the greatest sports documentaries of all time. As someone who was a massive Michael Jordan fan growing up (who wasn't?), it was pretty incredible to relive those moments through this film, and to see this man's greatness (and flaws). Yes, he had talent, and plenty of it — but more than anything he had a desire to win and a true disdain, an allergy, to losing. He would work harder, longer, and more intensely than anyone else. For him winning (in anything he did) was the one and ONLY goal, anything less, he deems a complete failure. This is called a 10 part documentary event, and usually I hate that term, but this truly feels like an event - especially if you binge through the whole thing. It's a testament to human greatness and should inspire us all to be better, to aspire to more, and to make no excuses.
Three Identical Strangers
Summary: In 1980 New York, three young men who were all adopted meet each other and find out they’re triplets who were separated at birth. But their quest to find out why turns into a bizarre and sinister mystery.
My Take: Another one of those too insane to be true type of documentaries. I don't know what the odds of this happening are, but it's got to be slim to none. Everything about this story, from the fact that they are triplets, to what happened to them when they were born, to them meeting — it is just one long rollercoaster ride of unexpected turns for the viewer. These 3 brothers find each other, rise to celebrity status, and then find out the horrible truth about their childhood. It's an incredible story. There is absolutely ZERO chance you will not be entertained by this.
Icarus
Summary: When Bryan sets out to uncover the truth about doping in sports, a chance meeting with a Russian scientist transforms his story from a personal experiment into a geopolitical thriller.
My Take: This movie became very popular, very quickly. It exposed what we all suspected for many years — that Russians are doping their athletes, and it is state-sponsored. This film takes a very unexpected turn as it becomes something completely different than what the original intention was - once Bryan meets the Russian scientist.
Antarctica: A Year on Ice
Summary: A visually stunning chronicle of what it is like to live in Antarctica for a full year, including winters isolated from the rest of the world, and enduring months of darkness in the coldest place on Earth.
My Take: Antarctica is a desert; almost nothing lives there - very few animals and even fewer humans. If you decide to stay there for the winter, you have no way of leaving the place for about 6 months, and that’s exactly what this filmmaker did. We know so little about this beautiful continent. This was such an eye-opening, beautifully shot, visually stunning film that I actually hope it doesn't attract more visitors to this mostly untouched land. It is crazy to see how people live in Antarctica year-round, how they deal with the cold, the darkness, and the isolation. This film is a really fascinating view into this unseen world.
The Central Park Five
Summary: A 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.
My Take: A wrong conviction has to be one of the worst things you can do to another human. To end someone's life in this way; by putting them in prison, leaving them with a convict stigma for life, and allowing the actual perpetrator to be free, is horrible. I honestly can't think of a worse injustice. With better technology, more advanced testing, cameras everywhere, and other means, we need to do the best we possibly can to make sure these things never happened. This film is infuriating in hindsight, given that at the time, everyone was happy that they were caught.
An Honest Liar
Summary: The life and career of the renowned stage magician turned scientific skeptic of the paranormal, James Randi.
My Take: There is no magic! There are no superpowers! There are no faith healers! There are no fortune tellers or people who speak to the dead! James Randi dedicated his life to debunking charlatans who claimed they were any of these. Whoever claimed to possess paranormal abilities, James proved that under controlled conditions they couldn't perform any of their “magic abilities”. From 1964 he put forth a challenge of paying $1000 to anyone who could prove they had these abilities (later upping it to $1,000,000) but to this day no one could. James is an amazing example of someone dedicated to helping through his fight for transparency. He is one of the first people to pull the curtain back in these industries, exposing frauds who claim to be what they are not, saving people from getting taken advantage of emotionally and financially.
Gleason
Summary: 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.
My Take: Kleenex Warning! Steve and his wife are special people, both individually, and as a couple. They are a true powerhouse pairing. This disease, ALS, is a particularly evil one, shutting your body down progressively. Steve’s wife and family are an amazing support system that anyone would be lucky to have. For me, the line “you don't know what you've got til it’s gone” never rang truer than here. We never appreciate our bodies when we are healthy, only when we are sick. We never appreciate a family when everything is going well, only when are in need, or, if something happens. Steve is a remarkable human with a larger-than-life spirit and appetite for life. He is a reminder for us all to live in the present, appreciate our health, and most importantly, our family and loved ones.
Into the Wind
Summary: In 1980, Fox was seeking a way to raise awareness for cancer research. His own struggle with the disease had resulted in the amputation of his right leg.
My Take: Kleenex Warning! Terry Fox was one of the most incredible, tough, and inspiring individuals that ever walked (on one leg or two) this planet. His story should inspire anyone, and put our troubles in perspective. Terry walked the whole country of Canada (the second biggest country on earth) with one leg, with cancer, struggling with pain, anguish, sickness, and mental fatigue. Once in a while people step up and do great things, things that we can all look up to; stories that inspire and elevate us all as a collective. Terry was one of those people, his greatness trickled down and touched us all.
The Green Prince
Summary: A Palestinian in Ramallah, Mosab Hassan Yousef grows up angry and ready to fight Israel. Arrested for smuggling guns at the age of 17, he’s interrogated by the Shin Bet, Israel’s security service, and sent to prison. But shocked by Hamas’s ruthless tactics in the prison and the organization’s escalating campaign of suicide bombings outside, Mosab agrees to spy for Israel.
My Take: This revealing, behind the curtain look into the relationship of a former Mossad agent and his spy was fascinating. What you usually only see in Hollywood movies, you get to see in real life, told by real people. And just like a Hollywood tale, there is a true relationship that was formed from this. A spy handler, the son of a Hamas leader, and all the action and drama that a documentary from the Middle East can offer - this is a fascinating movie, and story.
Who Took Johnny
Summary: WHO TOOK JOHNNY is an examination into an infamous thirty-year-old cold case: the disappearance of Iowa paperboy Johnny Gosch, the first missing child to appear on a milk carton.
My Take: The fact that there are people out there who kidnap kids is something that should frighten, disgust, and make us all rise up and take harsher actions against those monsters. Johnny was actually the first kid that appeared on a milk carton, but unfortunately not the last. This case and movie are not cut and dry at all; there is a lot of suspicion around the mom, around the story, and in general, while watching it, I just felt like something was off. There are cases that will forever stay somewhat unknown or unsolved, and it looks like Johnny’s case will forever be shrouded in uncertainty.
Long Shot
Summary: When Juan Catalan is arrested for a murder he insists he didn’t commit, he builds his case for innocence around raw footage from a popular TV show, “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”
My Take: I’m a sucker for anything with Larry David, and this story is as out there as he is. In this story, Juan is both incredibly unlucky, and unbelievably lucky. Unlucky that he was unjustly targeted by the police, but lucky that he had a determined lawyer that went above and beyond to prove his innocence. This is a shorter documentary (about 41 min), but it is extremely entertaining and it reinstituted some faith in me that good still prevails sometimes.
