55 Documentaries You Have to Watch (Part 2)
In 2020 I put out a list of 55 of my favorite documentaries, you can check them out here - 55 amazing documentaries
Since the first one was so popular, I decided to put out a second list of documentaries that either didn't make the first cut. Either due to me wanting to limit it to only 55, or for the fact that I hadn’t watched them at the time and have since. I hope you get to enjoy these documentaries and please comment if your favorite documentary is not on this list, I’m always looking for great ones to watch.
1. Bad Vegan: Frame.Fraud.Fugitives.
Summary: After marrying a very odd man who claimed he could make her dog immortal, a celebrated vegan restaurateur finds her life veering off the rails. This is equal parts frustrating equal parts fascinating, regardless of how you feel about the main character Sarma Melngailis, you are in for quite the binge-watch as she voluntarily gives away her hard-earned money and flees the law in this absolutely bizarre documentary.
2. Jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy
Summary: This documentary follows the life of Kanye West, in an intimate portrait as he builds his way from singer to businessman to eventually the global superstar he is today. The first two parts of this 3 part documentary are absolutely mesmerizing and inspiring, as they portray the struggle it took Kanye to break into the industry. Shot over a 20-year period, it's a glimpse into an unknown Kanye West, what it took for him to reach superstardom and what happened when he finally got there.
3. The Tindler Swindler
Summary: Posing as a wealthy, jet-setting diamond mogul, he wooed women online, then conned them out of millions of dollars. The swindler Shimon Hayut used dating apps to meet multiple women, then established lines of credit and loans in their names, ultimately leaving them holding the bill. Again equal parts fascinating and frustrating but… Worth every minute of it.
4. The Rescue
Summary: The daring rescue of twelve boys and their coach from deep inside a flooded cave in northern Thailand. Jimmy Chin has become one of my favorite film creators. His documentaries are consistently edge of your seat, pushing the boundaries and telling excellent human stories that are told through the unique Jimmy lens. This is a movie you do not want to miss.
5. 100-Foot Wave
Summary: Follows the decade-long odyssey of big-wave pioneer Garrett McNamara who, after visiting a small fishing village in Portugal, helped push the sport beyond the realm of imagination. One of the scariest things you can do in my opinion is try to surf these gigantic waves. I love the fact that some people are so dedicated to their craft, they always want to go big or go home and they push the envelope of what is considered doable. These 100-foot waves are incredibly dangerous and look scary even on tv, but my eyes were glued to the screen for the entire journey.
6. Misha and the Wolves
Summary: Don't believe everything you hear or read. Misha and the Wolves is the dramatic tale of a woman whose holocaust memoir took the world by storm, but a fallout with her publisher — who turned detective — revealed an audacious deception created to hide a darker truth.
7. The Super Bob Einstein Movie
Summary: Follows the life of the late actor, writer, and producer Bob Einstein, featuring some of his greatest comedic contributions. Most biographical documentaries are sad, not this one though. It is in line with who I believe Bob was. It's a hilarious movie for Curb Your enthusiasm fans and nonfans alike.
8. Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain
Summary: A documentary about Anthony Bourdain and his career as a chef, writer, and host, revered and renowned for his authentic approach to food, culture, and travel. While this movie was a celebration of Bourdain’s life, it was also a sad tale of a man that ultimately took one wrong action that you can’t undo. Regardless of the tragic end to Bourdain's life, the documentary is as inspiring and eye-opening as everything else that he touched in his time on this earth.
9. The Alpinist
Summary: Marc-André Leclerc climbs alone, far from the limelight. The free-spirited 23-year-old makes some of the boldest solo ascents in history. With no cameras and no margin for error, Leclerc’s approach is the essence of solo adventure. As someone who is a little bit familiar with athletes in the outdoors/adventure space, I was shocked to learn of Marc-André Leclerc and his incredible feats and unique personality. This is an absolute must-see!
10. 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible
Summary: As the title suggests — nothing is impossible! Fearless Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja embarks on a seemingly impossible quest to summit all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks in seven months. We keep seeing unbelievable feats taking place and new records being broken all the time. It is human achievement at its finest and Nirmal is proof that big crazy audacious goals can be crushed and should be pursued at all costs!
11. The Donut King
Summary: This documentary tells Ted Ngoy’s story. From Cambodian refugee to living the American Dream to bankruptcy and much more in his tumultuous life story. Side note, you are definitely going to want to bite into a donut during this documentary, be warned.
12. Burning Ojai: Our Fire Story
Summary: Follows one family and the residents of Ventura County, CA through a journey of devastation, repair, and survival after one of the largest wildfires in state history destroys their beloved community. Absolutely frightening, can't think of many things as scary as some of the footage that was released in this movie. With wildfires on the rise everywhere I fear that this reality will be more common to more people in more communities.
13. The Mystery of D.B. Cooper
Summary: A documentary that looks at a story that has captivated audiences for decades! Largely regarded as the greatest unsolved heist in American history. Unfortunately for fans and non-fans alike, this movie does not offer answers but simply some very convincing stories of four individuals fervently believed by their family and friends to be the mystery man
14. Murder On Middle Beach
Summary: I watched this while staying in Connecticut which added another layer of realism to the whole thing. A young man is determined to solve the murder of his mother. This is a fascinating mystery with the personal touch of the filmmaker being the “son of” trying to find not only who did it and why but could it have been someone close to him.
15. American Murder: The Family Next Door
Summary: In 2018, 34-year-old Shanann Watts and her two young daughters disappear in Colorado. With the heartbreaking details emerging, I don't suggest this movie for the faint of heart, the end result is extremely troubling and took me a few days to shake off. The majority of this movie is pieced together from social media posts, police, footage, and other videos that were collected and put together by the filmmakers.
16. Fyre
Summary: An exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the infamous unraveling of the Fyre music festival. One big mess is an understatement for what happened to this wannabe music festival. You might already know the story but you're going to want to see this movie and get all the details. It’s a beautiful car crash that you won't be able to avert your eyes from.
17. The Social Dilemma
Summary: Explores the dangerous human impact of social networking, with tech experts sounding the alarm on their own creations. I didn't quit social media after watching this film (however I know many that did). I did, however, reduce my consumption and more importantly, it made me aware and conscious of certain decisions I’m making and how I’m spending my time on these apps. I truly believe that everyone should watch this and reach their own conclusions.
18. The Last Mountain
Summary: This documentary involves a mother and a son who both died on climbs. Both were amazing climbers but eventually succumbed to the elements, 24 years apart. The movie follows Kate (the sister and daughter) to Nanga Parbat after Tom’s death to find out exactly what happened.
19. Jim: The James Foley Story
Summary: An in-depth look at the life and work of American journalist James Foley, who was killed by ISIS terrorists in 2014. Some parts of this movie are not for the faint of heart and quite difficult to watch.
20. Diving into The Unknown
Summary: Four Finnish cave divers face their worst nightmare when two of their friends drown deep inside an underwater cave in Norway. When the official recovery operation is called off by the Norwegian and British authorities after being deemed too risky, the friends set out on a secret mission to retrieve the bodies themselves.
21. The Motive
Summary: Jerusalem in 1986, a 14-year-old boy shoots his family point-blank in their beds. No explanation, no motive, nothing. This is as weird a story with no clear answers as I've ever heard.
22. Q: Into The Storm
Summary: The insanity that is Qanon. This filmmaker goes deep inside 8chan and all the other fringe online forums to try and find once and for all — who is Q?
23. Seaspiracy
Summary: Seaspiracy is a documentary about the environmental impact of fishing. The film examines various human impacts on marine life and advocates for ending fish consumption.
24. Wild Card: The Downfall of a Radio Loudmouth
Summary: A documentary that charts the rise and fall of prominent New York sports radio personality Craig Carton.
25. The Ivory Game
Summary: Wildlife activists take on poachers in an effort to end the illegal ivory trade in Africa. The documentary focuses on the poaching of elephants in Africa and the ever growing demand for ivory in China.
26. The Hurt Business
Summary: From the producers of ‘Bowling for Columbine’, ‘Fahrenheit 9/11’ and ‘Generation Iron’ comes ‘The Hurt Business’ which examines the rise of mixed martial arts fighting through the eyes of some of the sports top stars.
27. Manufactured Landscapes
Summary: Manufactured Landscapes follows Edward Burtynsky as he photographs the effects of China’s massive industrial revolution. The Three Gorges Dam, sprawling factory floors and Shanghai’s staggering urban renewal are subjects for his lens.
28. Mcconkey
Summary: This personal portrait follows the story of Shane McConkey. A legend in the extreme sports world. This movie celebrates his life and his legacy while asking the ultimate question, at the very end, is it all worth it?
29. The Year The Earth Changed
Summary: The Year Earth Changed is a 2021 nature documentary film about the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on nature. Anything narrated by David Attenborough, I will probably watch. A very interesting look into how our living in lockdown opened the door for nature to bounce back and thrive.
30. Magnus
Summary: Magnus Carlsen, a Norwegian chess prodigy. With a mix of home movies and archival footage this is a fascinating look into one of the greatest minds of our times.
31. The Iceman and the Psychiatrist
Summary: HBO cameras went inside Trenton State Maximum Security Prison — and inside the mind of one of the most prolific killers in U.S. history. Mafia hit man Richard Kuklinski freely admits to killing more than 100 people, but in this special, he speaks with top psychiatrist Dr. Park Dietz in an effort to face the truth about his condition. Filled with more never-before-revealed confessions, it’s the most chillingly candid Iceman special yet as it combines often-confrontational interview footage between Kuklinski and Dietz.
32. A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story
Summary: A documentary following the life of Lizzie Velasquez, her triumphant journey to the other side of bullying, and her mission to inspire and empower a more positive online environment.
33. Gringo: The Dangerous Life of John McAfee
Summary: Tech tycoon John McAfee made millions from his antivirus software. John was definitely an eccentric and this movie highlighted not just how much of an eccentric he was but his criminal doings down in Belize.
34. A Dog Named Gucci
Summary: A feature-length documentary about a puppy set on fire & the man who rescued him. Together they changed Alabama’s abuse laws. Teaming with local legislators, it took James six years to see the “Gucci Bill” finally passed into law. I will never fathom how someone can intentionally hurt a dog or a cat or any pet but I hope that people who do meet the full wrath of the law.
35. The Queen of Versailles
Summary: A documentary that follows a billionaire couple as they begin construction on a mansion inspired by Versailles. During the next two years, their empire, fueled by the real estate bubble and cheap money, falters due to the economic crisis. This characters in this documentary are just as shallow and entertaining as one would imagine.
36. Holy Hell
Summary: An inside look at Buddhafield, a West Hollywood cult formed by a charismatic former gay pornstar in the 1980s with all the craziness that one would expect from such a headline.
37. Torn
Summary: On Oct. 5, 1999, legendary climber Alex Lowe was tragically lost alongside cameraman and fellow climber David Bridges in an avalanche on the slopes of the Tibetan mountain, Shishapangma. This film chronicles Alex Lowe’s son’s arduous journey to return to the spot where his father perished.
38. Trust No One: The Hunt for the Crypto King
Summary: Aggrieved users of a defunct cryptocurrency exchange grow convinced that the company’s head absconded with their money. After Gerry Cotten goes missing, a group of angry people who just lost a lot of money turn into online detectives trying to figure out his suspicious death and the disappearance of hundreds of millions of dollars.
39. Tony Hawk: Until the Wheels Fall Off
Summary: An HBO documentary about the world's most famous skater — Tony Hawk’s personal life, relationship with skateboarding and very public life are on show here . Just like anybody at the top of their industry Hawk from an early age possessed a drive, an obsession really to be the best, and this movie gives you a glimpse of why he became the greatest ever and the effects & toles it has taken on him.
40. The Invisible Pilot
Summary: The bizarre story of a seemingly happy husband and father who unexpectedly jumped off a bridge in 1977. Without giving too much away just know you're in for some twists & turns involving hypnosis, drugs, Alaska, the cartel, prison, and a crazy plot twist.
41. Our Great National Parks
Summary: A five-part documentary series about the world’s most breathtaking national parks and the wildlife that live there. Narrated by the soothing voice of former President Barack Obama, this documentary features some breathtaking footage, heartwarming stories, and the raw reality of the wilderness in a beautifully shot cinematic motion picture.
42. Operation Varsity Blues
Summary: This story made headlines everywhere so naturally a documentary followed. Mostly reenactments drive this documentary showcasing the grand scam to sneak the kids of rich and famous families into top US universities.
43. Abducted in Plain Sight
Summary: This is easily one of the most infuriating, bizarre, head-scratchers I've ever seen. This stranger-than-fiction true story of a naive, church-going Idaho family that fell under the spell of a sociopathic neighbor. A true case of reality being (much) stranger than fiction.
44. Captive Audience: A Real American Horror Story
Summary: Follows the life of Steven Stayner and his family, diving into the family’s 50-year journey to unravel the tale of two brothers, one deemed a villain and the other a hero. Luck is just not dispersed equally amongst people, and unfortunately, this family got the short end of the unlucky stick. This is an almost unbelievable story, except it's completely real, and very unfortunate for everyone involved.
45. The Trials of Oscar Pistorius
Summary: The story of the “Blade Runner”, an international hero who inspired millions with his determination and dedication until he suddenly found himself at the center of a murder investigation.
46. Our Father
Summary: This crazy story follows a fertility doctor who used his own sperm on patients. After Jacoba Ballard’s at-home DNA test reveals multiple half-siblings, Ballard and her siblings soon discover what their parents’ trusted doctor had done many years ago.
47. Return To Space
Summary: Another Jimmy Chin banger! Offering rare inside access to NASA and SpaceX, this is the thrilling story of the nearly 20-year journey to send American astronauts back to space aboard U.S. rockets. What Elon and the team have been able to achieve at SpaceX is nothing short of remarkable and it was great to get a front-row seat to their hard work and achievements.
48. Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey
Summary: This new four-part documentary looks at the rise of Warren Jeffs in the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and his shocking criminal case. With a total of 78 wives, Warren’s story is a disturbing case of power run amok.
49. The Vow
Summary: No list would be perfect without a few cult documentaries. 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, branding and conspiracy.
50. Cyber Hell: Exposing An Internet Horror
Summary: Anonymous and exploitative, a network of online chat rooms ran rampant with sex crimes. This documentary is very disturbing, to say the least. If you take away anything from this documentary, take away this — be very, very, very cautious about the type of info you post online and extremely cautious who you give away that information to.
51. Dogs
Summary: This documentary series showcases the deep emotional bonds between people and their beloved four-legged best friends. Get your furry best friend on the couch with you as you watch this because some deep cuddling will ensue as you watch the 10 heartwarming episodes of this show.
52. Man On Wire
Summary: A 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”.
53. Navalny
Summary: Alexei Navalny, is the man who survived an assassination attempt by poisoning with a lethal nerve agent back in August 2020. If this movie was scripted it would be too hard to believe. Navalny is not only very charismatic and extremely courageous, but he is also astute and quickly uncovers discoveries about his assassination attempt that will leave your jaw on the floor.
54. The River Runner
Summary: The story of Scott Lindgren, a pioneering kayaker who set out to become the first man to paddle the four great rivers that flow from Tibet’s sacred Mount Kailash. Scott’s rawness and vulnerability come through the screen in a very real manner and make the movie a very intimate chronicle of his life, his failures, his successes, and ultimately his entire life.
55. Grizzly Man
Summary: Grizzly Man tells the story of a man with a deep love for bears but who is slightly delusional in his approach. All Timothy wanted was to be close to the bears and to “protect them” but his actions ended up being fatal. This is a Werner Herzog film, if you're a fan of his work, this one is worth it.
If you want more recommendations, check these out:
55 Documentaries You Have To Watch
