Many great documentaries have been made over the past 100 years. They explore diverse topics in a mix of documentary styles. What makes them notable is that they take risks and show the world from another viewpoint.
This list includes something for everyone, including true crime, social issues, and wildlife. These films have won awards, and many are streaming on popular platforms. Perfect if you are looking for something to entertain you this evening.
So, without further ado, here is our list of the greatest documentaries of all time.
Nanook of the North (1922)
Our first film, Nanook of the North, tells the story of Nanook and his family. They live in northern Canada and struggle to survive. This silent film was hugely popular when realized and still continues to entertain audiences today. It is also known as the first feature length documentary film.
However, there was some criticism over the reality of the scenes. For example, some of the famous scenes, such as building an igloo, were staged. Either way, the film was a huge success, and it helped document the unknown livelihoods of natives in the 1920s.
Man with a Movie Camera (1929)
Man with a Movie Camera is one of the most renowned documentaries. It is a Soviet silent film that follows a man traveling and capturing new locations on his camera. What makes it stand out is its use of new editing styles, such as jump cuts, slow motion, and Dutch angels.
Before this film, filmmakers didn’t use many editing techniques and stuck to using a tripod. As a result, it influenced many upcoming famous directors to take risks. Sight and Sound rank it 8th on their list of greatest films ever made.
Don’t Look Back (1967)
Don’t Look Back follows Bob Dylan’s 1965 concert tour in England. Shot on film in black and white with a 16mm handheld camera, it helped to create a fly-on-the-wall documentary style. As a result, the film shows the reality of Dylan’s personality and rock-n-roll lifestyle.
Many film writers say this is one of the greatest documentaries of all time. It is also known for inventing the rise of musical rock films, with many more realized after it. Watch this film if you are looking for something more light-hearted and entertaining.
Hearts and Minds (1974)
This next film explores the Vietnam War. Hearts and Minds won an Oscar for best documentary but also received negative attention at the time of its release. This is because it shows the reality of the war and includes shocking scenes, which some people found biased.
Filmmaker Michael Moore said that was the one film that inspired him to become a filmmaker. In 2018, it entered the Library of Congress archives because of its importance in history and culture.
The Thin Blue Line (1988)
The Thin Blue Line is another top contender. It follows a murder trial in Texas. In particular, it focuses on the loose ends of the case and the innocence of the original suspect. It’s also unique in that it shows the filmmakers on screen and their opinions on the case.
Since the filmmakers had no footage of the crime, they had actors reenact the events. As a result, the film received mixed reviews from the audience at the time, who had never seen anything like it before. Nowadays, reenactments in documentary films are frequently used in crime dramas.
Hoop Dreams (1994)
Hoop Dreams follows two high school students and their dream of becoming NBA basketball players. The film deals with themes such as poverty, drugs, and racism. However, it is still a positive film about following your passion.
The film was a surprise success and helped bring documentary films to the big screen. As a result, after its release, filmmakers shot more on video and made independent films.
Paris is Burning (1991)
In Paris is Burning, we follow a gay and transgender community. The film explores the ball culture of New York City in the mid 1980s and the LGBT people within it. It also examines many themes, such as race, class, gender, and sexuality in America.
It’s one of the best documentaries of all time because it took risks. As a result, it introduced people to gay culture in a positive light. The film won many awards, and in 2016, it entered the Library of Congress because of its social impact
March of the Penguins (2005)
March of the Penguins is one of the most successful wildlife films. It examines the life of penguins in Antarctica, following their courtship and journey between the ocean and breeding grounds.
It’s an emotional film with fantastic camera work that took over a year to make. What’s more, the film is the highest audience-rated film on our list and also won an Academy Award. So, it’s definitely worth a watch if you want a more lighthearted subject matter.
The Act Of Killing (2012)
The Act of Killing looks at the 1960s Indonesian mass murders. The film does so by having the individuals reenact their crimes with actors. It’s a unique mix of both documentary and performance.
In effect, it shows how easily people can become monsters. Unlike other films, it focused on interviewing the criminals instead of the victims. The film is highly ranked in the BFI list of the best documentaries of all time.
Fire of Love (2022)
This recent release follows the lives and careers of scientists Katia and Maurice Krafft. They were a husband-and-wife duo who explored volcanos. Their work helped to predict the timing of volcanic eruptions, and they captured stunning photos and video footage.
As a result, the couple died together during one of their studies. Fire Of Love is about their passion and the discoveries they made. It also uses the couple’s own video footage to tell their story. It premiered at Sundance and already has high audience reviews.
Wrapping Up
To sum up, these documentaries entertain, educate, and bring awareness to new topics. They take the audience to a new world where they learn about real people, places, and events. In many ways, a great documentary can have the power to change the world.
Documentaries are also a great starting point for beginner filmmakers. They cost a lot less to make, and you can shoot them on a budget camera. All you need to do is find a good story and let the truth reveal itself on camera. We hope that this list inspires you.
What film would you put on this list? Let us know in the comment section below.
