1
Fast, Cheap & Out of Control
Documentary
Errol Morris's documentary *Fast, Cheap & Out of Control* examines the lives of four men deeply connected to animals and driven by singular passions. The film explores their unconventional worlds and interactions with the creatures they share them with. First,…
6.8 
7.1
Stream on
3
Sans Soleil
Documentary
The film follows a traveler as they journey through different countries and cultures, considering how time and memory change our experience of the world. A woman's voice narrates the traveler's thoughts and observations. The film takes viewers from the calm…
7.4
7.7
Stream on
4
David Holzman's Diary
Comedy, Drama
This film follows a young filmmaker documenting his daily life as a way to understand himself. It’s an early example of reality television and vlogging, showing how people use video to express themselves. The filmmaker is dealing with personal turmoil…
6.3
6.5
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5
Harlan County U.S.A.
Documentary
This film examines a pivotal moment in American labor history: the 1973 strike by coal miners at the Brookside Mine in Harlan County, Kentucky, owned by Eastover Mining Company. After the miners sought union representation, the company refused to negotiate…
7.5
8.2
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6
The Battle of Chile: Part I
Documentary, History
Set in Chile during 1973, this film explores the complex political tensions that sparked a violent overthrow of the democratically elected government of Salvador Allende. The movie depicts the growing conflicts and shifting power dynamics as different groups clash. It…
7.2
8.1
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8
Koyaanisqatsi
Documentary, Music
The film takes viewers on a visual journey across the United States, examining how modern technology is changing humanity and the environment. Without dialogue or narration, the movie uses striking visuals and a powerful musical score by Philip Glass to…
7.9
8.2
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10
The Battle of Chile: Part II
Documentary
The film follows the intense period before the CIA becomes involved in a major political change. It portrays the raw emotions and complicated details of those involved in the coup as the story unfolds. More than just a historical account,…
7.7
8.2
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11
The Battle of Chile: Part III
Documentary
In the film's final section, director Guzmán offers a personal look at people working to revive and build upon the legacy of Salvador Allende, who was overthrown. The film explores the challenges and successes of those who keep fighting for…
7.4
7.6
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13
Shoah
Documentary, History
Claude Lanzmann’s powerful documentary explores the Holocaust through firsthand accounts. The film features over a decade of interviews with survivors, bystanders, and perpetrators, categorized into three groups. These personal stories offer intimate insights into life at the Chelmno and Auschwitz…
8.2
8.7
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16
Why We Fight: The Battle of China
This installment in Frank Capra's "Why We Fight" series details Japan's takeover of China. It features Madame Chiang Kai-Shek's powerful speech to Congress, the atrocities committed during the Rape of Nanking, the massive 2,000-mile migration to escape the Japanese, and…
6.5
7.0
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17
The Hour of the Furnaces
This three-part documentary examines the liberation struggle across Latin America, using Argentina as a central case study of imperialist exploitation. The first part, "Neo-Colonialism and Violence," provides a historical, geographical, and economic overview of Argentina. Part two, "An Act For…
7.1
7.6 
23
Blood of the Beasts
Documentary
This film offers a stark look at life where peaceful countryside meets the harsh reality of a nearby slaughterhouse. It vividly portrays the difficult lives of both the animals and the workers, presenting an unflinching view of the connection between…
7.5
7.7
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27
Primary
Documentary
"Primary" is a significant documentary focusing on the 1960 primary elections between John F. Kennedy and Hubert Humphrey. The film innovatively used lightweight equipment to create a more personal filmmaking style, capturing unscripted moments of the campaigns in a way…
6.4
7.1
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28
Dont Look Back
Documentary, Music
The film explores Bob Dylan's life during the 1960s, a period of significant change. It shows him with his fans, in discussions with journalists, and relaxed with musicians like Joan Baez, Donovan, and Alan Price, offering insight into his perspective.…
7.4
7.9
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29
CBS Reports: Harvest of Shame
This 1960 CBS News broadcast, presented by Edward R. Murrow on Thanksgiving Day, examines the difficult lives of migrant farm workers in the United States. The program details their harsh living conditions, constant travel, low pay, and limited prospects for…
6.6
7.9 30
Nanook of the North
Documentary, Drama
This documentary explores the everyday lives of an Inuit community in northern Quebec, Canada. It blends factual observation with fictional elements to illustrate their impressive ability to thrive in harsh climates, using igloos and skillful hunting and fishing. The film…
7.1
7.6
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32
Farrebique, or the Four Seasons
Georges Rouqier's acclaimed debut film, *Farrebique*, centers on a French farm family over four seasons. Like Robert Flaherty, Rouqier portrays the deep connection between the family and their land, frequently drawing parallels between their lives and the natural cycles of…
6.7
7.2 33
The Act of Seeing with One's Own Eyes
Documentary
This film follows forensic pathologists as they conduct autopsies in a busy morgue. The atmosphere is serious and methodical, with each finding revealing details about the deceased's life. The process of uncovering these details offers viewers an educational look at…
6.3
6.9 
36
Crisis: Behind a Presidential Commitment
Over two days surrounding the University of Alabama integration crisis, five camera crews document President John F. Kennedy, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, Alabama Governor George Wallace, Deputy Attorney General Nicholas Katzenbach, and students Vivian Malone and James Hood. With…
6.9
7.7
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39
Forgotten Silver
Comedy, TV Movie
Colin McKenzie was a key figure in early international cinema, though he's largely forgotten today. Born in rural New Zealand in 1888, he became deeply passionate about filmmaking, profoundly influencing the development of global cinema. He faced many obstacles but…
7.2
7.4 40
Man with a Movie Camera
Documentary
The film centers on a quiet cameraman who explores city life with constant creativity and curiosity, using only his shoulder-mounted camera. He captures both brief and remarkable moments, examining the many sides of urban existence. He focuses on the unexpected:…
7.8
8.3
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41
À propos de Nice
Documentary
The film starts like a travel documentary, showcasing the beautiful scenery and attractions of Nice, France. It quickly becomes a satire, focusing on the wealthy residents and their lavish lifestyles. The movie highlights the difference between Nice's stunning beauty and…
6.8
7.3
Stream on
42
The Emperor's Naked Army Marches On
Documentary
Kenzo Okuzaki, a 62-year-old World War II veteran who fought in the New Guinea campaign, undertakes a personal quest to understand the truth behind disturbing events from one of the war's fiercest battles. As part of a trapped Japanese unit,…
7.5
8.1
Stream on
44
The Atomic Cafe
Documentary, History
Following World War II and the U.S. Development of nuclear weapons, the government made propaganda films in the 1940s and 1950s to ease public anxiety. Combining factual information with speculation and stories, these films tried to assure Americans that the…
7.3
7.6
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45
Daughter Rite
Documentary
This intimate documentary examines the complexities of women's relationships, especially the special bond between mothers and daughters. Through honest interviews, the film explores the emotional lives shared by these women as they face life’s ups and downs together. It sensitively…
4.3
6.3 
48
Primate
Primate documents acclaimed realist filmmaker Frederick Wiseman's observational study of the Yerkes Primate Research Centre. The film presents a scientist outlining the center's goals and the results of their work, detailing the social behaviors and mating patterns of the primates…
6.8
7.3
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49
Surname Viêt Given Name Nam
This film explores themes of identity, how we remember the past, and cultural narratives. It centers on the experiences of Vietnamese women who resisted oppression both in Vietnam and in the United States, while also examining the complexities of interviewing…
5.2
6.6
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51
Salesman
Documentary
The Maysles' documentary follows four door-to-door salesmen from Mid-American Bible Company: Paul "The Badger" Brennan, Charles "The Gipper" McDevitt, James "The Rabbit" Baker, and Raymond "The Bull" Martos. During a difficult economic period, these determined men travel rural America trying…
7.1
7.6
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54
Roger & Me
Documentary, History, Comedy
"American Dream 2.0" is a documentary about the consequences of General Motors closing its Flint, Michigan plant. The closure cost over 30,000 jobs, leading to widespread hardship and despair in the city and surrounding communities. Filmmaker Michael Moore documents the…
7.1
7.5
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56
Woodstock
Documentary, History, Music
This film offers a detailed look at the legendary Woodstock Music & Art Festival in Bethel, New York, in August 1969. With rare access to those involved and extensive concert footage, it shows the excitement and difficulties experienced by the…
7.5
8.1
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57
Bus 174
Documentary, Crime
This documentary recounts the events of June 12th, 2000, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, when a young man hijacked bus 174, threatening to harm the passengers. The incident, broadcast live across Brazilian television, became a deeply disturbing portrayal of violence…
7.3
7.8 58
Titicut Follies
Documentary
This film offers a stark look inside Bridgewater State Prison, Massachusetts, a facility for the criminally insane. It documents disturbing events where inmates experience a range of treatments from the prison staff, including guards, social workers, and psychiatrists. The documentary-style…
7.3
7.7
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60
Why We Fight: The Battle of Russia
Documentary, War
The fifth film in Frank Capra's 'Why We Fight' series examines the complicated relationship and conflict between the Soviet Union and Germany during World War II. The movie explores the forces behind this major struggle and the strategies used by…
6.8
7.1
Stream on
64
This Is Spinal Tap
Comedy, Music
"This Is Spinal Tap" humorously and realistically follows a metal band as they try to recapture their past fame. The film explores the band's history, full of successes and failures, name changes, and disappointing crowds. Viewers meet a variety of…
7.4
7.9
Stream on
65
Tongues Untied
Documentary
Marlon Riggs' documentary examines the importance of love between Black men through the themes of revolution and self-acceptance. Featuring contributions from poet Essex Hemphill and other gay Black people, the film explores the emotional aspects of their lives, relationships, and…
6.6
7.1
Stream on
66
Jumping the Blanket
Documentary, Comedy
Four people carefully hold a large cloth, their expressions showing both excitement and nervousness as they wait. Suddenly, a sixth person sprints towards them, focused on the cloth. He leaps onto the blanket, which rises with him, creating a brief,…
5.6
5.5 67
News from Home
Documentary
Belgian filmmaker Chantal Akerman moves from Europe to New York City in this deeply personal film about identity and belonging. The movie combines images of New York's famous landmarks with letters written by Akerman's mother in Brussels. At first, the…
7.0
7.3
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70
The Snowshoers
This short documentary captures the celebration and traditions surrounding a snowshoe race in Sherbrooke during the late 1950s. The film introduced a fresh perspective in documentary filmmaking and established the distinctive style of the National Film Board's new French Unit.…
5.6
6.7 71
Night and Fog
Documentary, History
Alain Resnais's documentary offers a disturbing look at the worst of human history, detailing the shocking events within Adolf Hitler's concentration camps. The film highlights the strength and bravery of those who survived, while also exposing the brutal conditions and…
8.2
8.6
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74
Why We Fight: Prelude to War
Documentary, War
Frank Capra's documentary "Prelude to War" was made for the Pentagon and George C. Marshall to encourage American soldiers to fight the Axis Powers during World War II. The film compares democratic and fascist societies, highlighting their differences and the…
6.4
7.0
Stream on
75
Cordeliers' Square in Lyon
Documentary
Set in 19th century Lyon, this period film captures the vibrant atmosphere of city squares like Place des Cordeliers. It offers a glimpse into daily life as people and horse-drawn carriages fill the historic square. Through interconnected stories, the film…
5.5
5.6 
80
The Life and Times of Rosie the Riveter
Documentary, History, War
This documentary explores the lives of women who entered traditionally male industries – factories, mines, and dockyards – during World War II. It reveals the obstacles they encountered and how these experiences influenced their work and future goals. After the…
6.0
7.2 81
The Mad Masters
Documentary
The film explores the unusual Hauka movement that emerged in West Africa during French colonialism. Hauka participants would perform dances to simulate possession by their French Colonial administrators. These performances involved intensely recreating military ceremonies, not simply imitating them. This…
6.2
6.5
Stream on
86
Very Nice, Very Nice
Documentary
Arthur Lipsett's groundbreaking first film uses photography and sound to explore the unspoken anxieties of everyday life. The short film combines familiar, unsettling images with fragments of ordinary conversations and a repeated voice saying "Very nice, very nice." This experimental…
5.9
6.8 87
Triumph of the Will
Documentary
The film journeys to 1934 Nuremberg, offering a stark look inside Nazi Germany during the pivotal party rally. It focuses on Adolf Hitler, portrayed as both a captivating leader and a ruthless dictator, delivering powerful speeches to thousands of Nazi…
6.9
7.1
Stream on
88
The Photographical Congress Arrives in Lyon
Documentary
Photographers gather as they step off a riverboat, eager to capture what lies ahead. Their cameras represent a constant pursuit of compelling moments, a balance between documenting reality and crafting images. The film explores these photographers' lives, examining their reasons…
5.3
5.7 89
Cane Toads: An Unnatural History
Documentary
The film documents an unforeseen environmental disaster in Australia. It began with a misguided effort to control crop pests by introducing Hawaiian sugar cane toads. The documentary explores the history and ecological impact of this invasive species, detailing how their…
6.8
7.6
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92
The War Game
War, TV Movie
This docudrama examines the grim consequences of a fictional nuclear attack on Britain. Originally commissioned by the BBC, the film was ultimately deemed too intense for television. Premiering in theaters in 1966, its powerful depiction of destruction received widespread acclaim…
7.7
7.9 93
Bowling for Columbine
Documentary, Drama
This film isn't about gun control. It explores the underlying anxieties of the United States and the 280 million Americans who can legally own a Uzi. Examining Columbine High School security footage, the home of NRA President Charlton Heston, a…
7.5
7.9
Stream on
99
Madonna: Truth or Dare
Music, Documentary
This documentary follows Madonna's 1990 'Blond Ambition' concert tour, providing an intimate look at her life both on and off stage. Filmed in black-and-white, the film captures her journey through various locations, from Japan, where she performs through rain, to…
6.2
6.5
Stream on
