45 Essential Documentaries

This documentary examines the controversy surrounding "video nasties" in Britain throughout the 1980s.

Before modern pornography, a thriving underground world of adult films existed, with a hidden history. This documentary explores the untold story of American cinema’s often scandalous past. From the 1920s, expert David F. Friedman and Henenlotter guide us through over…

In the early 1970s, Greek cinema faced a period of difficulty, often described as a "crisis of themes." A proposed solution was the rise of "erotic cinema." The genre was already familiar due to the prevalence of foreign films shown…

Renowned photographer Michael Grecco travels to the AVN Awards and Convention, a major event celebrating and honoring talent in American pornography. He aims to capture the atmosphere and key figures of the convention through his lens.

This film offers an inside look at a pornography shoot, featuring everyday people who are surprisingly relatable. Viewers will share moments of laughter with actresses like Jasmine Arabia, Nikita Bellucci, and Jessie Volt. The film presents a surprisingly lighthearted perspective…

For decades, Freddy Krueger has terrorized the dreams of countless teenagers, generating over half a billion dollars at the box office across eight frightening and visually impressive movies.

This film examines the impact of the Video Recordings Act on video censorship in the United Kingdom. It explores how the new legislation shaped the regulation of video content following its implementation.

Photographer Timothy Greenfield-Sanders photographed 30 adult film stars, capturing each performer in two poses: clothed and nude. This film documents those shoots, featuring interviews with the performers and commentary from eight writers, including John Waters. The actors and writers discuss…

This film delves into the world of Anonymous, the influential "hacktivist" group that has changed how people protest online. It begins by examining early hacktivist groups like Cult of the Dead Cow and Electronic Disturbance Theater, then follows Anonymous' emergence…

This documentary explores the pornography industry, focusing on its frequently apparent and often violent anti-woman themes.

Germany is renowned for its quality products, but it also holds a prominent position in Europe's sex tourism industry. This documentary offers an unprecedented look at how sex tourists from around the world travel to Germany for brothel holidays, including…

"Video Games: The Movie," from executive producer Zach Braff and director Jeremy Snead, is a documentary that follows the rapid growth of video games, from a hobby for enthusiasts to a major global industry. Narrated by Sean Astin and featuring…

This documentary explores how pornography impacts people's understanding of their own sexuality and their relationships, alongside its effects on the pornography industry and American culture. Through interviews with experts, industry figures, and viewers, the film examines these connections.

Italy, 1970. A growing group of passionate individuals initiates a peaceful fight for sexual liberation through pornography, challenging religious and political norms. Driven by irony, joy, and idealism, they envision a harmonious connection between body and spirit. However, their efforts…

This Xbox Originals documentary investigates the downfall of Atari, focusing on the enduring mystery of the "Great Video Game Burial of 1983." The story goes that millions of unsold E.T. Game cartridges were buried in the desert, but the film…

*After Porn Ends 2* continues the story from the first film, meeting the oldest living stars of adult film and exploring the experiences of more recent retirees. The film examines society's persistent prejudices regarding race and gender, as well as…

Each August, the second Saturday brings a naturist festival to a beach near Varna. This year, filmmakers were invited to document the event. Experience the sights and sounds of this unusual celebration.

In 1968, Elsa and Richard Marley established Black Bear, an alternative community in the remote Northern California wilderness, founded on the principle of "Free Land for Free People." This film chronicles the story of their attempt at utopia. Director Jonathan…

While Australian cinema gained international recognition in the 1970s with acclaimed art house films like Peter Weir's "Picnic At Hanging Rock," a separate, low-budget filmmaking scene emerged, producing much more sensational material. Documentary filmmaker Mark Hartley examines this era of…

After Porn Ends 3 further examines the lasting impact of adult performing careers on the lives of performers after they retire.

This film explores the largely unseen world of digital content moderation – the industry dedicated to scrubbing the internet of harmful material like violence, pornography, and divisive political content.

This documentary sequel offers an intimate look at the lives of iconic adult film performers who have endured and shaped popular culture. It combines exclusive interviews with erotic footage and features appearances from Whoopi Goldberg, Steven Soderbergh, and a wide…

Sickies Making Films is a look back at the history of film censorship and the desire to restrict what audiences see. The film examines the motivations behind censorship by focusing on the Maryland Board of Censors, the oldest censorship board…

Hollywood is known for its fame and flash, but there's a different side to the city – a place where independent filmmakers challenged the major studios and achieved success.

This documentary explores the history of a particular swear word, examining the reasons behind its strong offense to some and the potential benefits others find in its use.

This film explores the development of adult cinema through its most significant movies, spanning from the 1970s to the present day. It examines why certain erotic films achieved such popularity, their effects on the film industry and society, and their…

This documentary explores the lives of prominent figures from the adult entertainment industry as they navigate the challenges of transitioning to mainstream society. It follows their attempts to establish "normal" lives after leaving the business, examining the complexities of that…

This film explores the history of sex and pornography across different eras. It examines attitudes from the open approach of ancient Greece, through the repressed morality of the Victorian period, to contemporary society.

Mutantes explores a largely overlooked strand of French feminism. The documentary features interviews from the US, Paris, and Barcelona, alongside archival materials detailing the political activism of sex workers, queer activists, and artists working in the post-pornography movement.

This documentary examines the forgotten history of American exploitation films. It explores this frequently overlooked genre of U.S. Cinema, revealing the often brazen and sometimes shocking beginnings of this popular form of entertainment.

Following their acclaimed documentary *VIDEO NASTIES: MORAL PANIC, CENSORSHIP & VIDEOTAPE*, director Jake West and producer Marc Morris delve deeper into the story of home entertainment after the 1984 Video Recordings Act. The film explores a period when Britain experienced…

Director Lawrence Shapiro explores the art of voice-over acting by speaking with the actors who bring characters to life through their voices.

This film examines the controversial "Video Nasty" scandal that gripped Britain in the early 1980s.

In 1980s Los Angeles, three women unexpectedly gained a devoted following, shifting from modeling to starring in low-budget horror films during the video boom. Known as "The Terrifying Trio"—Linnea Quigley, Brinke Stevens, and Michelle Bauer—they appeared in over ten films…

"Films Confiscated from a French Brothel" is an experimental collection of short films, a tribute to silent erotic cinema.

*An Honest Liar* chronicles the life of James "The Amazing" Randi, the celebrated magician and outspoken opponent of fraud. The film details Randi's public debunking of psychics, healers, and charlatans with unwavering conviction. A man who publicly acknowledged his deception…

During the last few decades of the 20th century, the Philippines offered an environment where independent filmmakers could freely create almost any movie they envisioned. With minimal labor restrictions and a welcoming approach to artistic expression, the country became a…

"Deutschland privat" presents a personal and revealing view of life in Germany during the 1970s, assembled from a collection of home movies. Director Robert van Ackeren gathered these 8mm films from people, intending to create a documentary capturing private moments.…

This film offers a funny and accessible introduction to the ideas of Slavoj Žižek, a renowned Slovenian philosopher and psychoanalyst. Using examples from classic movies, it explores his concepts of how we understand ourselves, the relationship between our fantasies and…

In the early days of sexually explicit magazines, hopeful model Ginger discovers her only job options are with publications catering to men. Faced with potential homelessness, she's forced to work for Paula, a controlling lesbian photographer known for her cruel…

The film showcases a vibrant and varied collection of home movies spanning five decades. Focusing particularly on the often explicit sexual content, van Ackeren offers a distinctly German perspective. The project features twenty-five Super 8 films with titles like "Lady…

This film explores the history of Hong Kong's exploitation cinema, starting with the Shaw Brothers' early films like "Killer Snakes," and continuing through the introduction of the Category III rating in 1988. The 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre sparked a wave…

The sequel takes us back to City Sauna in Sheffield. The massage parlor, owned by a mother and daughter and known for catering to mature and fuller-figured women, is planning to grow its business.

Desperately Seeking Seka is an adventurous journey through the world of adult entertainment, featuring candid interviews with many of the most famous figures in the industry, both past and present.

Beth B explores the modern underground, uncovering a hidden world where innovative artists are pushing the boundaries of burlesque—taking it to unprecedented levels. This is a satirical and playful blend of art and entertainment that redefines "transgression." It's highly entertaining…