1
Bright Leaves
Ross McElwee journeys through North Carolina's tobacco country, exploring the region's historical traditions surrounding tobacco cultivation and consumption. He contrasts this exploration with mainstream filmmaking, specifically "Bright Leaf," a 1950 melodrama directed by Michael Curtiz and starring Gary Cooper. The…
6.8 
7.1
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2
Sherman's March
Documentary
Director Ross McElwee explores the lasting effects of General Sherman's march through the South during the Civil War. His project to document this history becomes a personal journey shaped by unexpected encounters with love, loss, and self-discovery. As McElwee examines…
6.8
7.2
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5
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
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6
Listen to Britain
Documentary
This film is a moving visual story about life in wartime England during World War II. Director Humphrey Jennings vividly shows how people adapted to the war through scenes from everyday life. The movie avoids narration, instead skillfully depicting the…
6.2
6.5
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8
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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9
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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11
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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12
To Be and to Have
Documentary
This documentary, titled "to be and to have," explores a primary school in Saint-Étienne-sur-Usson, France, a village of just over 200 people. The school features a single classroom with students ranging in age from four to twelve. The film follows…
7.3
7.8
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13
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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14
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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15
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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17
Hitler: A Film from Germany
Drama, History, War
This documentary film is structured in four parts, each exploring different aspects of Nazi Germany’s rise and fall. The first part examines how Hitler built a powerful image through propaganda, establishing his authority and captivating the German people. The second…
7.1
7.4 18
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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20
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 
22
No poster
The Wall
This documentary chronicles the dismantling of the Berlin Wall, relying solely on visuals. Filmed at locations like Potsdamer Platz and the Brandenburg Gate, the camera captures the historic events from multiple perspectives. We witness news crews and international tourists documenting…
5.0
6.7
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29
Tokyo-Ga
Documentary
Filmmaker Wim Wenders journeys through Tokyo, seeking to understand the world of legendary director Yasujiro Ozu. But as Wenders explores the city, he finds a modern Tokyo very different from the quiet, home-centered worlds in Ozu's films. Combining images of…
7.1
7.3
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33
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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37
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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38
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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40
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 41
Seven Up!
Documentary, TV Movie
This documentary explores the lives of seven young Britons from different backgrounds as they grow up, from childhood to early adulthood. The film features candid interviews with them every seven years, revealing how their personalities, beliefs, and goals change over…
7.2
7.9 42
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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43
Olympia Part One: Festival of the Nations
Documentary
Set during the 1936 Olympic Games in Germany, Leni Riefenstahl’s documentary is a visually striking look at human athleticism. Originally intended as propaganda, the film became a celebration of the human body's beauty and strength. It begins with a memorable…
6.9
7.7
Stream on
44
Olympia Part Two: Festival of Beauty
Documentary
In 1936, German filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl was commissioned to film the Olympic Games in Berlin. The two-part documentary, *Festival of the Nations* and *The Festival of Beauty*, offers a detailed look at the athletes and the human body on display…
6.7
7.6
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45
Fires Were Started
Drama, War
Humphrey Jennings' British film offers a realistic look at firefighters' lives during World War II, particularly during the intense Blitz. Shot in a documentary style, it immerses viewers in the daily challenges and successes of these brave men and women…
6.0
6.4
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48
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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49
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 50
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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52
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
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55
Warrendale
"Warrendale" documents the daily lives of twelve emotionally troubled children and their caregivers at a residential treatment center near Toronto. Filmed over five weeks without narration, interviews, or direction, Allan King captures unscripted moments, creating what he termed "actuality drama."
7.3
7.5
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56
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 57
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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59
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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61
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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63
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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64
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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65
Los Angeles Plays Itself
Documentary
Los Angeles, with its unique neighborhoods and architecture, has served as the setting for many films. This film offers a fast-paced exploration of the city's true and fictional history, examining the many stories and legends that have shaped it. It…
7.6
7.8
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67
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 68
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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69
Tie Xi Qu: West of the Tracks
Documentary
This film closely examines the slow decline of Tiexi, an industrial district in Shenyang that was once a thriving symbol of China's socialist past. As industry shifts, factories in Tiexi are shutting down. Director Wang Bing profiles the workers impacted…
7.7
8.2 70
The Lovely Month of May
Documentary
This documentary explores what makes people happy. It looks at how ordinary people define happiness through things like personal growth, financial security, acceptance, opportunity, and freedom. The film follows a variety of individuals as they pursue contentment, revealing common experiences…
8.0
7.8
Stream on
73
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
75
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
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80
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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82
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
84
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 
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
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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
Stream on
91
The Times of Harvey Milk
Documentary
The film tells the inspiring story of Harvey Milk, a human rights advocate who bravely fought for equality and representation. Facing prejudice as an openly gay man in a time of intolerance, Milk became a powerful voice for marginalized communities.…
7.2
8.2
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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 
94
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
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96
The Fog of War
Documentary, TV Movie, History
The Fog of War uses archival footage, recordings of government meetings, and an interview with 85-year-old Robert McNamara to chronicle his life. It follows his journey from a promising young military officer during World War II, to president of Ford…
7.7
8.0
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