47 Essential Documentaries of the Decade

Manda Bala (Send a Bullet) is a documentary that unflinchingly explores the cycles of violence affecting Brazil's wealthy and poor, driven by widespread corruption and kidnappings. The film uses personal stories to illustrate how these cycles are shaped by Brazil's…

This intimate and moving film explores the life of Kurt Cobain, drawing on over 25 hours of previously unreleased audio interviews he gave to music journalist Michael Azerrad for his book, "Come As You Are: The Story of Nirvana." In…

Helvetica is a documentary film exploring typography, graphic design, and how visual culture shapes our world. It examines the widespread use of the Helvetica typeface – celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2007 – as a lens through which to understand…

This documentary recounts the events of September 11, 2001, from the perspective of two French filmmakers who were on location to film a movie about a new firefighter in New York City. Their film unexpectedly captured the unfolding tragedy that…

This film examines the annual "Hell House" production, presented each October by young members of Trinity Church (Assemblies of God) in Cedar Hill, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. The event draws over 10,000 visitors annually.

This film revisits the 1994 murders of three eight-year-old boys in Arkansas and the subsequent trial of three teenagers convicted of the crime. A follow-up to *Paradise Lost*, *Revelations* includes new interviews with the convicted men, as well as with…

This documentary presents previously unseen footage offering a stark examination of the Peoples Temple, led by Jim Jones. In 1978, Jones guided over 900 followers to Guyana, where he commanded a mass suicide using poisoned drink.

Over seven days in Las Vegas, Nevada, forty-five finalists compete for one title: PBR World Champion. Rank follows three top contenders – Justin McBride, a third-generation bull rider; Mike Lee, a 21-year-old born-again Christian; and Adriano Moraes, a 34-year-old Brazilian…

"The Cove" recounts the remarkable true story of a dedicated team of filmmakers and freedivers who secretly entered a secluded cove in Japan to expose a disturbing and dangerous truth. Their startling findings revealed a much larger, more troubling reality.

In Jennifer Venditti's thought-provoking coming-of-age story, 15-year-old Billy describes himself as simply "different in the mind." The film follows Billy as he cycles through the quiet streets of a Maine town, navigating the challenges of bridging his vivid imagination with…

This is a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the movie *Troll 2* (1990), charting its path from being widely considered one of the worst films ever made to achieving a devoted following as a beloved cult classic.

"The Bridge" is a challenging documentary film featuring footage of individuals choosing to end their lives by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge, a location with a high rate of suicides. The film includes interviews with family members and friends…

A quiet arcade champion faces off against the legendary Donkey Kong world record holder in an epic gaming battle that captures the attention of the entire industry. For two decades, Billy Mitchell has held the top score, considered unbeatable. But…

Following bassist Jason Newsted's departure in 2001, heavy metal icons Metallica decide on an intervention. This documentary captures the band's journey as they work with a therapist to address two decades of bottled-up anger and aggression. While searching for a…

Director Werner Herzog and cinematographer Peter Zeitlinger travel to Antarctica to document the lives of those who live and work there, and to film the continent's distinctive environments. Herzog’s narration states the film will deviate from conventional Antarctic documentaries focused…

Errol Morris investigates the abuse and torture of detainees by American soldiers at the Abu Ghraib prison.

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…

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…

Werner Herzog's 2004 documentary chronicles the efforts of a dedicated British inventor as he strives to build and test an unusual airship on its first flight over the rainforest.

This film chronicles the life of Mark Kerr from 1999 to 2001, a highly skilled and emotionally exposed athlete widely regarded as the top ultimate fighter globally. A former Olympic wrestler, Kerr consistently overpowered his rivals, earning the moniker "The…

This 2005 documentary follows the life of Daniel Johnston, a singer, songwriter, and artist who lived with manic depression. It explores his life from childhood to the present, focusing on how his mental illness shaped his work, often expressing itself…

Robb Reiner and Lips, best friends since they were 14, made a promise to play music together for life. Their band, Anvil, known as the "demi-gods of Canadian metal," inspired bands like Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax. After a disastrous European…

DEEP WATER is the compelling true story of Donald Crowhurst, an amateur sailor who attempts the ultimate nautical feat: the first solo, non-stop, round-the-world yacht race.

This is the true story of Joe Simpson and Simon Yates' perilous and nearly fatal climb of Siula Grande, a 20,810-foot mountain in the Peruvian Andes, in 1985.

This film chronicles the final rehearsals of the Young at Heart Chorus in Northampton, Massachusetts, a group many members participate in despite facing significant health challenges. Their vibrant music challenges age stereotypes. While the chorus has previously toured Europe and…

This 2001 French documentary chronicles the murder trial of a 15-year-old Black teen in Jacksonville, Florida. The film won the 2002 Academy Award for Best Documentary.

Jessica Yu’s documentary examines the connection between human experience and the structure of plays by Euripides. It follows the lives of four men – a former German terrorist, a bank robber, an evangelist who once preached against homosexuality, and a…

This film offers a look at the people who live permanently in the underground tunnels beneath New York City. It's a cinematic portrait of the city's homeless population who have made these tunnels their home.

Fulton and Pepe's 2000 documentary chronicles Terry Gilliam's efforts to make *The Man Who Killed Don Quixote*. The film's production is repeatedly derailed by back injuries, unexpected severe weather, and a series of other unforeseen obstacles.

This Oscar-nominated documentary examines the devastating story of a middle-class American family fractured by accusations of child sexual abuse against the father, Arnold, and son, Jesse. Director Jarecki interviews individuals connected to the case, exploring the question of whether their…

This documentary explores the life of Henry Marsh, an English neurosurgeon working in Ukraine, revealing the difficult choices and heavy emotional weight inherent in his demanding profession.

"Zoo" explores the world of men who feel a deep connection to animals, focusing on a group involved in a tragic event related to their affection for horses. The film uses interviews and staged scenes to examine these relationships.

In 1995, director Steve James (of *Hoop Dreams*) revisits rural Southern Illinois to reconnect with Stevie Fielding, a troubled young boy he mentored as an "Advocate Big Brother" a decade prior.

Director Christopher Quinn documents the experiences of three Sudanese refugees – Jon Bul Dau, Daniel Abul Pach, and Panther Bior – as they grapple with the trauma of their past and navigate the challenges of building new lives in America.

In 1974, French high-wire artist Philippe Petit performed an illegal walk between the New York World Trade Center towers, then the tallest buildings in the world. He spent nearly an hour on a wire strung 1,350 feet above the city…

Dan Klores' film explores the unusual relationship between Burt Pugach and Linda Riss. In 1950s New York, Pugach, a successful lawyer, begins a relationship with the much younger Riss. However, Riss ends the relationship after discovering Pugach lied about being…

In 2001, medical resident Andrew Bagby is murdered shortly after ending his relationship with his girlfriend. Later, when she reveals she is pregnant, Andrew’s close friend Kurt Kuenne creates this film as a gift for the child.

This film examines the evolution of the abortion rights debate in the United States over the past 15 years.

This film offers an inside view of individuals who oppose conspiracy theories and the expanding network of people who reject globalism.

This is the story of Griffith, a six-time world welterweight boxing champion. It explores themes of violence, love, sex, politics, and the media through his life.

James Toback offers a direct and unflinching portrait of Mike Tyson, largely through Tyson's own words. The film intercuts Tyson addressing the camera with footage of his boxing matches, resulting in a compelling view of the athlete.

This documentary explores two street dance styles – Clowning and Krumping – born in low-income neighborhoods of Los Angeles. Director David LaChapelle interviews members of each dance crew, tracing the origins of their distinct dances as a positive outlet amidst…

This film chronicles the story of Timothy Treadwell, known as "Grizzly Man," and his thirteen summers spent living in a National Park in Alaska, dedicated to protecting grizzly bears. Through distinctive footage, the documentary offers an intimate look at a…

This film offers a look inside Europe's industrial food production system and high-tech farms. Set to the sounds of machinery, it presents a detached view of these vast, almost surreal facilities. The environment is cool and industrial, with little room…

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…

The film chronicles the journey of eight young competitors, aged 8 to 18, as they strive to reach the final round of the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C.