30 Eye-Opening Documentaries That Defined 2011

Undefeated

2011 • 113 min • Box office $583K

Documentary

UNDEFEATED, from Dan Lindsay and T.J. Martin, follows three student-athletes from inner-city Memphis as they navigate a high school football season. The documentary captures their experiences and the efforts of a volunteer coach to support them both on and off…

7.4

7.7

13+

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Silvio Forever

2011 • 80 min

Documentary, Comedy

This satirical work presents an unauthorized biography of Silvio Berlusconi, constructed entirely from his own words. The narrative unfolds through a compilation of his statements made during interviews, political rallies, and other public appearances.

6.2

Louis Theroux: The Ultra Zionists

2011 • 60 min

Documentary, TV Movie

Louis Theroux immerses himself in a tight-knit community of ultra-nationalist Jewish settlers. He finds a group who believe it's their religious and political duty to settle in the West Bank's most sensitive locations, particularly those with biblical significance. As he…

6.7

7.3

Steve Jobs: Billion Dollar Hippy

2011 • 49 min

Documentary

Apple is a globally recognized brand that has shaped modern consumer culture, becoming one of the world's largest corporations through innovative products that capture contemporary desires. At its center was Steve Jobs, a college dropout driven by ambition and a…

6.2

6.7

Superheroes

2011 • 81 min

Documentary

This film explores the lives of real-life superheroes. Across America, individuals adopt capes and masks – often with homemade costumes and gadgets – to fight crime and seek justice.

6.5

6.4

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Trevor Noah: You Laugh But It's True

2011 • 84 min

Documentary, Comedy

In South Africa's stand-up comedy scene, Trevor Noah draws on his upbringing in a biracial family during apartheid to prepare for his debut solo performance.

6.7

7.1

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+10

Hell and Back Again

2011 • 88 min

Documentary

"Hell and Back Again" is a powerfully intimate and visually groundbreaking film that explores the meaning of leadership in war and the experience of returning home. It offers a depth of insight into the Afghanistan conflict unmatched by previous war…

6.4

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Daniel Tosh: Happy Thoughts

2011 • 58 min

Comedy, Documentary, TV Movie

In this Comedy Central stand-up special, Daniel Tosh entertains a live San Francisco audience with his comedic observations. He jokes about a wide variety of subjects, including sports, popular culture, religion, and politics.

6.8

7.5

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We Were Here

2011 • 90 min

Documentary

This film examines the initial arrival of AIDS in San Francisco and the community's response during the early years of the epidemic. It follows how people stepped up to address the crisis.

6.8

7.9

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The Ambassador

2011 • 93 min • Box office $27K

Documentary, History

Danish journalist Mads Brügger goes undercover as a Liberian Ambassador to undertake a risky and darkly humorous investigation into the illegal blood diamond trade in Africa.

6.6

7.2

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+10

Whores' Glory

2011 • 110 min • Box office $31K

Documentary

Across three countries – Thailand, Bangladesh, and Mexico – women navigate harsh realities. In Bangkok, they work in a brightly lit establishment, awaiting clients. In Faridpur, Bangladesh, a madam negotiates the sale of a young girl. And in Reynosa, Mexico,…

6.8

7.2

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Project Nim

2011 • 93 min

Documentary

From the creators of Man on Wire comes the true story of Nim, a chimpanzee who in the 1970s was the subject of a groundbreaking experiment. The experiment sought to prove an ape could learn to communicate using language if…

6.8

7.4

13+

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Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan's Hope

2011 • 88 min • Box office $34K

Documentary

This film offers an inside view of San Diego Comic-Con, the biggest comic book event globally, and the dedicated fans who gather there annually.

6.9

7.0

13+

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American: The Bill Hicks Story

2010 • 102 min • Box office $90K

Comedy, Documentary

"American: The Bill Hicks Story" is a documentary film about the life of comedian Bill Hicks.

7.4

7.7

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Hot Coffee

2011 • 85 min

Documentary

The widely known "McDonald's coffee case" has been misrepresented by corporations seeking tort reform. *HOT COFFEE* exposes how large businesses, with media support, spread misinformation to protect their interests. The film follows four individuals whose lives were ruined by legal…

7.2

7.5

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50 Greatest Harry Potter Moments

2011 • 93 min

Documentary

To celebrate the recent release of the eighth and final film in the series, Robbie Coltrane recounts the franchise's most memorable scenes. The narration spans from Harry's initial encounters with Ron and Hermione on the Hogwarts Express, through a series…

7.4

Corman's World

2011 • 91 min

Documentary

This film chronicles the extensive career of Roger Corman, a remarkably persistent and inventive low-budget film producer and director. He was a key figure in independent filmmaking and a champion of emerging talent.

7.1

7.5

17+

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Miss Representation

2011 • 85 min • Budget $750K

Documentary

MISS REPRESENTATION reveals how American young people are taught that women and girls are primarily valued for their youth, beauty, and sexuality. The film examines the lack of women in positions of power in the United States and questions the…

6.9

7.5

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The Extraordinary Voyage

2011 • 64 min

Documentary, History

This is the story of Georges Méliès (1861-1938), a remarkable figure in early cinema, and the incredible discovery of a color copy of his film *A Trip to the Moon* (1902). The film was unexpectedly found in Spain and painstakingly…

7.8

7.4

Urbanized

2011 • 85 min

Documentary

This documentary explores the world of city design, examining the challenges and approaches to shaping urban spaces. Featuring insights from leading architects, urban planners, policymakers, builders, and thinkers, it offers a comprehensive look at the forces behind how cities are…

7.4

7.3

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Glee: The Concert Movie

2011 • 84 min • Budget $9M • Box office $18M

Music, Documentary, Family

This documentary follows the Glee Live! In Concert! Summer 2011 tour, capturing musical performances alongside stories from fans about the show's impact on their lives.

7.3

5.6

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Zeitgeist: Moving Forward

2011 • 161 min

Documentary

This film presents an argument for a fundamental shift away from the current global economic system. It focuses on the essential, practical needs for human and societal survival, looking beyond cultural differences and established beliefs. The film explores how these…

7.1

8.1

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+10

Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey

2011 • 80 min • Box office $286K

Documentary

Elmo is a beloved character worldwide, but few know the man behind him, Kevin Clash, who aspired to work with puppeteer Jim Henson. Kevin’s talent led him to Sesame Street. Narrated by Whoopi Goldberg, this documentary features rare footage and…

7.2

7.6

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One Life

2011 • 85 min

Documentary, Family

One Life offers stunningly intimate footage of animal behavior, providing an unparalleled connection with the natural world. The film also includes a bonus disc with exclusive behind-the-scenes content, featuring a making-of featurette narrated by Daniel Craig.

7.4

7.9

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Return to Jurassic Park

2011 • 129 min

Documentary

This multi-part documentary chronicles the creation of the Jurassic Park trilogy. Each episode focuses on a different film, detailing production highlights like the hurricane that struck during the filming of the first movie, and the groundbreaking CGI advancements that revolutionized…

6.6

7.5

TT3D: Closer to the Edge

2011 • 104 min

Documentary

This 3D documentary explores why motorcycle racers continue to risk their lives competing in the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy, the world's most dangerous motorcycle race. The TT is renowned for its legendary rivalries and unique history, demanding a level…

7.5

7.9

Ray Charles - Live in France 1961

2011 • 111 min

Music, Documentary

Fifty years hidden, these newly found concert films capture Ray Charles at the height of his career during the 1961 Antibes Jazz Festival in France. Featuring Charles with the original Raeletts and his legendary band – including David "Fathead" Newman…

7.2

7.3

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Samsara

2011 • 102 min • Budget $4M • Box office $2M

Documentary

Over five years and filmed in twenty-five countries across five continents, *Samsara* is shot on 70mm film. It takes viewers to diverse locations: sacred sites, disaster areas, industrial facilities, and natural landscapes.

8.0

8.4

13+

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African Cats

2011 • 89 min • Budget $5M • Box office $30M

Documentary, Adventure

African Cats follows the lives of lions, cheetahs, and other animals on the savanna. It centers on Mara, a lion cub learning from her mother; Sita, a single mother cheetah raising five cubs; and Fang, a lion leader protecting his…

7.4

7.5

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Jackass 3.5

2011 • 85 min

Comedy, Documentary, Action

Johnny Knoxville, known for 'Jackass,' is releasing previously unseen footage from the making of 'Jackass 3D.' The collection features unused stunts, tricks, antics, and general mayhem filmed during production, alongside funny outtakes that didn't make the final movie.

6.3

6.6

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