Documentary backdrop

Documentary movies

Fascinating real-life stories, historical accounts, and educational deep dives that reveal the truth about our world.

Subgenres include: True Crime Documentary, Biographical Documentary, Social & Political Documentary.

Nostalgia for the Light

261. Nostalgia for the Light

Documentary
7.6

20101h 33min

Director: Patricio Guzmán

In Chile's Atacama Desert, astronomers peer deep into the cosmos in search for answers concerning the origins of life. Nearby, a group of women sift through the sand searching for body parts of loved ones, dumped unceremoniously by Pinochet's regime.


Jackass 3D

262. Jackass 3D

Comedy Documentary Action Adult Comedy
7.0

20101h 34min

United States

Director: Jeff Tremaine

Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, Steve-O, Wee Man and the rest of their fearless and foolhardy friends take part in another round of outrageous pranks and stunts. In addition to standing in the path of a charging bull, launching themselves into the air and crashing through various objects, the guys perform in segments such as "Sweatsuit Cocktail," "Beehive Tetherball" and "Lamborghini Tooth Pull."

Themes

Pain via beehive pranks, Risk taking through charging bull, Tetherball chaos, Bar brawl stunts, Tooth pulled pain, Port-a-potty launches

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
fuboTV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Inside Job

263. Inside Job

Documentary Crime Social & Political Documentary
8.2

20101h 49min

United States

Director: Charles Ferguson

A film that exposes the shocking truth behind the economic crisis of 2008. The global financial meltdown, at a cost of over $20 trillion, resulted in millions of people losing their homes and jobs. Through extensive research and interviews with major financial insiders, politicians and journalists, Inside Job traces the rise of a rogue industry and unveils the corrosive relationships which have corrupted politics, regulation and academia.

Themes

Corporate influence on policy, Deregulation and risk, Systemic risk in finance, Predatory lending patterns, Unemployment and inequality, Bailout ethics and accountability

Available on

Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Senna

264. Senna

Documentary Biographical Documentary
8.4

20101h 46min

United Kingdom, United States

Director: Asif Kapadia

The remarkable story of Brazilian racing driver Ayrton Senna, charting his physical and spiritual achievements on the track and off, his quest for perfection, and the mythical status he has since attained, is the subject of Senna, a documentary feature that spans the racing legend's years as an F1 driver, from his opening season in 1984 to his untimely death a decade later.

Themes

Rivalry under pressure, Safety advocacy in motorsport, Technology reshaping racing, Politics of competition, Legacy through philanthropy, Championship pursuit under scrutiny

Available on

Netflix
Amazon Prime Video
Rakuten TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Catfish

265. Catfish

Documentary True Crime Documentary
7.1

20101h 27min

United States

Director: Ariel Schulman

Nev, a 24-year-old New York-based photographer, has no idea what he's in for when Abby, an eight-year-old girl from rural Michigan, contacts him on Facebook, seeking permission to paint one of his photographs. When he receives her remarkable painting, Nev begins a friendship and correspondence with Abby's family. But things really get interesting when he develops a cyber-romance with Abby's attractive older sister, Megan, a musician and model. Prompted by some startling revelations about Megan, Nev and his buddies embark on a road trip in search of the truth.

Themes

Constructed identities, Online deception, Family manipulation, Artistic authenticity pressure, Trust breach

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Tillman Story

266. The Tillman Story

Documentary
7.7

20101h 34min

Director: Amir Bar-Lev

Pat Tillman never thought of himself as a hero. His choice to leave a multimillion-dollar football contract and join the military wasn't done for any reason other than he felt it was the right thing to do. The fact that the military manipulated his tragic death in the line of duty into a propaganda tool is unfathomable and thoroughly explored in Amir Bar-Lev's riveting and enraging documentary.


Restrepo

267. Restrepo

War Documentary Modern Conflicts Social & Political Documentary
7.4

20101h 33min

United States

Director: Tim Hetherington

Directors Hetherington and Junger spend a year with the 2nd Battalion of the United States Army located in one of Afghanistan's most dangerous valleys. The documentary provides insight and empathy on how to win the battle through hard work, deadly gunfights and mutual friendships while the unit must push back the Taliban.

Themes

Sacrifice and memory, Brotherhood under fire, Isolation and duty, Trust with local communities, Leadership under hardship, Endurance through danger

Available on

Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Armadillo

268. Armadillo

Documentary War
7.5

20101h 45min

Director: Janus Metz

Danish soldiers are sent to Afghanistan in 2009 for 6 months, to help stabilize the country against the Taliban. They're stationed on Armadillo military base in Helman province. Unlike other war movies, this is the real deal – no actors.


Lemmy

269. Lemmy

Music Documentary
7.8

20101h 56min

Director: Greg Olliver

Over four decades, Motorhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister has registered an immeasurable impact on music history. Nearly 65, he remains the living embodiment of the rock and roll lifestyle, and this feature-length documentary tells his story, one of a hard-living rock icon who continues to enjoy the life of a man half his age.


Marwencol

270. Marwencol

Documentary
7.5

20101h 23min

Director: Jeff Malmberg

After a vicious attack leaves him brain-damaged and broke, Mark Hogancamp seeks recovery in "Marwencol", a 1/6th scale World War II-era town he creates in his backyard.