Biographical Documentary backdrop

Biographical Documentary movies

A life-focused documentary about a person’s story, influence, and defining moments.

Pamela, A Love Story

1. Pamela, A Love Story

Documentary Biographical Documentary
7.2
20231h 53min

Overview

In her own words, through personal video and diaries, Pamela Anderson shares the story of her rise to fame, rocky romances and infamous sex tape scandal.

Themes

Fame and objectification, Public gaze vs privacy, Gendered media scrutiny, Diary-based memory, Turbulent marriage and autonomy

Available on

Netflix
Netflix Standard with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me

2. Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me

Documentary Music Biographical Documentary Music Biopic
7.3
20221h 35min

Overview

After years in the limelight, Selena Gomez achieves unimaginable stardom. But just as she reaches a new peak, an unexpected turn pulls her into darkness. This uniquely raw and intimate documentary spans her six-year journey into a new light.

Themes

Public scrutiny, Limelight versus darkness, Rise to stardom, Six-year journey, Raw intimate portrayal

Available on

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

Moonage Daydream

3. Moonage Daydream

Documentary Music Biographical Documentary Music Biopic
7.6
20222h 15min

Overview

A cinematic odyssey featuring never-before-seen footage exploring David Bowie's creative and musical journey.

Themes

Fame pressure, Archive-inspired creativity, Transdisciplinary reinvention, Geographic-cultural dialogue, Visual art as narrative engine, Collaboration dynamics

Available on

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

Navalny

4. Navalny

Documentary Biographical Documentary
7.7
20221h 38min

Overview

Follows the man who survived an assassination attempt by poisoning with a lethal nerve agent in August 2020. During his months-long recovery, he makes shocking discoveries about the attempt on his life and decides to return home.

Themes

Assassination attempt pressure, Russian secret police control, Chemical poisoning risk, Political opposition resilience, Russian politics influence, Poisoning exposure risk

Available on

HBO Max
HBO Max Amazon Channel
HBO Max  Amazon Channel
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Return to Space

5. Return to Space

Documentary Biographical Documentary
7.3
20222h 8min

Overview

The inspirational rise of SpaceX as well as Elon Musk's two-decade effort to resurrect America’s space travel ambitions.

Themes

Long term effort, National space ambition, Technological progression, Private space industry, Exploration drive, Ambitious ascent

Available on

Netflix
Netflix Standard with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible

6. 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible

Documentary Biographical Documentary
7.7
20211h 41min

Overview

In 2019, Nepalese mountain climber Nirmal “Nims” Purja set out to do the unthinkable by climbing the world’s fourteen highest summits in less than seven months. (The previous record was eight years). He called the effort “Project Possible 14/7” and saw it as a way to inspire others to strive for greater heights in any pursuit. The film follows his team as they seek to defy naysayers and push the limits of human endurance.

Themes

Risk and sacrifice, Ambition vs responsibility, Extreme endurance under pressure, Family ties and duty, Team resilience under danger, Public recognition and legacy

Available on

Netflix
Netflix Standard with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Rescue

7. The Rescue

Documentary Drama Biographical Documentary
8.3
20211h 47min

Overview

The enthralling, against-all-odds story that transfixed the world in 2018: the daring rescue of twelve boys and their coach from deep inside a flooded cave in Northern Thailand.

Themes

Teamwork under constraint, Procedural discipline, Rescue under pressure, Monsoon cave hazards, Navigation through floods, Air supply management

Available on

Disney Plus
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Val

8. Val

Documentary Biographical Documentary
7.5
20211h 49min

Overview

For over 40 years Val Kilmer, one of Hollywood’s most mercurial and/or misunderstood actors has been documenting his own life and craft through film and video. He has amassed thousands of hours of footage, from 16mm home movies made with his brothers, to time spent in iconic roles for blockbuster movies like Top Gun, The Doors, Tombstone, and Batman Forever. This raw, wildly original and unflinching documentary reveals a life lived to extremes and a heart-filled, sometimes hilarious look at what it means to be an artist and a complex man.

Themes

Home movie footage, Biography through archive footage, Family photo, Struggling actor perspective, Cancer victim experience, Amateur footage intimacy

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads
Amazon Prime Video with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Overview

Recounted mostly through animation to protect his identity, Amin looks back over his past as a child refugee from Afghanistan as he grapples with a secret he’s kept hidden for 20 years.

Themes

Trauma and memory, Displacement and belonging, Secrecy and disclosure, Sexuality and acceptance, Perilous migration, Family duty and absence

Available on

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

Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry

10. Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry

Documentary Music Biographical Documentary Backstage & Showbiz Music
7.7
20212h 20min

Overview

This documentary offers a deeply intimate look at extraordinary teenager Billie Eilish. Award-winning filmmaker R.J. Cutler follows her journey on the road, onstage, and at home with her family as the writing and recording of her debut album changes her life.

Themes

Identity through art, Family dynamics under pressure, Creative autonomy vs guidance, Health challenges and resilience, Public scrutiny and privacy, Early career pressures

Available on

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