Top 10 Must-Watch Documentaries of All Time
In today’s world where things are happening at breakneck speed and people are generally pressed for time, documentaries still have the same charm they once did before social media made its mark in the digital world. The reason behind this undying fascination with documentaries is that they offer new perspectives and insights into the world around us, allowing us to learn about new things from a unique lens. While countless documentaries have left an indelible mark on people’s imaginations, here are 10 most famous documentaries that are a must-watch even in this age of online distractions!
1. Gates of Heaven (1978)
Gates of Heaven is a 1978 documentary by Errol Morris that explores the pet cemetery business and the human relationship with death and grief. The film follows two pet cemetery owners, Floyd “Mac” McClure and Cal Harberts, as they deal with the challenges of running their businesses and the emotional needs of their customers.
One of the best documentaries of its time, Gates of Heaven offers an insight into the world of pet cemeteries and the people who work there.
2. Shoah (1985)
Shoah is a compelling documentary that delves into Holocaust. Created by Claude Lanzmann, this nine-and-a-half-hour documentary features interviews with survivors, perpetrators, and witnesses, as well as footage from Nazi concentration camps. Shoah A disturbing but crucial film, Shoah provides a powerful and undaunted look at one of the darkest chapters in human history.
3. Man on Wire (2008)
Recounting the story of Philippe Petit, a French tightrope walker who walked between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in 1974, Man on Wire features interviews with Petit and his team, as well as footage of the walk itself. The documentary boasts a heavy dose of inspiration, suspense, and thrill, celebrating the human spirit and the power of dreams.
4. Encounters at the End of the World (2007)
A 2007 documentary film, this Werner Herzog film is about Antarctica and the people who opt to spend time there. The film is a reflection on the human relationship with the natural world, offering a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the people who inhabit this isolated and challenging place. Herzog’s trademark narration is both lyrical and philosophical, and his camera captures the spectacular beauty and ethereal peculiarity of Antarctica.
5. Hoop Dreams (1994)
A two-and-a-half-hour documentary, Hoop Dreams follows two inner-city Chicago teenagers, William Gates and Arthur Agee, as they dream of playing in the NBA. The film chronicles their lives over five years, from high school through college, and offers a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of growing up in poverty. It’s a poignant and remarkable film that celebrates stoicism and the pursuit of dreams.
6. Bowling for Columbine (2002)
Written, produced, directed, and narrated by Michael Moore, Bowling for Columbine is a documentary that explores the gun culture in the United States, a scourge that has virtually destroyed the social fabric of the country. Featuring interviews with victims of gun violence, as well as politicians, gun manufacturers, and NRA members, the documentary makes for provocative and thought-provoking viewing that sheds light on the serious issue of gun violence in the US.
7. Cold War (1998)
Narrated by Kenneth Branagh, Cold War is arguably one of the best historical documentaries of all time, covering the significant events that shaped the world. The film features footage of the Cuban Missile Crisis, the construction of the Berlin Wall, and the arms race, as well as interviews with those who were involved in this conflict, including former President Jimmy Carter and Soviet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev.
8. Holy Hell (2016)
The 2016 documentary “Holy Hell” tells the story of a cult called “The Buddhafield”, led by a charismatic man named Michel Amrith Rajneesh, also known as Osho. A distressing and cautionary story about the perils of cult leadership and the power of manipulation, Holy Hell also testifies to the stoicism of the human spirit, as the film’s characters share their stories of survival and healing.
9. ’13th’ (2016)
A 2016 documentary film by Ava DuVernay, 13th contends that the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which abolished slavery, has been abused to create mass incarceration, a new form of racial control. The documentary is powerful and disturbing in equal measure as it puts one of the most pressing social justice issues under the microscope.
10. Sans Soleil’ (1983)
This 1983 Chris Marker’s French documentary film exquisitely traces the nature of memory, time, and travel through a collection of images from across the globe. A challenging yet rewarding film, Sans Soleil invites the viewer to reflect on the world in new ways, and to consider the relationship between memory and reality.
Conclusion
Documentaries, which can be entertaining as well as enlightening, offer unique insights and perspectives to learn about the world around us. If you’re on the lookout for some really amazing documentaries to watch, the films on this list won’t let you down.