Introduction
Documentaries are expressed and shot through the same medium as movies but highly differ in how they are made, and make a bigger effort at pleasing the audience. The best documentaries are those who chase the truth. Many documentaries are made to bring light to a social cause or injustice and help gather mass attention and involvement in bringing the change required. Some are made for entertaining and delighting the audiences and are known as human interest stories. These may be exciting people like sportspersons, billionaires, success stories, etc. Then, some try to uncover mysteries and find hidden secrets, creating a visual log. Times are changing, and humans should be well aware of the fact that its time they did as well, and what better way to challenge one’s own opinion than watching real-life accounts on happenings of the world through documentaries. Here is a list of the top 15 recommended best Documentaries of all time to watch:
Table of Contents
#1 – Italianamerican (1974)
Directed by Martin Scorsese, the documentary stars Scorsese’s parents and is about their real-life experience as Italian immigrants in New York City.
It is available on YouTube.
#2 – Abstract: The Art of Design (2017)
Eight established designers from around the world give insights on great pieces of art and design and showcase their works of art, architecture & design. It is a visual treat to watch.
It is available on Netflix.
#3 – India’s Daughter (2015)
The 2012 Nirbhaya rape case in Delhi shocked the entire world. This documentary gives detailed information about the happenings of the night and interviews all those involved. It can easily be considered one of the best documentaries of all time.
It is available on Prime Video.
#4 – The Neistat Brothers (2010)
An exciting documentary series revolving around the everyday life of Casey Neistat and his brother Van Neistat, each episode spans over six weeks.
It is available on HBO and YouTube.
#5 – 13th (2016)
Director Ava DuVernay offers a comprehensive study of how the US Justice System has functioned as a tool for institutionalizing racism and injustice in prisons.
It is available on Netflix.
#6 – Honeyland (2019)
Shot over three years, this documentary takes the audience to the Balkan Mountains, where the ancient art of beekeeping is practiced by one of the last Macedonians.
It is available on Hulu and Amazon.
#7 – Stanley Kubrick: A Life in Pictures (2001)
The career and life of Stanley Kubrick are explored through pictures, clips from his films, his old home movies, comments from his colleagues, and a narration by Tom Cruise.
It is available on Amazon Prime.
#8 – Senna (2010)
One of the best documentary movies is based on the life of the F1 driver Ayrton Senna. The Brazilian, who by age 34, had three F1 World Championship Titles to his name. He was indeed considered as one of the motorsport’s greats.
It is available for rent on YouTube and Prime Video.
#9 – The World at War (1973 – 1976)
A 26-part documentary series is based on one of the most significant controversies during World War II, narrated by Laurence Olivier.
It is available on YouTube.
#10 – Beastie Boys: Video Anthology (2000)
The Beastie Boys were an American Hip-Hop group from New York City formed in 1978; this is one of the best documentaries to watch to better know about them.
It is available on YouTube.
#11 – The Cove (2009)
An eye-opening documentary is displaying the reality of dolphin drive-hunting in Japan, herding dolphins into coves, trapping them, and killing for profits. This is an Academy Award winner.
It is available on watchdocumentaries.com and Amazon.
#12 – Bruce Lee: A Warrior’s Journey (2000)
A documentary is showing the life of famous actor/martial-artist, Bruce Lee, up close and personal.
It is available on YouTube and Prime Video.
#13 – Home (2009)
It is amongst one of the best documentaries of all time by Luc Besson. It exhibits jaw-dropping aerial landscapes from 54 different countries while simultaneously sensitizing the alarming climate change and its potentially devastating impacts.
It is available on YouTube.
#14 – Baseball (1994 – 2010)
A sport history documentary with significant topics, including Afro-American teams, player/team owner relationships, and the game’s resilience.
It is available on pbs.org.
#15 – World’s Scariest Drug (2012)
Scopolamine or ‘The Devil’s Breath’ is considered the world’s scariest drug. The odorless, tasteless white powder has been described as “the world’s scariest drug.” According to the website drugs.com, ingestion can lead to “hallucinations, frightening images, and a lack of free will.” It is one of the most exciting documentaries to watch.
It is available on YouTube.
