Best Documentary Films Reviews

Looking for the best documentary films? Read our reviews for an insightful and comprehensive analysis of the top picks. Discover captivating stories, thought-provoking subjects, and expert filmmaking techniques in our curated selection. Find your next must-watch documentary today!

Looking for the best documentary films reviews? Look no further! Our comprehensive guide provides in-depth analysis and insightful critiques of the top documentary films available. With a focus on quality content and engaging storytelling, our reviews offer a unique perspective on the most thought-provoking documentaries out there. Whether you’re interested in exploring social issues, historical events, or environmental concerns, our curated selection covers a wide range of topics. Our team of expert reviewers meticulously examines each film, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses, and providing valuable recommendations for viewers. Stay informed and make informed choices with our trustworthy reviews. Discover the best documentary films that will captivate your mind and leave a lasting impact.

Blackfish

• Director: Gabriela Cowperthwaite
• Release Year: 2013
• Genre: Documentary, Drama
• Runtime: 83 minutes
• IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Blackfish is a powerful documentary that exposes the dark side of the captive killer whale industry. It tells the story of Tilikum, a performing orca responsible for the deaths of several trainers. Through interviews with former SeaWorld employees and experts, the film sheds light on the physical and psychological impact of captivity on these majestic creatures.

This thought-provoking documentary raises important questions about animal welfare and the ethics of keeping marine mammals in captivity. It serves as a wake-up call to reconsider our relationship with these intelligent beings and the consequences of exploiting them for entertainment purposes. Blackfish sparked a global conversation about the treatment of marine animals in captivity and led to significant changes in public perception and legislation.

Citizenfour

• Director: Laura Poitras
• Release Year: 2014
• Genre: Documentary, Biography, Crime
• Runtime: 114 minutes
• IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Citizenfour is a gripping documentary that follows journalist Laura Poitras as she meets with Edward Snowden, the whistleblower who exposed the mass surveillance programs conducted by intelligence agencies. The film provides an inside look at the events leading up to Snowden’s revelations and the impact they had on global politics and privacy rights.

Through intimate interviews and real-time footage, Citizenfour raises important questions about government surveillance, individual privacy, and the role of whistleblowers in a democratic society. It offers a unique perspective on one of the most significant leaks in modern history. Citizenfour won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2015, highlighting its critical acclaim and recognition.

The Act of Killing

• Director: Joshua Oppenheimer
• Release Year: 2012
• Genre: Documentary, Crime
• Runtime: 159 minutes
• IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

The Act of Killing is a groundbreaking documentary that challenges conventional storytelling by allowing former Indonesian death squad leaders to reenact their crimes in various cinematic genres. Director Joshua Oppenheimer provides a unique and unsettling exploration of the nature of power, guilt, and the consequences of unchecked violence.

This thought-provoking documentary blurs the lines between reality and fiction, forcing viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about the human capacity for cruelty. The Act of Killing offers a chilling insight into the minds of those responsible for mass killings and raises important questions about justice and accountability. The film received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to documentary filmmaking and its powerful examination of historical atrocities.

Man on Wire

• Director: James Marsh
• Release Year: 2008
• Genre: Documentary, Biography, Crime
• Runtime: 94 minutes
• IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

Man on Wire is a captivating documentary that tells the story of Philippe Petit, a French high-wire artist who famously walked between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in 1974. Through a combination of interviews, archival footage, and reenactments, the film chronicles Petit’s audacious and illegal act.

This thrilling documentary captures the excitement and tension surrounding Petit’s daring feat, as well as the meticulous planning and execution required to accomplish it. Man on Wire celebrates the human spirit of adventure and the pursuit of seemingly impossible dreams. The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2009, solidifying its status as a must-watch documentary.

Searching for Sugar Man

• Director: Malik Bendjelloul
• Release Year: 2012
• Genre: Documentary, Biography, Music
• Runtime: 86 minutes
• IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

Searching for Sugar Man is a fascinating documentary that follows two South African fans on their quest to uncover the truth about the mysterious American musician Rodriguez. Despite his lack of success in the United States, Rodriguez’s music became an anthem for the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa.

This heartwarming documentary explores themes of fame, artistry, and the power of music to transcend borders. It showcases the impact of Rodriguez’s music on a generation and sheds light on his remarkable journey from obscurity to international acclaim. Searching for Sugar Man won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2013, cementing its status as a must-see film.

Exit Through the Gift Shop

• Director: Banksy
• Release Year: 2010
• Genre: Documentary, Comedy, Crime
• Runtime: 87 minutes
• IMDb Rating: 8/10

Exit Through the Gift Shop is a captivating documentary that explores the world of street art and the enigmatic artist Banksy. The film follows Thierry Guetta, a French immigrant in Los Angeles, who becomes obsessed with documenting the underground street art scene and eventually transforms into an artist himself.

This thought-provoking documentary blurs the lines between reality and fiction, raising questions about the nature of art, authenticity, and the commercialization of creativity. Exit Through the Gift Shop offers a unique perspective on the art world and challenges traditional notions of artistic expression. The film received critical acclaim for its engaging storytelling and its exploration of the blurred boundaries between art and commerce.

Amy

• Director: Asif Kapadia
• Release Year: 2015
• Genre: Documentary, Biography, Music
• Runtime: 128 minutes
• IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

Amy is a poignant documentary that chronicles the life and tragic death of British singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse. Through a combination of archival footage, interviews, and personal recordings, the film offers an intimate portrait of Winehouse’s talent, struggles with addiction, and the relentless media scrutiny she faced.

This emotionally charged documentary explores themes of fame, mental health, and the price of success. It sheds light on the immense pressure placed on artists in the public eye and raises important questions about the role of the media in their lives. Amy won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2016, solidifying its status as a powerful and moving film.

The Cove

• Director: Louie Psihoyos
• Release Year: 2009
• Genre: Documentary, Crime
• Runtime: 92 minutes
• IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

The Cove is a gripping documentary that exposes the brutal dolphin hunting practices in Taiji, Japan. The film follows a team of activists and filmmakers as they work undercover to document the annual dolphin slaughter and capture footage of the hidden cove where these atrocities take place.

This eye-opening documentary raises awareness about animal rights and the devastating impact of human activities on marine life. It serves as a call to action to protect our oceans and the creatures that inhabit them. The Cove won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2010, highlighting its critical acclaim and recognition.

Grizzly Man

• Director: Werner Herzog
• Release Year: 2005
• Genre: Documentary, Biography
• Runtime: 103 minutes
• IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

Grizzly Man is a captivating documentary that tells the story of Timothy Treadwell, an environmentalist and bear enthusiast who lived among grizzly bears in Alaska for thirteen summers before tragically losing his life to one of the bears. The film explores Treadwell’s passion for wildlife and his complex relationship with these dangerous creatures.

This thought-provoking documentary raises questions about the boundaries between humans and animals, the risks of living in close proximity to wildlife, and the unpredictable nature of nature itself. Grizzly Man offers a unique perspective on the human desire for connection with the natural world. Werner Herzog’s narration adds a haunting and introspective layer to this already fascinating film.

March of the Penguins

• Director: Luc Jacquet
• Release Year: 2005
• Genre: Documentary, Family
• Runtime: 80 minutes
• IMDb Rating: 7.5/10

March of the Penguins is a heartwarming documentary that follows the incredible journey of emperor penguins in Antarctica as they march across the treacherous icy landscape to their breeding grounds. The film showcases the remarkable resilience and determination of these animals in the face of extreme conditions.

This visually stunning documentary offers a glimpse into the fascinating lives of penguins and their struggle for survival in one of the harshest environments on Earth. March of the Penguins celebrates the power of nature and the bonds that exist within animal communities. The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2006, solidifying its status as a beloved and acclaimed documentary.