All Killer No Filler Documentaries
by willpageauthor | created - 02 Aug 2019 | updated - 07 Feb 2023 | PublicA selection of the best documentaries I’ve stumbled across which have no room for squares. Each one takes you to a different edge.
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1. Bobby Fischer Against the World (2011)
TV-14 | 93 min | Documentary, Biography, History
'Bobby Fischer Against the World' is a documentary feature exploring the tragic and bizarre life of the late chess master Bobby Fischer. The drama of Bobby Fischer's career was undeniable, ... See full summary »
Director: Liz Garbus | Stars: Bobby Fischer, David Edmonds, Anthony Saidy, Susan Polgar
Votes: 7,402
2. Stop at Nothing: The Lance Armstrong Story (2014)
TV-14 | 104 min | Documentary, Biography, Sport
This documentary is an intimate but explosive story about the man behind the greatest fraud in sporting history. Lance Armstrong enriched himself by cheating his fans, his sport and the truth.
Director: Alex Holmes | Stars: Reed Albergotti, Betsy Andreu, Frankie Andreu, Kristin Armstrong
Votes: 3,080
3. The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley (2019)
TV-14 | 119 min | Documentary, Crime
The story of Theranos, a multi-billion dollar tech company, its founder Elizabeth Holmes, the youngest self-made female billionaire, and the massive fraud that collapsed the company.
Director: Alex Gibney | Stars: Alex Gibney, Elizabeth Holmes, Dan Ariely, Roger Parloff
Votes: 15,210
4. Mr. Dynamite: The Rise of James Brown (2014)
Not Rated | 120 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
A look at the music career of musician James Brown beginning with his first hit song, "Please, Please, Please," in 1956.
Director: Alex Gibney | Stars: James Brown, Christian McBride, Bobby Byrd, Greg Tate
Votes: 1,497
5. Inside the Edge: A Professional Blackjack Adventure (2019)
72 min | Documentary
The documentary film, "Inside The Edge" is an unprecedented glimpse into the world of elite blackjack players as they take on casinos for millions.
Director: Chris Buddy | Stars: John Chang, Al Francesco, James Grosjean, Tommy Hyland
Votes: 336
6. Finding Fela (2014)
Not Rated | 119 min | Documentary, Biography, History
A look at the life and music of Nigerian singer Fela Kuti.
Director: Alex Gibney | Stars: Fela Kuti, Yeni Kuti, Femi Kuti, Seun Kuti
Votes: 849
7. Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005)
R | 110 min | Documentary, Biography, History
A documentary about the Enron corporation, its faulty and corrupt business practices, and how they led to its fall.
Director: Alex Gibney | Stars: John Beard, Tim Belden, Barbara Boxer, George W. Bush
Votes: 20,120
8. Sour Grapes (2016)
TV-14 | 85 min | Documentary, Crime
Documentary about the fine and rare wine auction market centering around a counterfeiter who befriended the rich and powerful and sold millions of dollars of fraudulent wine through the top auction houses.
Directors: Reuben Atlas, Jerry Rothwell | Stars: Laurent Ponsot, Jay McInerney, Jefery Levy, Maureen Downey
Votes: 5,998
9. Searching for Sugar Man (2012)
PG-13 | 86 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Two South Africans set out to discover what happened to their unlikely musical hero, the mysterious 1970s rock n roller, Rodriguez.
Director: Malik Bendjelloul | Stars: Rodriguez, Stephen 'Sugar' Segerman, Dennis Coffey, Mike Theodore
Votes: 72,926 | Gross: $3.97M
10. I Believe in Miracles (2015)
104 min | Documentary, History, Sport
The story of the history-making Nottingham Forest team that won back-to-back European Cups in 1979 and 1980, led by the mercurial Brian Clough and his assistant Peter Taylor.
Director: Jonny Owen | Stars: Brian Clough, Peter Taylor, Jimmy Gordon, John McGovern
Votes: 1,919
11. 89 (2017)
Not Rated | 91 min | Documentary, Sport
The true story of a sporting miracle, when Arsenal went to Anfield on the last day of the 1988/89 season needing to beat the best team in England by two clear goals to snatch the title.
Director: Dave Stewart | Stars: Lee Dixon, Paul Merson, Ian Wright
Votes: 933
12. Chasing Great (2016)
105 min | Documentary, Biography, Drama
A documentary on New Zealand rugby legend Richie McCaw. The documentary focuses on the All Black's 2015 campaign to win back-to-back World Cups, making the All Blacks the first team to do so.
Directors: Justin Pemberton, Michelle Walshe | Stars: Stuart Barnes, Tom Benge, Aston Bentham, Briea Bentham
Votes: 528
13. Cocaine Cowboys (2006)
R | 118 min | Documentary, Crime, History
The story of how Miami became the cocaine capital of the United States in the early 1980's and the police officers who turned the tide on crime.
Director: Billy Corben | Stars: Jon Roberts, Al Sunshine, Sam Burstyn, Mickey Munday
Votes: 14,095 | Gross: $0.15M
14. Cocaine Cowboys: Reloaded (2014)
R | 152 min | Documentary, Crime, History
English In 1980s Miami, cocaine traffickers brought unprecedented violence. This story shows how Miami became the drug, murder and money center of America.
Director: Billy Corben | Stars: Nelson Andreu, Edna Buchanan, Randy Christmas, Joseph Davis
Votes: 1,642
15.
30 for 30 (2009– )
Episode:
The U
(2009)
TV-G | 106 min | Documentary, Biography, History
After years of indifferent results, new coach Howard Schnellenberger revitalizes the University of Miami's football program by introducing fresh blood and fresh attitude into the team.
Director: Billy Corben | Stars: Billy Corben, John Green, Luther Campbell, Tolbert Bain
Votes: 1,843
16. Decadence and Downfall: The Shah of Iran's Ultimate Party (2016)
75 min | Documentary, History
The lavish party thrown by the Shah of Iran in 1971, which marked the break between the so-called 'king of kings' and the people of Iran he reigned over.
Director: Hassan Amini | Stars: Arshin Abdi-Moghaddam, King Abdul Halim, Judy Judefind Agnew, Spiro Agnew
Votes: 255
17. O.J.: Made in America (2016)
TV-MA | 467 min | Documentary, Biography, Crime
A chronicle of the rise and fall of O.J. Simpson, whose high-profile murder trial exposed the extent of American racial tensions, revealing a fractured and divided nation.
Director: Ezra Edelman | Stars: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Mike Albanese, Muhammad Ali, Marcus Allen
Votes: 21,953
18. The Internet's Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz (2014)
Not Rated | 105 min | Documentary, Biography, Crime
The story of programming prodigy and information activist Aaron Swartz, who took his own life at the age of 26.
Director: Brian Knappenberger | Stars: Aaron Swartz, Tim Berners-Lee, Cindy Cohn, Gabriella Coleman
Votes: 18,041 | Gross: $0.05M
19. Blackfish (2013)
PG-13 | 83 min | Documentary
A documentary following the controversial captivity of killer whales, and its dangers for both humans and whales.
Director: Gabriela Cowperthwaite | Stars: Tilikum, Dave Duffus, Samantha Berg, Dean Gomersall
Votes: 72,485 | Gross: $2.07M
20. The Fog of War (2003)
PG-13 | 107 min | Documentary, Biography, History
The story of America as seen through the eyes of the former Secretary of Defense under President John F. Kennedy and President Lyndon B. Johnson, Robert McNamara.
Director: Errol Morris | Stars: Robert McNamara, John F. Kennedy, Fidel Castro, Richard Nixon
Votes: 25,057 | Gross: $4.20M
21. Senna (2010)
PG-13 | 106 min | Documentary, Biography, Sport
A documentary on Brazilian Formula One racing driver Ayrton Senna, who won the F1 world championship three times before his death at age 34.
Director: Asif Kapadia | Stars: Ayrton Senna, Reginaldo Leme, John Bisignano, Neyde Senna
Votes: 75,888 | Gross: $1.61M
22. Bowling for Columbine (2002)
R | 120 min | Documentary, Crime, Drama
Filmmaker Michael Moore explores the roots of America's predilection for gun violence.
Director: Michael Moore | Stars: Michael Moore, Charlton Heston, Marilyn Manson, Salvador Allende
Votes: 148,774 | Gross: $21.58M
23. When We Were Kings (1996)
PG | 88 min | Documentary, Sport
Boxing documentary on the 1974 world heavyweight championship bout between defending champion, George Foreman, and the underdog challenger, Muhammad Ali.
Director: Leon Gast | Stars: Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Don King, James Brown
Votes: 19,139 | Gross: $2.79M
24. Touching the Void (2003)
R | 106 min | Documentary, Adventure, Drama
The true story of two climbers and their perilous journey up the west face of Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes in 1985.
Director: Kevin Macdonald | Stars: Simon Yates, Joe Simpson, Brendan Mackey, Nicholas Aaron
Votes: 38,118 | Gross: $4.59M
25. Quincy (2018)
TV-MA | 124 min | Documentary, Biography
An intimate look into the life of icon Quincy Jones. A unique force in music and popular culture for 70 years, Jones has transcended racial and cultural boundaries; his story is inextricably woven into the fabric of America.
Directors: Alan Hicks, Rashida Jones | Stars: Quincy Jones, Rashida Jones, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Clarence Avant
Votes: 5,169
26. Mike Wallace Is Here (2019)
PG-13 | 90 min | Documentary, Biography
A look at the career of 60 Minutes (1968) newsman, Mike Wallace.
Director: Avi Belkin | Stars: Mike Wallace, Spiro Agnew, Jonathan Alter, Yasser Arafat
Votes: 996 | Gross: $0.27M
27. The Devil Next Door (2019)
TV-MA | 46 min | Documentary, Crime, History
A Cleveland grandfather is brought to trial in Israel, accused of being the infamous German death camp guard known as Ivan the Terrible.
Stars: Yoram Sheftel, Eli Gabay, Michael Shaked, Eli Rosenbaum
Votes: 15,093
28. Fariña (2018)
TV-MA | 95 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
In 1980s Galicia (Spain), the fishing sector was transformed and many of the shipowners became indebted. This situation will be favorable for the start of activities such as contraband and drug trafficking.
Stars: Javier Rey, Tristán Ulloa, Antonio Durán 'Morris', Carlos Blanco
Votes: 4,490
29. 30 for 30 Shorts (2012– )
Documentary, Short
Inspired by ESPN's anniversary, ESPN Films' 30 for 30 is an unprecedented documentary series featuring films from some of today's finest storytellers. Each filmmaker brings their passion ... See full summary »
Stars: Ray Van Ness III, Andrew Jenks, Bill Lee, Alma Warren
Votes: 253
30. Capital C (2014)
Not Rated | 87 min | Documentary, News
CAPITAL C is the first documentary about crowdfunding. It follows the hopes and dreams as well as the fears and pitfalls of a whole new generation of independent creators, who reach out to the crowd in order to change their lives forever.
Directors: Timon Birkhofer, Jørg M. Kundinger | Stars: Zach Crain, Brian Fargo, Jackson Robinson
Votes: 279
31. American Crime Story (2016– )
TV-MA | 42 min | Biography, Crime, Drama
An anthology series centered around America's most notorious crimes and criminals.
Stars: Sarah Paulson, Annaleigh Ashford, Sterling K. Brown, Kenneth Choi
Votes: 98,989
32. O.J.: Made in America (2016)
TV-MA | 467 min | Documentary, Biography, Crime
A chronicle of the rise and fall of O.J. Simpson, whose high-profile murder trial exposed the extent of American racial tensions, revealing a fractured and divided nation.
Director: Ezra Edelman | Stars: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Mike Albanese, Muhammad Ali, Marcus Allen
Votes: 21,953
33. Let the Fire Burn (2013)
Not Rated | 88 min | Documentary
A history of the conflict of the City of Philadelphia and the Black Liberation organization, MOVE, that led to the disastrously violent final confrontation in 1985.
Director: Jason Osder | Stars: Birdie Africa, Ramona Africa, Wilson Goode, William Brown III
Votes: 1,454 | Gross: $0.06M
34. When They See Us (2019)
TV-MA | 75 min | Biography, Crime, Drama
Five teens from Harlem become trapped in a nightmare when they're falsely accused of a brutal attack in Central Park. Based on the true story.
Stars: Asante Blackk, Caleel Harris, Ethan Herisse, Marquis Rodriguez
Votes: 137,952
35. The Central Park Five (2012)
Not Rated | 119 min | Documentary, Crime, History
A documentary that examines the 1989 case of five black and Latino teenagers who were convicted of raping a white woman in Central Park. After having spent between 6 and 13 years each in prison, a serial rapist confessed to the crime.
Directors: Ken Burns, Sarah Burns, David McMahon | Stars: Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, Kharey Wise, Raymond Santana
Votes: 7,937 | Gross: $0.27M
36. Nisman. The Prosecutor, the President and the Spy (2019–2020)
373 min | Documentary, Crime, History
The suspicious death of Alberto Nisman, investigator of the attack on the headquarters of the AMIA in 1994.
Stars: Dexter Filkins, Sergio Berni, Laura Alonso, Zeev Livne
Votes: 644
37. The Fall (IV) (2016)
90 min | Documentary, Biography, History
The story of Mary Decker and Zola Budd and their lives building up to the infamous 1984 Olympics 3000M race in which both of them collide.
Director: Daniel Gordon | Stars: Zola Budd, Kyle Keiderling, Mary Decker Slaney, Richard Slaney
Votes: 213
38. Fantastic Fungi (2019)
Not Rated | 81 min | Documentary
Fantastic Fungi is a descriptive time-lapse journey about the magical, mysterious and medicinal world of fungi and their power to heal, sustain and contribute to the regeneration of life on Earth that began 3.5 billion years ago.
Director: Louie Schwartzberg | Stars: Brie Larson, Andrew Weil, Giuliana Furci, Paul Stamets
Votes: 11,555
39. The Two Escobars (2010)
104 min | Documentary, Biography, Sport
A look at how the lives of Colombian footballer Andres Escobar and drug lord Pablo Escobar were intertwined, alongside the mysterious events that led to Andres' murder in 1994.
Directors: Jeff Zimbalist, Michael Zimbalist | Stars: María Ester Escobar, Francisco Maturana, Alexis García V., Jaime Gaviria Gómez
Votes: 2,203
40. Fear City: New York vs the Mafia (2020)
TV-MA | 52 min | Documentary, Crime
Five Mafia families ruled New York with a bloody fist in the 1970s and '80s, until a group of federal agents tried the unthinkable: taking them down.
Stars: John Alite, Michael Franzese, Jim Kossler, John Joyce
Votes: 8,448
41. The Pembrokeshire Murders (2021)
TV-14 | 48 min | Crime, Drama, History
DSU Steve Wilkins reopens two unsolved murder cases from the 1980s. Forensic methods link the crimes to a string of burglaries. Steve's team has to find more evidence before the perpetrator is released from prison.
Stars: Luke Evans, Keith Allen, Caroline Berry, Oliver Ryan
Votes: 10,870
42. Pepsi, Where's My Jet? (2022)
TV-MA | 39 min | Documentary, History
When a 20-year-old attempts to win a fighter jet in a Pepsi sweepstakes, he sets the stage for a David versus Goliath court battle for the history books.
Stars: John Leonard, Todd Hoffman, Michael Patti, Jeff Mordos
Votes: 12,364
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