Documentaries
by rossd1909 | created - 09 Nov 2016 | updated - 25 Mar 2022 | Public- Instant Watch Options
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1. Our Planet (2019–2023)
TV-PG | 50 min | Documentary
Explores and unravels the mystery of how and why animals migrate, showing some of the most dramatic and compelling stories in the natural world through spectacular and innovative cinematography.
Star: David Attenborough
Votes: 51,213
2. Blue Planet II (2017)
TV-G | 52 min | Documentary
David Attenborough returns to the world's oceans in this sequel to the acclaimed documentary filming rare and unusual creatures of the deep, as well as documenting the problems our oceans face.
Stars: David Attenborough, Peter Drost, Roger Munns, Roger Horrocks
Votes: 46,618
3. The World at War (1973–1974)
TV-PG | 50 min | Documentary, History, War
A groundbreaking 26-part documentary series narrated by the actor Laurence Olivier about the deadliest conflict in history, World War II.
Stars: Laurence Olivier, Averell Harriman, Anthony Eden, Albert Speer
Votes: 29,522
4. They Shall Not Grow Old (II) (2018)
R | 99 min | Documentary, History, War
A documentary about World War I with never-before-seen footage to commemorate the centennial of the end of the war.
Director: Peter Jackson | Stars: Thomas Adlam, William Argent, John Ashby, Attwood
Votes: 38,476 | Gross: $17.96M
5. Planet Earth (2006)
TV-PG | 49 min | Documentary, Family
A documentary series on the wildlife found on Earth. Each episode covers a different habitat: deserts, mountains, deep oceans, shallow seas, forests, caves, polar regions, fresh water, plains and jungles. Narrated by David Attenborough.
Stars: Sigourney Weaver, David Attenborough, Nikolay Drozdov, Thomas Anguti Johnston
Votes: 220,357
6. Frozen Planet (2011–2012)
TV-PG | 33 min | Documentary
Focuses on life and the environment in both the Arctic and Antarctic.
Stars: David Attenborough, Alec Baldwin, Chadden Hunter, Michael Kelem
Votes: 33,004
7. Around the World in 80 Days (II) (1989)
49 min | Documentary
Michael Palin attempts to copy the exploits of fictional character Phileas Fogg, by trying to travel around the world (without flying) in 80 days.
Stars: Michael Palin, Basil Pao, Chris Collins, Terry Gilliam
Votes: 1,928
8. Pole to Pole (1992– )
50 min | Adventure, Documentary
Michael Palin undertakes a journey by the most direct route possible with the most land to cross from the North Pole to the South Pole.
Stars: Michael Palin, Neil Hardwick, Lasse Lehtinen, Graham Hancock
Votes: 1,428
9. Planet Earth II (2016)
TV-G | 50 min | Documentary
David Attenborough returns with a new wildlife documentary that shows life in a variety of habitats.
Stars: David Attenborough, Chadden Hunter, Gordon Buchanan, Elizabeth White
Votes: 158,333
10. The Blue Planet (2001)
TV-G | 49 min | Documentary
Mammoth series, five years in the making, taking a look at the rich tapestry of life in the world's oceans.
Stars: David Attenborough, Pierce Brosnan, Peter Scoones
Votes: 42,726
11. How the Bismarck Sank HMS Hood (2012 TV Movie)
Documentary
A documentary on the sinking of the British battlecruiser HMS Hood by the German battleship Bismarck in May 1941. The history of both ships is included as well as a recent expedition that investigated how the Bismarck managed to sink Hood.
Directors: Mark Radice, Ben Blair
Votes: 22
12. People's Century: 1900-1999 (1995– )
Not Rated | 60 min | Documentary
Series documenting the history of the twentieth century through the testimony of those who lived through it.
Stars: Sean Barrett, Veronika Hyks, Eva Hart, Sergei Butsko
Votes: 161
13. Apocalypse: The Second World War (2009)
TV-MA | 60 min | Documentary, History, War
This six-part series traces the Second World War, from the rise of the Nazis to the surrender of the Japanese, with detailed portraits of key figures.
Stars: Mathieu Kassovitz, Martin Sheen, Rudolf Hess
Votes: 14,296
14. Life (2009)
TV-G | 43 min | Documentary
David Attenborough's legendary BBC crew explains and shows wildlife all over planet earth. From giving an overview of the challenges facing life to hunting the deep sea and various major evolutionary groups of creatures.
Stars: Oprah Winfrey, David Attenborough, Doug Allan, Roger Munns
Votes: 42,823
15. Human Planet (2011)
TV-PG | 50 min | Documentary
A cinematic experience bringing you the most amazing human stories in the world. Humans and wildlife surviving in the most extreme environments on Earth
Stars: John Hurt, Roger Munns
Votes: 27,802
16. The Battleships (2000)
205 min | Documentary
The story of how the Battleship was used and not used as the ultimate weapon of war during its day up to its demise.
Directors: Peter Butt, Rob McRuley | Star: Robyn Williams
Votes: 20
17.
Clydebuilt: The Ships That Made the Commonwealth (2014– )
Episode:
HMS Hood
(2014)
Documentary
Director: David Briggs | Star: David Hayman
Votes: 6
18. The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years (2016)
Not Rated | 106 min | Documentary, History, Music
A compilation of found footage featuring music, interviews, and stories of The Beatles' 250 concerts from 1963 to 1966.
Director: Ron Howard | Stars: The Beatles, John Lennon, George Harrison, Paul McCartney
Votes: 13,840 | Gross: $2.93M
19.
Timeshift (2002–2017)
Episode:
The Nation's Railway: The Golden Age of British Rail
(2015)
Documentary
How did British Rail bring the nation's railways into the modern era, and what challenges did it overcome on the way?
Director: David Leach | Stars: Rebecca Front, Kyle Bosworth, Ted Eggs, John McGoldrick
Votes: 6
20. The Battle of Hood and Bismarck (2001 TV Movie)
PG | 152 min | Documentary
The voyage to find history's two greatest battleships. It was the greatest sea battle of World War Two. It ended in the destruction of the two finest warships the world has ever seen and claimed the lives of almost 3,500 men.
Director: Gary Johnstone | Stars: Robert Lindsay, Eric Grove, Bill Jurens, Oliver Senton
Votes: 81
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: 75,866 | Gross: $1.61M
22. TT3D: Closer to the Edge (2011)
Not Rated | 104 min | Documentary, Sport
Motorcycle racers reveal their motivation to participate each year in the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy, the most dangerous and deadliest event in the sport.
Director: Richard De Aragues | Stars: Guy Martin, Ian Hutchinson, John McGuinness, Michael Dunlop
Votes: 6,630
23. Locomotion: Dan Snow's History of Railways (2013– )
60 min | Documentary, History
The definitive story of Britain's railway revolution and the people who made it happen.
Stars: Dan Snow, Chris Miller, Daphne Weir, Lucy Newton
Votes: 36
24. Road (I) (2014)
102 min | Documentary, Sport
Brothers addicted to speed. At any price. Motorcycle road racing is the most dangerous of all motor sports. One in which men compete at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour on closed country ... See full summary »
Directors: Michael Hewitt, Dermot Lavery | Stars: Liam Neeson, Liam Beckett, Siobhan Carter, Stephen Davison
Votes: 1,506
25. Oasis: Supersonic (2016)
R | 122 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Oasis's breakthrough years documented into a detailed depiction of the infamous brothers from Manchester forming the band in the early 90's leading up to the legendary performance at Knebworth.
Director: Mat Whitecross | Stars: Paul Arthurs, Christine Biller, Mark Coyle, Debbie Turner
Votes: 12,393 | Gross: $0.24M
26. British History's Biggest Fibs with Lucy Worsley (2017)
Documentary, History
Historian Lucy Worsley reveals how some of the biggest moments in British History are actually a concoction of fibs and stories which have been manipulated by whoever was in power at the time.
Stars: Lucy Worsley, Nathen Amin
Votes: 237
27. Six Wives with Lucy Worsley (2016)
TV-PG | 60 min | Documentary, Biography, Drama
Historian Lucy Worsley visits the time of Henry VIII and tells the story of his six successive wives.
Stars: Lucy Worsley, Nicholas Agnew, Claire Cooper, Scott Arthur
Votes: 732
28. Tales from the Royal Bedchamber (2013)
Not Rated | 59 min | Documentary, History
Lucy Worsley gets into bed with our past monarchs to uncover the Tales from the Royal Bedchamber. She reveals that our obsession with royal bedrooms, births and succession is nothing new. ... See full summary »
Director: Nick Gillam-Smith | Stars: Lucy Worsley, Tracy Borman, Sebastian Edwards, Olivia Fryman
Votes: 335
29. Royal Cousins at War (2014)
60 min | Documentary, History
Documentary about the closely related rulers of three different European empires: Georg V of Britain, Wilhelm II of Germany and Nicholas II of Russia, all of them grandchildren of Queen ... See full summary »
Stars: Tamsin Greig, Queen Alexandra, Queen Victoria, Franz Schubert
Votes: 143
30. Empire of the Seas (2010)
60 min | Documentary
Historian Dan Snow presents Empire of the Seas a four-part series charting the remarkable story of the role the Royal Navy played in Britain's struggle for modernity - a grand tale of the ... See full summary »
Stars: Dan Snow, Aryan Klein, Neil Mogridge, Mark Fearn
Votes: 115
31. New Hidden Killers (2013– )
Not Rated | Documentary
While trying to lead an empire, these rulers had no idea that the biggest threat to their lives was under their own roof. After the discovery of electricity, there were many wild inventions... See full summary »
Stars: Suzannah Lipscomb, Kate Williams, Suzy Lishman, Nathan Goss
Votes: 148
32. World War II in Colour (2009)
TV-MA | 51 min | Documentary, History, War
Recounts the events of world War II in color.
Stars: Robert Powell, Swaylee Loughnane
Votes: 7,483
33. The Endurance (2000)
G | 97 min | Documentary, History
A retelling of Sir Ernest Shackleton 's ill-fated expedition to Antarctica in 1914-1916, featuring new footage of the actual locations and interviews with surviving relatives of key ... See full summary »
Director: George Butler | Stars: Liam Neeson, Julian Ayer, John Blackborow, David Cale
Votes: 2,195 | Gross: $2.45M
34. Russia with Simon Reeve (2017)
Documentary
Travelogue in which Simon Reeve embarks upon an epic three-part journey across Russia one hundred years after the Russian Revolution.
Stars: Simon Reeve, Vissarion
Votes: 333
35. Caribbean with Simon Reeve (2015– )
60 min | Documentary
Simon Reeve travels around the edge of the Caribbean Sea in a stunning new 3-part series.
Star: Simon Reeve
Votes: 192
36. Burma with Simon Reeve (2018)
60 min | Documentary
Simon Reeve travels to Burma, known as Myanmar, witnessing the impact of the Rohingya crisis, where Muslim minorities were forcibly displaced.
Stars: Simon Reeve, Cheery Zahau
Votes: 145
37.
Modern Marvels (1993– )
Episode:
The History of the London Underground
(2000)
TV-PG | Documentary, History
Director: Jon Woods | Stars: Michael Praed, Mike Ashworth, Ruth Kelly, Chris Ludlow
Votes: 19
38. Nae Pasaran (2018)
96 min | Documentary, Animation, History
The incredible story of the Scots who managed to ground half of Chile's Air Force, from the other side of the world, in the longest single act of solidarity against Pinochet's brutal dictatorship.
Director: Felipe Bustos Sierra | Stars: Bob Fulton, Stuart Barrie, John Keenan, Robert Somerville
Votes: 314
39. Sea of Fire (2007 TV Movie)
60 min | Documentary, War
The story of the HMS Coventry, which was bombed during the Falklands conflict and sunk in a mere 20 minutes. On 2nd April 1982 Argentinean troops invaded the Falkland Islands. The HMS ... See full summary »
Director: Ian Duncan | Stars: David Bark-Jones, Steve Chaplin, Robert Lowe, Alan Medcroft
Votes: 15
40. 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: 148,767 | Gross: $21.58M
41. Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004)
R | 122 min | Documentary, Drama, War
Michael Moore's view on what happened to the United States after September 11 and how the Bush Administration allegedly used the tragic event to push forward its agenda for unjust wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Director: Michael Moore | Stars: Michael Moore, George W. Bush, Ben Affleck, Stevie Wonder
Votes: 132,405 | Gross: $119.19M
42. Sicko (2007)
PG-13 | 123 min | Documentary, Drama
A documentary comparing the highly profitable American health care industry to other nations, and HMO horror stories including shotgun deaths.
Director: Michael Moore | Stars: Michael Moore, Tucker Albrizzi, Tony Benn, George W. Bush
Votes: 76,834 | Gross: $24.54M
43. Where to Invade Next (2015)
R | 120 min | Documentary, Comedy
To learn what the USA can learn from other nations, Michael Moore playfully "invades" them to see what they have to offer.
Director: Michael Moore | Stars: Michael Moore, Johnny Fancelli, Christina Fancelli, Lorena Lardini
Votes: 25,711 | Gross: $3.82M
44. Capitalism: A Love Story (2009)
R | 127 min | Documentary, Crime, History
An examination of the social costs of corporate interests pursuing profits at the expense of the public good.
Director: Michael Moore | Stars: Michael Moore, William Black, Jimmy Carter, Elijah Cummings
Votes: 43,878 | Gross: $14.36M
45. Food, Inc. (2008)
PG | 94 min | Documentary, News
An unflattering look inside America's corporate controlled food industry.
Director: Robert Kenner | Stars: Michael Pollan, Eric Schlosser, Richard Lobb, Vince Edwards
Votes: 52,228 | Gross: $4.42M
46. Super Size Me (2004)
PG-13 | 100 min | Documentary
While examining the influence of the fast food industry, Morgan Spurlock personally explores the consequences on his health of a diet of solely McDonald's food for one month.
Director: Morgan Spurlock | Stars: Morgan Spurlock, Daryl Isaacs, Chemeeka Walker, Dania Abu-Rmaileh
Votes: 113,303 | Gross: $11.53M
47. Leaving Neverland (2019)
TV-MA | 240 min | Documentary
At the height of his stardom, the world's biggest pop star, Michael Jackson, began long-running relationships with two young boys, aged between seven and ten, along their families. They now allege that he sexually abused them.
Director: Dan Reed | Stars: Michael Jackson, Wade Robson, Joy Robson, Chantal Robson
Votes: 31,130
48. Sharkwater Extinction (2018)
Not Rated | 85 min | Documentary
Filmmaker Rob Stewart exposes the illegal fishing industry that threatens the survival of the world's sharks.
Director: Rob Stewart | Stars: Rob Stewart, Rebecca Aldworth, Will Allen, Will Allen
Votes: 1,243
49. 180° South (2010)
PG | 85 min | Documentary, Drama, Sport
The film follows adventurer Jeff Johnson as he retraces the epic 1968 journey of his heroes Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins to Patagonia.
Director: Chris Malloy | Stars: Yvon Chouinard, Doug Tompkins, Keith Malloy, Alicia Salome Acuna Ika
Votes: 3,175 | Gross: $0.03M
50. Deep Water (2006)
PG | 92 min | Documentary, History, Sport
A documentary about the disastrous 1968 round-the-world yacht race.
Directors: Louise Osmond, Jerry Rothwell | Stars: Tilda Swinton, Donald Crowhurst, Ted Hynds, Robin Knox-Johnston
Votes: 3,303 | Gross: $0.27M
51. Wild Pacific (2009– )
TV-PG | 50 min | Documentary
A documentary series on life in and adapted to the conditions of the Southern part of the Pacific Ocean, a vast aquatic region with an unequaled number of islands. Both wildlife and human ... See full summary »
Stars: Benedict Cumberbatch, Mike Rowe, Richard Wollocombe, Mark Brownlow
Votes: 2,517
52. Oceans (2008)
G | 84 min | Documentary
An ecological drama/documentary, filmed throughout the globe. Part thriller, part meditation on the vanishing wonders of the sub-aquatic world.
Directors: Jacques Perrin, Jacques Cluzaud | Stars: Pierce Brosnan, Pedro Armendáriz Jr., Jacques Perrin, Rie Miyazawa
Votes: 10,075 | Gross: $19.42M
53. My Scientology Movie (2015)
Not Rated | 99 min | Documentary
Louis Theroux documents his investigation into what goes on behind the scenes of the infamous Church of Scientology.
Director: John Dower | Stars: Louis Theroux, Tom Cruise, Marty Rathbun, Paz de la Huerta
Votes: 13,529 | Gross: $0.02M
54. A House Through Time (2018– )
60 min | Documentary, Biography, History
Historian David Olusoga charts 180 years of British history as lived by the successive inhabitants of a single home in a British city - from its construction to the present day.
Stars: David Olusoga, Deborah Sugg Ryan, Ian Hislop, Gaynor Evans
Votes: 196
55. Mediterranean with Simon Reeve (2018– )
60 min | Documentary
The travel writer and broadcaster journeys around the Mediterranean discovering the extremes that lie beneath the picture postcard tourist veneer.
Star: Simon Reeve
Votes: 300
56. Scotland from the Sky (2018–2019)
Documentary
In an exhilarating mix of aviation adventure and historical detective work, presenter James Crawford takes to the skies to explore Scotland's cities, coasts and countryside.
Star: James Crawford
Votes: 31
57. The Stone Roses: Made of Stone (2013)
97 min | Documentary, Music
Shane Meadows documents the reunion of iconic British band, The Stone Roses.
Director: Shane Meadows | Stars: Shane Meadows, Ian Brown, John Squire, The Stone Roses
Votes: 2,717
58. Fyre (2019)
TV-MA | 97 min | Documentary, Crime, Music
An exclusive behind the scenes look at the infamous unraveling of the Fyre music festival.
Director: Chris Smith | Stars: Billy McFarland, Jason Bell, Gabrielle Bluestone, Shiyuan Deng
Votes: 52,064
59. Arena (1975– )
60 min | Documentary
Wide-ranging arts program.
Stars: Gavin Millar, Kenneth Tynan, John Walters, Jonathan Miller
Votes: 320
60. Diego Maradona (2019)
TV-14 | 130 min | Documentary, Biography, Sport
Constructed from over 500 hours of never-before-seen footage, this documentary centers on the career of celebrated football player Diego Maradona, who played for S.S.C. Napoli in the 1980s.
Director: Asif Kapadia | Stars: Diego Maradona, Dalma Maradona, Pelé, Corrado Ferlaino
Votes: 18,267
61. Busby (2019)
102 min | Documentary, Sport
From the producers of 'Class of 92', Busby combines previously unseen archive footage with interviews with those who knew the man best.
Director: Joe Pearlman | Stars: Matt Busby, Rob Cavanaugh, Eamon Dunphy, Ryan Giggs
Votes: 371
62. James May: Our Man in... (2020–2024)
TV-PG | 50 min | Documentary, Adventure, Comedy
James May embarks on a remarkable journey across Japan, from its icy north to its balmy south. He'll see the sights, meet the locals, and eat the noodles in a bid to truly understand the Land of the Rising Sun.
Stars: James May, Yujiro Taniyama, Paolo Damiano, Aditi Mittal
Votes: 8,974
63. Liam Gallagher: As It Was (2019)
85 min | Documentary, Music
Rockumentary following British singer, Liam Gallagher, as he attempts to make a solo comeback.
Directors: Gavin Fitzgerald, Charlie Lightening | Stars: Liam Gallagher, David Adcock, Paul Arthurs, Gene Gallagher
Votes: 1,900
64. The Three Kings (2020)
104 min | Documentary, Sport
An insight into three of the greatest Scottish football managers and how they lead their clubs to success.
Director: Jonny Owen | Stars: Patrick Barclay, George Best, Richard Burton, Matt Busby
Votes: 372
65. Seaspiracy (2021)
TV-14 | 89 min | Documentary, Adventure
Passionate about ocean life, a filmmaker sets out to document the harm that humans do to marine species - and uncovers alarming global corruption.
Director: Ali Tabrizi | Stars: Ali Tabrizi, Richard O'Barry, Lucy Tabrizi, Lori Marino
Votes: 34,154
66. Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In (2021)
PG-13 | 108 min | Documentary, Biography, Sport
A look at the life and legend of Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson.
Director: Jason Ferguson | Stars: Eric Cantona, Alex Ferguson, Ryan Giggs, Jason Ferguson
Votes: 6,102
67. Finding Jack Charlton (2020)
97 min | Documentary, Sport
Finding Jack Charlton is the definitive portrait of an extraordinary man; an English World Cup winning legend, who became an Irish hero.
Directors: Gabriel Clarke, Pete Thomas | Stars: Jack Charlton, Des Casey, Paul McGrath, Roddy Doyle
Votes: 954
68. 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
69. Bobby Robson: More Than a Manager (2018)
104 min | Documentary, Sport
The definitive portrait of the late English football manager Sir Bobby Robson, one of the game's most inspirational and influential figures, whose legacy lives on far beyond the football field.
Directors: Gabriel Clarke, Torquil Jones | Stars: Pep Guardiola, Gary Lineker, José Mourinho, Ronaldo
Votes: 3,283
70. Schumacher (2021)
12 | 112 min | Documentary, Biography, Sport
Through exclusive interviews and archival footage, this documentary traces an intimate portrait of seven-time Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher.
Directors: Hanns-Bruno Kammertöns, Vanessa Nöcker, Michael Wech | Stars: Ross Brawn, Flavio Briatore, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, David Coulthard
Votes: 25,389
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