Documentaries - History, Society, and Culture
by wendy105 | created - 2 months ago | updated - 3 weeks ago | Public- Instant Watch Options
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1. Trump: An American Dream (2017)
Documentary, Biography
A British documentary series exploring the extraordinary journey of Donald Trump through five decades.
Stars: Colin Tierney, Nikki Haskell, Geraldo Rivera, Rona Barrett
Votes: 4,495
2. The Final Year (2017)
Not Rated | 89 min | Documentary
A chronicle of the Barack Obama administration's foreign policy team and the events of Obama's final year in office.
Director: Greg Barker | Stars: Ben Rhodes, Samantha Power, John Kerry, Susan Rice
Votes: 3,411 | Gross: $0.19M
3. Q: Into the Storm (2021)
TV-MA | 59 min | Documentary, Mystery
When documentary filmmaker Cullen Hoback sets out to uncover the forces behind QAnon, his attention turns to 8chan, the site where "Q" posts.
Stars: Cullen Hoback, Fredrick Brennan, Craig James, Ron Watkins
Votes: 6,618
4. Gerrymandering (2010)
Unrated | 81 min | Documentary
Takes a hard look at the framework of our democracy and how it provides our politicians a perfectly legal way to control electoral outcomes.
Director: Jeff Reichert | Stars: Dave Aronberg, Ben Barnes, Gray Davis, Howard Dean
Votes: 102
5. The Corporation (2003)
Not Rated | 145 min | Documentary, History
Documentary that looks at the concept of the corporation throughout recent history up to its present-day dominance.
Directors: Mark Achbar, Jennifer Abbott | Stars: Mikela Jay, Rob Beckwermert, Christopher Gora, Nina Jones
Votes: 21,787 | Gross: $1.88M
6. Print the Legend (2014)
100 min | Documentary, Biography, Drama
Follows the people racing to bring the hot new 3D printing technology to your home, documenting the "Macintosh Moment" of this revolution and exploring what it takes to live the American Dream.
Directors: Luis Lopez, Clay Tweel | Stars: Chris Anderson, Bruce Bradshaw, Craig Broady, Bill Buel
Votes: 2,052
7. Pray Away (2021)
PG-13 | 101 min | Documentary
Former leaders of the "pray the gay away" movement contend with the aftermath unleashed by their actions, while a survivor seeks healing and acceptance from more than a decade of trauma.
Director: Kristine Stolakis | Stars: Yvette Cantu Schneider, Michael Bussee, John Paulk, Julie Rodgers
Votes: 3,568
8. Cured (2020)
80 min | Documentary
"Cured" takes viewers inside the campaign that led to a pivotal yet largely unknown moment in the struggle for LGBT equality: the American Psychiatric Association's 1973 decision to remove ... See full summary »
Directors: Patrick Sammon, Bennett Singer | Stars: Harry Adamson, Gary Alinder, Irving Bieber, Robert Campbell
Votes: 167
9. 1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture (2022)
92 min | Documentary, History
The mystery of how theology, history, culture, and politics led to a Biblical mistranslation, the man who tried to stop it, and the impassioned academic crusade of the LGBTQIA+ Christian community driven to discover the truth.
Director: Sharon Roggio | Stars: Cheryl Anderson, Kathy Baldock, David S. Fearon, Steve Greenberg
Votes: 283
10. We Need to Talk About Cosby (2022)
TV-MA | 47 min | Documentary, Biography
Writer/director W. Kamau Bell's exploration of Bill Cosby's descent from "America's Dad" to convicted sexual predator. Comedians, journalists and survivors have a candid, first of its kind conversation about the man, his career and crimes.
Stars: W. Kamau Bell, Jelani Cobb, Doug E. Doug, Godfrey
Votes: 2,686
11. The Problem with Jon Stewart (2021–2023)
TV-MA | Comedy, Talk-Show
It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the world's problems. It's harder to pinpoint the systems responsible for creating them. In this series, Jon Stewart brings together people impacted by ... See full summary »
Stars: Jon Stewart, Reza Riazi, LeVar Burton, Chelsea Devantez
Votes: 2,366
12. Derek DelGaudio's In & Of Itself (2020)
TV-MA | 90 min | Documentary
Storyteller and Conceptual Magician Derek DelGaudio attempts to understand the illusory nature of identity and answer the deceptively simple question 'Who am I?'
Director: Frank Oz | Stars: Derek DelGaudio, Hal Schulman, Jason England, Robert Herritt
Votes: 5,543
13. 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: 31,126
14. The Seven Ages of Elvis (2017)
90 min | Documentary
Seven different stages of Elvis's career which connects his achievements to his life and what it means to history.
Director: David Upshal | Stars: Elvis Presley, Michael Bertrand, Steve Binder, Mac Davis
Votes: 108
15. The Social Dilemma (2020)
PG-13 | 94 min | Documentary, Drama
Explores the dangerous human impact of social networking; tech experts sound the alarm on their own creations.
Director: Jeff Orlowski-Yang | Stars: Tristan Harris, Jeff Seibert, Bailey Richardson, Joe Toscano
Votes: 89,463
16. Sesame Street's 50th Anniversary Celebration (2019 TV Special)
TV-Y | 49 min | Adventure, Comedy, Family
An hour long special celebrating 50 years of Sesame Street
Director: Jack Jameson | Stars: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Pam Arciero, Jennifer Barnhart, Tau Bennett
Votes: 114
17. Muppet Guys Talking (2017)
65 min | Documentary
For the first time ever, five of the original Muppet performers come together to discuss the creation of their iconic characters under the visionary leadership of Jim Henson. With ... See full summary »
Director: Frank Oz | Stars: Jerry Nelson, Dave Goelz, Fran Brill, Bill Barretta
Votes: 133
18. Mister Rogers & Me (2010)
TV-PG | 79 min | Documentary
An MTV producer's life is transformed when he meets the recently retired host of 'Mister Rogers' Neighborhood,' Fred Rogers. Friendship with the PBS icon sets the young producer on a hero's... See full summary »
Director: Benjamin Wagner | Star: Fred Rogers
Votes: 278
19. History of the Sitcom (2021)
TV-14 | 45 min | Documentary, History
Examines how sitcoms have evolved to reflect the changing face of American families.
Stars: Jason Alexander, Tracy Morgan, Emily St. James, Lorraine Ali
Votes: 448
20. The '80s: The Decade That Made Us (2013)
360 min | Documentary
The '80s: The Decade That Made Us is the defining biography of a decade, as told through exclusive interviews with more than 40 icons, entertainers and innovators who shaped its identity.
Stars: Rob Lowe, Kurt Andersen, David Sirota, Tom Brokaw
Votes: 639
21. Biography: I Want My MTV (2019)
TV-14 | 86 min | Documentary, Music
In 1981, a new channel burst onto the rising spectrum of cable TV offerings. It became a touchstone for young people and a new format for musicians and filmmakers to show off their talents.
Directors: Tyler Measom, Patrick Waldrop | Stars: Tori Amos, Jack Antonoff, Jeff Ayeroff, Frank Paul Bacon
Votes: 313
22. The Toys That Made Us (2017–2019)
TV-14 | 46 min | Documentary, Comedy, History
The minds behind history's most iconic toy franchises discuss the rise (and sometimes fall) of their billion-dollar creations.
Stars: Donald Ian Black, Kirk Bozigian, David Vonner, Mark Bellomo
Votes: 6,156
23. The Movies That Made Us (2019–2021)
TV-PG | 44 min | Documentary, Family, History
Unwrap the real stories behind these iconic blockbusters, thanks to insider interviews and behind-the-scenes peeks.
Stars: Danny Wallace, Donald Ian Black, Jennifer Julian, Ryan Turek
Votes: 7,227
24. Soundtracks: Songs That Defined History (2017– )
42 min | Documentary, History, Music
A look at significant historical moments in time and the music that helped defined them.
Stars: Jason King, Richard Goldstein, Melissa Etheridge, Kathy Sledge
Votes: 118
25. Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice (2019)
PG-13 | 95 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
With one of the most memorably stunning voices that has ever hit the airwaves, Linda Ronstadt burst onto the 1960s folk rock music scene in her early twenties.
Directors: Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman | Stars: Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris
Votes: 2,481 | Gross: $0.16M
26. Hired Gun (2016)
Not Rated | 98 min | Documentary, Music
A documentary film about session and touring musicians that are hired by well established and famous bands and artists like Metallica, KISS, and Billy Joel. These hired guns may not be household names, but are still masters of their craft.
Director: Fran Strine | Stars: John 5, Kenny Aronoff, Corey Britz, Kara Britz
Votes: 2,210
27. I Know That Voice (2013)
Not Rated | 90 min | Documentary
Several voice actors discuss their art and their careers.
Director: Lawrence Shapiro | Stars: Charlie Adler, Pamela Adlon, Carlos Alazraqui, Jack Angel
Votes: 2,858
28.
Nova (1974– )
Episode:
A to Z: How Writing Changed the World
(2020)
TV-G | 52 min | Documentary
How the development of writing played a vital role in shaping world history, from the invention of paper to the printed book.
Director: David Sington | Stars: Jeannette Robinson, Brody Neuenschwander, Samah Salah Elliathy, Matthew Nicholls
Votes: 89
29. Roman Empire (2016–2019)
TV-MA | 48 min | Documentary, Biography, Drama
Chronicles some of the most famous leaders of the Roman Civilization.
Stars: Aaron Irvin, Corey Brennan, Jerry Toner, Steve West
Votes: 9,376
30. Art of Persia (2020)
180 min | Documentary, History
Broadcaster and journalist Samira Ahmed goes on a remarkable journey to places rarely seen, as she travels through Iran, telling the story of a complex and fascinating people, culture and history.
Star: Samira Ahmed
Votes: 143
31. The Lost Pirate Kingdom (2021– )
TV-MA | 43 min | Documentary, Adventure, Drama
The real-life pirates of the Caribbean violently plunder, stealing and form a surprisingly egalitarian republic in this documentary series.
Stars: Derek Jacobi, James Oliver Wheatley, Sam Callis, Tom Padley
Votes: 3,452
32. Jesus: His Life (2019– )
TV-PG | 43 min | Drama
Comprehensive retelling of Jesus' life story from a Biblically-accurate perspective. Live-action storytelling interspersed with brief commentary provides context about the world as it was during the early Christian era.
Stars: Houda Echouafni, Cassie Bradley, Greg Barnett, Adam Dean Ayadi
Votes: 472
33. Exterminate All the Brutes (2021)
TV-MA | 58 min | Documentary, History
The path to the new world, an unsettling and intricate story of genocides. Conquest, slavery and the fabrication of "Whiteness".
Stars: Raoul Peck, Josh Hartnett, Caisa Ankarsparre, Fraser James
Votes: 2,974
34. Secrets of Great British Castles (2015–2016)
TV-PG | 45 min | Documentary, History
Historian Dan Jones explores the millennium of history behind six of Great Britain's most famous castles: Warwick, Dover, Caernarfon, the Tower of London, Carrickfergus, and Stirling.
Stars: Dan Jones, Christophe Lombardi, Jay Dee, Ronald Hutton
Votes: 1,235
35. Myths & Monsters (2017)
TV-PG | 42 min | Documentary, Fantasy
This documentary series tells the stories that have gripped imaginations for centuries and reveals the fascinating and unexpected history behind them.
Stars: Nicholas Day, Diane Purkiss, Liz Gloyn, Juliette Wood
Votes: 938
36. The Last Czars (2019)
TV-MA | 45 min | Documentary, Drama, History
A Chronicled look at the fall of the Romanov dynasty in Russia.
Stars: Robert Jack, Susanna Herbert, Ben Cartwright, Oliver Dimsdale
Votes: 9,667
37. The World Wars (2014)
TV-14 | 270 min | Documentary, History, War
A look at both World Wars and what the biggest names in history did during each war and the time in between.
Stars: Maximilian Klas, Ian Beyts, Jacopo Rampini, Jonathan Hartman
Votes: 2,421
38. The Private Lives of the Tudors (2016–2019)
Drama, History
A look though the private lives of the Tudor monorachs
Stars: Gabriella Montrose, Nathan Coenen, Marian Elizabeth, Anastasia Drew
Votes: 115
39. The Windsors: A Royal Dynasty (2020)
60 min | Documentary
The Windsors: Inside the Royal Dynasty. The series tells the incredible, dramatic and emotional tale of the British Royal Family known as The Windsors. Using stunning archive and interviews... See full summary »
Stars: Rosamund Pike, Kate Williams, Ed Owens, Piers Brendon
Votes: 193
40. Generation Wealth (2018)
R | 105 min | Documentary
A documentary that investigates the pathologies that have created the richest society the world has ever seen.
Director: Lauren Greenfield | Stars: Lauren Greenfield, Bret Easton Ellis, Paris Cronin, Mijanou
Votes: 5,619 | Gross: $0.24M
41. The Beatles: Get Back (2021– )
PG-13 | 156 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
In January 1969, The Beatles set out to write and record new songs for their first live show in more than two years, culminating in an impromptu concert atop their Savile Row studio.
Votes: 28,093
42. White Noise (II) (2020)
TV-14 | 94 min | Documentary
As white nationalist violence surges in America and across the world, this documentary represents an urgent warning about the power of extremism, and where it's going next.
Director: Daniel Lombroso | Stars: Mike Cernovich, William H. Regnery II, Lauren Southern, Richard Spencer
Votes: 893
43. I Am Not Your Negro (2016)
PG-13 | 93 min | Documentary, History
Writer James Baldwin tells the story of race in modern America with his unfinished novel, Remember This House.
Director: Raoul Peck | Stars: Samuel L. Jackson, James Baldwin, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X
Votes: 23,505 | Gross: $7.12M
44. Fighting Indians (2021)
117 min | Documentary
On May 16th, 2019, The State of Maine made history by passing LD 944 An Act to Ban Native American Mascots in All Public Schools, the first legislation of its kind in the country. For ... See full summary »
Directors: Mark G. Cooley, Derek Ellis | Stars: Dawn Neptune Adams, Jeffery P. Beck, Al Carroll, Barry Dana
Votes: 7
45. Golden Girls: Ageless (2021 TV Movie)
Documentary
Celebrates the Beloved Sitcom (The Golden Girls (1985)), Its Timeless Cast and How the Show Continues to Grow Its Massive Fanbase Decades After the Final Episode.
Directors: Randy Martin, Paul Ellison | Stars: Valerie Bertinelli, Stan Zimmerman, Terry Hughes, Carl Gettleman
Votes: 19
46. Origin (2023)
PG-13 | 141 min | Drama, History
The unspoken system that has shaped America and chronicles how lives today are defined by a hierarchy of human divisions.
Director: Ava DuVernay | Stars: Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Jon Bernthal, Niecy Nash, Emily Yancy
Votes: 4,310
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