It’s a delightful, quirky, and captivating journey into the world of pet burials, where you’ll find yourself questioning the depths of love and the sometimes eccentric ways we choose to honor our animal companions.
The Deepest Breath (2023) is a Netflix documentary that explores the world of free diving, a dangerous extreme sport where divers plunge towards the ocean floor, often wearing nothing but a wetsuit and nose plug. The film follows the story of Alessia Zecchini, an Italian free diver who is determined to break a world record with the help of safety diver Stephen Keenan.
This documentary follows a platoon of U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan’s Korengal Valley, and it’s so raw and real that it makes you feel like you’re right there with them. It gives you an unfiltered, no holds barred look at the harsh realities of war, leaving you pondering the human psyche and the complexities of modern combat.
It’s the story of three skateboarding buddies in a Rust Belt town, but it’s also a deep dive into their struggles with family dynamics, abuse, and race.
Step back over 30,000 years into the Chauvet-Pont-d’Arc Cave in France, home to the world’s oldest known cave paintings. Herzog’s unique perspective and narration offer a deep and intriguing reflection on the origins of art, human history, and the passage of time. It’s like a virtual journey through a portal into the distant past.
It takes you deep into the heart of the American coal mining community, where the struggle for workers’ rights and safety comes to life. It immerses you in the lives of the miners and their families, making you acutely aware of the harsh realities they face. It’s a riveting exploration of social justice and the resilience of ordinary people.
“Free Solo” (2018) follows the incredible journey of Alex Honnold as he attempts to climb El Capitan in Yosemite National Park without ropes or safety gear. The sheer audacity and courage on display will leave you breathless and pondering the limits of human determination and the drive to conquer the seemingly impossible.
“Three Identical Strangers” tells the unbelievable tale of three identical triplets separated at birth who reunite by chance. The dark and mysterious secret that unravels as the film progresses raises profound questions about nature vs. nurture and the ethics of human experimentation.
9. Hearts of Darkness (1991)
Director: Fax Bahr, George Hickenlooper, Eleanor Coppola
“Hearts of Darkness” is a documentary about the making of the epic film “Apocalypse Now.” It offers behind the scenes look at the chaos and madness that unfolded during the production of one of cinema’s most legendary movies. This documentary leaves you thinking about the extremes artists and filmmakers go to in their pursuit of creativity.
“Faces Places” is a heartwarming journey through the French countryside. It follows the unlikely friendship between the 89 year old Varda and the 33 year old street artist JR as they create art, celebrate ordinary people, and explore the power of visual storytelling. It’s a delightful and inspiring exploration of the beauty found in everyday life.
“Touching the Void” tells the harrowing true story of two mountaineers’ perilous journey in the Andes. It puts you right in the midst of their life and death struggle, making you question the limits of human endurance and the strength of the human spirit.
“Capturing the Friedmans” is a disturbing and gripping exploration of a family in crisis. It delves into the lives of the Friedman family, torn apart by allegations of child molestation.
“Dear Zachary” is a heart wrenching and deeply personal documentary. It’s a tribute from a father to his murdered friend and a message to the child left behind. Its full of shocking twists and and insights into the lengths people will go to remember those they love.
“The King of Kong” is a classic underdog story set in the world of competitive classic video gaming. It explores the intensity and drama surrounding the quest for the high score in Donkey Kong. It’s a hilarious and engaging exploration of human obsession and the pursuit of glory in unexpected places.
16. The Up Series (1964 – ongoing)
Director: Michael Apted (Various directors across different installments)
“The Up Series” is a unique and ongoing documentary project that follows the lives of a group of British individuals, starting at the age of 7 and revisiting them every seven years. It captures the unfolding of real lives over decades, making you reflect on the passage of time, the resilience of people, and the choices we make.
It tells the story of Timothy Treadwell, who lived among wild grizzly bears in Alaska. It takes you on an emotional and psychological journey, exploring the fine line between man and nature, and the consequences of pushing that boundary.
18. The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst (2015)
“The Jinx” (2015) is a true crime documentary series that investigates the life of real estate heir Robert Durst, suspected of multiple murders. There are stunning revelations and jaw dropping moments uncovered during the series, leaving you with profound questions about justice, wealth, and the human capacity for deception.
“The Imposter” (2012) is an astonishing and twist filled tale of a French con artist who posed as a missing Texan boy. It blurs the lines between fact and fiction, making you question the nature of identity and the power of deception.
20. Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened (2019)
“Fyre” (2019) is a documentary that exposes the disastrous Fyre Festival, which promised a luxury music experience but turned into a massive disaster. What’s incredible is the chaos and absurdity that unfolded, revealing the dark side of influencer culture, social media, and the pursuit of a dream. It’ll leave you thinking about the consequences of blind ambition and the illusion of perfection.
“Tickled” (2016) begins as an investigation into a bizarre and secretive underground tickling competition but soon spirals into a shocking web of deceit and manipulation. It reveals an utterly unexpected and sinister side to a seemingly innocent pastime.
Michael Moore’s “Fahrenheit 9/11” is a politically charged documentary about the events and decisions surrounding the 2000 U.S. presidential election and the subsequent Bush administration.
23. Who Took Johnny? (2014)
Director: David Beilinson, Michael Galinsky, Suki Hawley
“Who Took Johnny?” is a compelling true crime documentary that explores the disappearance of 12 year old Johnny Gosch in 1982. The deep dive into the mysteries surrounding his case sheds light on the complex and often heart wrenching world of missing persons investigations.
“Collective” (2019) exposes corruption and negligence in the aftermath of a nightclub fire in Romania. The relentless pursuit of truth and justice by investigative journalists reveals systemic flaws in healthcare and politics. It raises profound questions about accountability and the role of media in society.
“The Act of Killing” (2012) is unlike any documentary you’ve seen. It takes you inside the minds of Indonesian death squad leaders from the 1960s, and what they do is truly astonishing. These perpetrators reenact their crimes, and the lines between reality and fiction blur in the most unsettling and provocative way. It’s a chilling exploration of guilt, memory, and the haunting aftermath of historical atrocities.
“The Look of Silence” is a companion piece to “The Act of Killing” and offers a different perspective on the Indonesian genocide of the 1960s. The courage of the main character, Adi, who confronts the perpetrators of the atrocities is inspirational.
Thanks for reading this article for mind blowing documentary inspiration!
Tiffany is a female entrepreneur who has been in the movie business since 2005.
She loves all things horror! Movies, Books, Magazines, Podcasts and Film Festivals. *****
Fav Author: Richard Laymon — Fav Director: Dario Argento — Fav Magazine: Cemetery Dance — Fav Podcast: Final Girls Horrorcast *****
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