Top 10 Documentaries That Everyone NEEDS To See At Least Once

VOICE OVER: Peter DeGiglio WRITTEN BY: Andy Hammersmith

Sometimes, fact is far more interesting than fiction! For this list, we'll be looking at the most important, entertaining, or well-made non-fiction films that are worth your time. Our countdown includes "Night and Fog", "Paris is Burning", "13th" and more!

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Documentaries That Everyone Should See At Least Once. For this list, we’ll be looking at the most important, entertaining, or well-made non-fiction films that are worth your time. These movies should be viewed by anyone that loves true stories, from zeitgeist favorites to challenging investigations and everything in between. Did we forget one of your favorite documentaries? Let us know in the comments below.

#10: “Man on Wire” (2008)

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James Marsh's documentary is the thrilling story of a performer with a dream. In 1974, Philippe Petit ascended the World Trade Center and tightrope walked between the Twin Towers. His dramatic journey and preparation serve as a compelling tale of a death-defying stunt. Hearing from a variety of co-conspirators, each interview provides further context as to the many close calls that almost prevented the maneuver. Petit's charming demeanor and courageous spirit guide the nail-biting plot along with an infectious energy. Winning the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature, “Man on Wire” redefines the format with all the entertainment of a high-stakes robbery.

#9: “Grizzly Man” (2005)

Werner Herzog's documentary chronicles the life of wildlife enthusiast Timothy Treadwell. Using footage from Treadwell's own camera, Herzog assembles the man's life through a collection of filmed memories. Treadwell's obsession with wild animals, especially bears, plays out through intimate moments between him and nature. The entire story takes a dire turn as the details of the subject's death come to light, in one of the more jaw-dropping points of the film. Herzog's delicate direction allows his hero to speak for himself and makes viewers question the complex relationship between humans and the natural world. “Cave of Forgotten Dreams” features the filmmaker exploring another worthy subject, but this particular project provokes even more thought and discussion.

#8: “Woodstock” (1970)

“Woodstock” follows the famous three-day music festival that changed popular culture in 1969. Cameras capture the various performers that graced the concert stage, from Jefferson Airplane to Jimi Hendrix. The film also observes the crowds and behind-the-scenes efforts that kept the show going. Filmmakers accumulated miles of footage from the multi-day event, editing it into an essential time capsule for 1960s music. It both features some of the more iconic performances in music history and encompasses the nexus point of an entire generation. The time capsule set the tone for music documentaries for years to come, as well as being a rich tapestry of the counterculture.

#7: “Hoop Dreams” (1994)

“Hoop Dreams” fearlessly takes the time to stick with its subjects for an extended period. Over the course of several years, director Steve James follows two prospective basketball players as they make their way through school. Along the way, the project delves into the sacrifice and determination needed to become a great athlete. James and his crew entrenched themselves in these players' lives, absorbing details about their family life and personalities that are as compelling as any fiction film. While they didn't become household names on the court, William and Arthur became stars of a beloved movie about perseverance, dreams, and society at large.

#6: “The Thin Blue Line” (1988)

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#5: “Paris Is Burning” (1990)

"Paris Is Burning," like many of the best documentaries, boldly explores and observes a subculture to inform the general public. In the case of this movie, the filmmaker takes a comprehensive look at the ballroom scene in New York City. Interviews reveal the lives of major players in the movement, describing their lives as artists in the LGBTQ+ community. Many of the balls showcase the tremendous talent and one-of-a-kind performance skills of the various members. Providing an important statement on the lives of marginalized communities, "Paris Is Burning" is also a joyful expression of life and art.

#4: “13th” (2016)

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Ava DuVernay uses the 13th amendment as the foundation for an engaging argument for civil rights and criminal justice reform. Encapsulating a vast array of historical information, the director manages to convey a compelling thesis for the lingering effects of slavery in America. An impressive slate of interviewees guide the viewer through a richly told lesson about the ongoing racial divide in the country. DuVernay's talent for storytelling allows her to construct a film that never feels heavy-handed, impenetrable, or boring. Instead of pushing viewers away, the director encourages them to engage with the material and come away with a better understanding of the prison system and mass incarceration in the U.S.

#3: “Night and Fog” (1956)

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A decade after WWII, French filmmaker Alain Resnais created this documentary in memory of those lost in the Holocaust. He put together archive materials from the 40s and juxtaposed it with new footage of the concentration camps in the 50s. Taking an unflinching look at the horrors of concentration camps, Resnais reveals the extent of the violence perpetrated at Auschwitz and Majdanek. This haunting film presents a vital lesson about the crimes the Nazis committed against their victims. In only 32 minutes, this short film presents a brutally honest look at one of history's darkest chapters.