Best Documentaries I've Seen
Here's some of the best documentaries I've seen. I know this is a list FAR for being complete, but nevertheless I wanted to share it with you. I'll keep updating it. Thanks for reading!
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- DirectorRon FrickeStarsPatrick DisantoA collection of expertly photographed scenes of human life and religion.Absolutely stunning! This documentary relies all the way in the visuals, there is no narration or explanation of the images depicted and I found that to be very, very entertaining and beautiful. The soundtrack is amazing and this is a MUST-see before you die.
The word Baraka means "blessing" in several languages; watching this film, the viewer is blessed with a dazzling barrage of images that transcend language. Filmed in 24 countries and set to an ever-changing global soundtrack, the movie draws some surprising connections between various peoples and the spaces they inhabit, whether that space is a lonely mountaintop or a crowded cigarette factory. - StarsDavid AttenboroughDavid Attenborough explores Charles Darwin's controversial theory of evolution by natural selection.A fantastic explanation how through evolution human beings and all other kind of animal lifes became what they are today. Very well paced and David Attenborough is brilliant as usual. If you want to know where humans come from, from a realistic, scientific, non-fairy tale point of view, you have to see this.
Charles Darwin and the Tree of Life is an outstanding celebration of the life and ideas of one of the greatest scientists yet to live. This nearly one-hour film includes a close look at the importance of both descent with modification and the common ancestry of all life. Wonderful glimpses at Darwin's original specimens and notes, important fossils, and DNA evidence are also high-lighted. These are all connected nicely into an easy to follow description of the primary mechanism of evolution, natural selection. - StarsSimon SchamaAllan CordunerPaul PopplewellFocusing on eight iconic works of art, Power of Art reveals the history of visual imagination through the ages.The most important aspect of this documentary, is the fact that Simon Schama is not all too concerned with styles or techniques but with historical context and its impact in the work of each artist he selected. Each work is presented as a reaction to the events of the time. He also goes deep into the lives of each artist and provides us with a better understanding of their motivations and personal relationships.
These artists become very human and for that reason very much like us. The combination of these factors result in the creation of amazing works of art that are a universal manifestations of human nature and emotion. It is because the message of each piece is so human, so universal, that the art becomes memorable. It is for this reason that these masterpieces continue to talk to us beyond the limitations of time. This is the real power of art! - StarsDesmond MorrisDesmond Harris give us a very good, unbiased view of the human sexes. How they evolved from its primitive behaviour to today. It's an amazing documentary that for sure you MUST see.
- StarsJoseph CampbellBill MoyersGeorge LucasMythologist Joseph Campbell presents his ideas about comparative mythology and the ongoing role of myth in human society.This is a collection splitted up into six succinct subject-sequences where Bill Moyers (the interviewer) and his editor took different parts of the dialogues and organized them together thematically. The Hero's Adventure, The Message of the Myth, The First Storytellers, Sacrifice and Bliss, Love and the Goddess and Masks of Eternity.
Campbell is very knowledgeable about many kinds of mythology and religion and answers him back every time with intelligent amusing and interesting anecdotes, countless memorized recitations, verses and many pointed professorial questions which make Moyers pause and think and in the end helps him and the viewer/reader to understand a lot of what he's talking about much better.
Regardless of your faith, interest, background or education, you will find yourself enjoying this series. Campbell's erudition and knowledge of the many ideas, subtexts and similarities inherent in the world's treasure trove of mythology is daunting to say the least, and his approach is designed to have it all make sense to the modern human heart. - CreatorAnn DruyanCarl SaganSteven SoterStarsCarl SaganJaromír HanzlíkJonathan FahnAstronomer Carl Sagan leads us on an engaging guided tour of the various elements and cosmological theories of the universe.From the lives of the stars to creation theories, functions of the human brain, and the ongoing search for extraterrestrial intelligence, Cosmos asks big questions. When appropriate, Sagan offers big answers, or asks still bigger--and yes, even spiritual--questions at the boundaries of science and religion. What's most remarkable about Cosmos is that it remains almost entirely fresh, with few updates needed to the science that Sagan so passionately celebrates. It is no exaggeration to say that Cosmos--for all the debate it may continue to provoke--is a vital document for humanity at a pivotal crossroads of our history.
The late Dr. Sagan would be pleased to witness the cooling of the Cold War, the continued exploration of space, and ongoing efforts to curb our destructive dependence on fossil fuels. For Sagan's series is far more than a guided tour through "billions and billions" of stars and galaxies. It remains a profound plea for the unity of humankind, for the recognition that "we are a way for the universe to know itself," with an obligation to know our origin, our place in the universe, and our future potential. - StarsTilda SwintonRichard WollocombeTom HiddlestonThe history of these beautiful Islands from their creation as uprising lava to their being studied by Darwin to their modern day inhabitants.This is a beautifully filmed journey into "the islands of the tortoise." Located due west of Ecuador, the Galapagos islands are full of gorgeous scenery and exotic wildlife. And this 150-minute documentary shows it all, thanks to stunning cinematography shot from all viewpoints--the air, sea and, of course, land. The collection is both soothing and exhilarating as it allows viewers to peek in on mating albatrosses (which are monogamous), penguins fishing, and surprisingly graceful giant tortoises swimming in the ocean. The filmmakers also manage to capture a ferocious volcanic eruption that is amazing in its clarity.
- StarsSigourney WeaverDavid AttenboroughNikolay DrozdovA 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.
- StarsSamuel WestRichard CorkJonathan JonesThis is a BBC series that devotes each hour episode to a single work of art - but in a fun, engaging, and interesting way. I read a glowing review of it in Entertainment Weekly and was not disappointed in the least. This is an absolutely *must have* for anyone who has an artistic interest and wants to better understand why some works of art are considered masterpieces, what their historical context is, the life of the person who created them, and what has happened to them - physically, culturally - from their creation to now.
- DirectorYavar AbbasStarsAlec BaldwinSean PertweePaul EssiembreA journey through space and time.A seemingly impossible trip" is made possible by amazing CGI technology. Spectacular images that began with those from the Hubble telescope and then were improved, now bring us closer than ever to the celestial bodies that exist at a nearly infathomable distance from our own Solar System-in fact, right to the edge of the Universe.
When you finish this video, you will walk away from it with an awareness that you never had before, of the unseen astronomically massive universe that we float around on like a spec of dust in the ocean. The most brilliant and awe inspiring thing about it, is that its all completely true. This video takes you on a journey through the universe as if you are watching a Sci Fi adventure. Yet you constantly have to remind yourself that what you're seeing is really out there. - DirectorAsif KapadiaStarsAyrton SennaReginaldo LemeJohn BisignanoA documentary on Brazilian Formula One racing driver Ayrton Senna, who won the F1 world championship three times before his death at age 34.
- StarsJulian Rhind-TuttCharles Shaar MurrayDavid FrickeSeven Ages of Rock is about the history of rock music. It comprised six 60-minute episodes, with a final episode of 90 minutes. Each episode focused on one type of rock music, each typified by one or two artists or bands.Great documentary. A definitive landmark series charting the emergence and re-emergence of rock music as a global force, told through the musicians who have shaped this most enduring of genres.
- DirectorRussell BarnesStarsDerren BrownDeepak ChopraRichard DawkinsScientist Richard Dawkins turns a hostile eye on the world of alternative medicine.After his controversial documentary Root of All Evil?, this time evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins overthrows the hypocrisy masks of paranormal searchers, astrologists, mediums, new agers, alternative medicine therapists and shows us how their deluded minds can even trick themselves! Also he investigates that evolutional reasons for why we believe paranormal.
- StarsLinda HuntSamuel WestGert HeidenreichThe history of the Final Solution phase of the Nazi Holocaust, particularly with the most infamous of the death camps.A unique and highly informative 6-part documentary that examines the establishment and development of the Auschwitz-Birkenow concentration camp within the historical context of the Nazi's changing strategies and goals during the Second World War. Using historical photographs, filmed re-enactments, recent interviews with both survivors and perpetrators, and computer models based on recently discovered blueprints of the camp, the filmmakers painstakingly trace the evolution of Auschwitz from a detainee facility built to house Polish prisoners, to a forced labor camp, and finally, to an infamous and horrifyingly efficient factory devoted to mass murder. One of the highlights of this documentary is the soundtrack. Trully great!
- DirectorRussell BarnesStarsYousef Al-KhattabRichard DawkinsTed HaggardRichard Dawkins' highly critical documentary attacks the pulsing heart of all mainstream religion- faith; with special focus on Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Contains repeated references to sectorial schools as child abuse and faith as the stepping stone to terrorist activity.In this two-part documentary, Oxford Professor Richard Dawkins examines how religious faith is gaining ground in the face of rational, scientific truth. The program takes you to some of the world's religious hot-spots, both in America and the Middle East. Dawkins meets with religious leaders and their followers, as well as scientists and skeptics to examine the power of religion. Interviews with former Pastor Ted Haggard, the novelist Ian McEwan, the former Bishop of Oxford, and others offer valuable insights into the global impact and consequences of faith in the 21st century.
- DirectorBayley SilleckStarsMorgan FreemanWhere do we fit in with the universe? This film seeks to explore our place among the ever-expanding universe.Cosmic Voyage mixes ground-breaking computer animation with cutting edge science to give us a sweeping view of the universe. A "cosmic zoom" extends from the surface of the Earth to the largest observable structures of the universe, and then back down to the sub-nuclear realm - a guided tour across some 42 orders of magnitude. Cosmic Voyage explores some of the greatest scientific theories, many of which have never before been visualized on film.
- 1995–19983h 45m8.5 (5.1K)TV EpisodeDirectorMartin ScorseseMichael Henry WilsonStarsMartin ScorseseAllison AndersKathryn BigelowMartin Scorsese describes his initial and growing obsession with films from the 1940s and 50s as the art form developed and grew with clips from classics and cult classics.Scorsese takes a highly intuitive and heartfelt approach in describing how a number of filmmakers--some famous and some forgotten--carefully layered their visions into their work, often against the great resistance or eccentric whims of powerful producers. This may be the single-best tool you could ever study to understand how one great cinematic mind realized its vision.
- StarsErik ThompsonAlex FilippenkoLaura DanlyThis educational show explores many scientific questions and topics about the universe (Big Bang, the Sun, the planets, black holes, other galaxies, astrobiology etc.) through latest CGI, data and interviews with scientists.
- StarsOprah WinfreyDavid AttenboroughDoug AllanDavid 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.
- StarsBray PoorHenry GarrettDanny WayneShowing the limits of the human body4 episodes focused on different areas in which the human body is "pushing the limits": sight, strength, sensation, & brain power.
- DirectorRon MannStarsLynda BarryCharles BurnsSue CoeA survey of the artistic history of the comic book medium and some of the major talents associated with it.This is a fun and intelligent look at the history and evolution of comic books, mostly through interviews with some great talents and/or innovators, portraying comic books as the wonderful, subversive, unique 20th century artform that it is. Unlike most documentaries on comic books, this film does not fall into the trap of focusing on those stereotypical comics (ie. superheroes).
The film is far more concerned with the individual expression of such artists as Robert Crumb, Sue Coe and Paul Mavrides. But even collectors more interested in the mainstream will find much of interest in this documentary. - DirectorAmy BergStarsOliver O'GradyThomas DoyleAdamDocumentary about Father Oliver O'Grady, a Catholic priest who was relocated to various parishes around the United States during the 1970s in an attempt by the Catholic Church to cover up his rape of dozens of children.
- StarsLance LewmanNova examines the special relationship that exists between human beings and dogs.Fantastic episode! Here you can see the dogs from a scientific point of view. Not just if they're fluffy or cute. Really great.
- StarsTim BentinckTim HuntJames LovelockThree of the most famous scientists of Britain, and how their discoveries have influenced and altered the ideas of the world wide scientific community.
- StarsMorgan FreemanSean CarrollMichio KakuHosted by Morgan Freeman, Through the Wormhole will explore the deepest mysteries of existence - the questions that have puzzled mankind for eternity. What are we made of? What was there before the beginning? Are we really alone? Is there a creator? These questions have been pondered by the most exquisite minds of the human race.
- StarsBernard HillJonathan MillerRichard DawkinsA mini-series which follows the history of atheism.
- CreatorRandall MoldaveEric SmallStarsPenn JilletteTellerShera PollinsThe comedy illusionist duo explore various topics and debunk what they consider misconceptions about them.
- DirectorBeverly JoubertDereck JoubertStarsJeremy IronsLegademaThe life of one small leopard from a cub right until the brink of adulthood, as she emerges as a huntress in Botswana's Mombo region of the Okavango Delta.
- StarsMichael MosleySimon ChaplinFloor LagerweyMichael Mosley takes an informative and ambitious journey exploring how the evolution of scientific understanding is intimately interwoven with society's historical path.
- StarsJonathan MillerArthur MillerRichard DawkinsJonathan Miller interviews five atheists and one theologian on the subject of atheism.
- DirectorStephen LowStarsPaul NewmanRichard GarneauJim PaulsonFollow the Newman-Haas (Andretti) racing team through the process of building, testing, and racing for a season.
- StarsCorey JohnsonJonathan KeebleTony PraveThe natural wonders of the world are being explained.
- CreatorUwe KerskenStarsMichio KakuFrank SchätzingPatrick GodfreyExperience the world 50 years in the future in this unique three-part series that examines the world of tomorrow. Supported by the world's leading scientists and research institutes, embark on a quest to answer some of society's most fundamental questions while revealing the dramas of tomorrow's world along the way. Featuring lavish special effects, 3D animations and dramatic sequences of cinematic quality, watch as state of the art computer graphics in combination with a dynamic storyline create a world based on science fact, not science fiction.
Includes 3 documentaries: The Body, The City, The World. - StarsRobin EllisSlobodan MilosevicFranjo TudjmanThis captivate documentary covers the struggles of the Yugoslavian people during the collapse of their country, and the subsequent wars to finally find hope with the signing of the Final Peace Accords.
- StarsJim Al-KhaliliThe story of the discovery that everything is made from atoms, one of the greatest scientific breakthroughs in history, and the brilliant minds behind it.
- StarsStan BernardTate SteinsiekScott A. MellorCovers many of the ancient Greek and Norse Gods, monsters and heroes including Hades, Hercules, Medusa, Minotaur, Odysseus and Zeus.Despite the production of this series are quite poor (as myths are dramatized with acting that borders on farce. Men pumping their muscles and grunting or monsters' eyes glowing flaccidly into the camera lens are marked periodically by CG blood splatters and modern primitive tattoo designs blazing across the screen that do nothing for Greek myth except make it feel oafish) the stories explain the ancient world's belief that nature was subject to the gods.
Clash of the Gods' other premise, more in keeping with its sensationalistic tone, is to expose hidden truths behind the myths. Though they failed to show the christian mythological god. I was expecting it to show Jesus, the Holy Spirit and all this fictional characters. Nevertheless I recomment it.