The 100 Greatest Documentary Features
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- DirectorJoshua OppenheimerAnonymousChristine CynnStarsAnwar CongoHerman KotoSyamsul ArifinA documentary which challenges former Indonesian death-squad leaders to reenact their mass-killings in whichever cinematic genres they wish, including classic Hollywood crime scenarios and lavish musical numbers.10/10
- DirectorWerner HerzogStarsTimothy TreadwellAmie HuguenardWerner HerzogA devastating and heart-rending take on grizzly bear activists Timothy Treadwell and Amie Huguenard, who were killed in October of 2003 while living among grizzly bears in Alaska.10/10
- DirectorGeoffrey O'ConnorStarsLouis TherouxLauren DrainSteve DrainLouis meets the Phelps family, who protest against an America that tolerates homosexuality9.5/10
- DirectorStuart CabbStarsLouis TherouxApril GaedeBill GaedeLouis Theroux travels to California to meet the man dubbed "the most dangerous racist in America"; Tom Metzger, his family and his publicity manager. Louis also meets 'Prussian Blue' an American white-nationalist preteen musical sibling duo.9.5/10
- DirectorStuart CabbStarsLouis TherouxFor two weeks, Theroux visits the San Quentin State Prison.8.5/10
- DirectorMichael Paul StephensonStarsGeorge HardyPita RayMicki KnoxA look at the making of the film Troll 2 (1990) and its journey from being crowned the "worst film of all time" to a cherished cult classic.8/10
- DirectorLes BlankStarsWerner HerzogKlaus KinskiClaudia CardinaleA documentary following German auteur Werner Herzog as he deals with difficult actors, bad weather and getting a boat over a mountain, all in an effort to make his film Fitzcarraldo (1982).8/10
- DirectorLarry CharlesStarsBill MaherTal BachmanJonathan BouldenBill Maher's take on the current state of world religion.8/10
- DirectorWerner HerzogStarsDieter DenglerWerner HerzogEugene DeatrickGerman-American Dieter Dengler discusses his service as a U.S. naval pilot in the Vietnam War. Dengler also revisits the sites of his capture and eventual escape from the hands of the Viet Cong, recreating many events for the camera.8/10
- DirectorEmma CooperStarsLouis TherouxLouis visits Coalinga Mental Hospital in California, home to over 500 convicted paedophiles, and spends some time with those undergoing treatment.8/10
- DirectorFax BahrGeorge HickenlooperEleanor CoppolaStarsDennis HopperMartin SheenMarlon BrandoDocumentary that chronicles how Francis Ford Coppola's Apocalypse Now (1979) was plagued by extraordinary script, shooting, budget, and casting problems--nearly destroying the life and career of the celebrated director.8/10
- DirectorGeoffrey O'ConnorStarsLouis TherouxKaitlyn AshleyJohnnie BlackLouis visits the home of the American porn industry, the San Fernando Valley. His hopes of getting a part in a porn film begin with some nude shots in Jim South's modeling agency. A walk on part in a gay film called SNOWBOUND, and an offer of work from Rob Black follow.8/10
- DirectorWill YappStarsLouis TherouxJimmy SavileMichael BuerkLouis Theroux spends some time with the eccentric broadcaster and charity fundraiser Sir Jimmy Savile and attempts to get behind the public persona.8/10
- DirectorEzra EdelmanStarsKareem Abdul-JabbarMike AlbaneseMuhammad AliA chronicle of the rise and fall of O.J. Simpson, whose high-profile murder trial exposed the extent of American racial tensions, revealing a fractured and divided nation.8/10
- DirectorGeoffrey O'ConnorStarsLouis TherouxFred PhelpsBethany HockenbargerLouis Theroux returns to visit the Westboro Baptist Church in the wake of the death of its leader.8/10
- DirectorRobert J. FlahertyStarsAllakariallakAlice NevalingaCunayouIn this silent predecessor to the modern documentary, film-maker Robert J. Flaherty spends one year following the lives of Nanook and his family, Inuits living in the Arctic Circle.8/10
- DirectorArthur CaryStarsLouis TherouxJimmy SavileKat WardIn light of numerous allegations of abuse and sexual violence against the late Sir Jimmy Savile, Louis Theroux re-examines his media relationship with the enigmatic public figure.8/10
- DirectorLottie GammonStarsLouis TherouxSaif KhanMargaret ValoisLouis Theroux heads to the USA to meet college students accused of sexual assault.8/10
- DirectorJamie PickupStarsLouis TherouxEarl LintonYasmin PreciousLouis Theroux meets people living with the long-term effects of a brain injury.8/10
- DirectorEmma CooperStarsLouis TherouxLauren DrainSteve DrainLouis returns to the Phelps family to find that several members have left the cult, and that they are being sued.8/10
- 1998–200049mNot Rated7.7 (289)TV EpisodeDirectorKate TownsendStarsLouis TherouxKhalid MuhammadAl SharptonLouis Theroux travels to New York to meet proponents of black nationalism.8/10
- DirectorMark CasebowStarsLouis TherouxTrudi SeneviratneRobin SchachtLouis Theroux visits specialist psychiatric units which treat mothers experiencing serious mental illness whilst allowing them to live alongside their babies.8/10
- DirectorGeoffrey O'ConnorStarsLouis TherouxLouis stays with the residents of a soon to open brothel in Nevada for a few weeks.8/10
- DirectorGuy GilbertStarsLouis TherouxKeith HarrisAnn Marie Davies8/10
- DirectorArthur BradfordStarsTrey ParkerMatt StoneAnne GarefinoA look at the making of HUMANCENTiPAD (2011).8/10
- DirectorWill YappStarsLouis TherouxNeil HamiltonChristine Hamilton8/10
- DirectorJamie PickupStarsLouis TherouxJosephine EngelhardtMatt FernandezLouis travels to DLC Warren in New Jersey, an innovative autism school.8/10
- DirectorStuart CabbStarsLouis TherouxRichard WilkLouis Theroux goes to the heart of gambling culture in Las Vegas.8/10
- DirectorEd RobbinsStarsLouis TherouxMarcus BagwellStephanie BellarsLouis explores what it takes to be a professional wrestler, interviewing male wrestlers, a referee, and Randy Savage's wrestling valet Stephanie Bellars. Louis takes some practice training at the WCW Powerplant.8/10
- DirectorGeoffrey O'ConnorStarsLouis TherouxBritish documentarian Louis Theroux examines the toll meth has taken on several addicts in Fresno, California.8/10
- DirectorKirby DickStarsKirby DickKimberly PeirceDarren AronofskyKirby Dick's exposé about the American movie ratings board.8/10
- DirectorDan ChildStarsLouis TherouxJanet CottrellDawn GrantLouis travels to Phoenix, Arizona - the capital of dementia care.8/10
- DirectorSeth GordonStarsSteve WiebeBilly MitchellMark AlpigerDie-hard gamers compete to break world records on classic arcade games.7.5/10
- DirectorAri FolmanStarsAri FolmanRon Ben-YishaiRonny DayagAn Israeli film director interviews fellow veterans of the 1982 invasion of Lebanon to reconstruct his own memories of his term of service in that conflict.7.5/10
- DirectorDebbie GellerStarsLouis TherouxGlenn CampbellRobert ShortLouis investigates the strange world of UFO seekers, beginning with a group called the Alien Resistance Movement, before heading to Colorado, where many sightings have occurred, and then on to Nevada's infamous Area 51.7.5/10
- DirectorGeoffrey O'ConnorStarsLouis TherouxLouis Theroux visits Southern California, home to a group of people known as swingers.7.5/10
- DirectorJoshua OppenheimerStarsAdi RukunM.Y. BasrunVolker HanischA family that survived the genocide in Indonesia confronts the men who killed one of their brothers.7.5/10
- DirectorJoe BerlingerBruce SinofskyStarsTony BrooksDiana DavisTerry WoodA horrific triple child murder leads to an indictment and trial of three nonconformist boys based on questionable evidence.7.5/10
- DirectorSimon UrwinStarsJustin Lee CollinsDirk BenedictDwight Schultz7.5/10
- 1998–200048mNot Rated6.8 (229)TV EpisodeDirectorEd RobbinsStarsLouis TherouxSue FerraraBilly MaysLouis investigates the world of home shopping channels.7.5/10
- DirectorPerry MartinStarsGeorge A. RomeroRichard P. RubinsteinDario ArgentoFeature documentary produced for the "Dawn of the Dead : Ultimate Edition" DVD set which profiles both the film and the career of director George A. Romero. Includes extensive interviews with all principle cast members and production personel.7.5/10
- DirectorWill YappStarsLouis TherouxDavid BlaineUri GellerIn 2001, Louis Theroux decides to set out on a journey to interview Michael Jackson. When Michael comes to the UK, Louis approaches Uri Geller but gets turned down. He then finds out that ITV has been granted an interview and Louis sets out for LA to meet a close friend of the Jackson family, promoter and magician Majestik Magnificent, who claims he can set up an interview with Joe Jackson, Michael's father. However nothing seems to go easily for Louis and his target seems further away.7.5/10
- 1998–200048mNot Rated7.3 (187)TV EpisodeDirectorGeoffrey O'ConnorStarsLouis TherouxRoss JeffriesMarshall SylverA satirical investigation into a Las Vegas based movement to inspire self-improvement through hypnosis.7.5/10
- DirectorEmma CooperStarsStuart LinderLouis TherouxLouis Theroux gets under the skin of the plastic surgery patients of Beverly Hills.7.5/10
- DirectorSacha GervasiStarsRobb ReinerSteve 'Lips' KudlowTiziana ArrigoniSince 1978, Anvil has become one of heavy metal's most influential yet commercially unsuccessful acts. In 2006, after a fledging European tour Anvil sets out to record their thirteenth album and continue to follow their dreams.7/10
- DirectorAlex GibneyStarsPaul HaggisJason BegheSpanky TaylorA documentary looking at the inner-workings of the Church of Scientology.7/10
- DirectorJoe BerlingerBruce SinofskyStarsGary GitchellTodd MooreDana MooreA further followup of the case of the West Memphis Three and the decades long fight to exonerate them that finally gained traction with new DNA evidence.7/10
- 1998–200050mNot Rated7.4 (232)TV EpisodeDirectorAlicia KerrStarsLouis TherouxCharles PeoplesGuy A. GrundyThe Body-building episode was centered on USA body-building, but a lot of which was related to female fetish stuff, and specialty wrestling video producers.7/10
- DirectorKate TownsendStarsLouis TherouxMaster PDick McGeeLouis visits America's South to see if he can make it as a gangster rapper.7/10
- 20141h 37mNot Rated7.5 (4.4K)DirectorDavid GregoryStarsRichard StanleyKier-La JanisseMichael GingoldA behind the scenes chronicle of how clash of vision, bad creative decisions, lack of interest and really bad weather plagued the disastrous production of the infamous The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996).7/10
- DirectorJoe BerlingerBruce SinofskyStarsDamien Wayne EcholsMelissa ByersNorris DeajonThe case of the West Memphis Three, its questionable circumstances and the parties involved are followed up years later.7/10
- DirectorPhil RosenthalStarsPhil RosenthalPeter BoyleStanislav DuzhnikovA documentary on Phil Rosenthal's experiences during the making of "Voroniny," the Russian-language version of "Everybody Loves Raymond".7/10
- DirectorJames AlgarClyde GeronimiJack KinneyStarsAlexander de SeverskyArt BakerBilly MitchellAn animated documentary promoting of the soundness of strategic aerial bombing in World War II.7/10
- 1998–200049mNot Rated7.1 (221)TV EpisodeDirectorGeoffrey O'ConnorStarsLouis TherouxErin FoleyLisa GoldChronicles the struggles of actors trying to "break in" to the business in New York City.7/10
- DirectorCrystal MoselleStarsMukunda AnguloNarayana AnguloSusanne AnguloConfined in an apartment from a New York housing project, the six Angulo brothers learned everything they know about the world through watching films and spend their time reenacting their favorite movies with intricate homemade costumes.7/10
- DirectorJon GunnBrian HerzlingerBrett WinnStarsBrian HerzlingerDrew BarrymoreJohn AugustSince the second grade, Brian has had a crush on Drew Barrymore and now 20 years later he wants to fulfill his dream by asking her on a date.7/10
- DirectorPenny LaneStarsJex BlackmoreChalice BlytheNicholas CroweA look at the quick rise and influence of the controversial religious group known as The Satanic Temple.7/10
- DirectorAva DuVernayStarsMelina AbdullahMichelle AlexanderCory BookerAn in-depth look at the prison system in the United States and how it reveals the nation's history of racial inequality.7/10
- DirectorBrett MorgenStarsDavid BowieTrevor BolderKen FordhamA cinematic odyssey exploring David Bowie's creative and musical journey. From visionary filmmaker Brett Morgen, and sanctioned by the Bowie estate.7/10
- DirectorArthur JonesStarsMatt FurieAiyana UdesenChris SullivanArtist Matt Furie, creator of the comic character Pepe the Frog, begins an uphill battle to take back his iconic cartoon image from those who used it for their own purposes.7/10
- DirectorDanny HoranStarsLouis TherouxLouis meets parents who have turned to medication to keep their children under control.7/10
- DirectorMichael Beach NicholsStarsChristopher BarciaMiguel BeyTrevor J. BlankIn Florida, parents can hire Wrinkles the Clown to scare their misbehaving children.7/10
- DirectorJoe PearlmanDavid SoutarStarsLuke GossMatt GossRon PerlmanIn the 1980s, "BROS" were on of the biggest bands in the world - for 15 minutes. A raw and emotional look into the aftermath of fame and the re-connection between two twins torn apart by their past.7/10
- DirectorBobcat GoldthwaitStarsBarry CrimminsJack GallagherMartin OlsonBarry Crimmins is pissed. His hellfire brand of comedy has rained verbal lightning bolts on American audiences and politicians for decades, yet you've probably never heard of him. But once you've experienced Bobcat Goldthwait's brilliant character portrait of him and heard Crimmins's secret, you will never forget him. From his unmistakable bullish frame came a scathingly ribald stand-up style that took early audiences by force. Through stark, smart observation and judo-like turns of phrase, Crimmins's rapid-fire comedy was a war on ignorance and complacency in '80s America at the height of an ill-considered foreign policy. Crimmins discusses another side of his character, revealing in detail a dark and painful past that inspired his life-changing campaign of activism in the hope of saving others from a similar experience. Interviews with comics like Margaret Cho and Marc Maron illustrate Crimmins's love affair with comedy and his role in discovering and supporting the development of many of today's stars. As a venerated member of America's comic community, Crimmins could be your newest national treasure. Just don't tell him that.7/10
- DirectorKate TownsendStarsLouis TherouxAnn WiddecombeMichael AncramJournalist Louis Theroux spends some time with Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe and finds out what makes her tick.7/10
- DirectorBanksyStarsBanksyMr. BrainwashSpace InvaderFollowing the style of some of the world's most prolific street artists, an amateur filmmaker makes a foray into the art world.7/10
- DirectorJames MarshStarsPhilippe PetitJean François HeckelJean-Louis BlondeauA look at tightrope walker Philippe Petit's daring, but illegal, high-wire routine performed between New York City's World Trade Center's twin towers in 1974, what some consider, "the artistic crime of the century".7/10
- DirectorPeter JacksonStarsThomas AdlamWilliam ArgentJohn AshbyA documentary about World War I with never-before-seen footage to commemorate the centennial of the end of the war.7/10
- DirectorJonah BekhorZach MathStarsSigurður HjartarsonPáll ArasonTom MitchellThirty miles from the Arctic Circle, in the northern Icelandic town of Husavik, stands the Icelandic Phallological Museum - the world's only Penis museum. Over 40 years, the founder and curator has collected every specimen from every mammal except for one elusive penis needed to complete his collection: The Human Specimen. The film follows the curator's incredible, sublimely comic, often shocking quest to complete his eccentric collection, and the two intrepid men who have raised their hands to be the first human donor.7/10
- DirectorJason MassotStarsLouis TherouxXander CorvusBrad ArmstrongIn 1997, Louis made a documentary on the booming Californian porn industry. In 2012, he returns to find an industry that has been decimated by illegal Internet tube sites.7/10
- DirectorJames MarshStarsNim ChimpskyStephanie LaFargeHerbert TerraceTells the story of a chimpanzee taken from its mother at birth and raised like a human child by a family in a brownstone on the upper West Side in the 1970s.7/10
- DirectorBenjamin ChristensenStarsBenjamin ChristensenElisabeth ChristensenMaren PedersenFictionalized documentary showing the evolution of witchcraft, from its pagan roots to its confusion with hysteria in Eastern Europe.7/10
- DirectorDziga VertovStarsMikhail KaufmanElizaveta SvilovaA man travels around a city with a camera slung over his shoulder, documenting urban life with dazzling invention.7/10
- DirectorDaniel BittonStarsWesley WillisVaginal CroutonsThe Causey WayDocumentary about the late Chicago artist and musician Wesley Willis. Filmmaker Daniel Bitton follows Willis throughout the Chicago area, riding the bus, talking to friends and strangers alike, selling his CDs to record shops and going about his day. Willis was memorable to many for being schizophrenic as well as 6'6" and over 300 pounds, but was loved by his fans and friends for his quirky, oddball music, artistic talent and for being a real gentle giant. He was a testament to the human drive to survive and create, as he himself was a survivor of extreme poverty, mental illness, child abuse, racism, and obesity. The fact that he lived to see 40 was incredible, but his having a successful music career and being able to function was even more so. Also included on the DVD is a complete Los Angeles concert with Willis' punk band "Wesley Willis Fiasco".7/10
- DirectorKevin MacdonaldStarsSimon YatesJoe SimpsonBrendan MackeyThe true story of two climbers and their perilous journey up the west face of Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes in 1985.7/10
- DirectorDan MudfordStarsLucy AkhurstBill BaileyKaty CarmichaelDocumentary about the making of 'Spaced (1999)', which features interviews from Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg and Jessica Hynes, along with most of the cast. The three also return to various shooting locations and reflect on their experiences.7/10
- DirectorPeter JacksonStarsRobert ZemeckisJim FyfeTrini Alvarado7/10
- DirectorBen BowieStarsTom BakerTuyet LeJoshua BurnsTime travel is one of mankind's favorite fantasies. But what if it were possible to build a real time machine? To travel into the future, or the past? Scientists are now teetering on making that impossible dream, reality.7/10
- DirectorJamie PickupStarsLouis TherouxJoe ExoticJohn ReinkeIn America's heartlands, Louis looks at private collections of tigers and chimpanzees.7/10
- DirectorMichael BliedenStarsPatton OswaltBrian PosehnMaria BamfordFollow four comedians as they tour the States.7/10
- StarsMichael G. BorackIndre RuksenieneJonathanLouis investigates Ohio's state psychiatric hospitals, meeting patients who have committed crimes but have been found not guilty by reason of insanity.Part 1
7/10 - DirectorR.J. CutlerStarsBillie EilishFinneas O'ConnellMaggie BairdAn intimate look at the singer-songwriter's journey, navigating life on the road, on stage, in the streets and at home, while creating her debut album.7/10
- DirectorJack RamplingStarsLouis TherouxCarole BaskinHoward BaskinThis special sees Louis travel to America to investigate the story of a man who has become one of the most controversial and captivating icons of recent times: the gun-toting, self-described 'gay hillbilly' and 'Tiger King' Joe Exotic.7/10
- DirectorJames CameronStarsBill PaxtonLori JohnstonLewis AbernathyJames Cameron and Bill Paxton, director and actor of the 1997 film Titanic, travel to the final undersea resting place of the ill-fated ship of dreams.7/10
- DirectorJeff FeuerzeigStarsDaniel JohnstonMabel JohnstonBill JohnstonDaniel Johnston, manic-depressive genius singer/songwriter/artist is revealed in this portrait of madness, creativity and love.6.5/10
- DirectorNick BroomfieldStarsAileen WuornosNick BroomfieldArlene Pralle1992, Florida, USA. Aileen Wuornos is claimed to be the world's first female serial killer.6.5/10
- DirectorNick BroomfieldJoan ChurchillStarsAileen WuornosNick BroomfieldTerry Humphreys-SlayNick Broomfield's second documentary about serial killer Aileen Wuornos, focusing on her mental state on death row.6.5/10
- DirectorBryce WagonerStarsAmber LynnAsia CarreraBobby SlaytonAn exploration of the lives of several former adult performers who have retired from the porn industry.6.5/10
- 1998–200050mNot Rated7.2 (299)TV EpisodeDirectorDaniel EliasStarsLouis TherouxRandy JamesJoni LambLouis visits Texas and to meet some born again Christians. He drops in on TV evangelists Marcus Lamb and his wife Joni. He also goes preaching with a Christian cult called The Family.6.5/10
- 1998–200050mNot Rated7.7 (254)TV EpisodeDirectorCatey SextonStarsLouis TherouxRonnie ConradLawrence LynchLouis visits Bangkok to meet the people behind the dating agencies that introduce Thai women to Western men.6.5/10
- DirectorZak PennStarsZak PennJoe LewandowskiRobert RentschlerA crew search for all of the old Atari 2600 game cartridges of "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" that were tossed into a landfill in the 1980s.6.5/10
- DirectorSeth PorgesChris Charles Scott IIIStarsJohn HodgmanFaith AndersonAlison BeckerA documentary that focuses on a dangerously legendary water park and its slew of injuries and crimes along with child safety concerns.6.5/10
- DirectorDon HahnStarsRoy Edward DisneyJohn LasseterMichael EisnerThe story of the Disney Renaissance, an incredibly prolific, successful and prestigious decade lasting from 1984 to 1994 that saw the fallen Walt Disney Animation Studios' unexpected progressive triumphant return to excellence.6.5/10
- DirectorWerner HerzogStarsWerner HerzogRichard LopezMichael PerryConversations with death row inmate Michael Perry and those affected by his crime serve as an examination of why people - and the state - kill.6.5/10
- DirectorMichael BliedenStarsBrian UngerGary CohanRobert GoreStand up comedian and marijuana user Doug Benson documents thirty days of pot free living and thirty days of non-stop use to compare the effects of both.6.5/10
- DirectorEdgar WrightStarsRon MaelRussell MaelBeckA musical odyssey through five weird and wonderful decades with Ron and Russell Mael celebrating the inspiring legacy of Sparks.6.5/10
- DirectorPaul HenryStarsAlain BoublilJohn CairdMarissa DunlopAn interview with the production team behind the hit Broadway musical as they discuss the conception and development of Les Miserables as a pop-culture phenomenon. Several scenes from the musical have been included.6.5/10
- DirectorMichael Paul StephensonStarsVictor BariteauTina BariteauGwen BariteauIn a small Massachusetts community, three Halloween-obsessed households transform into neighbor-terrifying supernatural wonderlands.6.5/10
- DirectorKatie CrawfordStarsJustin Lee CollinsRob DavisDavid Essex6.5/10