Documentaries are highly underrated. Not only do they provide entertainment, but they also educate us about what’s happening all over the world and our rich history.
With so many documentaries to choose from, it can be very difficult to find some of the best. Some are jaw-dropping and unveil secrets, while others simply tell a beautiful story of the human spirit. There are a lot of documentaries to go through, and if you’re looking for some, you’re in the right place.
Check out the top 10 documentaries that you can’t miss with the list down below.

The Act of Killing
The Act of Killing focuses on the lives of self-proclaimed gangsters in Indonesia, where they re-enact the murders that they committed in the 1960s.

What’s eerie and very disturbing about this documentary is that the gangsters were happy and even gleeful to re-enact the murders.
What many do not know is that these gangsters are still very much in operation to this very day, thanks to the supporters of such violence holding office in the country. On the other side, we have Adi Rukun, whose brother was one of the many slain by the gangsters.
In this chilling documentary, we begin to realize that there are still cold-blooded killers living among us, and some of them are our own family or neighbors.
Found
What happens when you adopt three teenage girls from China and you discover that all three are cousins?

China’s one-child policy is still in full effect during this documentary while the three teenage girls were adopted.
This documentary is fascinating because while they live in the same household, all three have very different perspectives on life.
One wants to stay in America, while another wants to reconnect with her roots in China. All of this, while the adoptive parents struggle to keep the three children together during the entire adoption process, is quite endearing.
For Sama
For Sama follows the perspective of those who are trapped in the Syrian civil war’s devastation.

This documentary presents itself as a diary and a record for those who want to see the resilience of the Syrian people amidst the growing tension within the country.
The documentary is praised for its raw and unfiltered portrayal of the struggles of the families during the war and how it has affected their very lives.
This is the perfect documentary to watch if you want to see the devastating effects of war and the hope of human resilience.
Paris is Burning
Dive into the vibrant and colorful world of underground ballroom culture of the early 1980s in New York City.
Paris is Burning is an insightful documentary that focuses on the lives of African-American and Latin LGBTQ+ members and their struggles and celebrations.
It is a groundbreaking portrayal of the joys and pains of a persecuted community as it builds its own identity.
This cult classic documentary has inspired millions of people to fight for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility worldwide.
Blackfish
Blackfish follows the story of Tilikum, an orca held captive by SeaWorld, and the controversy surrounding the death of their trainer Dawn Brancheau.
The documentary covers the story of the orca and the critiques of the marine park industry. It shows harrowing footage of how orcas and other wildlife animals are treated within the marine park.
The documentary’s impact in today’s world has led to a significant change in how people view SeaWorld and the treatment of animals in captivity.
Nanook of the North
As one of the earliest documentaries ever filmed, Nanook of the North is a pioneer of the genre.

It follows the lives of the Inuit people of the Canadian Arctic through the lens of Nanook and his family.
After a full century of its release, the documentary film continues to be one of the most influential historical documents.
It masterfully blends storytelling while capturing the essence of what it means to be part of an indigenous culture. Nanook of the North is a piece of art captured in a documentary film.
Bowling for Columbine
Following the tragedy in Columbine High School, Bowling for Columbine examines the gun culture in the US and how complex the subject matter is up to this very day.

Directed by Michael Moore, this documentary shows the contributing factors that led to the rise of American gun violence and how it has become a commercial success.
The debate on gun control remains the centerpiece of the documentary and continues the discussion of gun violence in America.
Hoop Dreams
Hoop Dreams follows the story of two Chicago boys throughout their dreams and struggles to become professional basketball players.

The documentary follows the boys for five years as they tackle the disparity of opportunities in education and race.
The documentary’s narrative offers insightful commentary on young dreams and challenges that athletes face today.
Shoah
Shoah depicts the story of Polish survivors and bystanders of the Holocaust.

Director Claude Lanzmann eerily portrays nine and a half hours of solid masterpieces with interviews and personal encounters with the survivors and even the perpetrators of such horror in recent history.
With the heavy reliance on interviews from survivors and witnesses, audiences are taken right into the heart of the harrowing experience allowing the documentary to solidify itself as one of the must-watch of all time.
The Thin Blue Line
Documentaries are good at recreating events that happen in real life, but this technique was not used until this documentary.

The Thin Blue Line uses recreations of events as a technique to reel the audience into the story. The documentary follows a man who was wrongfully convicted of murder.
Structured like a whodunnit thriller, The Thin Blue Line successfully navigates its central mystery and delivers a very fulfilling payoff.
This is the ultimate documentary that has changed how we view true crime documentaries to this day.
Conclusion
There are thousands of great documentaries out there to choose from. These are just some of the most highly recommended and well-regarded documentaries that were ever published. These documents can help you see and understand the world in a different light.