100 Best Documentaries - Page 2

51.

52.

Let's get some Rob Epstein love here. He was one of the Mariposa Film Group, the six directors who blew the lid off of the cultural taboo on homosexuality with the landmark Word is Out, one of the most influential films here. A riveting oral history, Word is Out tears down the boogeyman of the gay person with 26 normal people sharing their stories. The Times of Harvey Milk, meanwhile, is a terrific biography that's inspirational and heartbreaking in equal measure. Gus van Sant and co realized that they couldn't outdo this movie, and essentially reenacted it with Milk.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hammerhead 

50. Overnight (2003, d: Tony Montana, Mark Brian Smith)

 

I've never seen Boondock Saints, and judging by this film it's OK if I never do. But the story of how Miramax, in its quest to double down on the Kevin Smith/Quentin Tarantino phenomenon, bestowed its graces upon the most egotistical and ungrateful douchebag imaginable is absolutely compelling.

Dude was on Carolla's podcast recently trying to defend himself. Unintentionally but undeniably hilarious.

53. Night and Fog 

It's only half an hour in length, but it stays with you forever. Alain Resnais short on the horror of the Nazi regimes death camps was so divisive when it cam out in 1955 that it was either banned or censored till the 70s in some European countries. 

Uhh... I'm kind of at a loss to describe the film. The emotions that it invokes are overwhelming and... and...  

54.

1988

Much like a comic book itself, this cheapo late 80s doc has only increased in value over the years, due primarily to it's wide cadre of interviews that feature historical luminaries like Jack Kirby, pre-nuts Frank Miller, Will Eisner, William M. Gaines, & Art Spiegelman among others. Tracking the evolution of the comic book form from the boom & bust of the 30s & 50s to the rise of the big two & the indie publishers of the 60s & 80s, the film is an inventive, fascinating, & downright funny pop culture artifact. 

55. Visions of Light- The Art of Cinematography

The film covers the art of cinematography since the conception of cinema at the turn of the 20th century. Many filmmakers and cinematographers present their views and discuss why the art of cinematography is important within the craft of filmmaking.

- if you like movies, this is a MUST SEE !

couldn't find the trailer for this, but there is a Siskel & Ebert review of it.... 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZV8-Oc6xdE

56.

57. The Aristocrats (2005)

One of the best documentaries about comedy ever made. A host of famous comedians, including George Carlin, Billy Connolly, Lewis Black and Sarah Silverman, give their own versions of a legendary burlesque joke that is traditionally told amongst comedians (Mostly because telling the joke properly requires descending so far into utter filth and depravity that very few comedians would dare try it on the public). On the surface level, we get scads of world-famous comedians being as filthy as they can muster, which leads to a few surprises (Bob Saget being funny, Gilbert Gottfried being a hero of free speech, Carrot Top being... Well no, Carrot Top is still shit even here).

However, it's what the film suggests between the jokes is what makes it so great, and a genuinely exciting watch for comedy lovers. It's a glorious dissertation on the cathartic joy of black humour and the much-underestimated amount of creativity it takes to use filth well. This creativity is definitely on full display here; while it's technically the same joke being told over and over, the range of takes the cast make on it makes it feel like a new joke every single time, and brings out sides to many of these comedians we never knew existed.
 

While it's no example of documentary craftsmanship - it sticks to a 'talking heads' style and doesn't attempt any kind of narrative structure - it also doesn't need to be. The focus is the comedians and the wierd and wonderful ways they twist the story to their own tastes and styles, and by doing so makes comedy itself the star. 

58. The Gleaners and I

This was my own introduction to the charm and unique vision of french Documentarian Agnes Varda. A film in which Agnes sees a painting called the Gleaners and almost on a whim decides to investigate the history of gleaning and how the activity manifests itself in daily life. 

So see a film by Agnes is to see the world though her eyes and her own brand of optimism and curiosity is contagious. 

59. The Five Obstructions 

Lars Von Trier challenges his mentor to remake his most influential film in five different ways, with five different - increasingly bizarre - rules. The results are among the most interesting experiments in cinema history. 

60.

A gorgeous anthropological study of humanity, with the data submitted by the subjects themselves. For all that's terrible about the Internet, the fact that something like this couldn't exist without it justifies its existence. In a just world, Joe Walker would win the Editing Oscar for this film.

61. The Weavers: Wasn't That a Time! (1982, d: Jim Brown)

Over a quarter-century after the McCarthy blacklist sidelined their careers, Pete Seeger, Lee Hays, Ronnie Gilbert and Fred Hellerman reunite their seminal folk group for a concert at Carnegie Hall. Songs range from the simple "On Top of Old Smokey" to the rousing "If I Had a Hammer", and the old Reds have the last laugh.

62. October Country

63. Prodigal Sons

Both from last year, both excellent. 

Hello, Parker, only other person I know who's seen October Country.

Hello

And that's too bad, because it's excellent. Also, it's on Netflix Instant, and only about 80 mins. Totally worth the time. It's haunting and will stick with you.

Ummm...Does F for Fake count?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parker 

Ummm...Does F for Fake count?

I was certainly considering listing it, but it's a tough call... 

It is a tough call. I've been gagging to thrown in Farewell Uncle Tom but we're filling up with straight documentaries pretty fast so I wouldn't cross that line with F For Fake until we hit the 90s.

64)

Hilarious and profane, it portrays my people (Though I am a paraplegic) in a way that most don't consider in a very dangerous game. These guys are athletes and real men and this doc shows that. My amateur team played the New Zealand Paralympic Rugby team once and we were never spanked so hard.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Workyticket 

57. The Aristocrats (2005)

 

One of the best documentaries about comedy ever made. A host of famous comedians, including George Carlin, Billy Connolly, Lewis Black and Sarah Silverman, give their own versions of a legendary burlesque joke that is traditionally told amongst comedians (Mostly because telling the joke properly requires descending so far into utter filth and depravity that very few comedians would dare try it on the public). On the surface level, we get scads of world-famous comedians being as filthy as they can muster, which leads to a few surprises (Bob Saget being funny, Gilbert Gottfried being a hero of free speech, Carrot Top being... Well no, Carrot Top is still shit even here).

However, it's what the film suggests between the jokes is what makes it so great, and a genuinely exciting watch for comedy lovers. It's a glorious dissertation on the cathartic joy of black humour and the much-underestimated amount of creativity it takes to use filth well. This creativity is definitely on full display here; while it's technically the same joke being told over and over, the range of takes the cast make on it makes it feel like a new joke every single time, and brings out sides to many of these comedians we never knew existed.
 

While it's no example of documentary craftsmanship - it sticks to a 'talking heads' style and doesn't attempt any kind of narrative structure - it also doesn't need to be. The focus is the comedians and the wierd and wonderful ways they twist the story to their own tastes and styles, and by doing so makes comedy itself the star. 

Someone I'd long fancied took me to this because Bill Maher was in it (my suggestion), and it was just a horribly awkward viewing experience all around. In the end I didn't really care for the movie, I felt like ultimately it wasn't that interesting after 15 minutes, and it became more grating the longer it played

65. Koyaanisqatsi (1982, d: Godfrey Reggio)

Reggio's tone poem, scored to Philp Glass' brilliant music, sets out to contrast the harmony of nature against the chaos of industrial civilization. In this he may have failed, for he finds (or creates) beauty everywhere.

66.  New York Doll

Almost a dark echo of Anvil, as here we see someone who just walked away from it all, only to get it back without knowing it was already too late.

67.  The Atomic Cafe

Like the quote on the poster says, you're at once laughing at how naive we were, but also filled with dread at how commonplace and matter of fact the idea of nuclear destruction was back then.

68)

69.

I can't believe this movie didn't get more attention this year. For my money, the best 9/11 movie that's been made yet (and yes, I'm including United 93 there). It's an extraordinary exploration of grief and recovery. The film takes you through terror, sadness, then something like stability, and finally to acceptance. Watching these people gradually come to grips with what has happened to them over the course of ten years is an unbelievably uplifting, cathartic experience. This film is tied with Myth of the American Sleepover for the most unjustly overlooked of the year.

Quote:

Originally Posted by VTRan 

47. "Under Pressure- making 'the Abyss' "

 

 IMO, this is almost equal to "Hearts of Darkness" as far as movie documentaries go.

 

looks like it's on YouTube

 

I'd waited for years to see this, and finally watched it last night on YOUTUBE. Cameron is a genius. That's about all I have to say. His staggering ambition deserves recognition from all corners. I knew most of the stuff they talk about already, but wow. What a crazy production

Quote:

Originally Posted by Art Decade 

39.

2007

 

The blood boiling, Oscar nominated expose that details the disastrous Bush administration led occupation of Iraq. This is essential viewing.

 

The trailer: (Click to show)

 

Campbell Scott's narration is heart breaking. Excellent work from him, and great choice

70) BARAKA

A great double feature to watch with KOYAANISQATSI, it's a non verbal film from the cinematographer of that movie. I watched this movie and it made me cry! During a 5 minute shot of someone pushing a cart up a hill!

71) RADIO BIKINI

Sad. A very sad movie. Makes you pity the poor residents of Bikini, who were lied to in order to relocate them. They all just want to go back home, and unfortunately, they won't be able to for 10, 000 years

Quote:

Originally Posted by Princess Kate 

70) BARAKA

 

 

A great double feature to watch with KOYAANISQATSI, it's a non verbal film from the cinematographer of that movie. I watched this movie and it made me cry! During a 5 minute shot of someone pushing a cart up a hill

Kate, check out this site: http://www.spiritofbaraka.com/

I don't know if it qualifies as a "best" documentary, but one I saw on IFC a couple of years ago has haunted me since and that's

72. The Bridge.

Warning: not for the faint of heart (shows actual suicides):

The Bridge qualifies like a champ. Number that pick, it's in.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mister Falcon 

Kate, check out this site: http://www.spiritofbaraka.com/

 

I don't know if it qualifies as a "best" documentary, but one I saw on IFC a couple of years ago has haunted me since and that's The Bridge.

 

Warning: not for the faint of heart (shows actual suicides):

Thank you very much for the link!

As for THE BRIDGE, I'm sure it's good but I'm just not really in the mood to see it any time soon. It's been at my library for a few years now and I just never can bring myself to check it out

The best documentary on our planet (earth) I've yet seen:

72) PLANET EARTH

It's like a giant movie in 10 parts. I saw this in HD and it contains what has to be easily some of the most impressive footage I've ever seen

74.

1973

75.

1978

76.

77.

No shared theme here, just two fucking terrific films. Capturing the Friedmans is a searing portrait of family dysfunction and a scary tale of mass hysteria. Restrepo, on the other hand, is probably the best, most incisive movie yet made about the bleak pointlessness of the War in Afghanistan.

EDITED because two pointless wars going on simultaneously tend to blend in one's mind a bit.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whiteboy Jones 

76.

 

 

77.

 

 

No shared theme here, just two fucking terrific films. Capturing the Friedmans is a searing portrait of family dysfunction and a scary tale of mass hysteria. Restrepo, on the other hand, is probably the best, most incisive movie yet made about the bleak pointlessness of the Iraq War.

Restrepo is about Afghanistan 

78. Dark Days

79. Paradise Lost

I thought these two would have been much higher on the list.  Surprised no one has mentioned either yet.

80. At The Death House Door

Quote:

Originally Posted by Princess Kate 

 

Someone I'd long fancied took me to this because Bill Maher was in it (my suggestion), and it was just a horribly awkward viewing experience all around. In the end I didn't really care for the movie, I felt like ultimately it wasn't that interesting after 15 minutes, and it became more grating the longer it played

 

 

It certainly sounds like you weren't in the right circumstances for the film, or perhaps the nature of the humour wasn't to your tastes. Like I was saying above, the key to the film is looking past the fact that it's technically the same joke and enjoying how the joke's told. There's a hell of a lot of craftsmanship at play as each comedian/performer gives their own version, but at the end of the day, like most genuinely good raw or offensive humour, you have to want to/be able to see past the details. Circumstances have a lot to do with it. I love the film, but I know people I would never attempt watching it with because they'd either be offended or not get why they're repeating the same joke.

81. Sans Soleil (Directed by Chris Marker)

By no means your average documentary, this gorgeous contemplation on the nature of  memory is a must see for film buffs. Can't stress how lovely and invigorating this is. In my opinion, one of the best uses of the documentary form to this day.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Workyticket 

It certainly sounds like you weren't in the right circumstances for the film, or perhaps the nature of the humour wasn't to your tastes. Like I was saying above, the key to the film is looking past the fact that it's technically the same joke and enjoying how the joke's told. There's a hell of a lot of craftsmanship at play as each comedian/performer gives their own version, but at the end of the day, like most genuinely good raw or offensive humour, you have to want to/be able to see past the details. Circumstances have a lot to do with it. I love the film, but I know people I would never attempt watching it with because they'd either be offended or not get why they're repeating the same joke.

 

That said, the manner in which a then-mostly-unknown Sarah Silverman deconstructs both the joke and the interview format is a highlight.

82.

2002

Maya Deren was an avante-garde filmmaker & film theorist in the 40s & 50s whose experimental films were as influential as they were startlingly ahead of their time. This is the portrait of a female pioneer whose searing intelligence & artistic vision would foretell the mind-bending cinematic language of filmmakers like David Lynch & Jodorowsky well before they ever picked up a camera.

83.

1966

It's 1964, the era of colonial governance in Africa has come to an end, & two Italian filmmakers bear witness to the continent's grisly descent into hell. Shocking, depressing, & crucially important.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard Dickson 

67.  The Atomic Cafe

 

Like the quote on the poster says, you're at once laughing at how naive we were, but also filled with dread at how commonplace and matter of fact the idea of nuclear destruction was back then.

Excellent choice. Terrific movie, also on Netflix Instant.

Understand the struggle:

84. 4 Little Girls (1997) d. Spike Lee

85. Eyes On The Prize (1987)

Rock A Little:

86. 25 x 5: The Continuing Adventure of The Rolling Stones (1989) (the Wyman wedding coda is creepy, but still stands as greatest Rock doc)

87. The Beatles Anthology (1995)

Are we allowing TV docs? We could fill up a whole new list with TV docs easily. Let's keep it strictly features for now,

88.

The Maysles found perhaps the greatest subjects for a documentary ever in the utterly one-of-a-kind, delightfully wacky, endlessly quotable Beales of Grey Gardens. Hilarious and sad in equal measure, it's an absorbing dual character study.

89.  For All Mankind 

1989 docu. about the Apollo missions  w/ cool sndtrk by Brian Eno AND it's a Criterion title

clip-

90. Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson  dir. Alex Gibney

91. Investigation Into the Invisible World (2002)

Just an absolutely fantastic film about the hidden world of little people, ghosts, trolls, and other supernatural beings in Iceland. Not available on R1 DVD but it is up on YouTube in it's entirety:

92. It Might Get Loud

w/ Jimmy Page, The Edge and Jack White

93.

2004

My favorite Ken Burns documentary. Epic.

94.

2003

An inspiring examination of deep genius born from the grisly gutter of a life lived hard.

95. Love the Beast

Eric Bana, his 'mates'  and his 1974 Ford Falcon XB Coupe

96.

1990

97.

1989

There's a conspicuous lack of Ken Burns & Michael Moore on this list so these spots are dedicated to the respective breakthrough films of these two filmmakers whose work has all but defined modern, populist documentary filmmaking in the last 20+ years. Had this been a more objective list, they'd have appeared far more often & far earlier.