The 10 Best Documentary Movies Ever Made, According To Rotten Tomatoes

For some, documentaries may seem dull or interesting only when they revolve around true-crime tales. However, those who have immersed themselves in the genre discover an exhilarating fact: documentaries rank among the most gripping and essential forms of cinematic storytelling available today. This filmmaking genre consistently generates exceptional pieces that redefine the boundaries of cinema, resonating deeply with viewers through portrayals of everyday life. In the realm of documentary makers, traditional polish and adherence to a three-act narrative structure are often discarded in favor of presenting stories from our very neighborhoods. There is no shortage of excellent documentaries that demonstrate this reality.

Hey there fellow gaming buddy! If you’re on the hunt for an intriguing mix of docs from different 21st-century epochs that truly showcase the art form’s infinite possibilities, then look no further than the top 10 documentary movies as rated by Rotten Tomatoes. This review aggregator site is your ticket to uncovering some of the most remarkable documentaries out there, complete with insightful reviews and in-depth analyses that explain why these films are so unique.

What’s more, the top 10 documentaries on this platform cover a breathtakingly diverse array of subjects, from sports tales to behind-the-scenes looks at musicians who aren’t household names yet, to investigations into America’s dark past, and much, much more. Think your friends are stuck in their belief that docs are just dull stuff for classroom viewing? Just whip out this list of the top 10 documentaries as per Rotten Tomatoes, and watch them change their minds!

Anvil! The Story of Anvil

Documentaries about well-known bands are common, but the 2009 film “Anvil! The Story of Anvil” stood out as an exceptional documentary due to its unique focus on a group of less famous musicians. This film followed Anvil, a Canadian heavy metal band that had some popularity in the 80s but never quite reached superstardom. Despite having jobs in transportation, construction, and other fields, they continue to tour today. Despite the challenges they face, Anvil remains dedicated to their music. The story of Anvil in “Anvil! The Story of Anvil” is surprisingly popular given its engaging nature. It’s no wonder that people became so captivated by this film.

Unlike other music documentaries such as “Becoming Led Zeppelin,” which come off as highly polished and seem more like public relations efforts, “Anvil! The Story of Anvil” is remarkably candid in portraying the grittiest aspects of this band’s life. Mismanaged tour dates, heated arguments among band members, and other challenges are just some of the issues shown on-screen, making the film all the more emotionally gripping. Furthermore, the extraordinary odds faced by Anvil and their obvious affection for each other provide an emotional core to “Anvil! The Story of Anvil” that’s hard to resist. Most viewers entering this film will be unfamiliar with its namesake band. However, after watching, they are unlikely to ever forget them.

Murderball

Similar to how “Anvil! The Story of Anvil” revolutionized the music documentary genre, Henry Alex Rubin and Dana Adam Shapiro’s film, “Murderball,” invigorates the world of sports cinema with its innovative approach. In this production, the directors skillfully capture the journeys of wheelchair rugby players using captivating, energetic camera work that brings the sports-focused scenes to life. The unpolished, authentic filmmaking style, which underscores the raw, impromptu nature of the action on screen, further enhances the feeling that viewers are immersed in these athletes’ worlds. These unique qualities were at the heart of many positive reviews for “Murderball,” propelling it to become not only one of the most celebrated documentaries but also one of the outstanding films of 2005.

The film “Murderball” was highly commended for its authentic and inclusive portrayal of disabled individuals on screen, with the camera deliberately focusing on different athletes to reflect the diversity in disability experiences. Critics also appreciated the dual nature of the film, serving both as a documentary and an emotionally impactful sports drama. Many top sports films struggle to match the inspiring and deeply moving scenes found within “Murderball’s” narrative. Additionally, the focus on rugby, a sport less commonly featured in American cinema, added to the movie’s unique appeal. All these elements make “Murderball” an exceptional choice for fans of critically acclaimed documentaries.

Inside Job

Matt Damon is well-known for his roles in big blockbuster films like the “Bourne” series, “The Martian,” and the upcoming “Oppenheimer.” Yet, it’s also important to acknowledge his work in art house cinema. For instance, he narrated the 2010 documentary “Inside Job,” directed by Charles Ferguson. This documentary offers viewers an insightful portrayal of how America found itself in the 2008 financial crisis. It emphasizes that the corruption leading to this catastrophic event was not an exception but a recurring pattern. Damon’s voice serves as a guide through decades of historical events, interviews with financial experts, and everyday individuals impacted by The Great Recession. Critics lauded “Inside Job,” commending it for presenting complex, potentially dry subject matter in a captivating way.

The film “Inside Job” was not indifferent towards the rampant corruption it depicted, but instead reflected the palpable anger of its director, Ferguson, and those interviewed, towards the unjust status quo in American society. This anger permeated the movie, giving it a passionate, impassioned tone rather than a cold, detached one. Matt Damon’s voiceover provided a relatable, familiar means to convey complex financial information to the audience, further enhancing the film’s impact and artistic merit.

Flee

Animated documentaries represent a unique blend of film genres, combining animation and documentary storytelling. These productions are sometimes unfairly labeled as “lesser art,” but they can actually produce extraordinary results. In these films, genuine testimonies are skillfully interwoven with animations that bring to life emotions only imaginable in this medium. To appreciate the power of animated documentaries, consider the 2021 film “Flee” directed by Jonas Poher Rasmussen. This compelling production follows the story of Amin, a gay Afghan refugee. Through animation, it offers a deeply personal glimpse into a life that has been shrouded in silence for so long.

In the movie “Flee,” the diverse animation techniques used masterfully mirror the vast array of intense feelings Amin has endured during his struggle to live. This visual flexibility outshines many high-budgeted narrative animated films, while also effectively portraying the towering emotions Amin has confronted. The artistic animations in “Flee” also uniquely capture aspects of immigrant experiences that have never been depicted on screen in this manner before. Moreover, Amin’s story is so vividly presented through words that listening to his narrative is completely engrossing.

The most touching moments in “Flee” are likely to linger in viewers’ minds; primarily, a poignant story about his brother near the end of the movie. The acclaim for “Flee” was widespread and it earned numerous Oscar nominations after its release in cinemas. Given its exceptional quality, this comes as no surprise. It is a brilliant film that serves not only as an impressive example of animated documentary filmmaking but also as a powerful tribute to the medium’s capacity to move audiences.

Life Itself

In 2018, Dan Fogelman’s movie “Life Itself” received some of the most negative reviews of the year from critics. They found the script confusing and the plot elements, such as Annette Bening getting hit by a bus and the excessive time jumps in the final scene, to be illogical and over-the-top. The critical response was quite disappointing, particularly when compared to the favorable reviews that another film titled “Life Itself” received.

In 2014, this second film directed by Steve James, known for his documentary masterpiece “Hoop Dreams,” received numerous accolades due to its insightful portrayal of Roger Ebert’s life. Released about a year after Ebert’s death, “Life Itself” paid tribute to Ebert by presenting his life story within the medium he had devoted his career to.

As I watched “Life Itself,” I couldn’t help but feel like the character George Bailey from “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Just like Ebert’s life, one man’s story seemed to ripple out and touch so many others. The film’s camera captured people spanning directors such as Werner Herzog, fellow writers, and personal friends of the late critic, sharing captivating tales about Ebert. Critics praised this broad perspective for brilliantly showcasing that Ebert’s legacy extended beyond the reviews he wrote.

One aspect that stood out in many positive reviews was the film’s ability to evoke deep emotions without resorting to an excessive amount of sentimentality, avoiding the pitfalls of schmaltz. All these qualities made “Life Itself” a worthy tribute to Ebert, and a stark contrast to the reception of 2018’s “Life Itself.

20 Feet from Stardom

If you’re fed up with conventional music documentaries that regale the same tales about The Beatles, Crosby, Stills & Nash, and John Williams, give “20 Feet from Stardom” a try as it offers a refreshing change of pace with its working-class viewpoint on the music industry. Directed by Morgan Neville, this film focuses on the lives of backup singers – though they might not be familiar faces, they’ve significantly contributed to making your favorite tunes sound so splendid. Moreover, these artists aren’t solely defined by the famous singers they accompany; they have their own ambitions, lives, and intricacies. This heartfelt homage to an often overlooked segment of the music industry garnered widespread praise in 2013. The film eventually amassed enough critical support to win the prestigious Oscar for best documentary that year.

The intricate balance of tones in Neville’s movie “Stardom,” which showcases joy, struggles, and everything in between within its concise 90-minute duration, was particularly celebrated by critics. Compelling stories from backup singers like Darlene Love and Lisa Fischer also earned universal praise. Particularly noteworthy was how Neville’s cinematography subtly focuses on these intriguing individuals and their daily lives without overwhelming their perspectives with excessive visual effects. In some ways, the beauty of this simple harmony lingers indefinitely. Similarly, the minimalistic aesthetic of “20 Feet from Stardom” proved to be a key factor behind its success.

Fire of Love

One intriguing aspect of documentaries lies in their use of archival content initially intended for settings other than the big screen. For instance, home videos in “Dick Johnson is Dead,” audio from a South African genocide reenactor meeting in “Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat,” or corporate-mandated anti-union meetings in films like “American Factory” or “Union.” These aspects provide a glimpse into content and images that, due to malicious intent or simple inclinations, were not originally conceived as material for cinema audiences.

The film “Fire of Love,” directed by Sara Dosa, recounts the tale of Katia and Maurice Kraft, passionate volcano researchers, using their self-shot images and home videos as a visual narrative. Initially, these captivating visuals, featuring an egg cooking on volcanic ground, were not intended for an Academy Award-nominated documentary; rather, they served as a means for the Krafts to document their fascination with these colossal and perilous natural occurrences.

Critics raved about the movie “Fire of Love,” praising its innovative approach to using old footage that provided astonishingly close looks at volcanic eruptions. The overwhelmingly positive reactions also recognized Dosa for skillfully creating an eerie atmosphere, as the documentary invariably concludes with the tragic demise of the Kraft couple. Remarkably, none of the material initially considered suitable for a documentary film was used in “Fire of Love.” However, critics believed this quality contributed significantly to its visual success.

I Am Not Your Negro

James Baldwin’s literature was extraordinarily groundbreaking, and conversations with him were certain to yield profound, thought-provoking insights. So, how does one make a documentary about Baldwin that matches his legendary status? The 2016 film “I Am Not Your Negro,” directed by Raoul Peck, managed this feat by utilizing Baldwin’s unfinished manuscript, “Remember This House.” Critics praised the director’s skill in portraying Baldwin’s legacy as a resounding success. By heavily relying on the writer’s own words and powerful archival footage, the film brought Baldwin’s life and perspective to life in a dynamic way.

Instead of softening Baldwin’s rebellious spirit for mainstream audiences, critics appreciated that Peck’s approach in “I Am Not Your Negro” was as unconventional and boundary-pushing as the author’s own words. This cinematic tribute shared Baldwin’s unwillingness to conform, earning praise for its clever use of archival footage of his on-air monologues. The movie refused to smooth over Baldwin’s rough edges in an attempt to make him more appealing to viewers. Ultimately, Peck crafted a groundbreaking film that mirrored the extraordinary life it honored. As a fan, I found this to be truly remarkable.

Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)

As a devoted admirer, I can confidently assert that Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s 2021 film, “Summer of Soul (…or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)”, stands as a testament to the power of documentaries in illuminating untold narratives and moments often overlooked by mainstream society. This hidden gem, “Summer of Soul”, takes us on a journey through the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, an event that was once buried in the annals of history but has now been beautifully resurrected for our screens.

For years, footage from this remarkable event lay dormant in obscurity. However, “Summer of Soul” breathes new life into these archives, transforming them into a captivating motion picture that’s almost as rhythmic as being there in person. Questlove masterfully weaves together the various performances, imbuing them with an affectionate atmosphere. Simultaneously, he skillfully contextualizes the larger historical and activist significance of this event, which served as a poignant closure to the turbulent ’60s.

In a skillful mix of contrasting moods, “Summer of Soul” garnered critical acclaim for its unique blend. Critics were particularly impressed by Questlove’s innovative approach, including interview segments where various artists from the Harlem Cultural Festival react to old performances of themselves, decades later. These heartfelt scenes, especially one featuring The 5th Dimension recalling their triumphant performance, are incredibly moving and showcase the raw emotion that Questlove masterfully extracts through his filmmaking. Without a doubt, “Summer of Soul” stands out as one of the best documentaries in 2021, underscoring the lasting impact and iconic status of this nearly forgotten musical event.

Man on Wire

Previously, Joseph Gordon-Levitt played Philippe Petit with a notably exaggerated French accent in the movie “The Walk.” In reality, Petit’s life story was presented in the documentary “Man on Wire” before that. This film traced Petit’s remarkable achievement of walking a tightrope between New York’s Twin Towers in 1974, an act many thought to be unattainable. This daring stunt mesmerized the world in 1974 and continued to enthrall contemporary viewers through this 2008 documentary. Remarkably, “Man on Wire” was a film that received a flawless rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it one of the most acclaimed movies of 2008. Critics and audiences alike were in agreement about their admiration for how director James Marsh skillfully made Petit’s retelling of past events seem as if they were unfolding in real-time, rather than a stiff retrospective. Instead of being a stale journey through the past, it felt like a vibrant, present-day spectacle before our eyes.

Philippe Petit’s vivacious personality, still evident years after his groundbreaking high-wire act, earned him praise from critics. Unlike some documentary subjects who merely sit and gaze into the camera as they reminisce about the past, Petit is full of life, demonstrated by his expressive hand movements and lively demeanor. This liveliness kept viewers engaged in the moment while also providing “Man on Wire” with an appropriate level of energy to match its subject matter. Crucially, Marsh’s compelling filmmaking style enables viewers to perceive the ordinary humanity behind extraordinary historical accomplishments. Even the most magnificent stunts originate from the minds of common men such as Philippe Petit.

2025-03-08 22:40