LAST NIGHT WE posted about some classic books we’re all meant to have read, but might not have gotten around to, and in the comments someone suggested we have a look at films.
As a result, this evening we’ve rounded up some suggestions of genuinely entertaining documentaries that are worth giving a watch.
Some of them will make you laugh, some will make you cry, and others will make you do both.
Here are fourteen documentaries you really should see.
Anvil: The Story of Anvil
Canadian rock band Anvil should have been huge in the 80s, but it just never really happened. This film documents what happened when they gave international fame another go.
Funny, and moving, it’s got it all.
YouTube/VISO Trailers
Capturing the Friedmans
Capturing the Friedmans is focused on an investigation of a father and son for child molestation in the 80s, using footage of the family from that time.
YouTube/elephantcimena
Jesus Camp
A frankly frightening look at what goes on behind closed doors at an intense children’s Evangelical Christian Summer camp.
YouTube/compn
Exit Through the Gift Shop
There has been some discussion regarding the authenticity of this Banksy directed documentary, but few would argue against the fact that it is truly compelling.
It also gives great insight into the culture that surrounds graffiti and street art.
YouTube/watchCulturetainment
Restrepo
A fascinating picture of everyday life for those encamped in one of the most dangerous valleys in Afghanistan, as well as a look at the lasting impact of that kind of military service.
YouTube/RestrepoTheMovie
Searching for Sugar Man
Perhaps the most spoken about documentary of the past year, Searching for Sugar Man covers the efforts of two music fans searching for the facts behind the rumoured death of American musician, Rodriguez.
YouTube/OptimumReleasing
Man on Wire
This film tells the tale of Philippe Petit, the man who walked between the Twin Towers on a high-wire in 1974.
It’s difficult not to marvel at what might be deemed either his bravery or his madness.
YouTube/consumelessmandrax
Grizzly Man
From acclaimed documentary maker Werner Herzog, Grizzly Man tells the tale of a man who lived among bears with the aim of protecting them until one of them killed him.
YouTube/peterzeitlinger
The King of Kong: A Fist Full of Quarters
This is the tale of arcade game superstar Billy Mitchell and the underdog who decided to take on his high score.
YouTube/FrontRoomArcade
The Invisible War
This documentary tells the genuinely shocking tale of the prevalence of sexual assault in the U.S. military, and the seeming lack of consequences for the perpetrators.
YouTube/movieclipsTRAILERS
Paris is Burning
This 1990 film chronicles the New York City drag balls of its time, and offers amazing insight into what is, and was, largely an underground phenomenon.
YouTube/Hugo Laguna
Fahrenheit 9/11
Michael Moore’s examination of what really went on in the wake of 9/11 made lots of people very angry upon its release, and is still having that effect today.
YouTube/Emiliano Pennisi
Woodstock: 3 Days of Peace and Music
If you’ve ever wondered what it was like to be at the legendary Woodstock Music Festival, this documentary is for you.
YouTube/Hooltra
Bill Cunningham: New York
While this will immediately appeal to anyone who is into fashion, really anyone with a fleeting interest in human behaviour will enjoy it.
YouTube/SwankConsultingFirm
Obviously this is not an exhaustive list – what are your suggestions?
