15 Highest Rated Documentaries of All Time

Released on November 16, 1984, "Stop Making Sense" is a groundbreaking concert film that captures the essence of Talking Heads at the pinnacle of their fame during their 1983 tour for the album "Speaking in Tongues." This documentary features the band performing a career-spanning set, incorporating innovative choreography and artistic visuals that create a rich cinematic experience. With an average rating of 4.2, this film is a must-see for music lovers.

Premiering on September 12, 1994, "Hoop Dreams" follows the journey of African-American teens William Gates and Arthur Agee as they commute from inner-city Chicago to a predominantly white high school seen as a basketball powerhouse. Over a five-year period, the film chronicles their dreams of making it to the NBA while documenting the social and physical challenges they face at home and school. It has garnered an average rating of 4.3 for its intimate storytelling.

"Paris Is Burning," released on March 13, 1991, immerses viewers in the vibrant drag-ball culture of 1980s New York City, focusing on the lives and aspirations of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly within the African American and Latinx Harlem drag scene. The film explores themes of fame, identity, and community while offering insights into the lives of legendary figures like Willi Ninja and Venus Xtravaganza. It carries an average rating of 4.3.

Directed by Claude Lanzmann and released on April 21, 1985, "Shoah" is a monumental nine-hour documentary that unveils the Holocaust through extensive interviews and firsthand accounts, without relying on any archival imagery. Its harrowing exploration of the past includes testimonies from survivors, bystanders, and perpetrators, earning it an impressive average rating of 4.5 for its powerful storytelling and impact.

"Baraka," released on September 15, 1992, is an awe-inspiring visual odyssey that traverses different cultures and landscapes across the globe, presenting humanity's essence and beauty. This documentary has no dialogue but communicates profound messages through imagery, set to a mesmerizing score. Its heartfelt narrative generates an average rating of 4.4.

Released on October 7, 2010, "Senna" chronicles the life and career of Brazilian racing legend Ayrton Senna, revealing both his triumphs on the racetrack and his deep spiritual quest for perfection. Covering Senna's rise from his first season in 1984 to his tragic passing in 1994, this documentary, with an average rating of 4.0, highlights the complexities of his character and legacy.

This unique documentary, released on November 5, 2000, is a spontaneous compilation of over three decades of home movie footage by Lithuanian-American director Jonas Mekas. Crafting a narrative without chronological order, it captures the essence of life through various personal moments. With an average rating of 4.0, it offers an avant-garde perspective on storytelling.

Premiering on October 31, 2008, "Dear Zachary" tells the tragic story of Andrew Bagby, a medical resident murdered shortly after his break-up. As his ex-girlfriend announces her pregnancy, Bagby’s friend Kurt Kuenne creates this emotional documentary—a heartfelt letter for Zachary to understand his father's life and legacy. It has an average rating of 4.0 and is revered for its poignant storytelling.

Scheduled for release on February 17, 2024, "No Other Land" is a poignant documentary about the destruction of Masafer Yatta in the West Bank, crafted by a Palestinian-Israeli collective. The film highlights the friendship that develops between activist Basel Adra and journalist Yuval Abraham against the backdrop of conflict, shedding light on the struggles faced in this region.

Released on January 23, 1977, this documentary provides an intimate look at the coal miners’ strike against the Brookside Mine in Harlan County, Kentucky. Through the lens of director Barbara Kopple, viewers witness the miners' fight for their rights amid violent confrontations. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive, it holds a strong average rating of 4.0.

Released on October 7, 2016, "13th" delves into the U.S. prison system and its entangled roots in racial inequality. This documentary, directed by Ava DuVernay, effectively argues how slavery and systemic racism have led to the current state of mass incarceration, garnering a solid average rating of 4.0 for its incisive historical analysis.

Premiering on August 17, 2018, "Minding the Gap" follows three friends who bond over skateboarding as a means to escape their tumultuous family lives. As they transition into adulthood, secrets and revelations complicate their relationships. The film holds a strong average rating of 4.3, praised for its raw and honest portrayal of youth.

Released on November 1, 2012, "The Act of Killing" offers a chilling look at the Indonesian mass killings of 1965-66, where filmmakers confront perpetrators who remain unrepentant in their actions. This provocative documentary forces viewers to engage with the harrowing realities of violence and its aftermath, earning an average rating of 4.2.

Premiered on August 30, 2014, "The Look of Silence" contrasts with its predecessor "The Act of Killing" by following an optician who confronts the men responsible for the death of his brother during the Indonesian massacres, offering a powerful exploration of memory and reconciliation. It has an average rating of 4.3, noted for its emotional impact.

Released on October 9, 2019, "For Sama" is a deeply personal documentary and love letter from filmmaker Waad al-Kateab to her daughter Sama, chronicling her experiences during the Syrian uprising. It captures the joys and horrors of life during war, making a powerful statement on resilience and motherhood amid crisis, while receiving an average rating of 4.5.