10 Spellbinding Documentaries & Docuseries That Will Leave You Speechless
Chimp Crazy
Dive into the peculiar world of Tonia Haddix, a former nurse turned exotic animal broker who passionately cares for chimpanzees. Tonia, who whimsically describes herself as the "Dolly Parton of chimps," showcases her boundless affection for these animals. However, her intense obsession with one particular chimp leads to a dramatic confrontation with authorities and animal rights groups, unfolding a captivating saga.
Release Date: August 18, 2024
Average Rating: 4.2
Learn more about Chimp CrazyIcarus
An eye-opening exploration into the clandestine world of sports doping, Bryan Fogel's Icarus starts with a personal inquiry into performance enhancement. The involvement of Russian scientist Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov unveils a global doping conspiracy reaching the heart of Russian athletics. Their evolving relationship, documented through countless Skype conversations and covert experiments, is as gripping as it is haunting.
Release Date: June 3, 2017
Average Rating: 4.2
Discover more about IcarusDear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father
This intensely personal documentary by Kurt Kuenne serves as both a tribute and a poignant lamentation, centered on the devastating murder of his friend Andrew Bagby. Upon learning of Andrew's son’s impending birth, Kuenne endeavors to capture the essence of Andrew's life and legacy, entwining narratives of loss, remembrance, and an unyielding quest for justice.
Release Date: October 31, 2008
Average Rating: 4
Find out more about Dear ZacharyWild Wild Country
This docuseries takes you into the bold ambitions and unexpected chaos surrounding the establishment of a utopian city by a controversial philosopher in the Oregon desert. Meticulously showcasing the friction between the nascent community and local residents, it captures the surreal transformation of a movement into a national spectacle replete with intrigue and scandal.
Release Date: March 16, 2018
Average Rating: 4
Explore more about Wild Wild CountryTickled
What begins as an amusing exploration into a bizarre online tickling competition turns into a perilous investigation. Journalist David Farrier uncovers a maze of secrecy and intimidation, revealing layers of truth that are stranger than fiction. This chilling documentary takes viewers on an unexpected journey that challenges perceptions and digs deep into the shadows of curiosity.
Release Date: May 26, 2016
Average Rating: 4
Learn more about TickledThe Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst
Immerse yourself in the bewildering life of Robert Durst, member of a wealthy New York real estate dynasty. Accused yet never convicted of numerous murders, Durst engages directly with filmmakers, sharing truths and secrets that have long eluded both the public and authorities. This compelling true crime series is a masterful blend of storytelling and thriller.
Release Date: February 8, 2015
Average Rating: 4.5
More on The JinxGrizzly Man
Werner Herzog chronicles the passionate yet tragic journey of Timothy Treadwell, who spent years amidst Alaskan grizzly bears. Through both astonishing and poignant footage, the film examines Treadwell's profound connection to nature, his celebratory yet doomed attempts at wildlife protection, and the thin line between humanity and wilderness.
Release Date: July 28, 2005
Average Rating: 4.1
Explore Grizzly Man furtherDon't F**k with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer
This gripping docuseries follows a dedicated online community as they pursue an individual posting disturbing videos of animal cruelty. Driven by justice, these cyber sleuths navigate a tangled web of digital clues, sparking a global pursuit filled with suspense, diligence, and tenacity against the backdrop of modern internet dynamics.
Release Date: December 18, 2019
Average Rating: 4
Dive deeper into Don't F**k with CatsTiger King
A wild orchestrated chaos underlies this docuseries set in the eccentric world of big cat breeding. Rooted in a true crime saga revolving around a murder-for-hire plot, Tiger King stitches together idiosyncratic lives, vendettas, and the perils of untamed ambition amidst the backdrop of America's backcountry allure.
Release Date: March 20, 2020
Average Rating: 3.5
Read more about Tiger KingLessons of Darkness
Werner Herzog’s meditative exploration in Lessons of Darkness offers a surreal visual odyssey through the charred remnants of the Kuwaitian oil fields post the Gulf War. Exquisitely juxtaposed with sonorous music and entrancing visuals, this documentary transcends conventional storytelling, inviting viewers to witness devastation through the lens of poignant aesthetic artistry.
Release Date: October 25, 1995
Average Rating: 3.9
Explore Lessons of DarknessWhether you are an aficionado of true crime, a seeker of history’s hidden tales, or an admirer of personal resilience, these spellbinding documentaries and docuseries carve deep into the human experience with unmatched fervor and creativity. Each offering holds a mirror to the uncharted territories of human grace and folly, ensuring an unforgettable viewing journey.