Buzz
This collection features ten outstanding documentaries about the United States, all released within the past 25 years. Listed in no specific order, these films offer a deep dive into American history and culture. Feel free to share your personal favorites in the comments.
10. The Civil War Directed by Ken Burns
This nine-part masterpiece delves into the U.S. Civil War, spanning from 1861 to 1865. Meticulously produced, it features the unforgettable theme ‘Ashokan Farewell’ and is narrated by renowned figures such as Sam Waterston, Arthur Miller, and Shelby Foote. It was also highlighted in our earlier list: Top 10 Greatest TV Documentary Series.
9. The Trials of Darryl Hunt Directed by Annie Sundberg
Darryl Hunt, a resident of Winston-Salem, N.C., was unjustly accused and convicted of the rape and murder of a young white woman in 1984. This film exposes the flaws in the U.S. criminal justice system, highlighting how insufficient evidence, unreliable eyewitness accounts, and racial bias can obstruct the pursuit of justice. Remarkably, Hunt was wrongfully convicted not once, but twice.
8. Sicko Directed by Michael Moore
While often seen as propaganda from one of the most divisive filmmakers since Leni Riefenstahl, Sicko effectively critiques the U.S. healthcare system. The documentary features interviews with former insurance employees, victims of insurance malpractice, and healthcare professionals from other countries. In a bold move, Moore takes uninsured Americans to Guantanamo Bay, where they are denied care, and then to Cuba, where they receive free medical assistance.
7. Lake of Fire Directed by Tony Kaye
Tony Kaye’s first project after the intense American History X, Lake of Fire is a lengthy exploration of the abortion debate in America. Featuring insights from prominent figures like Noam Chomsky and Alan Dershowitz, the film presents a stark and unsettling view of the polarized positions on this contentious issue, suggesting little room for compromise.
6. Paradise Lost Directed by Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky
Officially titled “Paradise Lost (The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills)”, this documentary explores the trial of three teenagers accused of multiple murders in Arkansas. To avoid spoilers and encourage viewers to watch, I’ll keep details brief, but suffice it to say, receiving a bloody knife as a gift is far from ordinary—even in Arkansas (just kidding).
5. No End in Sight Directed by Charles Ferguson
In stark contrast to other Iraq War documentaries like Farenheit 911, No End in Sight offers a balanced perspective on America’s involvement in Iraq. The film gains credibility through interviews with former George W. Bush administration officials, who disclose critical errors made early on. These mistakes transformed what was expected to be a swift military operation into a prolonged, eight-year conflict. The documentary’s honesty is both striking and heartbreaking.
4. The Staircase Directed by Jean-Xavier de Lestrade
The Staircase is an eight-episode documentary series that began filming at the indictment of its central figure, Michael Peterson. A North Carolina-based author, Peterson faced charges after his wife died from injuries sustained in a fall down their home staircase. The twists and turns of the police investigation and subsequent trial are so extraordinary that even the most imaginative scriptwriter couldn’t have conceived them. A must-watch for fans of true crime dramas.
3. The War Directed by Ken Burns
Ken Burns, a maestro of documentary filmmaking, delivered his latest masterpiece with The War. This film, which premiered on PBS in 2007, delves into World War II. Given the vast scale of the conflict, Burns chose to focus on soldiers from four American towns, tracing their journeys across all three major theaters of the war. The narration features a stellar lineup, including Tom Hanks, Adam Arkin, Ernie Hudson, and Keith David.
2. Capturing the Friedmans Directed by Andrew Jarecki
Capturing the Friedmans demonstrates that reality can be more bizarre than fiction. The film chronicles the life of Arnold Friedman, a family man from Great Neck, New York, who taught computer classes to local children in his basement. His life takes a dark turn when child pornography is delivered to his home during an FBI sting, leading to multiple charges of child sexual abuse. Like The Staircase, this documentary delivers shocking revelations that leave viewers stunned. Interestingly, the director originally intended to focus on David Friedman, Arnold’s son and a professional clown in New York City, whose life seemed far more ordinary.
1. Indian Point Directed by Rory Kennedy
“Indian Point: Imagining the Unimaginable” highlights a nuclear power plant that has raised significant concerns since 9/11 due to its inadequate security measures. The plant lacks a no-fly zone, has a history of safety violations, and employs underqualified security personnel. To make matters worse, it’s located just 35 miles from New York City, one of the world’s largest metropolitan areas. This eye-opening documentary was directed by Rory Kennedy (pictured above), the youngest daughter of Bobby Kennedy.
