While watching movies is a preferred form of escape for many, the power of the visual medium is also an incredible way to bring yourself closer to the world and those in it. Whether it’s true crime, character studies, or musings on nature, documentary films have been an immersive way to both educate and entertain for decades. Next movie night, take a pick from our list of some of the best documentaries around – tune in and enjoy!
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Free Solo (2018)
A documentary that’ll fill you with anxiety before leaving you in awe, ‘Free Solo’ follows rock climber Alex Honnold as he embarks on the first-ever free solo climb of the El Capitan rock wall in Yosemite National Park. For those unaware, free solo climbing is a form of rock climbing without any ropes or other equipment besides chalk and shoes – the most dangerous form of climbing. Almost every human emotion can be felt both in front and behind of the camera, as Honnold’s friends grapple with possible ethical dilemmas about documenting a feat like this – as well as personal fears of possibly distracting their friend or having to see him die. While the footage of the climb itself is reason enough to watch, ‘Free Solo’ is also a thought-provoking profile on a man with a near-need to climb so dangerously.
The Imposter (2012)
You may have heard bits and pieces of this particular story in the past and considered it just an urban legend – trust us when we say that the truth of ‘The Imposter’ is much stranger than fiction. When a boy is found in Spain claiming to be the missing Nicholas Barclay from America, he is soon confirmed by family members as such and brought back home. The problem with this heartwarming story however? That boy isn’t actually Barclay. A truly baffling tale on how French trickster Frédéric Bourdin was able to convince so many that he was a boy who was different in almost every way, this documentary traces how this masquerade began and developed – including the possibly sinister reasons as to why Bourdin was accepted as Barclay so unquestioningly.
Paris Is Burning (1990)
A seminal piece of media in LGBTQ+ history, ‘Paris Is Burning’ isn’t without its flaws yet remains an influential, accessible, and entertaining look at the history of drag and ball culture. Intimately following the queer, trans, Black, and Latinx Harlem drag ball competitions in the 1980s, the film explores queer topics such as race, gender, class, and found families. With electrifying competition sequences and eye-opening interviews with prominent members of the scene like Willi Ninja, Angie Xtravaganza, Pepper LaBeija, and Octavia St. Laurent, ‘Paris Is Burning’ chronicles both the joyful and the difficult aspects of life for these individuals. If you’ve ever seen an episode of ‘Rupaul’s Drag Race’ or used the phrase “throwing shade,” this documentary is definitely a must-watch.
Three Identical Strangers (2018)
Imagine suddenly discovering that not one, but two perfect strangers share the same face as you. That was the case for Edward Galland, David Kellman, and Robert Shafran, who discovered in the 1980s that they were identical triplets separated at birth. After an initially joyous reunion where the brothers even enjoyed some time as minor celebrities, they and their adoptive families sought more answers as to why this separation occurred – eventually uncovering some truly devastating and highly unethical motives. While we won’t spoil any more of the truly bewildering details, the very human approach to exploring the complicated story at the core of ‘Three Identical Strangers’ lets you feel deeply for these brothers whose lives were taken out of their control from birth.
The Act of Killing (2012)
We can almost guarantee that you haven’t seen a documentary framed and created in the way that ‘The Act of Killing’ unfolds. Following individuals who participated in the death squads that conducted the mass killings of alleged communists in Indonesia during 1965 to 1966, the creators behind this film ask these subjects to re-enact their killings in various ways for the documentary. A hard film to watch at times, ‘The Act of Killing’ offers a contemplative look into the human psyche – exploring the feelings and thought-processes of these men who openly brag about the murders they’ve committed. An exposé on a dark chapter of Indonesian history from the perspective of the perpetrators, we recommend also watching this film’s spiritual successor, ‘The Look of Silence,’ for a look from the other side.
The Truffle Hunters (2020)
Ever wondered what journey the decadent Alba truffle went through before landing on your plate? That amazing and whimsical backstory is examined in ‘The Truffle Hunters,’ where a group of elderly men trek through the woods of Northern Italy for these pungent treasures – led by their beloved truffle-hunting dogs. As this elusive fungi can’t be grown in a lab or farmed intentionally, the secrets behind the truffling hunting trade are closely-guarded – whether hunting at night to keep the top spots a secret or refusing to take on apprentices, these Italian men and their dogs are a dying breed. A delightful profile of these determined men who dote on their invaluable canine coworkers, this look at the human side of a notoriously pricey delicacy is enchanting to watch.
Grizzly Man (2005)
Considered by many as one of the best documentaries ever – directed by the legend Werner Herzog no less – ‘Grizzly Man’ chronicles the life and death of Timothy Treadwell. Treadwell devoted himself to protecting bears, only to meet a tragic end at the paws of the very animals he revered, alongside his girlfriend, Amie Huguenard. Drawing on interviews and over 100 hours of footage shot by Treadwell himself, the film examines how this disaster unfolded and whether his approach to the wild made his fate inevitable. Framed through a compelling narrative by Herzog, the film studies how the need to respect nature is as great as the need to love it.
Shirkers (2018)
In the summer of 1992, three teenagers in Singapore poured their love of cinema into making ‘Shirkers,’ envisioned as the country’s first road movie about a teenage assassin’s eccentric exploits. But the film never saw the light of day – it was stolen by their enigmatic American film teacher. Now adults, Sandi Tan, Jasmine Ng, and Sophia Siddique recount this tale of youthful creativity betrayed by a trusted mentor. Interwoven with actual footage from ‘Shirkers,’ their two-fold narrative casts a poignant shadow over what might have been, leaving viewers to mourn a lost passion project.
20 Feet From Stardom (2013)
You hear their voices on your favourite songs – yet you often never know their names. ‘20 Feet From Stardom,’ a documentary on the unsung heroes of the music industry, brings viewers into the lives of background singers. Featuring icons like Mick Jagger, Darlene Love, and Bruce Springsteen, it examines the vital partnership between lead and backup vocals, spotlighting moments such as Merry Clayton’s phenomenal performance in the Rolling Stones song ‘Gimme Shelter.’ While exploring the nature of backup singing with singers like Judith Hill, Lisa Fischer, and Claudia Lennear, the film shows how while many background singers later seek and obtain the spotlight themselves, just as many are content and proud to be singing in support of other performers.
How To Survive A Plague (2012)
‘How to Survive a Plague’ puts the saga of the AIDS epidemic on full display through the eyes of those who fought to protect each other as it unfolded. Drawing on more than 700 hours of archival footage captured by members of ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) and TAG (Treatment Action Group), this visceral documentary throws viewers into the thick of the action – showing a queer community united in a desperate bid to save lives amid an indifferent government. As it chronicles activists’ efforts to pressure the FDA and elected officials to fast-track potentially life-saving medications, ‘How to Survive a Plague’ also highlights the underground initiatives the community launched to ensure their survival.
Born in Korea and raised in Hong Kong, Min Ji has combined her degree in anthropology and creative writing with her passion for going on unsolicited tangents as an editor at Friday Club. In between watching an endless amount of movies, she enjoys trying new cocktails and pastas while occasionally snapping a few pictures.
