Favorite documentaries
Documentaries that are my favorites.
Arranged in ABC order.
Arranged in ABC order.
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65 titles
- DirectorKevin BurnsStarsJames CoburnJulie AndrewsDavid BrownThe first half century of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation from its beginnings under Hungarian immigrant William Fox to it emergence as a major studio.
- DirectorConstantine NasrStarsKenneth BranaghLeonard MaltinThomas G. SchatzA look at the movies in the year 1939, considered by many to be one of the greatest years in film history.
- DirectorTom LeetchStarsCarroll BallardTim BurtonJohn CulhaneThe various trials and errors in creating films at Disney, including aspects of "Something Wicked This Way Comes".
- DirectorEdith BeckerStarsVictor GarberSteven BielDaniel Allen ButlerA survey of 86 years of Titanicana in popular culture, with the emphasis on movies about (or inspired by) the disaster.
- DirectorLarry PeerceStarsJoan BaezGene ClarkMike ClarkeLive performances by some of the top rock-and-roll acts of the mid 60s. Includes Ray Charles, The Byrds, Joan Baez, Ike and Tina Turner, Donovan, The Lovin' Spoonful, and several more.
- DirectorGregory V. ShermanJeff ShermanStarsRichard M. ShermanRobert B. ShermanRoy Edward DisneyTheir music is unforgettable. Their name is legend. Delve into the lives and cinematic legacy of the prolific songwriting duo whose music has been featured in classic movies such as Mary Poppins (1964) and The Jungle Book (1967).
- StarsDean RichardsThis WGN TV special offers a retrospective look at beloved Chicago-area children's television shows "Bozo's Circus", "Garfield Goose and Friends", and "Ray Rayner and His Friends".
- DirectorDavid StrohmaierStarsLowell ThomasFred WallerJim MorrisonA nostalgic and compelling look into the legendary three camera, three projector process that revolutionized motion pictures and led the industry into the widescreen era. Through actual Cinerama clips, rare behind the scenes footage and new interviews, CINERAMA ADVENTURE takes the viewer back to a lost era of movie showmanship, placing this American cinema phenomenon into historical perspective.
- StarsMark HuntRon HutchinsonScott EymanThe nearly 30-year struggle to bring sound to motion pictures is the backdrop for this insightful documentary. Film historians, and survivors from the era take the audience from the early failed attempts by scientists and inventors, to the joined forces of Western Electric and Warner Bros. who, with their Vitaphone process,revolutionized the entertainment industry, perhaps more than any time before or since.
- DirectorConstantine Nasr
- DirectorArnold LeibovitStarsZsoka PalDuke GoldstoneRay HarryhausenAn endearing tribute to the father of fantasy and science fiction filmmaking - Oscar winner George Pal . Five decades of the visionary film makers groundbreaking works are presented via rare interviews and dynamic movie scenes.
- DirectorTheodore ThomasStarsFrank ThomasOllie JohnstonSylvia RoemerA study of the personal and professional relationship of Disney animators Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston, who started at the studio in the 1930s and worked on 23 films together.
- DirectorChristopher BirdKevin BrownlowStarsJulie ChristieGreta GarboCharles BuschAn original documentary from Turner Classic Movies, narrated by Julie Christie
- DirectorPeter JonesStarsAngela LansburyEsther WilliamsArlene DahlThe history of color photography in motion pictures, in particular the Technicolor company's work.
- DirectorJeff McQueenStarsEd GreenWes CravenJohn CarpenterA documentary on the history of the slasher film.
- StarsBea ArthurRue McClanahanBetty WhiteThis 90-minute special aired on the Lifetime network in June 2003 served as a reunion show for 3 of the 4 Golden Girls. This show has clips from the girls' favorite moments from the show, as well as some never-before-seen bloopers and outtakes. In addition, the special contains the Girls' favorite music numbers as well as interviews with the Girls, executive producers Paul Junger Witt and Tony Thomas, and creator and writer Susan Harris. When Lifetime aired this special, it earned the network an all-time high rating.
- DirectorRichard SchickelStarsRay HarryhausenLeonard NimoyRay BradburyNarrated by actor Leonard Nimoy and featuring appearances by George Lucas and Ray Bradbury, this film documents Ray Harryhausen's remarkable visual effects work, including his hand in Mighty Joe Young, 20 Million Miles to Earth and Clash of the Titans.
- DirectorDaniel FarrandsStarsNatalie AdamsDiane AlmeidaErich AndersonA documentary exploring 30 years of the "Friday The 13th" film series featuring all new interviews with cast and crew from all 12 films and various horror fans and filmmakers.
- StarsDick CavettBud AbbottConstance BennettA documentary about the glorious history of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and its decline leading to the sale of its back lot and props. By extension this provides a general history of Hollywood's Golden Age and the legendary studio system.
- DirectorJeffrey SchwarzStarsDivineMichael MustoMark PayneHow Divine, aka Harris Glenn Milstead, became John Waters' cinematic muse and an international drag icon.
- DirectorGary SmithStarsLucille BallDesi ArnazDesi Arnaz Jr.Retrospective honoring the 50th anniversary of the debut of "I Love Lucy, " one of TV's pioneer programs. Along with clips from the original series, guests recalled memories and the impact the show had on American culture.
- DirectorConstantine NasrMark NassiefStarsTom KennyDocumentary on the evolution of Popeye the Sailor Man.
- DirectorChristopher BirdKevin BrownlowStarsAlec BaldwinMerian C. CooperDavid StrohmaierThis documentary explores the incredible life of Merian C. Cooper, from his time as a soldier and pilot in three different wars, to his exploits in Hollywood, as a director, producer and cinematic innovator.
- DirectorLeslie IwerksStarsTom CruiseGeorge LucasSteven SpielbergA look over the incredible work of ILM and how they revolutionised the way we see film with the introduction and advances of CGI or Computer Generated Image. This documentary takes us from the incredible start of effects to creating Star Wars and then advance to really demonstrate how it can be blended in with Jurassic Park to now a culture of films that can't avoid the technology and is another tool for the directors belt.
- DirectorRobert TrachtenbergStarsJohn BarrymoreLionel BarrymoreCari BeauchampA tribute to producer Irving Thalberg.
- DirectorWard KimballStarsRuth BuzziRichard BakalyanJohn EmersonPart cartoon and part documentary, this film offers a humorous look at birds and the ways people perceive them.
- DirectorPeter FitzgeraldStarsAnjelica HustonDiane BakerCharles BuschIn this documentary on the life of Joan Crawford, it is learned why she should be remembered as the great actress she was, and not only as the "Mommie Dearest" caricature she has become. Friends, fellow actors, directors, and others reminisce about their association with her, and numerous film clips show off her talent from her start in silent movies to bad science fiction/horror movies at the end of her career. Daughter Christina Crawford even explains the origin of the phrase "No more wire hangers!"
- DirectorDavid HeeleyStarsKatharine HepburnDorothy ArznerLauren BacallKatharine Hepburn gives a detailed account of her life and career.
- DirectorConstantine NasrStarsHarlan EllisonMark Cotta VazMichael E. UslanA look at the history of the Batman comic franchise.
- DirectorKenneth BowserStarsSheree AliJoan ArmatradingDan AykroydA retrospective of the first 5 years of Saturday Night Live.
- DirectorJames AlgarStarsWinston HiblerAlthough first glance reveals little more than stones and sand, the desert is alive. Witness moving rocks, spitting mud pots, gorgeous flowers and the never-ending battle for survival between creatures of every shape, size and description.
- DirectorKevin BrownlowStarsKenneth BranaghForrest J. AckermanMichael F. BlakeLon Chaney, the silent movie star and makeup artist, renowned for his various characterizations and celebrated for his horror films, becomes the subject of this documentary.
- DirectorKevin BurnsStarsKevin SpaceyGerard JonesForrest J. AckermanThe history of the comic book superhero, Superman in his various media incarnations.
- DirectorHal GrantStarsEd O'NeillKatey SagalChristina ApplegateCast members of Married...With Children (1987-1997) reunite and share memories of working on America's most favorite ground-breaking sitcom since All in the Family.
- DirectorConstantine NasrStarsMel BlancNoel BlancKeith ScottThe life and career of the renowned voice actor of animation and radio.
- DirectorDan BootheStarsSherry AlberoniSharon BairdBobby BurgessThe original Mousketeers look back at the making of a Disney classic television series.
- DirectorDon MischerStarsJim HensonHarry BelafonteCarol BurnettWhile The Muppets prepare a tribute to the late Jim Henson, they learn about the life and career of the renowned puppeteer/film maker.
- DirectorBob LangStarsPeggy AhernMatthew 'Stymie' BeardTommy BondA behind the scenes look at Hal Roach's Our Gang comedies, complete with interviews from several former cast and crew members of the series.
- DirectorFenton BaileyRandy BarbatoStarsWilliam HainesChris AllenStockard ChanningChronicles the life of openly gay 1930s film actor William Haines, who sacrificed his Hollywood fame when he refused to end his relationship with another man.
- StarsJerry BeckLeslie CabargaHarvey DeneroffDocumentary about the Fleischer Animation Studio.
- DirectorLeslie IwerksStarsStacy KeachJohn LasseterBrad BirdThe Pixar Story takes audiences behind the scenes of the groundbreaking company that pioneered a new generation of animation and forever changed the face of filmmaking.
- DirectorKenneth BowserStarsJim BelushiA. Whitney BrownDana CarveyThe aftermath of Lorne Michaels leaving to the success of Saturday Night Live in the 80's.
- DirectorKenneth BowserBeth McCarthy-MillerJames SignorelliStarsChristina AguileraAlec BaldwinBeckA retrospective of "Saturday Night Live" during the 1990's. Includes interviews with the cast and crew as well as hosts. Features memorable sketches and behind the scenes dynamics.
- DirectorMac CarterStarsRyan ReynoldsPaul LevitzGerard JonesThe history of the longstanding American comic book company that launched such legendary superhero characters such as Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman.
- DirectorAlex LodgeStarsJonathan Lipman'20 Years of Spice' explores the meteoric rise to fame of the 90's pop phenomenon, the Spice Girls. 2016 marks 20 years since the Spice Girls' debut release, 'Wannabe', and the film covers the entire breadth of their careers both as a group; quintet and quartet, as well as their solo endeavors.
- DirectorDavid BarnardStarsSpice GirlsGeri HornerVictoria BeckhamJoe Louis Walker, live in Istanbul in 1995. It was my first time performing in Turkey. We were very surprised to find the audience very supportive and knowledgeable. Musicians are always asked 'What kind of audience was it'' My answer is usually 'There's mostly two kinds: the kind of which the music hits them in the head, or in the heart.' That night's audience was hit in both places.
- DirectorPeter JonesMark A. CatalenaStarsBette DavisSusan SarandonRuthie DavisCombining unprecedented access to Davis' vast personal archives with original interviews, this documentary reveals a startling portrait of one of Hollywood's most gifted and enigmatic stars.
- DirectorSteve BinderStarsThe Beach BoysThe BarbariansChuck BerrySurf pop duo Jan and Dean host this showcase of performances by popular rock and roll and R&B musicians of the era.
- DirectorJack Haley Jr.StarsMikhail BaryshnikovRay BolgerSammy Davis Jr.The history of dance depicted on film.
- DirectorJack Haley Jr.StarsFred AstaireGene KellyBing CrosbyVarious MGM stars from yesteryear present their favorite musical moments from the studio's 50-year history.
- DirectorGene KellyStarsFred AstaireGene KellyJudy GarlandThe second installment in the "That's Entertainment" trilogy features more classic scenes from MGM's vast musical library with the addition of comedy and drama films.
- DirectorBud FriedgenMichael J. SheridanStarsDebbie ReynoldsGene KellyAnn MillerThird installment in the "That's Entertainment" series, featuring scenes from "The Hollywood Revue of 1929," "Brigadoon," "Singin' In The Rain," and many more MGM films.
- DirectorJeff GarlinStarsJohn WatersJeff Garlin's documentary on the work of John Waters.
- DirectorMerian C. CooperGunther von FritschErnest B. SchoedsackStarsLowell ThomasKathy DarlynToni ValkOn the evening of September 30, 1952, the shape and sound of movies changed forever with the introduction of Cinerama.
- StarsValerie SpencerJohn LandisJonathan KuntzVarious film historians, film makers, and cultural commentators discuss the cultural, political, economic and religious reasons for what is known as the pre-code era of Hollywood movie making in the early 1930s, and those same factors which resulted in the drastic turn to working under the code for the twenty or so years starting in 1934. The "code" is the Hollywood Production Code of 1930 (also known as the Hays Code, so named for Will H. Hays, the first head of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America), which was developed in order for movie making in Hollywood to run smoothly in the face of increased outside censors. The code was largely ignored until 1934, when its enforcement was overseen by Joseph Breen who took over from Hays and who had a different agenda of moral purity. During those four years, pre-code Hollywood movies are characterized by their rawness and pushing the envelope of sexuality and moral ambiguity (with the depraved side often winning), which were not allowed under the code. What happened to the distribution of pre-code movies during the years that the code was enforced, the reasons for the slow breakdown of the code in the early to mid 1950s, and the reasons for renewed interest in pre-code movies later in the century are also discussed.
- DirectorKevin BrownlowStarsKenneth BranaghChristopher AdamsonJohn AugurA documentary examining the early days of horror films, particularly those crafted at Universal Studios during the 1930s.
- DirectorKent JonesStarsMartin ScorseseOrson WellesVal E. LewtonMartin Scorsese narrates this tribute to Val Lewton, the producer of a series of memorable low-budget horror films for RKO Studios. Raised by his mother and his aunt, his films often included strong female characters who find themselves in difficult situations and who have to grow up quickly. He is best remembered for the horror films he made at RKO starting in 1942. Starting with only a title - his first was Cat People (1942) - he would meticulously oversee every aspect of the film's completion. Although categorized as horror films, his films never showed a monster, leaving it all to the viewers imagination, assisted by music, mood and lighting.
- DirectorDavid CarrDavid ComtoisStarsTony Hawk
- DirectorRichard SchickelStarsMark HamillSteven SpielbergGeorge LucasDirectors Stephen Spielberg, George Lucas, Ridley Scott and James Cameron discuss the science fiction movies of the 1950s that influenced them.
- DirectorMorgan NevilleStarsFred RogersMargaret WhitmerTom JunodAn exploration of the life, lessons, and legacy of iconic children's television host Fred Rogers.
- DirectorFrank MartinStarsDebbie AllenKirstie AlleyBobby Burgess
- DirectorDavid HeeleyStarsRichard DreyfussLew AyresKirk DouglasAn overview of the history of film studio Universal Pictures, featuring clips from many of its films.
- DirectorMarshall FlaumStarsTony DanzaAnnie PottsVictor BorgeA 1989 live-action/animated television special hosted by Tony Danza and Annie Potts celebrating 50 years of William Hanna and Joseph Barbera's partnership in animation. It covers their years working for the MGM cartoon studio and then the history of Hanna-Barbera Productions which was set up in 1957. It was dedicated to the memory of Daws Butler, Mel Blanc, and George O'Hanlon.