Top 25 Documentaries of the 21st Century

Here are my top 25 documentaries of the 2000s. Would love to grow the list, what do you think? These days I enjoy documentaries more than scripted films. A well-crafted story from real life is much more interesting than fiction.

Granted, I’m well aware that documentaries aren’t the absolute truth, per se. They are stories structured by their creators. They are closer to the truths that I wish to know. Screw you people of Westeros and Middle Earth, ha. I find the actual earth-bound dramas to be more captivating.

1. Bully

by Lee Hirsch (2011)

For me, bullying is the most pressing issue in our country. Out of all the concerns that come up throughout this documentary list, it’s the one issue we could we actually have a lot of influence on. Bully culture must stop. Love, acceptance, compassion, consideration and decency must be fostered. This documentary captures the reality facing the lives of these featured kids — representing thousands of children in our country. It’s heartbreaking. If you watch this, you will shed a tear. Feel free to message me. If you don’t shed a tear, definitely message me, because I’d love to know how you didn’t.

2. A New Pearl Harbor

by Massimo Mazzucco (2013)

I think the biggest freedom Americans have is the freedom of speech. And freedom of speech includes asking questions. How could it be that with one of the most traumatic, life-altering events in our history, we were told through political figures and the media that any questioning was unpatriotic. I don’t think so. But so many people were scared and traumatized, that they abided and they believe an “official” story that they were told. It took 12 years after the events that happened on September 11, 2001, for someone to ask very important questions. 50 questions that would comprise this documentary. DO NOT watch this film if you want to engage in critical thinking about one of the most devastating events of our lifetimes.

3. Earthlings

by Shaun Monson (2005)

Okay, I’m not going to try to convince to be vegan or anything like that. But make your choice to have whatever relationship you have with animals after seeing this film. At the very least it will connect you to a broader perspective. I think everyone needs to see a film like this, no matter where you think you stand on the issues it addresses. It’s our obligation as earthlings to steward our relationship with the other beings of our planent. If you’re certain of your chosen lifestyle, then you should have no problem watching this documentary and getting some insight on things you might not be aware of.

4. Rewind

by Sasha Joseph Neulinger (2020)

This film follows the abuse experienced by Sasha Neulinger. Since his Dad was a director as well, he had tons of family videos to sift through to try and get a better understanding as an adult of what was going on around him, and to him, as a child. Clearly it’s a mature and disturbing subject matter, but it’s something that needs to be addressed. The film states at the end that 15% of children are abused by the age of 18. The scenes with Sasha and his mother retracing their recollections are heroic and disheartening at the same time. The moments with his sister are heartbreaking, and the interactions with his dad are harrowing at points. As the story unfolds, it does get worse before it gets better.

5. Citizenfour

by Laura Poitras (2014)

This is as well-done as a documentary can be. I’m surprised more people haven’t watched this high-profile case and the lack of interest in what was happening behind the scenes of a serious privacy breach that affects us all. Edward Snowden called in documentarian Laura Poitras and Glenn Greenwald, knowing the confidential information he was going to expose and the fallout it would bring. The documentary brings to light that being a whistle-blower may likely destroy your life. Would you do it? There’s clearly a divide on whether committed treason or heroism. No matter where you stand on your judgment of him, this documentary provides a striking look at the process he went through in order to share what he knew.

6. Going Clear

by Alex Gibney (2015)

I’m not fully sure why I’m so fascinated by this documentary about Scientology (and subsequent broadcasts that are similar). Going Clear is an example of how systems this very day and age are being built around us, created with a facade hiding malevolent tactics. The truth about this continues to be revealed to us in real time. In the interim many families involved are torn apart. It’s a profound example of systematic gas lighting and deception.

7. Minimalism

by Matt D’Avella (2015)

Over recent years I’ve wanted less and less stuff, and this documentary about a minimalist lifestyle really speaks to me. It’s been an ongoing process for me, but this documentary shows the various ways that people are embracing the minimalist movement. I think this film is just the beginning of things to come to truly live happily and healthy in this century. It’s presented in a way in which minimalism feels abundant, rather than evoking scarcity or restriction. Let’s keep it real, we’ve been being duped for decades that we need more “stuff.” When is enough, enough.

8. Gayby Baby

by Maya Newell (2015)

In s similar vein to how the story is told in Bully, the protagonists are kids, and it’s so good to see/hear things through their eyes. Gayby Baby follows the lives of 4 different 12yr old kids who have same-gender parents. The film takes a look at their perspective and what they face with this alternate up-bringing. It’s impressive how wise and communicative the kids are. It leaves me wondering what do you people truly think about this. I think most people would say that they are okay with this, but are you truly okay with it? What other beliefs do you have that cause conflict with accepting families with same-gender parents? There’s a point where one of the boys sees the confusion between his own mother’s disparate beliefs (and practices) and asks her why she doesn’t resolve it. And while the film doesn’t resolve that particular thing, it does raise lots of questions.

9. Tsunami: Caught on Camera

by Janice Sutherland (2009)

I remember hearing about this catastrophic natural event on the news after it happened and wondering about the scale and magnitude of what it must’ve actually been like. I mean, many of us have seen waves, but I don’t think our minds can wrap our heads around a tsunami. This documentary was an awesome idea to interweave survivors recollections of their experience when the tsunami hit along with actual captured footage of the devastating event at four locations. No need for re-enactment (Although the movie, The Impossible, was amazing). The people that contributed to this doc were great at conveying the intensity of what happened.

10. The Social Dilemma

by Jeff Orlowski (2020)

Tristan Harris and a bevy of designers and engineers within the tech industry are ready and willing to share the depths of social media addiction. I’m not sure if it’s to anyones surprise, but Silicon Valley chose to imitate the tactics used in Vegas gambling casinos rather developing tactics beyond them. Rather than taking caution of the addictive nature learned from gambling, they figured they’d harass that same psychological effect but for new tech purposes. Genius, right? But I digress, this documentary is extremely important viewing, even though it can get into sensationalism and fear-mongering. The Social Dilemma does clearly identify to detriment and complexity involved with our current online behavior and social media use.

11. Food, Inc.

by Robert Kenner (2009)

I remember this documentary coming out a few years after graduating as a holistic health coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. I had a growing awareness of the flaws of the food industry, and Food, Inc. helped me continue to understand what the issues were.

12. The Mask You Live In

Jennifer Siebel Newsom (2015)

In society, we have many social issues that need to be addressed. Documentary film making has been a powerful medium in understanding those concerns and giving a deeper glimpse into the problems and possible solutions. It can be easy to overlook the concerns surrounding mainstream masculinity in American culture. In this film, Newsom show us just how harmful this may be.

13. Icarus

by Bryan Fogel

It fascinates me how in this day and age, lying and cheating are still rewarded. And even more so, how many people follow along. It’s perplexing to learn how many people will shift their own moral compass, all to “win.” something. In the case of Icarus, it’s the athletes and those running the system’s guidelines, all to be winng-est winners. Yet they are all losers in the end. It’s a tragedy really. Bryan Fogel set out to document his attempt at a cycling race, and then to try again while on a doping program. While doing so he met Grigory Rodchenkov who helped him dope. In the interim the Russian doping scandal erupted and Grigory had to find exile for his life. Amidst all this real life drama, these men (and some woman) never get called out for breaking the rules.

14. 9/11

by Jules Naudet, Gedeon Naudet, James Hanlon

This was the first 9/11 documentary I saw. Did you know that the 9/11 topic is one of the biggest documentary categories for all documentaries ever? That’s pretty wild. I think this may be one of the most popular ones. As a NYer this one really resonates as the French documentarians were following a city Firehouse for another documentary. To see the eyes through the lens of the firefighters on the ground and through the separation of the brothers trying to document the event, was profound to say the least. Where as Massimo Mazzucco’s doc gets to the questions of the larger concern, the Naudet brothers doc gets to the heart and spirit of what so many people were experiencing that day.

15. Take Your Pills

by Alison Klayman (2018)

Take Your Pills intrigued me because I can certainly relate to ADHD (although never went to be diagnosed, and never sought medication. While I’m aware of the use of stimulants and amphetamines, and drugs like Adderall, it’s pretty fascinating (and nearly alarming) how prevalent they are in society. While every generation has had their access to amphetamines since 1929, it seems like newer generations face even more complex effects due to the fast-paced and tech-laden world we live in. I joke that I was feeling adrenal fatigue simply watching this documentary while sitting on a couch. I’m curious to learn more about those around who live and functionally just fine with these medications. This documentary shed some light on that. Although I also saw some reviews in which some proponents for the medications feel the doc painted users of the drugs in a poor light.

16. Bowling For Columbine

by Michael Moore (2002)

The Columbine High School shootings were a shock to the nation, raising concerns about gun control and school safety. More so people just couldn’t wrap their heads around how this could happen. Michael Moore tackles the issue by taking us through some disturbing realities like how one might get a free gun by opening a bank account. There are numerous components that lead up to the fruition of a massacre. This documentary helps us explore that unsavory path.

17. The Future of Food

by Deborah Koons Garcia (2004)

How much do you know about food labeling and food patents? How much do you know about genetically engineered food? I guess the question should be: How much do you want to know? The Future of Food will answer questions that you may not have thought of regarding our food supply and the food you eat. Gone are the days that anyone should have blind trust in the food industry. Fortunately their are advocates and interest groups that apply the necessary pressure to keep the food industry to make ethical choices. But will this be enough?

18. Supersize Me

by Morgan Spurlock (2004)

Such a simple, yet brilliant premise for a documentary film. Eat McDonald’s every meal for a month and record its effects on your health. I’m thinking most people wouldn’t want to be the subject of this kind of experiment, but sometimes you have to experience the results yourself. Truth is many people have fast food as a primary source of their food consumption and they overlook the problems that come with this dietary choice. Seeing Morgan’s doctors visits throughout the film are eye-opening and should be a wake-up-call for those who have similar eating habits.

19. The Armstrong Lie

One year I was a little down in the doldrums and I got to watching the Tour de France. It was exciting and inspirational, and Lance Armstrong had an amazing story. Flash forward to watching him on Oprah talking about how he ruined peoples lives and reputations who opposed him during his ‘reign.” I just don’t understand what part of oneself you have to check or override to be that ruthless. For what? To win? When in reality, they never really won when they cheated. And if they did ‘win’ the truth eventually comes out and then it’s all taken away. What a big waste of time, and all the while ruining the game and process for those who want to play fair and work hard. It just simply shouldn’t be that way.

20. On The Record

This particular documentary has layer upon layer of a number of societal issues, as it tells the stories of sexual abuse from Drew Dixon and other woman. I feel it’s really important that people understand how complex this issue gets for woman, especially for woman of color. For me a documentary like this is just the beginning of the discussion — not just to make it safe for women to voice what’s occurred, but what we can do better to hold people accountable. From sexual misconduct to colorism and light privilege to the record industry to any male-dominated industry. These stories can’t be told without getting into the thick of it about this overlapping concerns. But the conversations need to be had if we truly value transparency and equality in our society.

21. King Corn

by Ian Cheney and Kurt Ellis (2007)

22. Food Matters

by James Colquhoun and Laurentine ten Bosch (2008)

23. My Brooklyn

by Kelly Anderson and Allison Lirish (2012)

24. Cowspiracy

by Kip Andersen, Keegan Kuhn (2014)

25. So Much So Fast

by Stephen Ascher and Jeanne Jordan (2006)

Honorable mention:

Dear Zachary

by Kurt Kuenne (2008)

There’s a segment of documentarian film making that revolves around crime and murder. I understand the intrigue behind these films, although personally I try to keep them at a minimum. Reading reviews of different documentaries, I read about how sad Dear Zachary and I was curious to see it. Upon viewing I could see why it was deemed so melancholoy. The film begins as a touching tribute to his friend Andrew Bagby using a collection of home videos. Leaving behind his son Zachary, the film then segues to the real life tumultuous custody battle between Andrew’s ex and his parents. Unfortunately things continue to take turns for the worse, and viewers are left wondering how this all devolved despite having witnessed a glimpse of the life of the people the story is following.