You want to Netflix & Chill? Next time you want to watch a movie, instead of picking a narrative film, try watching some documentaries. You will be surprised with how much you actually learn from staring at the screen and eating popcorn. Here is a list of documentaries, made in different styles, covering different topics; find something that is for you and enjoy!
1. "Harlan County" (1976)
This documentary captures the labor tension in the coal mining industry as miners and families from Kentucky go on strike to fight for their rights. Released in 1976, the movie received an academy award for its genuine tone and powerful imagery. As you witness their yearlong journey of fighting, struggling, and getting hurt, you become very closely attached; you feel as if you were living among them. It is no surprise how much you will sympathize with this community of people who have contributed generations of families working for the big powerful corporations. The director Barbara Kopple and her crew went into these homes for four years, living among them, documenting every aspect of the strike, even getting hurt on camera.
2. "Sriracha" (2013)
If you a true sriracha fan, you probably have seen this already. If not, you need to stop reading and watch it right now. This documentary brings you into the factory that is responsible for producing the addictive, delicious hot sauce that you put on everything. You will learn the history of the company, the inspiring story of the creator, David Tran, and most importantly, how to correctly pronounce the name!
3. "Jiro Dreams of Sushi" (2011)
This documentary will make your mouth water, and possibly blow your mind. I have always been aware of the delicacy in preparing sushi; not until watching this documentary did I truly realize the level of attention, dedication, and mastery needed to be the best of the best. If you ask me what my dream is right now, it is to dine there and have possibly the most amazing food orgasm that I will ever have and die happily.
4. "The Act of Killing" (2012)
You need to watch this documentary, right now. Why? Here is the premise: director Joshua Oppenheimer challenged Anwar Congo, Indonesian formal executioner, who is a national hero and at the same time responsible for mass killings of half a million people during the 1965 to1966 anti-Communist purge, to reenact the act of killing with scripts, costumes and special effects. Basically, you need to go see it now.
5. "Jodorowsky's Dune" (2013)
This world would have been a very different place, if Jodorowsky’s "Dune" was actually made. The "Star Wars" series would not have had such an impact in the sci-fi world, because there would have been "Dune." Through this documentary, you witness Jodorowsky’s journey of assembling the team for the movie, recruiting people such as H. R. Giger, Salvador Dalí, Mick Jagger, creating stunning design and having an extraordinary and ambitious vision to attempt making what would have possibly been the best science-fiction film of all time. However, the film was never made and now we get to see this documentary and imagine what it would have been and the kind of significance it would have had.
6. "Grey Gardens" (1975)
As one of the classic documentaries that you should definitely watch, this film explores the lives of two relatives of Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Edie Bouvier Beale and her mother, Edith. You witness their eccentric personalities, revolting living condition, and the interesting dynamics between the mother and daughter, as well as between the subjects and the filmmakers, Albert Maysles and David Maysles. Trust me, you will know what I am talking about once you start watching it.
7. "Inside Job" (2010)
Want an in-depth comprehensive analysis of the 2008 global financial crisis? This movie is the one to go. With extensive research and interviews with many key people, key financial insiders, politicians, journalists, this documentary unfolds the truth behind the tragic financial meltdown that affected millions of people. Be prepared, critic Wesley Morris describes it as “a masterpiece, scarier than anything Wes Craven and John Carpenter have ever made.”
8. "City of Gold" (2015)
This is the only documentary from this list that is actually in theaters right now. This film captures moments of delicious multi-ethnic cuisine and celebration of different cultures as Pulitzer Prize-winning food critic Jonathan Gold explores the culinary scene in Los Angeles. Main reason that I am recommending this film for you to watch is obviously the fact that you can physically go to these places and try out the dishes, as all of them are located in different neighborhoods of LA. You do not want to miss out!
9. "Room 237" (2012)
You probably already know what this film is about, from simply looking at the title. If not, here is a hint: redrum, redrum, redrum. Now you definitely know. In this documentary, filmmaker Rodney Asch discusses many themes in Stanley Kubrick's film, "The Shining," one of my favorite thrillers. Want to discover the secrets of room 237 and the conspiracies behind the film? This movie will give you answers.
10. "Marley" (2012)
If you love reggae music, and especially Bob Marley, or if you simply want to be inspired by some positive energy in life, you need to definitely see this movie. This documentary tells the story of Bob Marley, from the beginning to the end, including the peak of his career, and the tragedy of his cancer. Including many interviews of family, close friends, this film depicts many details of the legendary singer’s life.
11. "Exit Through the Gift Shop" (2002)
If you are interested in graffiti art, and admire artists specifically Banksy, you definitely need to watch this documentary. Not only do you get to experience sides of him that you don’t ever get to see and actually hear him talk, you also get to witness the story unfold as the movie comments on Thierry Guetta, a shopkeeper and amateur filmmaker who is now known as Mr. Brainwash in the art world. This movie is truly a must see.
