Narrated by Morgan Freeman (in the English version), this nature documentary follows a colony of Emperor penguins on their annual journey across the harsh Antarctic ice to their breeding grounds and back. Directed by Luc Jacquet, the film highlights the incredible endurance and dedication of these birds as they face extreme weather and predators to ensure the survival of their species. It's a visually stunning and heartwarming look at the natural world. A classic nature film showcasing the remarkable resilience of wildlife.

This film tells the bizarre true story of Frédéric Bourdin, a French con artist who, in 1997, impersonated a missing 16-year-old Texas boy and convinced the boy's family that he was their son, despite being 23 years old and having different eye color and a French accent. Director Bart Layton uses a mix of interviews with the family and Bourdin himself, along with chilling reenactments, to unravel this incredible deception. A truly unbelievable story that plays out like a psychological thriller.

Filmed over three years, this documentary follows artist Vik Muniz as he travels to the world's largest garbage dump, Jardim Gramacho, outside Rio de Janeiro. There, he collaborates with the catadores (pickers of recyclable materials) to create stunning portraits made from the trash they collect. The film beautifully captures the dignity and resilience of the catadores and the transformative power of art. An inspiring look at creativity found in the most unexpected places.

Asif Kapadia (who also directed 'Amy') tells the story of legendary Brazilian Formula One race car driver Ayrton Senna, focusing on his rise to fame and his intense rivalry with Alain Prost. The film is constructed entirely from archival racing footage and home video, with no present-day talking heads, immersing you in the high-octane world of F1 during the late 1980s and early 1990s. It's a thrilling portrait of a complex and charismatic athlete. A must-see for racing fans and anyone interested in the psychology of a champion.

Directed by Louie Psihoyos, this Oscar-winning documentary exposes the annual dolphin drive hunt in Taiji, Japan. The film follows a team of activists, led by former dolphin trainer Ric O'Barry (known for his work on the Flipper TV show), as they use covert tactics to capture footage of the brutal killings. It's an intense and often difficult watch, highlighting the lengths people will go to protect secrets and the dedication of those fighting for conservation. A compelling and urgent call to action against animal cruelty.

This film examines the consequences of keeping killer whales in captivity, focusing on the story of Tilikum, a SeaWorld orca who was involved in the deaths of three people. Director Gabriela Cowperthwaite uses interviews with former trainers and scientists to build a compelling case against the marine park industry. The film was highly influential, leading to significant changes in public perception and practices at places like SeaWorld. It's an impactful look at animal welfare and the ethics of entertainment.

Asif Kapadia's poignant documentary chronicles the life and tragic death of British singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse. Using extensive archival footage, home videos, and interviews with those closest to her, the film paints an intimate and often heartbreaking portrait of her rise to fame, her struggles with addiction, and the intense media scrutiny she faced. The narrative is driven solely by the voices of her friends, family, and colleagues, allowing Amy's own words and music to take center stage. It's a powerful and deeply moving tribute to a singular talent lost too soon.

Werner Herzog takes us into the life and death of Timothy Treadwell, a grizzly bear enthusiast who spent 13 summers living among brown bears in Alaska before being killed by one. Herzog uses Treadwell's own extensive video footage, combining it with interviews and his own philosophical narration. The film explores themes of nature, obsession, and the blurred lines between human and animal worlds. Herzog's unique perspective adds layers of complexity to Treadwell's story. It's a haunting and thought-provoking look at a man who sought connection in the wild.

Is it real? Is it fake? Banksy's directorial debut follows Thierry Guetta, a French immigrant in Los Angeles who is obsessed with filming everything. He eventually connects with street artists, including Banksy himself, and becomes the focus of the film. But then, Guetta decides to become a street artist known as 'Mr. Brainwash,' leading to a dizzying and often hilarious exploration of art, fame, and authenticity. It's a clever, meta-commentary on the art world that keeps you guessing until the very end.

Step into the world of Jiro Ono, an octogenarian sushi master who runs a 10-seat, Michelin-starred restaurant located in a Tokyo subway station. Director David Gelb beautifully captures Jiro's relentless pursuit of perfection and his complex relationship with his eldest son, Yoshikazu, who is poised to inherit the legacy. The film is not just about food; it's a meditation on dedication, craft, and the father-son dynamic. The meticulous attention to detail in both the sushi preparation and the filmmaking is truly mesmerizing.

Laura Poitras's urgent and immediate documentary puts you right in the room with Edward Snowden and the journalists Glenn Greenwald and Ewen MacAskill as they prepare to publish Snowden's revelations about the NSA's global surveillance programs. Filmed in a Hong Kong hotel room, the tension is palpable as the events unfold in real-time. Poitras, who was already on a government watchlist, accepted an encrypted email from a source identifying himself as 'Citizenfour,' leading to this historic meeting. It's a crucial piece of investigative journalism captured as it happens, offering a raw look at a pivotal moment in recent history.

Joshua Oppenheimer's groundbreaking film presents former leaders of Indonesian death squads who are asked to reenact their mass killings in the style of the Hollywood movies they love – musicals, Westerns, and gangster films. The result is deeply unsettling and forces viewers to confront the perpetrators' perspectives in a way rarely seen. The film sparked significant discussion and even led to some public acknowledgment of the atrocities in Indonesia. It's a challenging but profoundly important work that pushes the boundaries of documentary filmmaking.

This film tells the incredible, almost unbelievable story of Sixto Rodríguez, a folk musician from Detroit who released two albums in the early 1970s that flopped in the U.S. but became massively popular in South Africa, completely unbeknownst to him. Swedish director Malik Bendjelloul (who tragically passed away shortly after its release) uses a blend of animation and stunning cinematography to unravel this mystery. The journey taken by two South African fans to find out what happened to their musical hero is profoundly moving and uplifting. It's a powerful story about the unexpected ways art can find its audience and the resilience of a true artist.

Prepare to be utterly captivated by Philippe Petit's audacious high-wire walk between the Twin Towers! This documentary masterfully blends archival footage with reenactments and interviews, creating a thrilling heist-like narrative around an event that was both illegal and breathtakingly beautiful. Director James Marsh chose not to use any digital effects for the walk itself, relying solely on the astonishing footage captured on the day. It's a testament to human daring and the pursuit of impossible dreams, leaving you on the edge of your seat even though you know the outcome. An absolute must-watch for its sheer narrative power and awe-inspiring subject.