Ranked List

Documentaries

The best documentaries leave me seeing a familiar subject differently or curious enough to keep reading after the credits. This list favours clear storytelling and a distinctive point of view over a simple catalogue of facts. The topics vary, but every selection gave me a reason to talk about it afterwards.

#1 Andy Irons: Kissed by God poster

Andy Irons: Kissed by God

Release 2018 Genres Documentary IMDb 8.1 Runtime 100 min Language English
Find out more about Andy Irons: Kissed by God
A film about bipolar disorder and opioid addiction as seen through the life of three-time world champion surfer Andy Irons. He was the pride of Hawaii and revered around the world for his blue collar rise to fame and success. However, many were unaware of his internal battles that led to his demise. As the opioid crisis rises to a national emergency in the United States, the untold story of Andy’s life serves to tear down the myths associated with these two ferocious diseases.
#9 Icarus poster

Icarus

Release 2017 Genres Documentary IMDb 7.9 Runtime 121 min Language English
Find out more about Icarus
While investigating the furtive world of illegal doping in sports, director Bryan Fogel connects with renegade Russian scientist Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov—a pillar of his country’s “anti-doping” program. Over dozens of Skype calls, urine samples, and badly administered hormone injections, Fogel and Rodchenkov grow closer despite shocking allegations that place Rodchenkov at the center of Russia’s state-sponsored Olympic doping program.
#10 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible poster

14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible

Release 2021 Genres Documentary IMDb 7.7 Runtime 101 min Language English
Find out more about 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible
In 2019, Nepalese mountain climber Nirmal “Nims” Purja set out to do the unthinkable by climbing the world’s fourteen highest summits in less than seven months. (The previous record was eight years). He called the effort “Project Possible 14/7” and saw it as a way to inspire others to strive for greater heights in any pursuit. The film follows his team as they seek to defy naysayers and push the limits of human endurance.