● Trending in the US
MOVIEPIQ · DOCUMENTARY · CURATED LIST

Best Documentary Movies When You’re Bored From The 2020S With Incredible Cinematography

Every documentary film here was chosen with when you need something actually worth watching in mind. These aren't algorithmically ranked, they were chosen because they actually work for this.

The best documentary movies when youre bored from the 2020s with incredible cinematography. Includes Won't You Be My Neighbor?, Free Solo, 13th and more - cu...

Boredom is a state that demands something genuinely surprising. Not comfortable. Not predictable. Something that makes you forget you were bored in the first place.

Despite everything, the 2020s have produced some genuinely remarkable cinema. Films made under pressure that somehow carry none of it.

A great documentary finds the universal in the specific. One person's story becomes everyone's story.

Won't You Be My Neighbor? movie poster
1
2018 · ★★★★☆ 8.4/10

An intimate look at America's favourite neighbor and the life, lessons, and legacy of Fred Rogers.

Free Solo movie poster
2
2018 · ★★★★☆ 8.2/10

Follow Alex Honnold as he attempts to become the first person to ever free solo climb Yosemite's El Capitan.

13th movie poster
3
2016 · ★★★★☆ 8.2/10

An in-depth look at the US prison system and how it reveals the nation's history of racial inequality.

Searching for Sugar Man movie poster
4
2012 · ★★★★☆ 8.2/10

Two South Africans set out to discover what happened to their musical hero, the mysterious 1970s rock musician Rodriguez.

Amy movie poster
5
2015 · ★★★½☆ 7.8/10

The story of Amy Winehouse, in her own words, featuring archival footage and recordings.

The documentaries that stay with you are the ones that refuse to simplify. They show you the mess of a real situation and trust you to sit with it.

Man on Wire movie poster
6
2008 · ★★★½☆ 7.7/10

A look at tightrope walker Philippe Petit's daring, and illegal, high-wire routine performed between the World Trade Center's twin towers in 1974.

Icarus movie poster
7
2017 · ★★★½☆ 7.9/10

When Bryan Fogel sets out to uncover the truth about doping in sports, a chance meeting with a Russian scientist transforms his project into a geopolitical thriller.

The Act of Killing movie poster
8
2012 · ★★★★☆ 8.2/10

A documentary about the 1965-66 Indonesian mass killings, in which former paramilitary leaders re-enact their crimes.

20 Feet from Stardom movie poster
9
2013 · ★★★½☆ 7.8/10

Backup singers discuss their careers and relationships with the stars they support.

Bowling for Columbine movie poster
10
2002 · ★★★★☆ 8.0/10

Michael Moore explores the culture of guns and violence in the United States.

The best cinematography is invisible until it isn't. These films have moments where you notice the image and can't look away.

A great documentary is one you find yourself thinking about weeks later. These qualify.

From the Blog

READ Movies That Changed How People See the World
READ Movies When You're Bored & Tired
READ Movies to Watch When Bored

You Might Also Like

ENERGY Documentary Movies for Tired Brains
MINDSTATE Documentary Movies background
GENRE Drama Movies when Youre Bored
DEEPER Avoiding Thoughts
EDITORIAL Movies That Changed How People See the World
Tell us one film you love - we'll find your next one.TRY IT