Letterboxd Top Documentary Films, a list by keith

8.7

/23669/

85

/1120/

83

/342/

4.7

/172044/

100

/71/

97

/571/

94

/15/

3.5

A concert film documenting Talking Heads at the height of their popularity, on tour for their 1983 album "Speaking in Tongues." The band takes the stage one by one and is joined by a cadre of guest musicians for a career-spanning and cinematic performance that features creative choreography and visuals.

91

8.2

/33174/

83

/661/

79

/256/

4.6

/103646/

100

/105/

100

/64/

93

/24/

4.0

This film made by a Palestinian-Israeli collective shows the destruction of the occupied West Bank's Masafer Yatta by Israeli soldiers and the alliance which develops between the Palestinian activist Basel and Israeli journalist Yuval.

90

8.6

/3812/

87

/152/

86

/34/

4.6

/47603/

98

/41/

99

/504/

86

/26/

3.5

age 11+

Accentuates the journey of Renaissance World Tour, from its inception, to the opening in Stockholm, Sweden, to the finale in Kansas City, Missouri. It is about Beyoncé’s intention, hard work, involvement in every aspect of the production, her creative mind and purpose to create her legacy, and master her craft. Received with extraordinary acclaim, Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour created a sanctuary for freedom, and shared joy, for more than 2.7 million fans.

92

8.9

/23670/

84

/313/

84

/253/

4.5

/48526/

100

/56/

98

/90/

4.0

age 15+

A chronicle of the rise and fall of O.J. Simpson, whose high-profile murder trial exposed the extent of American racial tensions, revealing a fractured and divided nation.

81

29

8.7

/440/

75

/11/

75

/5/

4.5

/4804/

Jeff Buckley runs through a number of tracks from his debut album 'Grace', as well as idiosyncratic cover versions, at the Cabaret Metro in May, 1995.

88

32

9.3

/221/

80

/21/

90

/10/

4.5

/6750/

The Black Parade Is Dead! is MCR's final performance as their onstage characters, the Black Parade. The Black Parade centres around a dying character called The Patient, who reflects on events in his life while he is confronted by Death in the form of his fondest memory, that of his father bringing him to see a marching band. This is based on frontman Gerard Way's belief that death comes to a person in the form of their fondest memory. The band is seen in their Black Parade uniforms throughout the performance, and during the first song "The End", Gerard Way is seen taking the role of The Patient, before tearing off his hospital gown to reveal his uniform.

92

8.7

/11433/

81

/278/

82

/214/

4.5

/16063/

100

/37/

97

/117/

99

/4/

4.0

age 15+

Director Claude Lanzmann spent 11 years on this sprawling documentary about the Holocaust, conducting his own interviews and refusing to use a single frame of archival footage. Dividing Holocaust witnesses into three categories – survivors, bystanders, and perpetrators – Lanzmann presents testimonies from survivors of the Chelmno concentration camp, an Auschwitz escapee, and witnesses of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, as well as a chilling report of gas chambers from an SS officer at Treblinka.

84

8.2

/20665/

83

/1046/

79

/521/

4.5

/201027/

98

/65/

88

/215/

82

/22/

3.0

Where does voguing come from, and what, exactly, is throwing shade? This landmark documentary provides a vibrant snapshot of the 1980s through the eyes of New York City's African American and Latinx Harlem drag-ball scene. Made over seven years, PARIS IS BURNING offers an intimate portrait of rival fashion "houses," from fierce contests for trophies to house mothers offering sustenance in a world rampant with homophobia, transphobia, racism, AIDS, and poverty. Featuring legendary voguers, drag queens, and trans women — including Willi Ninja, Pepper LaBeija, Dorian Corey, and Venus Xtravaganza.

90

?

8.7

/60/

97

/4/

4.4

/5121/

Filmed over three nights at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre in 2024, Mitski: The Land captures the artist at the height of her musical powers, showcasing music from “The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We” alongside re-workings and re-imaginings of songs from her expansive career.

94

36

8.8

/82/

100

/6/

97

/3/

4.4

/1470/

99

/189/

J-hope's debut world tour "HOPE ON THE STAGE" concludes with a live cinema broadcast. Watch him perform hits from his solo albums and new releases across a spectacular 31-show run through Asia and North America.

91

23

8.7

/65/

90

/7/

100

/1/

4.4

/2425/

Kicking off in Seoul in January 2024, ATEEZ’s monumental world tour, TOWARDS THE LIGHT : WILL TO POWER, ignited Japan, North America, Europe, and beyond with unstoppable energy. Now, its breathtaking opening chapter returns, reborn on the big screen. From powerful performances of signature hits like "WONDERLAND (Symphony No.9 “From The Wonderland”)”, "Crazy Form", "Say My Name", and "Guerrilla" to mesmerizing unit and solo stages showcasing each member’s unique color, ATEEZ’s overwhelming energy takes over SCREENX, 4DX, and ULTRA 4DX where available. The voyage towards the light sets sail once again!

76

?

8.6

/45/

55

/2/

4.4

/2256/

From their debut track "Happiness" to timeless hits like "Ice Cream Cake", "Red Flavor", "Psycho", "Feel My Rhythm", and "Cosmic", Red Velvet has solidified their place as an iconic artist creating unforgettable songs that transcend time. Experience the dazzling live performances from the 2024 Red Velvet FANCON TOUR 〈HAPPINESS : My Dear, ReVe1uv〉 in SEOUL, along with behind-the-scenes stories told directly by the members themselves about the music and cherished moments they've created over the past 10 years. A spectacular finale to Red Velvet's 10th Anniversary celebration!

86

29

8.2

/469/

85

/12/

92

/5/

4.4

/6235/

Chronicles artist RM's eight-month production of his second solo album, “Right Place, Wrong Person,” while candidly recording the endless concerns of the person Kim Namjoon, and the things he immerses himself in and loves.

84

25

7.6

/122/

80

/11/

93

/3/

4.4

/3263/

Rewriting history every step of their way, SEVENTEEN’s first Seoul World Cup Stadium concert and encore tour [SEVENTEEN TOUR ‘FOLLOW’ AGAIN TO SEOUL] is coming to big screens worldwide this August! From the eagerly awaited full thirteen-member performances to the premiere of “MAESTRO” and unique unit performances of “Spell”, “LALALI”, “Cheers to youth”, the film captures these unforgettable moments with cinematic cameras from multiple angles, ensuring an immersive experience. This concert film begins with a powerful daylight performance that transitions into an event brimming with a diverse array of music. Culminating under a night sky illuminated by CARAT lightsticks, it captures the essence of SEVENTEEN’s record-breaking nine-year legacy. Relive the exhilaration of the concert in ScreenX, 4DX, and ULTRA 4DX for an unparalleled experience.

83

48

8.3

/1256/

84

/20/

63

/10/

4.4

/4516/

100

/310/

As the grand finale of the world tour, "SUGA | Agust D TOUR 'D-DAY' THE FINAL" marked the culmination of 25 concerts held in 10 cities, which captivated a total audience of 290,000 throughout its run. Experience the pulsating energy and excitement of "'D-DAY' THE FINAL" on screen, everything from the exquisite sounds traversing the boundary between "21st Century Pop Icon" BTS member SUGA and solo artist Agust D, electrifying performance, explosive energy, to special duet stages featuring fellow BTS members RM, Jimin, and Jung Kook.

94

?

9.6

/43/

100

/2/

4.4

/1691/

In their largest-scale dome tour since their debut, witness SEVENTEEN’s electrifying blend of dynamic performances and enchanting melodies live on the big screen. In the 'FOLLOW' tour, audiences can anticipate being swept away on an exhilarating journey filled with explosive energy and an unmatched level of passion. The K-pop icons also showcase their versatility with special unit performances by the Vocal Unit, Performance Unit, and Hip-hop Unit, each bringing their unique sound and charisma to the stage. Through their live show, SEVENTEEN aims to spread positivity, inviting CARATs to join them on this uplifting journey.

84

50

8.5

/1555/

89

/68/

74

/11/

4.4

/7562/

80

/5/

93

/19/

age 13+

SUGA of the world-renowned group, BTS, works on a new album. He embarks on a journey to find his story to tell through music, while interacting with artists from various cities around the world.

88

68

8.6

/1974/

87

/78/

83

/110/

4.4

/14514/

99

/220/

Join RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook in this special cinematic cut, re-edited and remixed for the big screen. Watch new close-up angles and a whole new view of the entire concert, BTS Yet To Come in Busan. Featuring hit songs from across the group's career, including "Dynamite," "Butter" and “IDOL," plus the first concert performance of "Run BTS" from the group’s latest album Proof.

86

53

7.9

/17590/

80

/31/

89

/120/

4.4

/5190/

96

/2/

Join us as BTS and ARMY become one once again with music and dance in this unmissable live concert experience broadcast from Seoul to cinemas around the world! 'BTS PERMISSION TO DANCE ON STAGE' is the latest world tour series headlined by 21st century pop icons BTS, featuring powerful performances and the greatest hit songs from throughout their incredible career.

89

60

8.9

/1911/

84

/84/

80

/40/

4.4

/11556/

100

/11/

94

/10/

On the 30th of January, 1969, the Beatles performed an unannounced concert from the rooftop of their Apple Corps headquarters at Savile Row, within central London's office and fashion district. Experience the final and unforgettable iconic performance of The Beatles in a special 60-minute presentation, digitally remastered into the image and sound quality of IMAX DMR technology.

94

21

9.8

/9/

90

/4/

100

/1/

4.4

/1837/

The show captures the pursuit of creation, the love of the relationship 5 Seconds of Summer have with their fans and the endless boundary of what it means to be in a band.

90

?

9.0

/279/

86

/25/

96

/7/

4.4

/11861/

Life On The Murder Scene offers an in-depth, extensive video diary, featuring band interviews and behind-the-scenes commentary.

87

30

8.9

/424/

86

/5/

88

/9/

4.4

/2077/

A 24-hour compendium of time-themed film clips, all synched to the time that appears on the clocks and watches within.

79

?

8.2

/1512/

76

/30/

77

/49/

4.4

/4189/

A detailed look at the gradual decline of Shenyang’s industrial Tiexi district, an area that was once a vibrant example of China’s socialist economy. But industry is changing, and the factories of Tiexi are closing. Director Wang Bing introduces us to some of the workers affected by the closures, and to their families.

89

8.3

/29319/

79

/782/

76

/322/

4.4

/50913/

98

/60/

92

/881/

98

/19/

4.0

age 13+

Every school day, African-American teenagers William Gates and Arthur Agee travel 90 minutes each way from inner-city Chicago to St. Joseph High School in Westchester, Illinois, a predominately white suburban school well-known for the excellence of its basketball program. Gates and Agee dream of NBA stardom, and with the support of their close-knit families, they battle the social and physical obstacles that stand in their way. This acclaimed documentary was shot over the course of five years.

87

83

9.1

/3236/

85

/498/

85

/97/

4.4

/4446/

Hans Zimmer is one of the most successful film music composers working today. His multi-award winning career reaches back to the mid-eighties and he has developed close working relationships with renowned directors such as Ridley Scott, Tony Scott, Michael Bay, Ron Howard, Gore Verbinski and Christopher Nolan. His credits include some of the biggest blockbuster movies of all time along with acclaimed TV series such as The Crown and Planet Earth II. This concert was filmed on 7th May 2016 in Prague during Hans Zimmer’s hugely successful European concert tour. Hans was accompanied by a band, orchestra and choir, 72 musicians in total, including guitarist Johnny Marr. The staging was spectacular with a ground breaking light show, stunning visuals and a state of the art sound system. Hans Zimmer performs on multiple instruments and gives introductory insights to many of the pieces during the concert. This show is a treat for lovers of both great music and great movies.

89

8.5

/13675/

84

/647/

82

/298/

4.4

/27125/

98

/102/

92

/48/

89

/19/

4.0

age 15+

A love letter from a young mother to her daughter, the film tells the story of Waad al-Kateab’s life through five years of the uprising in Aleppo, Syria as she falls in love, gets married and gives birth to Sama, all while cataclysmic conflict rises around her. Her camera captures incredible stories of loss, laughter and survival as Waad wrestles with an impossible choice– whether or not to flee the city to protect her daughter’s life, when leaving means abandoning the struggle for freedom for which she has already sacrificed so much.

87

8.2

/3546/

81

/165/

75

/64/

4.4

/17109/

100

/12/

4.0

This documentary about teenagers living on the streets in Seattle began as a magazine article. The film follows nine teenagers who discuss how they live by panhandling, prostitution, and petty theft.

86

30

9.2

/351/

84

/25/

81

/15/

4.4

/1450/

A live performance by Icelandic singer-songwriter Björk recorded at the Royal Opera House in London, England on December 16, 2001. Björk performs tracks from her fourth studio album "Vespertine" along with songs from her previous solo albums.

83

39

8.7

/866/

81

/71/

78

/13/

4.4

/2098/

Recorded live at Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank, over May 22-24 of 1997, Fleetwood Mac performs their greatest hits – including the classics 'Rhiannon', 'Everywhere', 'Dreams', 'Don't Stop' and 'Landslide' – and several new songs.

87

85

8.6

/11345/

83

/391/

80

/216/

4.4

/26710/

100

/13/

96

/297/

75

/11/

British progressive rock band Pink Floyd perform at the ancient Roman Amphitheater in the ruins of Pompeii, Italy in 1971. Although the band perform a typical live set from the era, there is no audience beyond the basic film crew.

87

8.2

/43700/

79

/1548/

76

/737/

4.4

/91993/

96

/163/

85

/536/

92

/34/

4.0

age 14+

In this chilling and groundbreaking documentary, former Indonesian death squad leaders reenact their real-life mass killings in the style of various film genres. As they recreate their past atrocities, the line between reality and performance blurs, exposing the lingering impact of Indonesia’s 1965-66 anti-communist purge and the unsettling psychology of its perpetrators.

86

8.5

/44794/

83

/1781/

80

/560/

4.4

/89050/

94

/51/

96

/1065/

82

/11/

age 16+

In 2001, Andrew Bagby, a medical resident, is murdered not long after breaking up with his girlfriend. Soon after, when she announces she's pregnant, one of Andrew's many close friends, Kurt Kuenne, begins this film, a gift to the child.

89

79

8.5

/4792/

83

/418/

81

/58/

4.3

/17538/

100

/11/

96

/11/

93

/4/

age 10+

David Attenborough takes viewers on a breathtaking journey showing there is nowhere more vital for our survival, more full of life, wonder, or surprise, than the ocean. Through spectacular sequences featuring coral reefs, kelp forests and the open ocean, Attenborough shares why a healthy ocean keeps the entire planet stable and flourishing.

89

?

8.1

/116/

100

/1/

4.3

/1684/

Features powerful performances, in-depth interviews with the 13 members, and commentaries on their past, present, and future they will create with CARATs.

81

8.5

/2231/

80

/97/

82

/21/

4.3

/6828/

94

/49/

91

/19/

2.0

Amid the failing counteroffensive, a journalist follows a Ukrainian platoon on their mission to traverse one mile of heavily fortified forest and liberate a strategic village from Russian occupation. But the farther they advance through their destroyed homeland, the more they realize that this war may never end.

77

7.7

/1767/

77

/94/

79

/17/

4.3

/37838/

72

/17/

3.0

Rising musician Jeff Buckley had only released one album when he died suddenly in 1997. Now, never-before-seen footage, exclusive voice messages, and accounts from those closest to him offer a portrait of the captivating singer.

88

72

8.6

/2144/

85

/151/

87

/69/

4.3

/12828/

99

/459/

Whether you’re a devoted disciple looking to relive treasured memories of the GHOST live spectacle or among the curious uninitiated, RITE HERE RITE NOW will put you right there: putting your phones down and living in the moment—as a shadow of uncertainty looms—completely spellbound and in the thrall of this bombastic yet intimate cinematic portrait of GHOST.

86

8.0

/25470/

81

/1976/

82

/499/

4.3

/312057/

98

/96/

98

/1565/

82

/30/

3.5

age 11+

A concert film documenting Taylor Swift's record-breaking Eras Tour (2023-2024). Filmed during the Los Angeles shows, the film captures the tour's ten acts, each representing a different musical era from Swift's career. The film showcases over 40 songs, elaborate stage productions, and Swift's performance.

88

36

8.3

/735/

73

/10/

100

/1/

4.3

/1281/

98

/74/

The live viewing of the concert for SUGA's D-Day Tour that took place in Japan on June 03rd, 2023.

89

62

8.6

/2102/

88

/49/

89

/25/

4.3

/21915/

99

/136/

age 14+

Ditching the typical glossy sheen of celebrity documentaries, this film gives audiences an intimate and unvarnished view of Louis Tomlinson's life and career. Through never-before-seen home movie footage and behind the scenes access to Louis’ sell-out 2022 World Tour, the documentary offers a unique perspective on what it's like to be a musician in today's fast-paced world.

87

50

8.4

/2564/

85

/62/

82

/11/

4.3

/6897/

99

/21/

age 10+

For 200 days, the daily life of artist j-hope is captured. From his production of solo album "Jack in the Box" and listening party, this documentary follows him all the way to his debut on the stage of "Lollapalooza."

84

32

7.5

/234/

82

/13/

84

/8/

4.3

/4550/

95

/17/

For the first time in her career, global superstar Billie Eilish is releasing a visual record of her formidable live performance. Featuring intimate and unforgettable moments between Billie and her audience, this compelling concert film takes viewers on a visually captivating journey from beginning to end, to the heart of Eilish's record-breaking sold-out Happier Than Ever, The World Tour.

87

8.6

/42795/

83

/1020/

80

/255/

4.3

/39074/

100

/70/

97

/72/

83

/19/

3.5

As the Russian invasion begins, a team of Ukrainian journalists trapped in the besieged city of Mariupol struggle to continue their work documenting the war's atrocities.

93

27

8.9

/109/

93

/5/

100

/3/

4.3

/3086/

97

/12/

The brand-new film features high-energy performances with the seven members captured during their second solo concert, NCT DREAM TOUR "THE DREAM SHOW 2 : In A DREAM", at the iconic Olympic Stadium, the largest stadium in South Korea and the dream venue for music artists. This unmissable event also includes behind-the-scenes footage, exclusive backstage interviews, and a look at the future the members envision away from the stage!

81

8.4

/3231/

81

/159/

82

/28/

4.3

/6065/

3.0

An intimate documentary that looks at the vicious cycles of drug addiction and street crime in one of the roughest parts of New Jersey.

77

30

7.5

/753/

77

/11/

72

/13/

4.3

/2795/

75

/7/

A heart-rending depiction of the aftermath of Israel's destruction of Jenin refugee camp in 2002, where every scene and interview is profound and distressing in equal measure.

85

51

8.5

/1712/

88

/133/

85

/56/

4.3

/13109/