Sort by Popularity - Most Popular Movies and TV Shows tagged with keyword "historical-documentary"
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1. Häxan (1922)
Not Rated | 91 min | Documentary, Fantasy, Horror
Fictionalized documentary showing the evolution of witchcraft, from its pagan roots to its confusion with hysteria in Eastern Europe.
Director: Benjamin Christensen | Stars: Benjamin Christensen, Elisabeth Christensen, Maren Pedersen, Clara Pontoppidan
Votes: 16,814
2. Waltz with Bashir (2008)
R | 90 min | Documentary, Animation, Biography
An Israeli film director interviews fellow veterans of the 1982 invasion of Lebanon to reconstruct his own memories of his term of service in that conflict.
Director: Ari Folman | Stars: Ari Folman, Ron Ben-Yishai, Ronny Dayag, Ori Sivan
Votes: 60,537 | Gross: $2.28M
3. Triumph of the Will (1935)
Not Rated | 110 min | Documentary, History
The infamous propaganda film of the 1934 Nazi Party rally in Nuremberg, Germany.
Director: Leni Riefenstahl | Stars: Adolf Hitler, Hermann Göring, Max Amann, Martin Bormann
Votes: 18,372
4. Klondike (2022)
100 min | Drama, War
After flight MH17 crashes in eastern Ukraine, violent tensions disrupt the lives of an expecting couple living in Donetsk.
Director: Maryna Er Gorbach | Stars: Oksana Cherkashyna, Sergey Shadrin, Oleg Shcherbina, Oleg Shevchuk
Votes: 1,898
5. America: The Story of the US (2010)
Documentary, History
Why did the United States become a global superpower? America The Story of Us is an epic 12-hour television event that explores the country's remarkable journey.
Stars: Daniel Webb, Liev Schreiber, Tom Brokaw, James Meigs
Votes: 1,974
6. 4 Little Girls (1997)
TV-14 | 102 min | Documentary, History
A documentary of the notorious racial terrorist bombing of an African American church during the Civil Rights Movement.
Director: Spike Lee | Stars: Maxine McNair, Walter Cronkite, Chris McNair, Fred Lee Shuttlesworth
Votes: 3,592 | Gross: $0.13M
7. The Secret History of Writing (2020)
59 min | Documentary
Lydia Wilson explores the origins of early writing systems with historians and calligraphers, examining how writing materials influenced cultures over time and how ideology and technology reshaped writing in the 20th century.
Stars: Lydia Wilson, Brody Neuenschwander, Ludovic Hughes, Irving Finkel
Votes: 32
8. Monumental: In Search of America's National Treasure (2012)
PG | 84 min | Documentary, History
Follow Kirk Cameron across Europe and the U.S. as he seeks to discover the people, places and principles that made America the freest, most prosperous and generous nation the world has ever known.
Director: Duane Barnhart | Stars: Kirk Cameron, Todd Akin, Sue Allan, David Barton
Votes: 859 | Gross: $0.18M
9. Making Sense of the Sixties (1991– )
Documentary
A turbulent decade shaped by political upheaval, cultural shifts, and momentous events from assassinations to the Vietnam War to the moon landing's triumph.
Stars: Carol Rissman, Arthur Levine, Theodore Roszak, Hendrik Hertzberg
Votes: 67
10. Visions of Light (1992)
92 min | Documentary, History
Cameramen and women discuss the craft and art of cinematography, illustrating their points with clips from 100 films, from The Birth of a Nation (1915) to Do the Right Thing (1989).
Directors: Arnold Glassman, Todd McCarthy, Stuart Samuels | Stars: Conrad L. Hall, John Bailey, Vilmos Zsigmond, Charles Lang
Votes: 3,337 | Gross: $0.80M
11. Moguls & Movie Stars: A History of Hollywood (2010)
Documentary, History
The history of Hollywood film from the medium's invention to the birth of the New Hollywood in 1970.
Stars: Christopher Plummer, Daniel Selznick, Gregory Orr, Samuel Goldwyn Jr.
Votes: 409
12. The Real West (1992– )
50 min | Documentary, History, Western
This documentary series, which was made in 1992, shows stories of how the real West was created and separates fact from fiction. Hosted by Kenny Rogers
Stars: Kenny Rogers, Paul A. Hutton, Robert Utley, Leon Metz
Votes: 105
13. The House Without a Guard: The Lost City (2019)
52 min | Documentary
The course of the architectural history of Hamedan city in Iran from the beginning of its creation until today.
Director: Naser Shaabani | Star: Davoud Namayandeh
Votes: 6
14. Riding the Rails (1997)
TV-PG | 72 min | Documentary, History
Riding the Rails offers a visionary perspective on the presumed romanticism of the road and cautionary legacy of the Great Depression. From 'middle class gentility to scrabble-ass poor,' ... See full summary »
Directors: Lexy Lovell, Michael Uys | Stars: C.R. 'Tiny' Boland, Charley Bull, Rene Champion, Peggy De Hart
Votes: 173
15. Unexplained (2008– )
TV-G | 60 min | Documentary, Horror
Tony Robinson and science journalist Becky McCall step into the unknown to investigate whether past paranormal events should be taken??seriously or dumped into history??s litterbin in this thought provoking three-part series.
Stars: Tony Robinson, Becky McCall, Chris French, Roy Stemman
Votes: 26
16. Iranian Animation (2020)
92 min | Documentary, History
The First National Animation Encyclopaedia in Iran
Director: Mehrdad Sheikhan
17. Secrets from the Sky (2014– )
22 min | Documentary, History
Using an octocopter, historian Bettany Hughes and aerial archaeologist Ben Robinson, explore various sites of historic interest from a new perspective, the air.
Stars: Bettany Hughes, Ben Robinson
Votes: 34
18. World War 2: The Shipwrecks of Truk Lagoon (2024)
45 min | Documentary
Explore Chuuk Lagoon's underwater war graveyard where sunken WWII relics transform into vibrant marine life, weaving history with nature's resilience.
Director: Christian Wehrle | Star: Casey Campbell
Votes: 61
20. La flota de Indias (2021)
67 min | Documentary
History says that America's discovery by Cristóbal Colón made it possible for two independent and separate continents to be closely connected. Nevertheless, referring to it as a "connection... See full summary »
Director: Antonio Pérez Molero | Stars: Ana Crespo, Jesús García Calero, Manuel Lucena, Esteban Mira Caballos
Votes: 13
21. I Am Joaquin (1969)
20 min | Documentary, Short, History
This short film is based on the poem by the same title published by Rodolfo "Corky" Gonzales in 1967.
Director: Luis Valdez | Star: Luis Valdez
Votes: 159
22. The Toilet: An Unspoken History (2012 TV Movie)
49 min | Documentary, History
Documentary looking at the role of the toilet in our culture, exploring its social history in Britain and abroad, and finding possible future solutions to global sanitation issues.
Director: Nick Watts | Stars: Ifor Ap Glyn, Ron Cutler, Dafydd Davies-Hughes, Junko Kobayashi
Votes: 100
23. In Search of Athelstan (1981 TV Movie)
Documentary, Biography
Impassioned documentary by Michael Wood, exploring the achievements of Athelstan, the first king of England, and grandson of Alfred the Great, enhanced by a late 70's - early 80's soundtrack.
Stars: Susan Pierce, Michael Wood
Votes: 23
24. Gunpowder, Treason and Plot (2001 TV Movie)
77 min | Documentary, Crime, History
Director: Andrew Chater | Star: John Michie
25. Lobo: The Wolf That Changed America (2007 TV Movie)
Documentary, Biography
The story of Ernest Thompson Seton's fateful encounter with a clever, death-defying wolf named Lobo, and how it changed not only his perspective but the history of nature conservation in America.
Stars: F. Murray Abraham, David Attenborough
Votes: 29
26. Chicana (1979)
23 min | Documentary, Short, History
Over a collage of artworks, photographs, and documentary footage, Carmen Zapata and an array of Chicana activists narrate the history of struggles faced by Mexican and Mexican-American women from the pre-Columbian era to the present day.
Director: Sylvia Morales | Stars: Carmen Zapata, Alicia Escalante, Francisca Flores, Dolores Huerta
Votes: 56
27. Sigmund Jähn - Der erste Deutsche im All (2017 TV Movie)
45 min | Documentary, Biography, History
Every child knew his name in East Germany, many wanted to be just like him. Schools and streets were named after this national hero. In the Socialist Eastern Bloc dictatorship of the GDR, ... See full summary »
Director: Rene Römer | Stars: Carsten Linke, Sigmund Jähn, Eberhard Köllner, Romy Mothes
28. In Search of the Earth-Mother of Anatolia (2019)
55 min | Documentary, History
A history documentary about the prominence of an Earth Mother goddess cult among the Lycians in ancient Anatolia.
Director: Tom Rowsell | Star: Tom Rowsell
Votes: 22
29. The Road to Partition (2021)
59 min | Documentary
Historians detail events that led to the partition of Ireland after the close of WWI.
Stars: Michelle Fairley, Eamon Phoenix, Piers Brendon, Margaret O'Callaghan
Votes: 15
30. In Passing On (2021)
55 min | Documentary
He was Born a coal miner. She was born a coal miner's daughter. Historical Productions, Inc. presents a true story from a film directed by R. David Burns. A new documentary that delves into... See full summary »
Director: R. David Burns | Stars: R. David Burns, Jeff Johnson, Megan Whitt
31. Swastika Revisited (2006 Video)
Not Rated | 30 min | Documentary, Short, History
Stars: Sanford Lieberson, David Puttnam, Philippe Mora, Lutz Becker
32. Das Geheimnis von Phaistos - Fälscher am Werk? (2016 TV Movie)
52 min | Documentary, History
Modern forgery or sensational artifact? This film seeks to answer the age-old debate surrounding the authenticity of the 4,000-year-old Phaistos Disc.
Director: Michael Gregor | Star: Stephan Schad
Votes: 18
33. Taisce Shean Uladh (2014)
30 min | Documentary
An overview of the prehistory of Ulster from the Neolithic period to the Viking settlement in the 9th Century, examining important archaeological sites and museum artifacts.
Star: Cormac Ó'Hádhmaill
34. Biblical Collector's Series (2006)
Documentary, History
Are Bible stories an accurate historical record of events or the musings of mortal men? Biblical mysteries are examined in this series that asks, "What is the real truth?"
Stars: Chuck Missler, David W. Balsiger, Roger Oakland, Charles Thurston
Votes: 11
35. Manipulation and Nazi Propaganda (2006 Video)
Not Rated | 12 min | Short, History, News
Stars: Lutz Becker, Philippe Mora, Adolf Hitler
36. Wicked Ways TV (2021)
22 min | Documentary, Short
Ghost hunter LeeAnna Vamp and nerd prince Mark Meer travel deep into the mountains of Northern British Columbia to the historic town of Barkerville to investigate several hauntings and the stories behind them.
Directors: James L Gilmore Jr., James Douglas | Stars: LeeAnna Vamp, Mark Meer, Cameron Lee Vamp, Danette Boucher
37. Duell ums Weiße Haus: Große Wahlkämpfe (2016 TV Movie)
90 min | Documentary
A behind-the-scenes documentary of the US president elections over the past 60 years.
Director: Ingo Helm | Stars: Mark Bremer, Dan Balz, Laurence I. Barrett, Carl Bernstein
Votes: 36
38. Puncturing the Myth of Leni Riefenstahl (2006 Video)
Not Rated | 6 min | Documentary, Short, Biography
Stars: Lutz Becker, Philippe Mora
39. Truth Prevails: The Undying Faith of Jan Hus (2007 Video)
Not Rated | 57 min | Documentary, Biography, History
Almost 600 years ago, a humble peasant stood alone against pope, emperor and king. He could either deny the truth he believed with all his heart, or he could die at the stake. Today Jan Hus... See full summary »
Director: Jerry Griffith | Stars: Abe Baily, Rob Huddleston
40. Señoras de Sijena (2019)
12 min | Documentary, Short
Director: Tomás Generelo | Stars: Begoña Carrera, Lola Consejo, Ana Garcés, María Ángeles García
42. Siempre te llevo conmigo (2022)
113 min | Documentary
Documentary about the history of Málaga basketball from the first teams in the city to the present day and especially Club Unicaja, the main Málaga club and its victories
Director: José Rodríguez-Vergara | Stars: Adam Waczynski, Alberto Díaz, Alfonso Reyes, Alfredo Queipo de Llano
44. Piacere, Ada Gobetti (2008)
51 min | Documentary, Biography, History
Stars: Ada Marchesini Gobetti, Rosalba Legato
45. Swastika: Historian's Introduction (2006 Video)
Not Rated | 2 min | Short, Biography, History
Stars: Jonathan Petropoulos, Adolf Hitler
47.
American Experience (1987– )
Episode:
The Donner Party
(1992)
TV-PG | 90 min | Documentary, Biography, History
Documentary exploring the struggles of The Donner Party, a group of American pioneers and their two Indigenous guides who became stranded in the Sierras during a horrible winter.
Director: Ric Burns | Stars: David McCullough, J.D. Cannon, Timothy Hutton, Gene Jones
Votes: 470
48.
The Real West (1992– )
Episode:
Crazy Horse: The Last Worrior
(1993)
Documentary, History, Western
Director: Yann Debonne
49.
The Real West (1992– )
Episode:
Headline Hunters of the Old West
(1994)
Documentary, History, Western
Director: Yann Debonne
50.
The Real West (1992– )
Episode:
Indian Weapons & the Warrior Societies
(1992)
Documentary, History, Western
Director: Yann Debonne | Star: Kenny Rogers