Warning: This article contains mentions of violent crime.
Documentary filmmaking has remained one of the most engrossing uses of the medium since its inception. The purpose of the genre, in theory, at least, is to give an accurate representation of a subject. Doing so can help to raise awareness for causes, give a fascinating insight into lesser-known topics, etc.
From 1990 to 1999, some of the documentary films that were made are still among the most well-known in the genre today. IMDb catalogs these documentaries and by referencing user ratings, one can determine which are the best among them. (Note: This will not include live concerts or stand-up specials, which are labeled as documentaries by the site, but will not be considered as such for the purposes of this list)
10 Hearts Of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse (1991) - 8.1
Apocalypse Now is known as one of the best Vietnam War movies and perhaps one of the best war movies of all time. The process of making the masterpiece, however, was disastrous. Hearts of Darkness gives insight into the filmmakers' processes, the uncontrollable conditions surrounding the production, and many other aspects that made Apocalypse Now a nightmare to create.
For fans of the film and even for those who are not, Hearts of Darkness offers a fascinating glimpse into the horror of making one of the most iconic war movies ever made.
9 Hitman Hart: Wrestling With Shadows (1998) - 8.1
A documentary about former WWF pro wrestler Bret Hart, Wrestling with Shadows shows the reality of wrestling in the organization. Hart's departure from the WWF was considered controversial at the time, and this film shares his story and the true toll being a pro wrestler can take.
Most fans only see the characters portrayed in the ring, but they do not get to observe the real people behind the characters. Wrestling with Shadows gives audiences that chance, and it shows a more tragic side of this field of entertainment.
8 Paris Is Burning (1990) - 8.2
Paris is Burning offers a glimpse into drag ball culture in New York City in the 1980s, which consisted mainly of Black and Latinx members of the LGBTQ+ community. Through interviews with major figures in the scene and footage of the events themselves, this film shows the uplifting atmosphere these competitions and the subcultures provide for those involved.
While much of the film is joyful and celebrates the expression and freedom of the participants, much of it also chronicles the hardships they face. It is one of the best eye-opening documentaries on The Criterion Channel, and it is rightly considered one of the most important documentaries of the 1990s.
7 Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky And The Media (1992) - 8.2
In Manufacturing Consent, the ideas of Noam Chomsky, an influential intellectual, activist, linguist, etc., are explored. The film expands on Chomsky's ideas that he outlined in his 1988 book Manufacturing Consent, which he wrote with Edward S. Herman. The documentary discusses the idea that the media uses propaganda to serve the interests of the socioeconomic elite.
The film cites examples and encourages audiences to be more critical of the media they consume. This documentary is an enthralling piece of the art form from which many audiences can benefit.
6 42 Up (1998) - 8.2
42 Up is the sixth installment in the Up series of documentaries, which catch up with the same group of people every seven years. The first in this series, Seven Up!, came out in 1964. The participants come from different backgrounds and go through different paths in their lives.
42 Up is so fascinating because it is an honest look at the growth the participants undergo, along with the troubles some of them face. The most recent entry, 63 Up, came out in 2019. The series is captivating, giving audiences the unique experience of witnessing individuals growing up and changing as time goes on.
5 My Voyage To Italy (1999) - 8.2
Martin Scorsese may be more well known for films like Goodfellas and Taxi Driver, but he has also made several documentary films, one of which is My Voyage to Italy. In this film, Scorsese chronicles his favorite titles in Italian cinema, telling of how they have affected him personally and how they have impacted filmmaking in general.
The documentary is an excellent watch, and it is among the best movies directed by Martin Scorsese. Aspiring filmmakers or simply fans of the art form have much to gain from this insightful documentary.
4 Hoop Dreams (1994) - 8.3
Taking place in Chicago, Hoop Dreams shows the journey of two high school students as they play basketball and work in an attempt to go pro. The documentary follows them and their families in their triumphs and heartbreaks, all while addressing serious issues, including discrimination based on race and socioeconomic class.
It is an inspiring story that deserves the reputation it has. Hoop Dreams is one of the most beloved documentary films of all time, and it has remained a staple of the genre for almost thirty years.
3 Paradise Lost: The Child Murders At Robin Hood Hills (1996) - 8.3
Paradise Lost documents the horrific murders of three children in West Memphis, Arkansas, and the three teenagers who are tried for the crimes, despite reliable evidence. The documentary also shows the public's outrage about the crimes, much of which is directed at the teenagers they suspect were involved.
This film shows the bias people can have in a situation as horrifying as this one and the terrible effects that bias can have. It is a difficult documentary to watch, but it offers a thorough look into a significant case from the 1990s.
2 The Wonderful, Horrible Life Of Leni Riefenstahl (1993) - 8.5
Stories of influential figures throughout history can make for some of the best war biopics and documentaries, but The Wonderful, Horrible Life of Leni Riefenstahl focuses on a different kind of historical figure. The titular Leni Riefenstahl was a director responsible for some of the most famous Nazi propaganda films ever made.
This documentary shows her life in all of its facets, giving the audience a more complete picture of the infamous figure. The film handles complex subject matter, and it can be challenging, but it is nevertheless engrossing.
1 Baraka (1992) - 8.6
Filmed in many locations throughout twenty-four countries, Baraka has no voiceover and seemingly no plot. Rather, it turns the camera on people of different cultures in various parts of the world, simply observing their lives. On the other hand, some portions of the film focus on areas of nature and wildlife. Baraka also shows a variety of human-made places without people present, some of which evoke a sense of beauty, others a sense of dread.
A visually captivating journey throughout various areas of human civilization and the natural world, Baraka is a beautiful film, capable of providing an extraordinary experience, even without a cohesive narrative.
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