History shapes the present, and documentaries are one of the best ways to experience pivotal moments in time. With access to rare footage, interviews with key figures, and deep research, historical documentaries provide an engaging and educational experience. Here’s a list of some of the best documentaries about historical events that you can watch now.
1. The Last Dance
The Last Dance is an incredible look at Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls’ final championship season in 1997-1998. This documentary is about much more than basketball; it also delves into the cultural impact of Jordan and the team, making it a great watch for both sports fans and history enthusiasts.
Why Watch It
- It gives an in-depth look at Michael Jordan’s legendary career and the iconic Chicago Bulls.
- Includes exclusive interviews and never-before-seen footage from the team’s final season.
- Highlights the broader cultural impact of the NBA during the 1990s.
2. 13th
Ava DuVernay’s 13th explores the history of racial inequality in America, focusing on the 13th Amendment and its consequences. The documentary examines how slavery’s legacy still affects modern-day America, particularly the criminal justice system.
Why Watch It
- It provides critical insights into the intersection of race and law in America.
- Examines the impact of mass incarceration and the prison-industrial complex.
- Uses historical and modern perspectives to analyze the ongoing fight for racial justice.
3. Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
This documentary tells the heartwarming story of Fred Rogers, the beloved creator and host of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Won’t You Be My Neighbor? focuses on Rogers’ philosophy of kindness and the lasting impact his show had on American children and culture.
Why Watch It
- It offers a touching and intimate look at Fred Rogers’ life and legacy.
- Explores his gentle approach to handling tough topics like death, war, and disability.
- A nostalgic, emotional journey for those who grew up watching his show.
4. The Fog of War
The Fog of War is a powerful documentary that focuses on Robert S. McNamara, the U.S. Secretary of Defense during the Vietnam War. The film offers a personal perspective on the complexities and moral dilemmas of war. McNamara reflects on the key decisions made during his career and the lessons learned from them.
Why Watch It
- It provides an in-depth look at the inner workings of U.S. military and political decisions during wartime.
- Examines the Vietnam War and the decision-making process at the highest levels.
- Offers important lessons on the morality and consequences of war.
5. Apollo 11
This stunning documentary takes a deep dive into the historic Apollo 11 mission, which saw the first humans land on the moon. Using never-before-seen footage and audio, Apollo 11 brings to life the excitement, pressure, and triumph of this groundbreaking moment in human history.
Why Watch It
- Features rare, high-quality footage of the Apollo 11 mission.
- Captures the historic moment of the first moon landing from a fresh perspective.
- Immerses viewers in the emotion and tension surrounding this monumental achievement.
6. O.J.: Made in America
This series explores the life of O.J. Simpson, from his rise to fame as a football star to his controversial murder trial. O.J.: Made in America examines race, fame, and the American justice system through the lens of Simpson’s life and the media frenzy surrounding his case.
Why Watch It
- Offers a comprehensive exploration of O.J. Simpson’s life and the media spectacle surrounding his trial.
- Tackles issues like race, celebrity, and the legal system in America.
- Provides a deep dive into the cultural impact of the O.J. Simpson case.
7. The Vietnam War
Directed by Ken Burns, The Vietnam War is a detailed, multi-perspective documentary that covers one of the most divisive conflicts in American history. The film includes interviews with veterans, civilians, and historical experts to present a comprehensive look at the war and its legacy.
Why Watch It
- Offers a thorough, unbiased examination of the Vietnam War and its complex causes and consequences.
- Features interviews with key figures from both the U.S. and Vietnam.
- Explores the war’s long-lasting impact on both countries and the world.
8. Inside Job
Inside Job is an eye-opening documentary about the 2008 financial crisis. Directed by Charles Ferguson, this film looks at the causes of the crisis, examining the role of financial institutions, regulators, and policymakers in leading to the global economic collapse.
Why Watch It
- Provides a clear and accessible explanation of the 2008 financial meltdown.
- Investigates the corruption and irresponsibility that led to the crisis.
- Offers a critique of the modern global economic system and its vulnerabilities.
9. 13 Days
This documentary takes a close look at the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, one of the most tense moments in the Cold War. By focusing on President John F. Kennedy and his administration, 13 Days shows the decisions that led to the brink of nuclear war and the eventual resolution of the crisis.
Why Watch It
- Provides a gripping, detailed account of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
- Captures the high-stakes diplomacy involved in preventing nuclear war.
- Offers valuable insights into Cold War politics and the international tensions of the time.
10. Ken Burns: The Civil War
Ken Burns’s The Civil War is one of the most influential documentaries about American history. It provides an intimate look at the causes, battles, and aftermath of the American Civil War, offering both personal stories and historical context to help understand this transformative conflict.
Why Watch It
- A masterpiece of historical filmmaking, filled with rare photographs and moving narratives.
- Explores both the military and civilian perspectives of the war.
- Provides essential context for understanding the impact of the Civil War on modern America.
Conclusion
Historical documentaries have the power to transform our understanding of the past. By providing in-depth analysis and real-life stories, these films give us the chance to reflect on significant events and the people who shaped them. Whether it’s the rise of a sports icon, the complexity of a war, or the struggles for justice, these documentaries offer valuable insights into the moments that define history. Watching them not only educates us but also encourages a deeper understanding of how the past continues to influence our lives today.
