HBOmax
Documentary
Years

Popular Documentary Movies

Foster
HBOmax
Foster
With one in eight American children suffering a confirmed case of neglect or abuse by age 18, there are currently more than 400,000 children in foster care in the U.S., a number that continues to grow each year. Drawing on unprecedented access, FOSTER explores the often-misunderstood world of foster care through compelling stories from the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, the largest county child welfare agency in the country.
Foster 2018
The Sentence
HBOmax
The Sentence
Cindy Shank, mother of three, is serving a 15-year sentence in federal prison for her tangential involvement with a Michigan drug ring years earlier. This intimate portrait of mandatory minimum drug sentencing's devastating consequences, captured by Cindy's brother, follows her and her family over the course of ten years.
The Sentence 2018
By the People: The Election of Barack Obama
HBOmax
By the People: The Election of Barack Obama
By the People: The Election of Barack Obama is a documentary film produced by Edward Norton broadcast in November 2009 on HBO, which follows Barack Obama and various members of his campaign team, including David Axelrod, through the two years leading up to the United States presidential election on November 4th, 2008.
By the People: The Election of Barack Obama 2009
Under The Grapefruit Tree: The CC Sabathia Story
HBOmax
Under The Grapefruit Tree: The CC Sabathia Story
In his own words, Sabathia narrates his story. As the highs and lows of his last season are chronicled, Sabathia looks back on his legacy as one of the game’s pre-eminent pitchers, as well as the profound challenges that shaped him, including his longtime battle with addiction that came to a head in 2015 while playing for the Yankees.
Under The Grapefruit Tree: The CC Sabathia Story 2020
What's My Name: Muhammad Ali
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What's My Name: Muhammad Ali
One of the most iconic figures in athletic history, Muhammad Ali's incredible story from world champion boxer to inspiring social activist is explored through his own voice and never-before-seen archival material.
What's My Name: Muhammad Ali 2019
Baghdad ER
HBOmax
Baghdad ER
Produced and directed by 11-time Emmy Award-winner Jon Alpert, this 64-minute verite documentary takes an unforgettable look inside the 86th Combat Support Hospital (CSH), the U.S. Army's premier medical facility in Iraq and former site of one of Saddam Hussein?s elite medical facilities. Shot over two months in the summer of 2005, the film puts a human face on the war's cold casualty statistics, as doctors and nurses fight to save the lives of wounded soldiers who are Medevaced (helicoptered) in a numbingly routine basis.
Baghdad ER 2006
Thought Crimes
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Thought Crimes
Dubbed “The Cannibal Cop,” former NYPD officer Gilberto Valle was charged with conspiring to kidnap and eat women but argued it was all a fantasy. His story made headlines both for its disturbing details and its potential to kick off a trend of thought-policing across the nation. Featuring intimate interviews with Valle and insights from experts, Thought Crimes explores if someone can be found guilty for their most dangerous thoughts.
Thought Crimes 2015
There Is No
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There Is No "I" in Threesome
The story of Ollie and Zoe, a newly engaged couple who agree to try out an open relationship.
There Is No "I" in Threesome 2021
Six by Sondheim
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Six by Sondheim
This intimate documentary explores the life and career of the stage legend Stephen Sondheim through six of his best-known songs.
Six by Sondheim 2013
Between the World and Me
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Between the World and Me
Based on Ta-Nehisi Coates’ #1 New York Times bestseller and originally adapted and staged by the Apollo Theater, this special combines elements of that production - including powerful readings from Coates’ book - with documentary footage from the actors’ home life, archival footage, and animation.
Between the World and Me 2020
Kareem: Minority of One
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Kareem: Minority of One
This documentary charts the complexity and genius of the NBA's all-time leading scorer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's legendary career, both on and off the court. Spotlighting a six-time MVP and six-time world champion, the film examines his controversial and landmark moments, his outspoken feelings about race and politics, and the evolution of the game.
Kareem: Minority of One 2015
Redemption
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Redemption
Redemption is a documentary about New York City's canners - the men and women who survive by redeeming bottles and cans they collect from curbs, garbage cans and apartment complexes. You've seen them combing through the trash, but never got to meet them. The film is an unexpected and intimate look at post-industrial gleaners, struggling at the edge of our society.
Redemption 2013
Welcome to Chechnya
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Welcome to Chechnya
This searing investigative work shadows a group of activists risking unimaginable peril to confront the ongoing anti-LGBTQ program raging in the repressive and closed Russian republic. Unfettered access and a remarkable approach to protecting anonymity exposes this under-reported atrocity–and an extraordinary group of people confronting evil.
Welcome to Chechnya 2020
Valentine Road
HBOmax
Valentine Road
On February 12, 2008, in Oxnard, California, eighth-grade student Brandon McInerney shot his classmate Larry King twice in the back of the head during first period. When Larry died two days later, his murder shocked the nation. Was this a hate crime, one perpetrated by a budding neo-Nazi whose masculinity was threatened by an effeminate gay kid who may have had a crush on him? Or was there even more to it?
Valentine Road 2013
The Art of Political Murder
HBOmax
The Art of Political Murder
An investigation into the truth behind the murder of Guatemalan Bishop, Juan Gerardi, who was killed in 1998 just days after trying to hold the country's military accountable for the atrocities committed during its civil war.
The Art of Political Murder 2020
War Dog: A Soldier's Best Friend
HBOmax
War Dog: A Soldier's Best Friend
This poignant documentary explores the unbreakable bond between multi-purpose K9s and their handlers.
War Dog: A Soldier's Best Friend 2017
Escape from Kabul
HBOmax
Escape from Kabul
Unfolding over 18 monumental days in August 2021, this deeply immersive and emotional documentary combines never-before-seen archival footage from those on the ground at the airport with exclusive interviews with people who were there throughout the period, including Afghan citizens attempting to flee, U.S. Marines tasked with managing the evacuation, and Taliban commanders and fighters who had recently taken the city.
Escape from Kabul 2022
Banksy Does New York
HBOmax
Banksy Does New York
On October 1, 2013, the elusive street artist Banksy launched a month-long residency in New York, an art show he called Better Out Than In. As one new work of art was presented each day in a secret location, a group of fans, called “Banksy Hunters,” took to the streets and blew up social media.
Banksy Does New York 2014
Bill Maher: But I'm Not Wrong
HBOmax
Bill Maher: But I'm Not Wrong
In front of a live audience at the Raleigh Memorial Auditorium at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts in Raleigh, North Carolina, the Emmy-nominated host of Real Time with Bill Maher performs an all-new hour of stand-up comedy. Among the topics Bill discusses in his ninth HBO solo special are: Whether the "Great Recession" is really over; the fake patriotism of the right wing; what goes on in the mind of a terrorist; why Obama needs a posse instead of the secret service; the drug war; Michael Jackson; getting out of Iraq and Afghanistan; racism; the Teabagger movement; religion; the health-care fight; why Gov. Mark Sanford will come out looking good, and how silly it is to ask "Why do men cheat?"; and why comedy most definitely didn't die when George Bush left office.
Bill Maher: But I'm Not Wrong 2010
I Am Evidence
HBOmax
I Am Evidence
The modern criminal justice system is hindered by the fact that countless rape kits remain untested in police evidence storage facilities across the United States. Only eight states currently have laws requiring mandatory testing of rape kits.
I Am Evidence 2017
The Price of Everything
HBOmax
The Price of Everything
Featuring collectors, dealers, auctioneers and a rich range of artists, including market darlings George Condo, Jeff Koons, Gerhard Richter and Njideka Akunyili Crosby, this documentary examines the role of art and artistic passion in today’s money-driven, consumer-based society.
The Price of Everything 2018
Into the Arms of Strangers: Stories of the Kindertransport
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Into the Arms of Strangers: Stories of the Kindertransport
In the nine months prior to World War II, 10.000 innocent children left behind their families, their homes, their childhood, and took the journey... to Britain to escape the Nazi Holocaust.
Into the Arms of Strangers: Stories of the Kindertransport 2000
About Face: Supermodels Then and Now
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About Face: Supermodels Then and Now
An intimate view of the women whose images have defined our sense of beauty over the past five decades. An uncensored look at many of the biggest names in modeling, the movie reveals the stories behind the magazine covers displaying these multicultural pioneers. Each woman is candidly interviewed in the studio and shares her experiences, ideas on longevity, and philosophy of life in the fashion industry. Elegant archival footage and interviews with designer Calvin Klein and agency head Eileen Ford round out this absorbing chronicle.
About Face: Supermodels Then and Now 2012
Traffic Stop
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Traffic Stop
Breaion King, a 26 year-old African-American school teacher from Austin, Texas - is pulled over for a routine traffic stop that escalates into a violent arrest. Dashcam clips intercut with verite scenes tell a story of racism in law enforcement through the eyes of one of its victims.
Traffic Stop 2017
Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1
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Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, one veteran dies by suicide in America every 80 minutes. While only 1% of Americans has served in the military, former service members account for 20% of all suicides in the U.S. Based in Canandaigua, NY and open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the Veterans Crisis Line receives more than 22,000 calls each month from veterans of all conflicts who are struggling or contemplating suicide. This timely documentary spotlights the traumas endured by America’s veterans, as seen through the work of the hotline’s trained responders. CRISIS HOTLINE captures extremely private moments, where the professionals, many of whom are themselves veterans or veterans’ spouses, can often interrupt the thoughts and plans of suicidal callers to steer them out of crisis.
Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1 2013
Lindsey Vonn: The Final Season
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Lindsey Vonn: The Final Season
Universally recognized as the greatest female skier ever, Lindsey Vonn went on a remarkable journey that was defined by unexpected twists and turns and dramatic peaks and valleys in its final chapter. LINDSEY VONN: THE FINAL SEASON intimately recounts the iconic skier’s last competitive campaign while looking back on her transcendent career, from child prodigy to decorated Olympian to global superstar.
Lindsey Vonn: The Final Season 2019
Santa Camp
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Santa Camp
Every summer, a horde of professional Santas, Mrs. Clauses, and elves descend on a campsite in the New Hampshire woods to learn the tricks of their trade. But this year is different. The organizers, members of the one-hundred strong New England Santa Society, have decided to tackle a complicated and historic problem – the lack of diversity in the Santa industry. They enlist a Black Santa, a Santa with a disability, and a transgender Santa, each with their own surprising Santa origin story.
Santa Camp 2022
Studs Terkel: Listening to America
HBOmax
Studs Terkel: Listening to America
For over 60 years, Studs Terkel elevated the voices and experiences of everyday Americans through his skillful interviews on radio, in books and on TV. This documentary takes a fond and illuminating look back at one of America's most influential authors and media personalities whose curiosity about people never dimmed over the course of a long and brilliant career.
Studs Terkel: Listening to America 2009
Koran by Heart
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Koran by Heart
In this 80-minute documentary, three 10-year-old children leave their native countries to participate in one of the Islamic world’s most famous competitions, a test of memory and recitation known as The International Holy Koran Competition. Up against much older students, these youngsters have committed the 600 pages of the Koran to memory, and will put their skills to the test before the elite of the world’s Muslim community in Cairo, Egypt. In the midst of this intense international competition, the three young competitors –two boys from Senegal and Tajikistan, and one girl from the Maldives – face uncertain futures at home, as they are caught between fundamentalist and moderate visions of Islam. The children discuss their recitation techniques – with accompanying, completely improvised melodies – and talk about their nerves and excitement as they finally compete before a panel of judges.
Koran by Heart 2011
An Apology to Elephants
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An Apology to Elephants
Elephants are among the most majestic and intelligent creatures on Earth--but for hundreds of years, they have suffered at the hands of humans. Narrated by Lily Tomlin, this documentary short traces our long history with elephants and explores the many problems that arise when they are brought to live in captivity in zoos and circuses.
An Apology to Elephants 2013
Kill Chain: The Cyber War on America's Elections
HBOmax
Kill Chain: The Cyber War on America's Elections
In advance of the 2020 Presidential election, Kill Chain: The Cyber War on America's Elections takes a deep dive into the weaknesses of today's election technology, investigating the startling vulnerabilities in America's voting systems and the alarming risks they pose to our democracy.
Kill Chain: The Cyber War on America's Elections 2020
Ballet 422
HBOmax
Ballet 422
The film shadows Justin Peck, wunderkind choreographer of the New York City Ballet, as he undertakes the Herculean task of creating the company’s 422nd original piece. Following the creative process from its embryonic stages to its highly anticipated premiere, BALLET 422 is a powerful celebration of the skill and endurance of New York’s most talented dancers—as well as those who remain hidden in the wings.
Ballet 422 2014
We Met in Virtual Reality
HBOmax
We Met in Virtual Reality
Filmed entirely inside the world of virtual reality (VR), this immersive and revealing documentary roots itself in several unique communities within VR Chat, a burgeoning virtual reality platform. Through observational scenes captured in real-time, in true documentary style, the film reveals the growing power and intimacy of several relationships formed in the virtual world, many of which began during the COVID-19 lockdown, while so many in the physical world were facing intense isolation.
We Met in Virtual Reality 2022
Ferrell Takes the Field
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Ferrell Takes the Field
A documentary that follows Will Ferrell as he takes the field in five Major League Baseball training games, playing all nine positions for ten different teams in a single day.
Ferrell Takes the Field 2015
Magic & Bird: A Courtship of Rivals
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Magic & Bird: A Courtship of Rivals
An exploration of the fierce rivalry between NBA superstars Larry Bird and Magic Johnson during their decade of dominance.
Magic & Bird: A Courtship of Rivals 2010
Bully. Coward. Victim. The Story of Roy Cohn
HBOmax
Bully. Coward. Victim. The Story of Roy Cohn
Legendary and controversial attorney Roy Cohn was a power broker in the rough and tumble world of New York City business and politics. Senator Joseph R. McCarthy’s top counsel during investigations into Communist activities in the 1950s, Cohn is also known for being Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer, fixer and mentor.
Bully. Coward. Victim. The Story of Roy Cohn 2019
In Vogue: The Editor's Eye
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In Vogue: The Editor's Eye
Documentary film takes a look at some of the world's most influential fashion images as conceived by the magazine's iconic fashion editors.
In Vogue: The Editor's Eye 2012
Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President
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Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President
This rockumentary-style presidential portrait shows how Jimmy Carter reinvigorated a post-Watergate America—with the music of the counterculture, including the Allman Brothers, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, and Jimmy Buffett.
Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President 2020
We Are Not Done Yet
HBOmax
We Are Not Done Yet
Follows veterans and active-duty service members from varied backgrounds who come together to combat their traumas through the written word in a USO-sponsored arts workshop at Walter Reed National Military Hospital.
We Are Not Done Yet 2018
Blow Up of 'Blow-Up'
HBOmax
Blow Up of 'Blow-Up'
Documentary about Michelangelo Antonioni's 1966 film.
Blow Up of 'Blow-Up' 2016