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Documentary
Years

Popular Documentary Movies

Charles: In His Own Words
Disney+
Charles: In His Own Words
A documentary special that provides a rare view into the real Charles behind the headlines… told in his own words.
Charles: In His Own Words 2023
Explorer: Lost in the Arctic
Disney+
Explorer: Lost in the Arctic
Sir John Franklin set off from England in 1845 with two ships and 129 men to be the first to navigate the Northwest Passage, a new trade route over the top of the world, when Franklin’s ships vanished without a trace. Now, a team of explorers attempts to solve the mystery by retracing Franklin’s route in search of his long-lost tomb.
Explorer: Lost in the Arctic 2023
America's Heart and Soul
Disney+
America's Heart and Soul
Filmmaker Louis Schwartzberg hits the road to capture America's people and its natural beauty. sea to shining sea, from amber waves of grain to purple mountain majesties, it's not merely the land that makes America beautiful -- it's her people. Captured with stunning cinematography, AMERICA'S HEART & SOUL takes you on a journey that weaves across this great nation, revealing a rich tapestry of ordinary people living extraordinary lives as they follow their dreams with the freedom of spirit that's uniquely American. From the Vermont dairy farmer, to the blind mountain climber, to the father and son marathon runners, their inspiring stories are as different as can be -- passionate, colorful, courageous, funny, touching.
America's Heart and Soul 2004
Mission Pluto
Disney+
Mission Pluto
National Geographic joins top scientists together with NASA on a historic mission of capturing the first clear images and data ever recorded of Pluto.
Mission Pluto 2015
700 Sharks
Disney+
700 Sharks
Gombessa Expedition 4 Laurent Ballesta went to observe a gathering of thousands of groupers during the full moon of June 2014 (Le mystère mérou) in the southern pass of the Polynesian atoll of Fakarava, where he discovered a pack of over seven hundred grey sharks. How can this unprecedented density be explained? Could it be that social behaviors govern this wild horde? During three years of preparation, he and the other divers on his international scientific team tamed their fear by abandoning the defensive reflexes that provoke shark aggression, with the aim of slipping into the heart of the raging pack to study and film it from the inside. Sharks fitted with microchips, receiving antennas, hydrophones, an ark of 32 synchronized cameras...: a whole technological arsenal is mobilized for the project. As the groupers approach for their annual spawning, what battle plan will the sharks deploy?
700 Sharks 2018
Drain Alcatraz
Disney+
Drain Alcatraz
Drain Alcatraz uses cutting edge visual effects to 'drain' the waters around the notorious island of Alcatraz. With the waters drained away the secrets of Alcatraz are revealed, including exactly why the island's infamous prison was so inescapable.
Drain Alcatraz 2017
Stonehenge: Decoded
Disney+
Stonehenge: Decoded
Stonehenge Decoded presents world renowned archaeologists as they reveal a revolutionary new theory about who built Stonehenge and why.
Stonehenge: Decoded 2008
Okavango: River of Dreams - Director's Cut
Disney+
Okavango: River of Dreams - Director's Cut
In this officially released edit, experience the wildlife of the Okavango Delta, an oasis and lush paradise in Southern Africa that connects a wide array of creatures. Lions chase elephants, who chase hippos, who chase crocodiles.
Okavango: River of Dreams - Director's Cut 2020
Breaking2
Disney+
Breaking2
After six months of scientifically advanced training, three of the world's most elite distance runners set out to break the two-hour marathon barrier. These pioneers go on a global trek to defy the unthinkable and break the two-hour feat, from testing in wind tunnels and running labs in the United States, to balancing training with their day-to- day lives in eastern Africa, to the final heart-pounding race in Italy.
Breaking2 2017
Own the Room
Disney+
Own the Room
Follows five young star students on their journey to win one of the world’s most prestigious competitions for student entrepreneurs.
Own the Room 2021
Kingdom of the Blue Whale
Disney+
Kingdom of the Blue Whale
Supported by the National Geographic Society, the world's eminent blue whale scientists embark on a revolutionary mission: They'll find, identify, and tag California blue whales, use the DNA samples to confirm the sex of individual whales, then rejoin the massive creatures' stunning migration when they collect at a chimera known as the Costa Rica Dome.
Kingdom of the Blue Whale 2009
Prowlers of the Everglades
Disney+
Prowlers of the Everglades
Part of the "True-Life Adventure Series"; Disney filmmakers take their cameras to Florida, not to document the swamps that would become Walt Disney World, but to capture the lives of creatures in the everglades. Focusing primarily on alligators, we also see the behavior of animals such as snakebirds, raccoons, and even otters who like to "play" with the alligators.
Prowlers of the Everglades 1953
Mija
Disney+
Mija
Doris Muñoz is a young, ambitious music manager whose undocumented family depends on her ability to launch pop stars. When she loses her biggest client, Doris hustles to discover new talent and finds Jacks, another daughter of immigrants for whom "making it" isn't just a dream: it's a necessity.
Mija 2022
Water Birds
Disney+
Water Birds
Water Birds is a 1952 short documentary film directed by Ben Sharpsteen. The film delves into the still waters of lagoons and marshes to the wild blue wilderness of the vast oceans, to experience the beauty and variety of their majestic birds, each perfectly designed for its habitat. It won the Oscar for Best Short Subject, Two-Reel.
Water Birds 1952
Journey to Shark Eden
Disney+
Journey to Shark Eden
Far from civilization, a team of scientists, led by Dr. Enric Sala and joined by Explorer-in-Residence Mike Fay, search in a wilderness of waves for ancient secrets and living treasures. In the most comprehensive survey ever attempted, our scientists discover a hidden world found no where else on earth. Full of coral, fish, and, especially, sharks - this is a world where predators outnumber prey. What they find could change our understanding of coral reefs forever. Enric Sala and his team search for the key to save our planet's reefs... in a hidden paradise called Shark Eden.
Journey to Shark Eden 2009
Earth Live
Disney+
Earth Live
Witness the earth’s greatest wildlife, shot by the world’s greatest wildlife cinematographers, in a spectacular 2-hour special originally broadcast on National Geographic, Sunday July 9th, 2017. Hosted by award-winning actress Jane Lynch and award-winning television personality Phil Keoghan, Earth Live gives viewers access to key locations across six continents — from South America to Asia and everywhere in between — as world-renowned cinematographers use cutting-edge technology to showcase a number of wildlife firsts. And, for the first time, viewers will watch live wildlife lit only by the moon, in full color, via new low-light camera technology.
Earth Live 2017
Drain The Ocean: WWII
Disney+
Drain The Ocean: WWII
What lies beneath the ocean? World War Two left a great number of ships and submarines hidden beneath the waves. Now, as the oceans drain, each vessel reveals its secrets through new data-based 3D reconstructions. From the Arizona in Pearl Harbour’s shallows, whose destruction brought America into the war, to Nazi super ship the Bismarck and its mysterious end three miles down. From the flaming merchant ships secretly torpedoed by U-boats off tourist beaches of the USA, to the covert inventions of the Allies' costly D-Day beachhead, and lastly to the troopship Leopoldville sunk with the needless deaths of 400 soldiers. Drain The Ocean exposes the truth.
Drain The Ocean: WWII 2016
Drain the Bermuda Triangle
Disney+
Drain the Bermuda Triangle
Infamous disappearances of ships and aircrafts, stories of lives lost — they’re all part of the legend of the 500,000-square-mile expanse of the Atlantic Ocean known as the Bermuda Triangle. In this one-hour special, National Geographic Channel explores the area’s ominous reputation by draining the water from it to see what exactly lies below the surface of the mythical triangle. With the aid of data from sophisticated sonar surveys, see what the ocean floor looks like below the Bermuda Triangle. Witness what strange geological features will be revealed and whether they will shed light on the mysterious occurrences that have been documented within the boundaries of this area of ocean.
Drain the Bermuda Triangle 2014
Pride From Above
Disney+
Pride From Above
With exclusive access to some of the world’s biggest celebrations of LGBTQ+ culture, we deliver a new perspective on Pride - from the air. We’ll reveal the historic activism, fearless creativity and logistical ingenuity required to pull off these technicoloured festivals of hope.
Pride From Above 2023
Drain The Sunken Pirate City
Disney+
Drain The Sunken Pirate City
Explore the ruins of Port Royal, once a flourishing pirate city, known for extravagance, women and liquor. The city which went by the sobriquet "wickedest city on earth", lies in shambles deep below the waters of Jamaica's Kingston Harbor after a devastating tsunami struck it on June 7, 1692
Drain The Sunken Pirate City 2017
Akashinga: The Brave Ones
Disney+
Akashinga: The Brave Ones
Single mothers, abandoned wives and survivors of sexual and domestic violence enroll in an intense training selection to join rangers protecting elephants from poachers across Africa.
Akashinga: The Brave Ones 2020
The Flagmakers
Disney+
The Flagmakers
THE FLAGMAKERS is a film about the unexpected people who make the American flag and invites us to ask the question: who is America and who is the American flag for?
The Flagmakers 2022
Tree Climbing Lions
Disney+
Tree Climbing Lions
In the heart of Uganda, there are lion prides that spend much of their lives in the trees – a rare and mysterious behavior seen in few other places in Africa – and little is known about why they do it. Big cat biologist Alexander Braczkowski sets out to study these lions, and his journey takes an unexpected, emotional turn.
Tree Climbing Lions 2018
Nature's Half Acre
Disney+
Nature's Half Acre
The strange and wonderful world that lies beneath our feet, under leaf, log and rock, peopled by millions of weird and fascinating creatures. Released theatrically alongside Alice In Wonderland.
Nature's Half Acre 1951
Secrets of Christ's Tomb
Disney+
Secrets of Christ's Tomb
We follow leading experts on a quest to unlock the mysteries surrounding the tomb of Christ, using the latest scientific techniques to restore the Aedicula housing the tomb.
Secrets of Christ's Tomb 2017
Gorongosa: Paradise Reborn
Disney+
Gorongosa: Paradise Reborn
Gorongosa National Park was known as Africa's Eden, but war almost destroyed it. Now, it's home to the greatest wildlife restoration in history.
Gorongosa: Paradise Reborn 2022
Beaver Valley
Disney+
Beaver Valley
Produced by Walt Disney as part of the "True-Life Adventures" series of nature documentaries (1948–60). The film depicts a young male beaver who must defend his new family against hungry predators, mischievous river otters, and the ever-impending threat of winter.
Beaver Valley 1950
Planet of the Birds
Disney+
Planet of the Birds
From the North Pole to remote islands, birds can live almost anywhere. How do these resilient animals thrive in such different environments? They have become hardy and versatile through their bodies, feathers, movements, and songs. In this global birding tour, we learn about these nomads of the sky.
Planet of the Birds 2018
The Way of the Cheetah
Disney+
The Way of the Cheetah
This not to be missed story by award-winning filmmakers, conservationists Dereck and Beverly Joubert, takes through how Immani protects her four cubs from predators in deadly Kenyan terrain.
The Way of the Cheetah 2022
It Was Always Me: Behind the Story
Disney+
It Was Always Me: Behind the Story
Karol Sevilla and Pipe Bueno talk about their on-screen chemistry and the challenge Pipe faced when taking on a lead role. Christian Tappan talks about how he took on the challenge of representing his character. Exclusive off-screen material, videos recorded by the actors themselves on their phones, and records of castings and rehearsals will be unveiled.
It Was Always Me: Behind the Story 2022
Killer Shark Vs. Killer Whale
Disney+
Killer Shark Vs. Killer Whale
Scientists dive deep on the mysterious and unusual predatory behavior of orcas attacking great white sharks, and the disappearance of the other sharks after these attacks.
Killer Shark Vs. Killer Whale 2021
Science Fair
Disney+
Science Fair
Filmmakers follow nine high school students from around the globe as they compete at an international science fair. Facing off against 1,700 of the smartest teens from 78 countries, only one will be named Best in Fair.
Science Fair 2018
Operation Arctic Cure
Disney+
Operation Arctic Cure
War reporter Bob Woodruff leads veterans on an Arctic expedition to test a cure for post-traumatic stress and depression: the experience of awe in nature. As they trek across one of the world’s most dramatic and pristine wildernesses, researchers monitor changes to their physical and emotional well-being. Could this be the medicine they’ve been looking for?
Operation Arctic Cure 2024
One Day at Disney
Disney+
One Day at Disney
Discover the inspiring personal stories of the people behind the enduring magic of Disney.
One Day at Disney 2019
Winged Seduction: Birds of Paradise
Disney+
Winged Seduction: Birds of Paradise
Tim Laman a photographer for National Geographic and ornithologist Ed Scholes have been traveling to some of the most remote jungles the world has to offer in search of observing and photographing all 39 species of tropical bird. This particular group of birds are entitled as the “Birds of Paradise” and can be found in some of the last truly wild locations of New Guinea.
Winged Seduction: Birds of Paradise 2012
Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi's Return
Disney+
Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi's Return
A documentary that showcases the making of the epic limited series for Disney+, featuring never-before-seen, behind-the-scenes footage, new interviews with Ewan McGregor (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker), director Deborah Chow, and more, as well as visits to the creature shop and props department.
Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi's Return 2022
Disney My Music Story: Perfume
Disney+
Disney My Music Story: Perfume
This documentary features the band performing their favourite classic Disney tracks, along with information on Perfume’s life stories, their passion for music, giving details of their favourite Disney memories and much more.
Disney My Music Story: Perfume 2020
Schoolhouse Rock! 50th Anniversary Singalong
Disney+
Schoolhouse Rock! 50th Anniversary Singalong
Black Eyed Peas, Derek Hough, Hayley Erbert, Fortune Feimster, Jason Biggs, Jenny Mollen, Julianne Hough, Kal Penn, The Muppets, NE-YO, Raven Symoné and Retta perform classic Schoolhouse Rock! hits.
Schoolhouse Rock! 50th Anniversary Singalong 2023
Dickie V
Disney+
Dickie V
The remarkable life and career of the legendary Dick Vitale, ESPN's voice of college basketball for more than four decades, and an inspiration as he battles cancer, a disease he's been fighting on behalf of others for years as well. The film features more than 40 original interviews including Magic Johnson, Mike Krzyzewski, Charles Barkley, John Calipari, Robin Roberts, Chris Berman and Mike Tirico, among many leading voices from college basketball, sports broadcasting, and beyond, "Dickie V" is a fun, unforgettable, moving, inspirational ride through an incredible life still being lived, and a poignant tribute to a man still spreading love and joy wherever he goes.
Dickie V 2022
Birth of Europe
Disney+
Birth of Europe
This 3 episode series details the epic story of the origin of Europe - a place with a surprisingly diverse nature stretching from the snowy far north to the coast of Africa. Defined by volcanoes, ice ages, the collision of continents and even asteroids, the legacy of human history masks its awe-inspiring geological past. Born in the early days of the Earth, Europe is constantly being affected by the powerful forces of Mother Nature. It was forged in the fire and crushed by the collision of continents, carved by water and fire.
Birth of Europe 2012