10 Best Documentaries Of The 1960s

Lists
Written By Habiba Abdou

The 1960s were a defining decade in many ways, and the films released in this era captured the essence of the times. Documentaries played a critical role in this as they provided a means to explore the world’s reality at the time.

This blog post features the top 10 movies of the 1960s that highlight the decade’s significance. We will take a closer look at some of the most iconic documentaries of the decade and explore how they represent the era. From the evolution of surfing to the struggles faced by high school students, this post will look at some of the greatest movies of the 1960s.

Borrowed Pasture (1960)

One of the defining documentaries of the era was Borrowed Pasture (1960), directed by Mort Ransen. This documentary brings to life the struggles that small dairy farmers faced at the time as they battled the power of large corporations.

The film provides a glimpse of society and the economic forces that were shaping it, making it a must-see for anyone interested in the history of agrarian society.

Borrowed Pasture

High School (1968)

Another documentary worth checking out is High School (1968), which Frederick Wiseman directed. The film provides an unflinching and raw portrayal of public high schools in America.

The documentary explores the tensions and struggles that students faced in this period. High School reminds us how far we have come and how much work we still need to do to create a just and equitable education system.

High School

The Prizewinners (1962)

The Prizewinners (1962) documentary features ten Nobel prizewinners in chemistry and medicine. The documentary provides an in-depth insight into their research, challenges, and the process they went through to be awarded the prestigious prize.

The film allows viewers to approach science with a greater understanding and appreciation. The director, Irving Jacoby, presented scientific information engagingly and especially while being easy to understand and informative.

The Prizewinners

The Endless Summer (1965)

The Endless Summer (1965), directed by Bruce Brown, is a timeless classic about surfing.

The documentary follows a group of surfers on their quest to find the perfect wave. The film provides an insight into the evolution of surfing culture in America and beyond. It also captures the surging counterculture of the era.

👉 Watch The Endless Summer on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy The Endless Summer as DVD on Amazon

Beat City (1963)

Beat City (1963), directed by Charles Squires, documents the rapidly changing culture of young adults in the United States. The documentary focuses on the era’s youth and how they reacted to a society becoming more and more conformist.

The film features interviews with some heavyweights of the Beat Generation, such as Allen Ginsberg and Lawrence Ferlinghetti. Beat City is an insightful and retrospective look at an era that marked a shift in the cultural, social, and political landscape of the United States.

👉 Buy Beat City as DVD on Amazon

The Colony (1964)

Philip Donnellan's documentary, The Colony (1964), is a masterpiece that gives a voice to the working-class settlers from the Caribbean in communities around the UK. Through this documentary, Philip Donnellan effectively highlights their experiences in Britain.

Interviews are included from various people, such as a railwayman from St Kitts, a bus conductor from Jamaica, a family of singers from Trinidad, and a nurse from Barbados. This documentary gives a range of different viewpoints and perspectives.

The Colony

What’s a Girl Like You… (1969)

The documentary What's a Girl Like You? (1969), directed by Charles Squires, celebrates the late-60s drag renaissance at one of Britain's oldest surviving gay venues. The film captures the tension between the feminist movement and society's conservative values regarding women's roles.

The documentary gives women a voice to express their experiences in all professions, including the bar industry, the creative arts, politics, and more. It is an empowering film encouraging women to stand up for their rights and take control of their futures.

What’s a Girl Like You…

Salesman (1969)

Salesman (1969) is an emotionally brutal documentary that follows door-to-door bible salesmen as they navigate failure and redemption.

The film offers an unflinching look at the dark side of consumerism and the reality of the American Dream. The ability to empathize with these men and their struggles makes Salesman an unforgettable documentary, an ideal representation of what the genre can achieve.

Check out our podcast episode discussing Albert and David Maysles’ seminal documentary 'The Salesman.’

👉 Watch Salesman on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy Salesman as DVD on Amazon

Portrait Of Jason (1967)

Portrait of Jason (1967) is a groundbreaking documentary that chronicles the life of a gay black man throughout a single night. The documentary promoted black pride and is an intimate portrait of the LGBTQIA+ community.

The filmmaker, Shirley Clarke, opens up a window into the 1960s queer experience that is still relevant today. Jason's account of his life is both harrowing and riveting, and his story is an essential voice in the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights.

👉 Watch Portrait Of Jason on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy Portrait Of Jason as DVD on Amazon

Don't Look Back (1967)

Don't Look Back (1967) is perhaps the most famous documentary of the 1960s. Filmed by D.A. Pennebaker, the film captures Bob Dylan’s peak of his creative powers and features some of his most iconic moments.

From his interactions with fans to his live performances and confrontations with the media, Don't Look Back is a must-see for any fan of Dylan or his music.

Check out our podcast episode exploring DA Pennebaker's groundbreaking documentary 'Don’t Look Back.’

👉 Watch Don't Look Back on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy Don't Look Back as DVD on Amazon

Conclusion

The 1960s was a time of significant change in America, and these documentaries highlight the struggles and aspirations of the time. From surfers searching for the perfect wave in Endless Summer to the raw exchange between high school students, these documentaries capture the decade’s spirit.

As we watch these films decades later, we are given a glimpse into the past and can better appreciate the evolution of our society today. These documentaries remain timeless classics that provide a window into the struggles and hopes of the past.

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Habiba Abdou
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