15 Best Political Documentaries
Politics has always been an essential part of our lives. Whether we like it or not, every decision our leaders make affects our daily lives, so we must educate ourselves on how the system works. One powerful tool for understanding politics is through documentaries. While there are numerous documentaries out there, we've narrowed it down to fifteen good political documentaries and the best best geopolitical documentaries that you won’t want to miss.
The films on today’s list provide general audiences with a deeper understanding of the policies and politics that effect our daily lives.
1. American Factory (2019)
American Factory is one of the year’s most important documentaries, tackling over a decade of factory-driven politics on a global scale. It covers the story of a factory opened in post-industrial Ohio, owned and operated by a Chinese billionaire.
The movie is distributed by Netflix, and produced by Higher Ground Productions: a fledgling production company owned by the Obama family. American Factory has won an Academy Award for Best Documentary, praised by the industry for its style and themes of great social importance.
2. Knock Down the House (2019)
Knock Down the House is another Netflix picture dealing with a recent and topical subject. It follows the campaigns of unlikely democratic candidates who won their seats in the 2018 midterms.
The project was launched as a Kickstart campaign, only a day after Donald Trump won the 2016 presidential election. There’s no doubt that creator Rachel Lears supports the candidates covered, but the film doesn’t go overboard with pushing an agenda, focusing instead on the story at hand.
Knock Down the House on Wikipedia
3. The Great Hack (2019)
There’s no shortage of topics to discuss when it comes to the 2016 election, and this film focuses on the role social media played. In particular, it covers Facebook, and the Cambridge Analytica data scandal that arguably affected the election’s outcome. The company had a role in both US and British Brexit campaigns, and The Great Hack explores the ways in which both are intertwined.
The documentary’s theme goes far beyond these individual elections, scrutinizing the role tech will play in the future of global politics. The film received positive reviews, particularly for its ability to discuss such a complicated topic in an engaging, informative way.
The Great Hack on Factual America.
4. The Edge of Democracy (2019)
The Edge of Democracy is a Brazilian documentary film directed by Petra Costra. It details the Brazilian political crisis of 2014 through the impeachment of Dilma Rouseff, and the first-term presidency of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The film was nominated for an Oscar, and premiered at Sundance in 2019.
The film showcases how citizens were betrayed by presidents of both parties, outlining the proof that the politics of Brazil are likely to change with new administration. The current administration of Brazil spoke out in opposition of the film, claiming that it misrepresents the history of the country.
The Edge of Democracy on Wikipedia
5. Running with Beto (2019)
Beto O’Ruorke ran for United States Senate in 2018, in the deeply conservative state of Texas. Running With Beto follows that campaign, which despite its failure was the springboard that launched Beto into the waters of national politics. The film is produced by David Modigliani, and was picked up by HBO for their new streaming service.
The film is definitely pro-Beto in its tone, but that isn’t to say that it’s a propaganda film. Its biggest merit stems from the energy and excitement generated by the campaign, in a state where no one thought it was possible for a democrat to garner such momentum.
👉 Watch Running with Beto on Amazon Prime
6. RBG (2018)
RBG is a political documentary about the life and career of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Directed by Betsy West and Julie Cohen, the film provides a detailed look at Ginsburg's extensive work on advancing gender equality and civil rights.
Through interviews with Ginsburg and colleagues, RBG paints a portrait of a woman who defied expectations and broke down barriers to become one of the most influential political figures in American history. This documentary film is a celebration of her legacy and is a testament to the power of perseverance and conviction.
7. The Act of Killing (2012)
The Act of Killing is a groundbreaking documentary that explores the 1965 Indonesian genocide through the eyes of the perpetrators.
Director Joshua Oppenheimer interviews former leaders of Indonesian death squads and offers them the opportunity to reenact their crimes. The result is a chilling and haunting film that offers a unique perspective on how power corrupts.
👉 Watch The Act of Killing on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy The Act of Killing as DVD on Amazon
8. The Square (2013)
The Arab Spring was a pivotal moment in the Middle East history. The Square follows the events of the Egyptian Revolution through the eyes of a group of activists occupying Cairo's Tahrir Square.
Director Jehane Noujaim offers an intimate look at the courage and passion of the protesters fighting for democracy and human rights in the face of violence and oppression.
👉 Watch The Square on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy The Square as DVD on Amazon
9. Dirty Wars (2013)
In this powerful documentary, investigative journalist Jeremy Scahill uncovers the US government's illegal and covert war on terror.
Scahill travels to Yemen, Somalia, and other countries, where he interviews survivors of US drone strikes, and exposes the brutality of the US military's global kill list. Dirty Wars is a sobering reminder of the consequences of America's endless wars.
👉 Watch Dirty Wars on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Dirty Wars as DVD on Amazon
10. The Hunting Ground (2015)
The Hunting Ground is a powerful film that sheds light on the issue of campus sexual assault in America. Director Kirby Dick interviews survivors and activists, and examines the systemic failures that allow perpetrators to go unpunished.
The Hunting Ground encourages us to demand accountability from our educational institutions and to support survivors of sexual assault.
👉 Watch The Hunting Ground on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy The Hunting Ground as DVD on Amazon
11. Pelosi in the House (2022)
With over three decades of experience in politics, Nancy Pelosi's rise to the Speaker of the House in the US House of Representatives is nothing short of extraordinary.
This documentary tells the story of her journey, from her humble beginnings to her meteoric rise to power, in a way that will leave you inspired.
👉 Watch Pelosi in the House on Amazon Prime
12. Mothers of the Revolution (2021)
This recent political documentary gives viewers a firsthand look at the incredible contribution made by women in the Sudanese revolution.
The documentary captures the struggles, sacrifices, and triumphs of the women who fought for a better future for their country.
👉 Watch Mothers of the Revolution on Amazon Prime
13. JFK Revisited: Through the Looking Glass (2021)
This documentary offers a fresh and innovative look at the assassination of John F. Kennedy. The film uses modern technology to revisit the infamous incident and offer a new perspective on the event.
JFK Revisited: Through the Looking Glass is based on the 1992 non-fiction book Destiny Betrayed: JFK, Cuba, and the Garrison Case written by James DiEugenio and on recently declassified evidence about the case. The film is narrated by Donald Sutherland and Whoopi Goldberg.
👉 Watch JFK Revisited: Through the Looking Glass on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy JFK Revisited: Through the Looking Glass as DVD on Amazon
14. Raise Hell: The Life & Times of Molly Ivins (2019)
This documentary offers a tribute to Molly Ivins, the late American political journalist, and commentator. Ivins was known for her biting wit and keen political insights.
The documentary captures her life, her work, her professional accomplishments and her contribution to American politics and journalism.
👉 Watch Raise Hell: The Life and Times of Molly Ivins on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Raise Hell: The Life and Times of Molly Ivins as DVD on Amazon
15. Boys State (2020)
This documentary takes us inside a unique leadership program where young men can learn about politics and governance. The film captures the struggles, triumphs, and lessons learned by young men who compete for governorship in a fictional Texas town.
This 2020 American documentary follows teenage boys attending Boys State in Austin. Texas and forming a representative government. The film records their attempts to organize political parties and campaigning.
Boys State on Factual America.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these fifteen documentaries offer important perspectives on politics, power, and social justice. By watching these films, we can better understand the complexities of the world we live in, and the responsibility we all hold to make it a better place. So, grab some popcorn, sit back, and get ready to learn something new.
Which of these films have you watched, and what did you think of them?
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