As educators and librarians, we continually seek ways to bolster learning experiences, foster critical thinking, and offer diverse perspectives. Documentaries provide an exceptional medium for achieving these goals. They bring real-world issues, historical events, and complex narratives into focus, offering a wealth of knowledge that extends beyond traditional textbooks. By incorporating documentaries into classroom syllabi and library collections, educators can stimulate intellectual curiosity, provoke thoughtful discussions, and promote a deeper understanding of the world. Below, we’ve curated a selection of must-have documentaries that are not only informative but also engaging and thought-provoking—perfect for expanding your educational and library resources.
Technology & Innovation
California Typewriter
Gravitas Ventures, 104 min., DVD: $19.99, Blu-ray: $24.99
Filmmaker Doug Nichol’s stylish paean to typewriters features commentary from aficionados including author David McCullough and actor Tom Hanks.
The Cleaners
Film Platform, 95 min., DVD: $295
A disturbing documentary addressing the proliferation of false, inflammatory, and pornographic material in social media postings. This documentary looks at the workers, often from poor backgrounds, who make split-second decisions on what can and cannot be posted online.
History & Culture
Chasing the Moon
PBS, 3 discs, 390 min., DVD: $34.99, Blu-ray: $39.99
A three-part PBS-aired series marking the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing, this documentary chronicles the epic race to mount a manned mission to the Moon and return astronauts safely to Earth.
Country Music
PBS, 8 discs, 960 min., DVD: $99.99, Blu-ray: $129.99
Ken Burns' extensive documentary traces the history of country music, weaving together archival photos, footage, and interviews to explore its cultural significance.
Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am
Magnolia, 120 min., DVD: $26.99
A tribute to Pulitzer and Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison, this documentary features commentary from Angela Davis, Oprah Winfrey, and others. It explores Morrison’s life and literary legacy.
Social Justice & Politics
Crime + Punishment
Good Docs, 112 min., DVD: $129 (public libraries); $349 (colleges & universities)
A deep dive into the misuse of the NYC police force to increase city revenues, focusing on quota policing and its connection to systemic racism.
The Devil We Know
Atlas, 88 min., DVD: $14.99
This documentary exposes the toxic chemical used in Teflon production, shedding light on corporate malfeasance by DuPont and the devastating public health effects.
I Am Evidence
Passion River, 85 min., DVD: $24.99
Filmmakers Trish Adlesic and Geeta Gandbhir's documentary addresses the scandal of untested rape kits in the U.S. and how it has perpetuated the cycle of injustice for sexual assault survivors.
The Kleptocrats
Passion River, 82 min., DVD: $24.99
An investigation into the 1MDB scandal involving Malaysian politicians and bankers, which highlights political corruption and its global consequences.
This Is Home: A Refugee Story
Bullfrog Films, 91 min., DVD: $350
A gripping documentary about four Syrian refugee families resettled in Baltimore, capturing the tension of an eight-month timeline to achieve economic self-sufficiency.
Health & Environment
Learning to See: The World of Insects
MVD/FilmRise, 69 min., DVD: $19.95, Blu-ray: $24.95
Follows psychiatrist Robert Oelman’s journey in exploring rainforests in Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador to discover and photograph obscure insect species.
Wildland
MVD/FilmRise, 77 min., DVD: $19.95, Blu-ray: $24.95
A documentary that examines the worsening wildfire seasons in the U.S. and profiles individuals with checkered pasts who join a firefighting training program.
The Devil We Know
Atlas, 88 min., DVD: $14.99
This documentary explores the public health crisis caused by the toxic chemical used in the production of Teflon and the corporate negligence of DuPont.
Human Behavior & Psychology
Hot to Trot
First Run Features, 88 min., DVD: $24.95
This documentary follows two same-sex ballroom dance couples preparing for the 2014 Gay Games, exploring themes of identity, passion, and acceptance within competitive sports.
That Way Madness Lies…
First Run Features, 101 min., DVD: $24.95
Filmmaker Sandra Luckow offers an intimate look at her brother’s mental illness, particularly his struggle with schizophrenia, and its effects on their family life.
Screwball
Greenwich Entertainment, 105 min., DVD: $24.99
A sardonic look at the Miami-based doping scandal involving high-school and professional athletes, focusing on the shady anti-aging clinic that facilitated steroid distribution.
Arts & Entertainment
Chef Flynn
Kino Lorber, 82 min., DVD: $29.99
This documentary follows culinary prodigy Flynn McGarry, who, by the age of 14, was creating pop-up restaurants in Los Angeles and New York City.
Maiden
Sony, 97 min., DVD: $25.99, Blu-ray: $31.99
This documentary highlights the groundbreaking all-female crew that competed in the grueling Whitbread Round the World race, shedding light on gender equality in the world of competitive sailing.
Mike Wallace Is Here
Magnolia, 91 min., DVD: $26.99
A profile of the legendary journalist Mike Wallace, this documentary includes archival footage and interviews to explore his impact on investigative journalism.
The Rest I Make Up
Women Make Movies, 79 min., DVD: $89
Filmed over ten years, this documentary offers a portrait of playwright María Irene Fornés, providing insight into her influence on American theater.
Education & Personal Development
The If Project
Collective Eye, 88 min., DVD: $50
A documentary focusing on a writing program for women in prison aimed at breaking the cycle of criminal behavior, co-founded by a Seattle police officer and an ex-offender.
Of Love & Law
Frameline, 94 min., DVD: $20 (individuals/public libraries); $295 (colleges/universities with PPR)
This documentary follows a gay couple running a law firm in Osaka, Japan, highlighting societal issues related to LGBTQ+ rights and legal services.
Social Issues & Community
Life in the Doghouse
MVD/FilmRise, 84 min., DVD: $19.95, Blu-ray: $24.95
A behind-the-scenes look at a unique dog shelter in South Carolina, run by a couple who have found homes for thousands of rescued dogs.
Tickled
Magnolia, 91 min., DVD: $19.99
A bizarre and dark exploration into the world of competitive endurance tickling, revealing a disturbing underbelly of a strange subculture.