Top 5 Greatest Documentaries of All-time: in Ben's Opinion
Films do not have to be a waste of time, especially when they're based on true stories that share insight into an industry, community, culture, cult or cuisine. In my opinion, documentaries are far more captivating than an action movie and generally have a much shorter run-time. Here are 5 unique stories that will shock, dazzle, inspire and allow you to immerse yourself into a topic you most likely know nothing about -
1. Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father - 2008

I can't name one documentary, let alone a film that can hold a candle to this masterpiece. The film begins when a deceased man's best friend (Director, Kurt Kuenne) decides to make a documentary about his friend's life to commemorate the great man he was. 28-year-old Dr. Andrew Bagby was found dead in a park under mysterious circumstances and left an infant son with no father. Kuenne's purpose is to show the film to 'Zachary', the dead man's infant son, once he is old enough to understand and appreciate how beloved his father was by his friends and family. This film is full of twists and turns, happiness and sadness, and complete despair and I strongly discourage you from looking it up before viewing.
Dear Zachary is not for the fainthearted, and a box of tissues is strongly encouraged!
Available to stream on Prime: Link
2. Three Identical Strangers - 2018

Twins and triplets have always fascinated me as I have a younger brother who is one foot taller than me, that couldn't look anymore different. I mean, imagine having someone who is closer than a best friend that looks identical to you! I for one, can only dream of the hijinx we'd pull. Now picture having a twin you knew nothing about only to see them appear on television and think, "hey we kinda look alike... almost identical?!"
This is the story of the shocking tale of Three Identical Strangers, with not just one 'lost' twin, but two. Watch the surprisingly emotional and disturbing story of how three brothers who were separated at birth find each other after two decades apart and the consequences that come along with it.
Available to rent on Prime: Link
3. Searching for Sugar Man - 2012

An artist bigger than the Beatles who never saw a day of fame - That's the story of Rodriguez, a folk singer born out of the streets of Detroit when the city was at its worst. As a major classic rock fan myself, I could have never imagined there was an artist who's album was so popular in South Africa that it outsold the Beatles and the Stones when they were in their prime. This was, of course, during the heat of apartheid when South Africans sang songs of freedom and dreamed of a liberal nation, causing much of Rodriguez' work to be destroyed or censored.
Watch as a group of South African Rodriguez 'super-fans' try to uncover what happened to the beloved artist and why he never gained the recognition he so deserved. Do not look up Rodriguez' story until after you watch the film.
Available to stream on Netflix:
4. Pumping Iron - 1977

Who here loves reality TV? The alliances, backstabbing, authentic personalities, and a large prize at stake are all attributes of both reality TV shows, and Pumping Iron. Arnold Schwarzenegger makes his first appearance on America's stage during the infamous Mr. Olympia bodybuilding competition. Arnold is genuinely hilarious, cunning, driven, and of course, cocky during his documented quest to become the sixth time Mr. Olympia champion. Arnold schemes throughout, and even befriends Lou Ferrigno's father, to get under Lou's skin.
Arnold aside, this film truly shows that bodybuilding is an art, and accurately compares it to how a sculptor works his marble to chisel out the perfect human figure. If this won't inspire you to get off your couch and workout, I don't know what will!
Available to rent on iTunes
5. Jiro Dreams of Sushi - 2011

My fifth choice was a rather difficult one to make. While I could have gone with classics such as Man on Wire or The Last Waltz, I decided to choose one of the most tranquil and sincere documentaries I've ever seen. Jiro Dreams of Sushi is a tale straight out of Malcolm Gladwell's, Outliers: a man who has worked well over 10,000 hours to master his craft. Jiro is an 85-year-old WWII survivor who has been making sushi his whole life, and truly believes there is more to learn. Jiro's restaurant looks like a small cafe that would sit in a subway station (which it does) and has achieved a Michelin Star for his efforts. It only seats 5, and is reserved for three years in advance. Jiro is truly a master of his craft, and watching him breakdown how much detail and work goes into making a seemingly simple cuisine is beautiful. For example, the sushi in the picture takes well over a day to craft and is handled with the upmost care.
Will Jiro's eldest son be able to successfully take over the business as his father gets older or will Jiro's art of sushi-making be forever lost to the world?
Available for free on YouTube: Link
Honorable mentions: Tickled (2016), Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005), Free Solo (2018), American Factory (2019), Deliver Us from Evil (2006), The Act of Killing (2012), The Thin Blue Line (1988).