Documentary AreaSimply the best Documentaries

A thrilling deep dive into the creative storm that brought a cultural phenomenon to life. This anniversary documentary explores the wild and often unpredictable journey behind Spielberg’s 1975 masterpiece — from Peter Benchley’s novel to the birth of the modern blockbuster. Featuring rare outtakes, unearthed behind-the-scenes footage, and candid interviews, it reveals how a troubled production, a malfunctioning mechanical shark, and a visionary young director came together to ignite a worldwide obsession with the ocean’s most misunderstood predator. Both a tribute and a revelation, it offers the most definitive look yet at how cinematic history was made.

A look at the very real impact the Back to the Future movies have had on our culture. What was once a little idea that spawned a tightly-focused documentary has grown into something truly amazing over two years of filming. Back in Time is a cinematic monument to the vastness of the trilogy's fandom. In addition to the footage and interviews revolving around the time machine itself, the crew found that simply by delving into the impact of the trilogy an epic journey began to unfold before them. The crew captured countless hours of footage during filming. From Steven Spielberg to Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, to the Sheas and Hollers, and from James Tolkan and Lea Thompson to Christopher Lloyd and Michael J. Fox, Back in Time features interview after interview that simply must be seen.

The film takes viewers on an enchanting journey through the life and legendary career of one of cinema's greatest composers. Directed by John Williams' longtime friend Laurent Bouzereau, it delves deeply into the music that has defined iconic film franchises like “Star Wars”, “Jurassic Park”, and “Harry Potter”. Featuring interviews with esteemed artists and filmmakers profoundly influenced by Williams' timeless compositions, the film explores his extraordinary ability to bring emotion, depth, and grandeur to the screen through his symphonic genius. Archival footage and behind-the-scenes moments illustrate how his unforgettable scores became integral to the movies, revealing just how vital his contributions have been to modern cinema.
This intimate tribute captures Williams’ journey from jazz pianist to cultural icon, showcasing the groundbreaking impact of his classical compositions in Hollywood and beyond. From his collaborative masterpieces with Steven Spielberg and George Lucas to his unique approach of composing by hand, "Music By John Williams" highlights the relentless passion and meticulous craft that have defined his career. Personal stories from colleagues, friends, and family, along with moments of Williams conducting before adoring fans, paint a vivid portrait of a man who has shaped our cinematic experiences for over half a century. For anyone captivated by the power of music in film, this documentary is an inspiring and nostalgic celebration of an unparalleled legacy.

The wartime contributions of five prominent Hollywood film directors during World War II are profiled. The documentary focuses on five directors – John Ford, William Wyler, John Huston, Frank Capra, and George Stevens – whose war-related works are analysed by modern filmmakers, respectively Paul Greengrass, Steven Spielberg, Francis Ford Coppola, Guillermo del Toro, and Lawrence Kasdan. In the first episode, John Ford's The Battle of Midway was approved directly by President Franklin D. Roosevelt while Frank Capra fights to get Why We Fight made.

This American science fiction horror anthology film was produced by Steven Spielberg and John Landis. The film's production achieved notoriety when the actor Vic Morrow and two illegally-hired child actors were killed in a stunt helicopter crash during filming of Landis' segment. The Movie leaves those involved in the making of the film cursed by the memory of the incident they witnessed.

The series ‘Life on Our Planet’ brought to life by Steven Spielberg and narrated by Morgan Freeman, unfolds the remarkable and epic four-billion-year journey of life on Earth. Its captivating narrative explores the continuous battle of life to conquer and survive, delving into the history of the 20 million species that exist today. However, what we witness is merely a snapshot in time; 99% of Earth's inhabitants are buried in our deep past. This series weaves the tales of these dynasties, chronicling their rise and fall in a story that is as incredible as it is enlightening, sparking a profound interest in the history and resilience of life on Earth.
The first episode traces the evolution of life on our planet and highlights the diversity of life, from ancient sharks to the reign of dinosaurs and the emergence of mammals. The episode showcases the constant struggle for survival and adaptation across different eras, illustrating the dynamic and often brutal nature of Earth's evolution.