1. Nelly & Nadine

IMDb Score: 7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%

“Nelly & Nadine” is a powerful documentary that explores a profound love story born amidst unimaginable adversity. The film beautifully portrays the lasting bond between two women who met in a concentration camp, with Nelly’s granddaughter unraveling their history. It’s an emotionally charged tale that speaks to the importance of remembrance. The film is moving, and poignant, and offers a touching tribute to enduring love.

2. Operation Hope – The Children Lost in the Amazon

IMDb Score: 8.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%

This gripping documentary tells the remarkable story of four children who survived a plane crash in the perilous Colombian Amazon. As they struggle to stay alive for 40 days, their tale of endurance and survival is nothing short of miraculous. “Operation Hope” captures the tension and urgency of the search, while showcasing the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds.

3. Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room

IMDb Score: 8.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%

A deep dive into one of corporate America’s most infamous scandals, this documentary unpacks the rise and fall of the Enron Corporation. With an engaging narrative and in-depth interviews, it exposes the fraudulent practices that led to the company’s collapse. The film is an essential watch for anyone interested in economics, business ethics, or just a good cautionary tale about greed and hubris.

4. Ennio

IMDb Score: 7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%

“Ennio” is a captivating exploration of the life and work of Ennio Morricone, a legendary composer whose music has defined cinema. This documentary is not only a tribute but a journey through the melodies that have enchanted audiences worldwide. Fans of film scores will find much to love here, as the film dives into the creative process of a musical genius whose influence remains unparalleled.

5. Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father

IMDb Score: 8.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%

Heartbreaking and deeply personal, “Dear Zachary” is a documentary that grips viewers with its tragic story of loss, love, and justice. This film is a raw and emotional journey, as the filmmaker creates a memorial for his murdered friend and his unborn child. The narrative unfolds with twists and turns, making it a compelling watch that will leave you thinking long after the credits roll.

6. Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)

IMDb Score: 8.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%

An exhilarating look at the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, “Summer of Soul” shines a light on a forgotten moment in America’s cultural history. The documentary is a joyous celebration of Black music and culture, featuring never-before-seen footage that sat in obscurity for decades. It’s not just a concert film but a cultural statement that resonates with today’s conversations on race and identity.

7. One Direction: This Is Us

IMDb Score: 4.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 64%

Step into the whirlwind life of global sensation One Direction with this intimate documentary. Fans will be thrilled with access to the band’s on-the-road experiences and personal moments. While it might not convert non-fans, the film’s energetic concert footage and behind-the-scenes glimpses offer an engaging experience for those curious about the phenomenon. It’s a fun, lively ride with the boys from “The X-Factor” to world fame.