Best Documentary movies of 2026

Actors : Louis Theroux, Kacey May, Harrison Sullivan,
Directors : Adrian Choa,

The acclaimed documentarian gains rare, unrestricted access to explore a rising ultra-masculine network and its polarizing influencers.

Actors : Melania Trump, Hervé Pierre, Adam Lippes,
Directors : Brett Ratner,

An intimate chronicle offers a rare glimpse into the life of Melania Trump, exploring her role as First Lady and her relationship with the President.

Actors : Steve Martin, Martin Short, John Mulaney,
Directors : Lawrence Kasdan,

The definitive documentary on comedian Martin Short, exploring his career across film, television, theater and comedy.

Actors : Finneas O'Connell, Billie Eilish, Andrew Marshall,
Directors : James Cameron, Billie Eilish,

An accompanying 3D concert film, documenting the Manchester shows and co-directed by Eilish and James Cameron.

Actors : Iron Maiden, Janick Gers, Bruce Dickinson,
Directors : Malcolm Venville,

Spanning five decades, Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition charts their iconic rise to become one of the biggest bands in music history.

Actors : Ed Smart, Mary Katherine Smart, Elizabeth Smart,
Directors : Benedict Sanderson,

Elizabeth Smart recounts her kidnapping at age 14 from her Utah home through personal testimony and exclusive footage.

Actors : Karen Wilson, Caitlin Cash, Moriah Wilson,
Directors : Marina Zenovich,

An intimate portrait of cyclist Moriah Wilson, raised by a fierce, loving family, whose singular drive propelled her to athletic brilliance before her life was tragically cut short by murder.

Actors : Davion Flanagan, Dominic Russo, Mackenzie Shirilla,
Directors : Gareth Johnson,

Follows the Mackenzie Shirilla case, a 17-year-old who intentionally crashed her car into a brick wall in Ohio, killing her boyfriend Dominic Russo and his friend Davion Flanagan. She was convicted of 12 felonies.

Actors : Anthony Kiedis, Flea, Hillel Slovak,
Directors : Ben Feldman,

Gritty, formative years of the Los Angeles band, and the influence of original guitarist Hillel Slovak, who died in 1988. It features interviews with bandmates Flea and Anthony Kiedis who discuss the band's early evolution.

Actors : Andrea Szabó, Bálint Ruff, Zoltán Lakner,
Directors : Tamas Yvan Topolanszky,

A year-long look at P ter Magyar's journey between public and private life, revealing how collaboration transforms a personal choice into a nationwide political and social movement.

Actors : Jimin, j-hope, BTS,
Directors : Bao Nguyen,

Follows BTS as they reunite in Los Angeles after completing military service, confronting how to begin again, honor their past, and move forward together as they return to making music.

Actors : Ross Duffer, Matt Duffer, Paul Dichter,
Directors : Martina Radwan,

An inside look at the production process of Stranger Things 5 with Director Martina Radwan, who spent a full year on set documenting the creation of the final season.

Actors : Roger E. Broggie, Milt Albright, Walt Disney,
Directors : Leslie Iwerks,

Hundreds of craftspeople brought Walt Disney's impossible dream of Disneyland to life in 1955. Rare archival footage and recordings reveal their untold stories of artistry and determination.

Actors : Gene Huff, George Knapp, Bob Lazar,
Directors : Luigi Vendittelli,

From jet engines to Los Alamos, Bob Lazar's life is rooted in science. In 1988, hired at S4 near Area 51, he reverse-engineered alien tech. Narrated by Lazar, this film uses exclusive footage to reveal America's best-kept secret.

Actors : Marc Albrighton, Wes Morgan, Andy King,
Directors : Jesse Vile,

Jamie Vardy's evolution from part time football player to a Premier League legend.

Actors : Martin L. Fackler, Dr. Charles A. Casto, Katsuaki Hirano,
Directors : Megumi Inman, James Jones,

The definitive account of Japan's struggle as it faced a nuclear catastrophe while still reeling from the devastation of an earthquake and tsunami.

Actors : Monique Tavares, Shanna Swan, Bruno Pereira,
Directors : Josh Murphy, Louie Psihoyos,

Six couples with unexplained infertility reduce their plastic exposure to improve their chances of conceiving.

Actors : Andreas Hyneman, Colleen Connor, Beebo Russell,
Directors : Patricia E. Gillespie,

A troubled airport worker's impulsive decision to steal and fly a commercial plane becomes a gripping aerial drama that reflects deeper issues of mental health and working-class struggles in America.

Actors : Oliver, Pat, Noah Kahan,
Directors : Nick Sweeney,

Chronicles Kahan's rise to fame and explores his mental health challenges while dealing with his growing fame.

Actors : Casey Campbell,
Directors : Christian Wehrle,

From vibrant coral reefs to sunken wrecks and deep caves, Hidden Worlds takes you on a breathtaking journey across the globe. Exploring warm and cold waters, this documentary reveals the beauty, history, and challenges of extreme diving.