Best Documentary movies of 2025

Actors : Christian Akonor, Ruth Agyeman, Isaias Afwerki,
Directors : Mattias Löw,

A Swedish dreamer from above the Arctic Circle spends 25 years and $10M chasing gold in Africa, battling criminals, tax authorities, and his own demons while pursuing a vision of ethical mining that could either vindicate or destroy him.

Actors : Bambi, Coccinelle, April Ashley,
Directors : Zackary Drucker,

An exploration of transgender identity and legacy through the stories of icons April Ashley and Amanda Lear.

Actors : Yoo Jeong-yeon, Kim Da-Hyun, Son Chae-young,
Directors : Wasabimayo,

Nine talented performers rise to K-pop stardom as TWICE, conquering global charts and hearts. As they mark 10 years together, this intimate look reveals their journey, bond, and special connection with fans called ONCE.

Actors : Saquon Barkley, Alibay Barkley Jr., Tiki Barber,
Directors : Alexander Pappas,

Saquon Barkley's journey to Super Bowl glory with the Philadelphia Eagles, showcasing his resilience through injury and contract disputes as an elite NFL running back, and his unwavering character as a devoted father, husband, and friend.

Actors : Kate Ellis, Guru Randhawa, Babbu Mann, Guggu Gill, Gemma Doherty, Bono,
Directors : Andrew Dominik, Dheeraj Rattan,

Bono shares life stories and U2 songs in an intimate show, exploring relationships with family, friends, and faith. Features unseen footage from his Beacon Theatre performances of "Stories of Surrender."

Actors : Jess Alexander, Troy Kotsur, Paula Cole, Sarah McLachlan, Olivia Rodrigo, Johnny Sequoyah,
Directors : Johannes Roberts, Ally Pankiw,

Explores the 1990s all-female music festival Lilith Fair.

Actors : Bill Murray, Chris Candy, John Candy,
Directors : Colin Hanks,

Explores the life and legacy of iconic funnyman John Candy, who died of a heart attack in 1994, at age 43.

Actors : Chris Pérez, A.B. Quintanilla, Abraham Quintanilla Jr.,
Directors : Isabel Castro,

Selena Quintanilla's journey from performing at local events to becoming the "Queen of Tejano Music" with her family band Selena y Los Dinos, culminating in sold-out stadium tours, is chronicled through personal archive footage.

Actors : Weston Brown, Suzette Baker, Becky Calzada,
Directors : Kim A. Snyder,

Librarians unite to combat book banning, defending intellectual freedom on democracy's frontlines amid unprecedented censorship in Texas, Florida, and beyond.

Actors : Mahmoud Khalil, Jamal Joseph, Maya Abdallah, Grant Miner, Sueda Polat,
Directors : Michael T Workman, Kei Pritsker,

Students flooded Columbia University's lawn to create the Gaza Solidarity Encampment in order to pressure their university to divest from the US and Israeli weapons companies.

Actors : Noa Tishby, Michael Rapaport, Debra Messing, Christopher Abbott, Matilda Firth, Irit Lahav, Shai Davidai, Julia Garner,
Directors : Wendy Sachs, Leigh Whannell,

The emergence of anti-Semitism on college campuses, in social media and on the streets since October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel.

Actors : Francis Ford Coppola, Eleanor Coppola, Adam Driver,
Directors : Mike Figgis,

A behind-the-scenes documentary about the making of Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis (2024).

Actors : Sly Stone, Larry Graham, Greg Errico,
Directors : Questlove,

It focuses on the life and legacy of Sly and the Family Stone, telling the story behind the rise, reign and fadeout of one of pop music's most influential artists.

Actors : Joel Souza, Rachel Mason, Halyna Hutchins,
Directors : Rachel Mason,

A personal look at the life, work and untimely death of celebrated indie cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who was shot and killed in a tragic accident on the set of the film Rust in 2021.

Actors : Gary Knight, Damien Cole,
Directors : Bao Nguyen,

A two-year investigation uncovers a scandal behind the making of one of the most-recognized photographs of the 20th century. Five decades of secrets are unraveled in the search for justice for a man known only as "the stringer."

Actors : Susan Sarandon, Tim Curry, Richard O'Brien,
Directors : Linus O'Brien,

A London theater play evolves into a groundbreaking cult phenomenon, featuring iconic songs and performances that celebrate individuality. The legacy lives on through midnight screenings and a devoted following that spans generations.

Actors : Mariska Hargitay, Jayne Mansfield, Zoltán Hargitay,
Directors : Mariska Hargitay,

Explores the life and legacy of Mariska Hargitay's mother, Hollywood icon Jayne Mansfield, who died tragically in a car accident at age 34 when Mariska was only three years old.

Actors : Jussie Smollett, Eddie Johnson, Melissa Staples,
Directors : Gagan Rehill,

Features a Smollett interview plus talks with police, lawyers, and investigators claiming new case evidence. Viewers can judge who is telling the truth about the Jussie Smollett case.