Top Hidden Documentary Films That Will Inspire You

Are you looking for films that not only entertain but also inspire and provoke thought? Hidden documentaries can be the perfect choice! They often explore fascinating stories, unusual subjects, and powerful human experiences that may not get the attention they deserve. Here are some top hidden documentary films that you should check out, each with a unique perspective that will surely inspire you.

1. Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011)

Age Rating: PG | IMDb Rating: 7.9 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video.
This documentary follows Jiro Ono, an esteemed sushi chef, and his relentless pursuit of perfection in his craft, showcasing the beauty of dedication and passion.
Best For: Food lovers and those who appreciate craftsmanship.
Question for You: What’s the one thing you are most passionate about?

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2. Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (2018)

Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 7.4 | Where to Watch: HBO Max.
This heartfelt tribute to Fred Rogers explores his life, philosophy, and the profound impact he had on children’s television and culture.
Best For: Anyone who grew up watching Mister Rogers and believes in kindness.
Question for You: How has a mentor or role model influenced your life?

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3. 20 Feet from Stardom (2013)

Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 7.4 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video.
This documentary shines a spotlight on the untold true story of backup singers and their incredible contributions to music, highlighting their struggles and triumphs.
Best For: Music enthusiasts and those who appreciate behind-the-scenes stories.
Question for You: Who is your favorite musical artist, and why?

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4. The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young (2014)

Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 7.8 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video.
This gripping documentary dives into one of the most challenging ultramarathons in the world, showcasing the determination and resilience of its participants.
Best For: Adventurers and endurance sports fans.
Question for You: What’s the most challenging physical activity you’ve ever attempted?

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5. Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010)

Age Rating: R | IMDb Rating: 7.8 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video.
Banksy, the elusive street artist, tells the story of Thierry Guetta, a French immigrant and wannabe filmmaker, as he captures the underground street art scene.
Best For: Art lovers and fans of unconventional storytelling.
Question for You: What’s your favorite piece of street art you’ve seen?

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6. The Act of Killing (2012)

Age Rating: Not Rated | IMDb Rating: 8.0 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video.
This chilling documentary features former Indonesian death squad leaders reenacting their crimes, forcing viewers to confront the nature of evil and morality.
Best For: Those interested in history and the human condition.
Question for You: What do you think is the most important lesson from history?

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7. Finders Keepers (2015)

Age Rating: R | IMDb Rating: 6.6 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video.
A bizarre legal battle unfolds over a severed leg that is preserved and displayed, exploring themes of ownership, loss, and human absurdity.
Best For: Fans of quirky, true stories with dark humor.
Question for You: What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever heard about in a court case?

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8. The Wolfpack (2015)

Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 7.2 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video.
This documentary follows the Angulo brothers, who were raised in near-total isolation in a New York City apartment, and their unique bond through film.
Best For: Those intrigued by unconventional family dynamics and creativity.
Question for You: How do movies or books inspire your imagination?

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9. The Internet’s Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz (2014)

Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 7.8 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video.
A powerful biography that chronicles the life of Aaron Swartz, a programming prodigy and information activist, who fought for internet freedom.
Best For: Advocates of digital rights and social justice.
Question for You: What issue are you most passionate about advocating for?

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10. American Factory (2019)

Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 7.4 | Where to Watch: Netflix.
This documentary explores the cultural clash between American and Chinese workers in a newly opened factory in Ohio, revealing insights into globalization.
Best For: Those interested in economics and cultural studies.
Question for You: How do you think globalization affects local communities?

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11. The Keepers (2017)

Age Rating: TV-MA | IMDb Rating: 8.1 | Where to Watch: Netflix.
This gripping true-crime series investigates the unsolved murder of a nun and the secrets surrounding a Catholic high school in Baltimore.
Best For: Fans of true crime and mystery.
Question for You: What do you think drives people to solve mysteries?

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12. Grizzly Man (2005)

Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 7.8 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video.
This documentary explores the life of Timothy Treadwell, who spent 13 summers in Alaska living among grizzly bears, and the tragic events that followed.
Best For: Nature lovers and those fascinated by wildlife.
Question for You: If you could spend a week in the wild, what would you want to experience?

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13. The Imposter (2012)

Age Rating: R | IMDb Rating: 7.5 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video.
This documentary tells the shocking true story of a con artist who impersonates a missing Texas boy, raising questions about identity and family.
Best For: Viewers who enjoy psychological thrillers.
Question for You: How do you define your identity in a world full of labels?

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14. The Square (2013)

Age Rating: TV-MA | IMDb Rating: 7.5 | Where to Watch: Netflix.
This documentary follows the Egyptian Revolution from the perspective of activists and the struggles they face in their fight for freedom.
Best For: Those interested in social movements and human rights.
Question for You: What do you think is the most powerful form of protest?

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15. The True Cost (2015)

Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 7.6 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video.
This documentary exposes the hidden costs of the fashion industry, highlighting the environmental and social impacts of fast fashion.
Best For: Fashion enthusiasts and environmentally conscious viewers.
Question for You: How do you choose brands that align with your values?

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16. Before the Flood (2016)

Age Rating: PG | IMDb Rating: 8.0 | Where to Watch: Disney+.
Leonardo DiCaprio embarks on a global tour to explore the effects of climate change and the urgent need for action to protect the planet.
Best For: Environmental activists and anyone concerned about climate change.
Question for You: What steps do you take in your daily life to combat climate change?

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17. Life Itself (2014)

Age Rating: R | IMDb Rating: 7.8 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video.
This poignant documentary tells the life story of film critic Roger Ebert, reflecting on his passion for movies and the power of storytelling.
Best For: Film buffs and those who appreciate life stories.
Question for You: What film has had the biggest impact on your life?

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18. The Last Dance (2020)

Age Rating: TV-MA | IMDb Rating: 9.1 | Where to Watch: Netflix.
This acclaimed series chronicles Michael Jordan’s career and the 1997–98 Chicago Bulls season, showcasing the drive for greatness in sports.
Best For: Sports fans and those inspired by determination.
Question for You: Who is your favorite athlete, and what inspires you about them?

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19. The 11th Hour (2007)

Age Rating: PG | IMDb Rating: 7.9 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video.
Narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, this documentary explores the environmental crises facing our planet and the urgent need for sustainable solutions.
Best For: Environmentalists and those seeking inspiration for change.
Question for You: What change would you like to see in the world in your lifetime?

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20. My Octopus Teacher (2020)

Age Rating: PG | IMDb Rating: 8.1 | Where to Watch: Netflix.
This touching documentary follows a filmmaker who forges an unlikely bond with an octopus living in a South African kelp forest, revealing the wonders of nature.
Best For: Nature lovers and those seeking connection with the world around them.
Question for You: What’s the most meaningful connection you’ve ever had with an animal?

21. The 5th Estate (2013)

Age Rating: R | IMDb Rating: 7.1 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video.
This film chronicles the story of WikiLeaks and its founder, Julian Assange, exploring the moral implications of revealing classified information.
Best For: Those interested in journalism and the ethics of information sharing.
Question for You: What are your thoughts on the balance between transparency and privacy?

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22. The Social Dilemma (2020)

Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 7.6 | Where to Watch: Netflix.
Experts from the tech industry discuss the dangerous impact of social media on society, exploring its effects on mental health and democracy.
Best For: Anyone who uses social media and is curious about its implications.
Question for You: How do you think social media has changed the way we connect with others?

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23. The Last Laugh (2019)

Age Rating: TV-MA | IMDb Rating: 6.9 | Where to Watch: Netflix.
Comedians and Holocaust survivors discuss the role of humor in confronting trauma and the moral limits of comedy.
Best For: Fans of comedy who want to explore deeper themes.
Question for You: Do you think humor can be a coping mechanism for difficult situations?

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24. RBG (2018)

Age Rating: PG | IMDb Rating: 7.5 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video.
This documentary celebrates the life and career of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a trailblazer for women’s rights and a Supreme Court Justice.
Best For: Those interested in law, feminism, and social justice.
Question for You: What’s a cause you feel passionate about that needs more attention?

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25. The Great Hack (2019)

Age Rating: TV-MA | IMDb Rating: 7.0 | Where to Watch: Netflix.
This documentary investigates how data has become a powerful tool in politics, exposing the impact of digital data exploitation.
Best For: Viewers interested in technology and its influence on democracy.
Question for You: How aware are you of your digital footprint and data privacy?

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26. City of Ghosts (2017)

Age Rating: TV-14 | IMDb Rating: 7.8 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video.
This film follows citizen journalist group Raqqa Is Being Slaughtered Silently as they document life under ISIS rule in Syria.
Best For: Those who want to understand the complexities of war and journalism.
Question for You: How important do you think citizen journalism is in today’s world?

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27. The Square (2013)

Age Rating: TV-MA | IMDb Rating: 7.5 | Where to Watch: Netflix.
This documentary chronicles the Egyptian Revolution from the perspective of activists and the struggles they face in their fight for freedom.
Best For: Anyone interested in social movements and human rights.
Question for You: What do you think is the most powerful form of protest?

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28. The Minimalists: Less Is Now (2021)

Age Rating: TV-MA | IMDb Rating: 7.5 | Where to Watch: Netflix.
This documentary follows two friends who advocate for minimalism, sharing how it can lead to a more fulfilling life by reducing clutter.
Best For: Viewers looking to declutter their lives and minds.
Question for You: What’s one thing you could live without in your life?

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29. The Game Changers (2018)

Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 7.8 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video.
This documentary challenges the notion of meat as a necessary component of a healthy diet, featuring elite athletes who thrive on plant-based nutrition.
Best For: Fitness enthusiasts and those interested in nutrition.
Question for You: Have you ever considered how your diet affects your performance in daily activities?

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30. Icarus (2017)

Age Rating: TV-MA | IMDb Rating: 7.8 | Where to Watch: Netflix.
This gripping documentary begins as an exploration of doping in sports and turns into a shocking exposé of corruption within the Russian Olympic system.
Best For: Sports fans and those interested in ethics in athletics.
Question for You: How do you feel about the integrity of sports and the impact of performance-enhancing drugs?

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31. The Look of Silence (2014)

Age Rating: Not Rated | IMDb Rating: 8.0 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video.
This powerful follow-up to The Act of Killing focuses on a family confronting the men who killed their son during the Indonesian genocide.
Best For: Those interested in human rights and the legacy of violence.
Question for You: How important is it for societies to confront their past traumas?

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32. Chasing Ice (2012)

Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 7.8 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video.
Photographer James Balog documents the effects of climate change on glaciers, capturing stunning time-lapse images that reveal their rapid melting.
Best For: Environmentalists and anyone concerned about climate change.
Question for You: What can you do to raise awareness about climate change in your community?

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33. The Edge of Democracy (2019)

Age Rating: TV-MA | IMDb Rating: 7.6 | Where to Watch: Netflix.
This documentary explores the political upheaval in Brazil through the lens of democracy and personal experiences of the filmmaker.
Best For: Those interested in global politics and democracy.
Question for You: How do you think personal stories can influence political narratives?

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34. For Sama (2019)

Age Rating: TV-MA | IMDb Rating: 8.5 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video.
This emotional documentary is a love letter from a mother to her daughter, depicting the horrors of war in Aleppo, Syria.
Best For: Viewers seeking a deeper understanding of war’s human impact.
Question for You: How do you think personal stories can bring awareness to global issues?

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35. Super Size Me (2004)

Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 7.2 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video.
Morgan Spurlock embarks on a 30-day experiment to eat only McDonald’s food, examining the impact of fast food on health and society.
Best For: Anyone interested in health and nutrition.
Question for You: What changes have you made to your diet for better health?

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36. The Last Guardian (2020)

Age Rating: Not Rated | IMDb Rating: 8.4 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video.
This documentary captures the journey of a Syrian refugee family as they navigate their way to safety in Europe, showcasing their resilience.
Best For: Those who want to understand the refugee crisis on a personal level.
Question for You: How do you think empathy can be cultivated in discussions about refugees?

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37. My Beautiful Broken Brain (2015)

Age Rating: Not Rated | IMDb Rating: 7.1 | Where to Watch: Netflix.
This intimate documentary follows a woman’s journey of recovery after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke and her struggle to regain her identity.
Best For: Those interested in personal stories of resilience and recovery.
Question for You: How do you define strength in the face of adversity?

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38. Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am (2019)

Age Rating: PG-13 | IMDb Rating: 7.5 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video.
This documentary celebrates the life and work of renowned author Toni Morrison, exploring her influence on literature and society.
Best For: Literature lovers and those interested in the power of storytelling.
Question for You: How has literature shaped your understanding of the world?

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39. Stray (2020)

Age Rating: Not Rated | IMDb Rating: 7.1 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video.
This documentary follows stray dogs in Istanbul, exploring their lives and the people they encounter, reflecting on the human-animal bond.
Best For: Animal lovers and those interested in urban life.
Question for You: What lessons do you think we can learn from observing animals in their natural environments?

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40. The Human Element (2018)

Age Rating: Not Rated | IMDb Rating: 6.9 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video.
This documentary examines the impact of climate change through the lens of four elemental forces—fire, air, earth, and water—and their connection to humanity.
Best For: Anyone concerned about environmental issues.
Question for You: How do you connect with nature in your everyday life?

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These hidden documentary films are more than just movies; they offer insights, provoke thought, and inspire action. Whether you’re looking for a film that dives into social issues, nature, or personal stories, you’re sure to find something that resonates with you. So, grab some popcorn, get cozy, and prepare to be inspired!