Best Documentary

Military operations leave deep, lasting scars on our planet’s ecosystems. From radioactive landscapes and toxic battlefields to millions of tons of dumped ocean munitions, the environmental footprint of modern warfare affects us all, contributing up to ten percent of global carbon emissions. In this documentary, we explore the devastating connection between warfare and ecological destruction across history: World War I Battlefields: The historical origins of modern ecocide and landscape destruction. Cold War Nuclear Secrets: Uncovering forgotten radioactive complexes in the Arctic regions. Vietnam’s Agent Orange: Investigating the decades-long impact of toxic dioxin contamination. Submerged Hazards: Exploring sunken shipwrecks and chemical munitions on the Baltic seafloor and Canadian coastline. Target Ranges in Paradise: How decades of military testing reshaped pristine Caribbean island habitats. What does it take to fuel global military machinery, and what resources are consumed when conflict occurs? Explore the hidden environmental cost of war and the true state of our global eco-balance. Title: Footprints of War: Nature Under Fire Director: Maximilian Mönch Producer: Gregor Streiber / Werwiewas Medienproduktion

Discover the truth behind the global TV phenomenon. This documentary separates fact from fiction, revealing the real story of Birmingham's violent street gangs that inspired the series. Featuring interviews with creator Stephen Knight and historians who uncover the myth versus the reality. Director: Robin Bextor

Wrongfully imprisoned for seven long years, Clarence Elkins never stopped fighting for justice. While his wife secretly collected DNA evidence on the outside, a unbelievable stroke of fate placed Elkins in the exact same facility as the real suspect. After securing the vital proof needed to clear his name, Elkins exposed a flawed conviction and proved that one family's determination could defeat the system.

An off-grid intentional community known as The Garden went viral on TikTok, promoting a sustainable lifestyle with an open-door policy. Their fame quickly soured as accusations of being a cult and safety concerns led to a massive online hate campaign, forcing them to close their doors to the public.

Relive the epic 2015 MCE British Superbike Championship. Witness the fierce 'Clash of Nations' between Great Britain's Shane 'Shakey' Byrne on his trusted Kawasaki and Australia's 'bad boy' challenger Josh Brooks aboard the all-new Yamaha R1. From dramatic crashes at 200 mph to nail-biting showdowns, follow the intense battle for the coveted crown through every twist and turn of the season. Director: Mark Sloper Cast: Shane 'Shakey' Byrne, Joshua ‘Bad Boy’ Brookes, James Ellison

Inside Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea’s fast-growing capital, severe economic inequality fuels intense urban tensions. Police face off against notorious local gangs while communities navigate deep poverty, crime, and ongoing institutional challenges. Beneath the surface of the region's rapid development lies a complex reality where vulnerable populations bear the heaviest burden and local leadership struggles to maintain order. Directors: Alexandre Spalaikovitch, Guillaume Lhotellier

In March 2012, a violent storm threw an oil tanker against the cliffs of Syracuse, Sicily, triggering one of Italy's most dramatic helicopter rescues. For over a year, the wreck scarred the coastline of a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is the story of the international team of salvage masters who undertook the monumental task of cutting the ship apart to restore the beautiful Mediterranean coast.

Over 150 years ago, before it opened up and embraced Western culture without losing its own identity, Tokyo was still Edo, a traditional Asian city ruled by the feudal powers of the Samurai. Twice the city experienced total destruction. Yet each time, like the mythical phoenix, the city rose spectacularly from the ashes. Discover the story of this metarmophosis through never seen before restored and colorized archives filmed in Tokyo from 1905 onward. This film reveals the extraordinary resilience of the Japanese people. Director: Olivier Julien

With a divorce every 36 seconds in America, breaking up has become a multi-billion dollar industry. Explore the world of 'Divorce Hotels', 'Freedom Fests', and post-breakup cosmetic surgery, where entrepreneurs are cashing in on catastrophe and repackaging heartbreak for a new generation.

Explore the extraordinary life, personal journey, and enduring legacy of Lady Diana, the People’s Princess. From entering the Royal Family to becoming a global icon who redefined modern royalty, this documentary takes a thoughtful look into her world, her relationships, and where her impact continues to resonate today. Director: Robin Bextor

Uncover the complete story of Michael Jackson, the legendary King of Pop. This documentary dives deep into his groundbreaking music career, global impact, personal struggles, and enduring legacy, revealing the real person behind the world's biggest icon. Director: Roxane Schlumberger Cast: Mark Lester, Lucy Lester, Matt Fiddes, Mike Smallcombe, Mike Ciporkin Original title: MICHAEL JACKSON: WHO WAS THE MAN IN THE MIRROR?

Since the Taliban seized power in August 2021, Kabul has transformed into one of the most dangerous cities on Earth. This investigation plunges into a capital gripped by fear, oppression, and a looming famine. Follow the daily lives of those who stayed behind: a female journalist risking her life to report, a former judge hiding from those he once sentenced, and a US-trained soldier marked for death. A raw look at the crushing of women's rights and the daily struggle for survival under the new regime.

In this episode breakdown of Clandestino, veteran journalist David Beriain takes us deep into the shadow network of the 'Ndrangheta, one of the most powerful and secretive organizations in the world. Originating in the rugged mountains of Calabria, Italy, this syndicate operates away from the spotlight, relying on strict codes, family ties, and sophisticated global logistics. How did a regional group expand its influence worldwide while remaining almost invisible to the public eye? We analyze the investigative methods behind Beriain’s coverage, the structural mechanics of covert international networks, and the economic footprint left by global black markets. Director: David Beriain Clandestino, Episode 7

How does Moscow control its neighboring borders? This documentary dives deep into the unrecognized breakaway republics of Abkhazia, Transnistria, the People’s Republic of Donetsk and North Ossetia. By providing financial aid, military backing, and political control, the Kremlin uses these regions to instigate geopolitical instability across Eastern Europe, systematically stalling efforts by Moldova, Georgia, and Ukraine to join the European Union.

Explore the ruthless history of the Lucchese family. This documentary tracks their rise to power following the founding of La Cosa Nostra by Gaetano Lucchese, leading up to the family's downfall under the control of the infamous underboss Anthony "Gaspipe" Casso. Hosted and produced by Robert Stack Series: Lords of the Mafia Episode 8: The Rise and Fall of Cosa Nostra in America How are criminal organizations able to succeed despite the strong forces of law?

From child performer to global icon, Dolly Parton stands as the most honoured female country artist in music history. With a legendary career spanning over decades, her impact on the country and pop charts remains unmatched. Director: Ai Chapelle Cast: Stephanie J. Block, Kristyn Burtt, Jane Fonda, Whitney Houston Original title: DOLLY PARTON: QUEEN OF COUNTRY

Discover the inspiring story of Dolly Parton, the country music legend who rose from a humble upbringing in rural Tennessee to become a global entertainment superstar. This documentary explores her extraordinary journey to international fame, tracing her path from early Nashville recording contracts and record-breaking chart-toppers to hit movies and sold-out worldwide tours. Learn how her powerful songwriting, iconic voice, and incredible business acumen transformed her into a beloved pop culture icon and one of the most successful artists in music history. Director: Finlay Bald Cast: Dolly Parton, April Watts Original title: THE DOLLY PARTON STORY: FROM RAGS TO RHINESTONES

The luxury car rental business is cutthroat, lucrative, and full of illusion. In a world where status is everything and driving a Ferrari promises instant influence, line-crossing hustle meets high-end enterprise. MVP Exotic Rentals founder Matt Cruz exposes how entrepreneurs, influencers, and fakers navigate Miami’s fast-paced luxury car market, where everyone is playing the game, but only a few are actually making it. This documentary dives deep into the high-stakes exotic car rental industry to uncover what it really takes to profit off the world's most expensive supercars. Discover how the business operates, the hustle behind the glamor, and where the line between real success and total finesse is drawn. Original title: Miami’s Luxury Car Hustle

Why Did the El Faro Sail Directly Into a Category 4 Hurricane? In 2015, the cargo ship El Faro sailed into the eye of Hurricane Joaquin and vanished with 33 crew members. This is the story of the fatal decision to face the storm, the high-tech deep-sea search for the wreck, and the final recorded moments on the ship's black box that revealed the truth behind one of the worst modern American maritime disasters.

This Eddie Murphy documentary explores the rise of a comedy superstar. From Saturday Night Live and legendary stand-up specials to massive Hollywood box-office hits, see how Eddie Murphy redefined American comedy and changed cinema forever. Director : Lucy Ciara McCutcheon Cast : Scott Alexander, Craig Brewer, Jamie Lee Curtis Original title: EDDIE MURPHY: AS HIMSELF

From 80s teen heartthrob to one of the most eccentric chameleon actors in cinema history, Johnny Depp completely redefined what it means to be a Hollywood leading man. Explore the legendary career transformation of Johnny Depp, from his breakout TV roles to his iconic performance as Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean. Discover how he built an unforgettable legacy playing cinema’s most unconventional characters. Director : Danielle Winter Cast : Johnny Depp, Terry Rossio Original title: JOHNNY DEPP: KING OF CULT

Experience the raw, uncensored history of Germany's military collapse, from the catastrophic defeat at Stalingrad to the final chaotic house-to-house battles in the streets of Berlin.

Unravel the complexities of Jiang Qing’s colourful life as the wife of one of most powerful dictators the 20th century has known... Jiang Qing aka Madam Mao, was the most infamous woman of 20th century China. She was ambitious, sensual, clever, devious, and vengeful. The Cultural Revolution was the peak of her influence, and then she plummeted into disgrace, imprisonment, and was eventually driven to suicide. In this insightful one hour biopic, we unravel the complexities of Jiang Qing’s colourful life as the wife of one of most powerful dictators the 20th century as known, through interviews of the people close to her and exclusive archive footage. Directors: Galen Yeo & Oon Jit Fong

Spanish investigative journalist David Beriain expands his deep-dive inquiry into international arms trafficking networks, tracing the transnational flow of illegal firearms south of the Mexican border into Central and South America. Director: David Beriain Clandestino, Episode 5

Discover how Madonna evolved from a rising performer into the defining force of modern pop music. Over a landmark four-decade career, she pushed boundaries, transformed visual entertainment, and set a new standard for creative control in the music industry. Watch the full story behind her cultural impact, classic music videos, and enduring legacy as pop's ultimate pioneer. Director: Finlay Bald Cast: Madonna Original title: MADONNA: MOVE TO THE MUSIC

Located on the shores of the Baltic Sea, between Poland and Lithuania, Kaliningrad is a piece of Russia in the heart of Europe. A curious territory, isolated from Moscow after the fall of the USSR, today transformed into a military fortress facing NATO. In Kaliningrad, headquarters of the Russian Baltic fleet, there are 30,000 soldiers, hypersonic missiles and nuclear capability. We were able to enter this territory almost inaccessible since the war in Ukraine. In this closely guarded enclave, the journalists followed the elections for the new governor. The outgoing candidate, Antone Alikhanov, who is totally loyal to Vladimir Putin, renewed his mandate with 80% of the votes. Kaliningrad is under economic embargo by the European Union and its population is suffering. Foodstuffs are becoming scarce. The price of coal is exploding. But, fed by the Kremlin’s television propaganda, most of the population supports the war. Only the Europeanized youth dare to half-heartedly criticize the government. The strategic situation of Kaliningrad and Putin’s desire to conquer it are worrying its neighbors, the Baltic states. Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, former Soviet

In August 2016, a violent Atlantic storm smashed the 17,000-ton Transocean Winner oil rig onto the rocky shores of Scotland's Isle of Lewis. This is the story of the incredible two-month salvage operation that followed. A team of experts raced against time and the elements to refloat the massive wreck and execute a high-tech lift using a unique semi-submersible ship, preventing a major environmental disaster in one of Britain's most remote landscapes.

Legendary broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonald gets unprecedented access inside two maximum and medium-security women’s facilities in Indiana: Indiana Women’s Prison and the Rockville Correctional Facility. Together, these institutions house over 1,800 inmates serving extensive terms for major offenses, including those facing life without parole. Explore the complex reality of life behind bars, the stories of the residents, and the day-to-day operations of modern correctional facilities. Series: Women Behind Bars with Trevor McDonald

Discover the powerful stories that define Lagos, Nigeria, a mega-metropolis driven by resilience, innovation, and intense ambition. In a city of extraordinary contrasts, everyday citizens navigate complex urban challenges, from informal waste economies and unique stilt communities to local governance and social reform. In this documentary, we follow local leaders, brave community advocates, and daily workers fighting to transform their city from the ground up. Through first-hand accounts, explore the human spirit powering one of Africa’s most dynamic urban landscapes.

Inside Elvis Presley’s final 24 hours: members of the famous Memphis Mafia break their silence on what really happened during the King of Rock and Roll's last day alive. In this revealing documentary, Elvis’s closest friends share never-before-heard memories, personal experiences, and a rare, intimate look into his final hours at Graceland. Director: Jordan Hill Cast : Elvis Presley Original title: THE LAST 24 HOURS: ELVIS PRESLEY

In this ground breaking and revelatory new documentary format, Piers Morgan comes face to face with Paris Bennett: a criminal more intelligent, more cunning and more manipulative than any of those he has encountered before.

There is an invisible war going on in the West Bank. The Israeli settlers are waging a daily war on the Palestinians who remain; they harass their neighbours, attack their houses, move their livestock and generally make life unbearable for them.

After ten years of fighting in the Trojan War, Odysseus sets sail for home, unaware that his greatest trial is just beginning. Stranded across a treacherous ancient sea governed by mythical forces, the cunning king of Ithaca must rely on sharp wit and sheer willpower to survive. From outsmarting legendary giants to navigating realm-shifting sorcery and journeying beyond the mortal world, The Odyssey stands as history’s ultimate tale of endurance, leadership, and the relentless pull of home. Meanwhile, on the island of Ithaca, his family faces their own fight to protect his legacy and kingdom before all is lost. Director: Bruce Vigar

Who are the "New Maharajahs" of modern India? Behind the glitz, grand celebrations, and billionaire lifestyles lies a country defined by dramatic economic contrasts. Over a six-month investigation, we gain unprecedented access into the ultra-wealthy elite while exploring the legal loopholes, tax structures, and global financial networks that allow this massive fortune to grow. Dive deep into the high-stakes world of India’s growing billionaire class and the true economic reality behind the grandeur.

Four lives, irreversibly shattered. This powerful documentary explores the devastating human cost of Guantanamo Bay, following four individuals whose fates became permanently tied to the notorious US detention camp. Director: Thomas Wallner Production companies: T&C Film AG, Zero One Film, Xenophile Media, Amythos Films, Guantanamo Trap Canada Productions (GTCP), Pumpernickel Films Producers: Thomas Kufus, Amit Breuer, Marcel Hoehn, Christoph Jörg Original title: The Guantanamo Trap

Discover the wild true story of Finding Fidel. In 1958, war cameraman Erik Durschmied trekked into Cuba’s Sierra Maestra mountains to track down and interview a little-known rebel leader: Fidel Castro. Just weeks later, Castro’s revolution took Havana and changed world history forever. Director: Bay Weyman

After the catastrophic loss of the nuclear-powered submarine Kursk, a daring team of Dutch engineers took on one of the most audacious salvage operations in history. This is the story of how they raced against the Arctic winter to raise the massive wreck from the seabed, facing incredible technical challenges and immense pressure to bring 118 fallen submariners back home.

In this episode, renowned investigative journalist David Beriain explores the cross-border supply chains that fuel organized crime networks. He investigates how illegal firearms move across international borders, primarily from the United States into Mexico, to empower cartels like the Sinaloa Cartel. By providing unprecedented access to covert operations and supply networks, the documentary reveals the financial and logistical machinery behind illegal arms trafficking. Director: David Beriain Clandestino, Episode 4

A broke financial planner hires a cheap hitman online to kill his wife for an insurance payout. The plan takes a bizarre turn when the hitman murders a complete stranger with the same name. This is the story of a fatal mistake, a second murder, and the digital trail that exposed one of the dumbest criminal plots. Series: Bizarre Murders S1E01, Mistaken Identity Director: Brian Testa

Shot simultaneously by 70 crews, this is a portrait of one day in 2014 in the life of the world's most famous city full of contradictions, a multi-level unique experience. Behind the harsh politics of our days still lie personal daily routines familiar to all. Following protagonists from all religions and backgrounds, 24 HOURS JERUSALEM remains an extraordinary message from the heart of a deeply conflicted region. Original title: 24 Hours Jerusalem - EP1 Director: Volker Heise Producer: Thomas Kufus / Zero One Film, Alegria Productions

Sparked by humanity’s unquenchable thirst for exploration and propelled by recent technological breakthroughs, this documentary will investigate the emergence of a ‘New Space’ renaissance. Far more than just a few billionaires playing with rockets, this is the story of how a trillion dollar space economy is being forged and which is already having a profound impact for all of us Earthlings. From space tourism finally becoming a reality for the world’s 0.1%, through to how contemporary satellite technology is being used in the fight against environmental destruction and even human rights abuses! Join award-winning host, Torsten Hoffmann as he explores how science fiction is becoming science fact for those with the fortitude to dream big. Director: Torsten Hoffman Original title: Fortitude: Forging the Trillion Dollar Space Economy

In the heart of the East African savannah, this documentary with sumptuous images challenges stereotypes about carnivores and herbivores by analyzing how their diet conditions their way of life.

Years after a historic peace agreement, walls still divide Northern Ireland. Paramilitary groups, now acting as criminal gangs, impose their own law. From giant bonfires burning enemy flags to the daily lives of those caught in the middle, this is the story of a fragile peace in the United Kingdom, where a centuries-old conflict refuses to die. Original Title: Northern Ireland: The 100 Year War Director: Lucas Gregorio

Journalist David Beriain gets unprecedented access inside one of Europe’s most secretive crime syndicates. Bound by ancient clan loyalty and strict codes of honor, explore how this clandestine network operates within the world's shadow economy. Director: David Beriain Clandestino, Episode 3

After the Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear disasters, millions were left to live on contaminated land. This is the story of their 30-year struggle with an invisible enemy. Discover how communities in Belarus, Japan, and Norway moved beyond fear, using knowledge and mutual support to adapt and survive in a world forever changed by radioactivity. Director: Olivier Julien Original title: Chernobyl, Fukushima, Living with the Legacy

Since August, ISIS jihadists have set fire to nineteen oil wells in a bid to hinder Iraqi forces advancing on Mosul. To date, only ten have been fully doused. Day after day for months, Iraqi firefighters have braved extreme dangers to bring the burning wells under control. Operating in dire conditions, they face relentless clouds of toxic smoke that blanket Qayyarah and the surrounding area in thick soot. What will be the long-term health hazards and economic fallout of these burning oil fields? Iraq appears, once more, to be suffering the curse of oil.

Between 1946 and 1958, the U.S. detonated 23 nuclear weapons over Bikini Atoll, unleashing a firestorm that would poison four generations. Nuked resurrects the suppressed history of the Cold War’s first victims – the Bikinian people, torn from paradise and condemned to wander a radioactive diaspora. Through meticulously restored archival footage, the film amplifies the voices of those who watched their ancestral home become ground zero, juxtaposing their testimonies against the terrifying spectacle of mushroom clouds that once lit up the Pacific sky. As climate change now drowns their exile settlements beneath rising seas, the displaced fight a dual battle: against the ghosts of nuclear imperialism and the rising tides of an indifferent world. A searing indictment of colonial power and a rallying cry for justice, Nuked asks: When the land itself becomes a weapon, where does survival begin? Director: Andrew Nisker

Asteroids carry the first bricks of the origins of Life on Earth and hold record of the origins of our Solar System.With access secured to all major international space missions in Japan, the US and in Europe actively related to these celestial bodies, this highly visual impact film brings viewers right at the heart of the Deep impact Day (22d Sept 2022) revealing science's latest breakthroughs on asteroids diversion plan. An estimated 30 000 potentially hazardous asteroids gravitate around the Earth so we need to get ready. The research carried out on the precious samples captured during the Dart Mission and collision with Didymos asteroid brings us ever closer to the mystery of the origins of our galaxy and the emergence of the first molecules of life on earth.