20 documentaries to try this autumn

20 Documentaries to Try This Autumn Autumn invites a natural shift toward introspection and coziness. As the evenings lengthen and the air turns crisp, the appetite for superficial entertainment gives way to a desire for stories with substance. Documentaries provide the perfect intellectual nourishment for this transitional season, offering windows into unfamiliar worlds, historical mysteries, and profound human experiences. The following selection of twenty compelling documentaries spans various genres, ensuring a captivating viewing experience for every chilly evening ahead.

Captivating Chronicles of Nature and ScienceThe changing foliage serves as a reminder of the planet’s intricate systems, making autumn an ideal time to explore environmental and scientific filmmaking. Our Planet continues to set the standard for natural history filmmaking, combining breathtaking cinematography with urgent conservation messages. For those fascinated by the cosmos, A Brief History of Time explores the mind and theories of Stephen Hawking, blending complex physics with personal narrative. Moving from the stars to the deep ocean, My Octopus Teacher delivers a surprisingly tender look at the bond between a filmmaker and a wild mollusk, highlighting the unexpected emotional intelligence found in marine life.Viewers interested in the intersection of technology and humanity will find The Social Dilemma deeply absorbing. This hybrid piece dissects the psychological engineering behind social media networks through interviews with tech whistleblowers. On a more terrestrial note, Fantastic Fungi utilizes stunning time-lapse photography to reveal the massive, subterranean fungal networks that sustain life on Earth, mirroring the organic decomposition and rebirth central to the autumn season.

Gripping True Crime and Unsolved MysteriesThe mysterious atmosphere of autumn evenings complements the tension of true crime investigations. The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst remains a masterclass in the genre, featuring an extraordinary sequence of interviews that culminate in one of the most shocking finales in television history. For a look into systemic issues within the legal process, Making a Murderer offers a frustratingly detailed analysis of a complex criminal case in America. Audiences seeking a international angle will appreciate The Imposter, a chilling account of a young Frenchman who convinces a Texas family that he is their long-lost son.Historical crimes also provide great material for seasonal viewing. The Keepers investigates the unsolved murder of a beloved nun and schoolteacher, uncovering a dark web of institutional cover-ups that spans decades. Finally, Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father functions as both a tragic true crime investigation and a deeply moving tribute to friendship, though viewers should prepare themselves for an intense emotional journey.

Deep Dives into History and PoliticsAutumn traditionally marks the start of the academic year, making it a fitting time to engage with historical analysis. The Vietnam War, directed by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick, provides an exhaustive, multi-perspective overview of a conflict that redefined a generation. On the political front, 13th explores the historical legacy of systemic inequality in the United States, tracing the connection between the abolition of slavery and the rise of modern mass incarceration. For a perspective on recent history, The Square offers an immediate, ground-level view of the Egyptian Revolution, capturing the chaos and hope of modern political activism.Those intrigued by Cold War secrets will find Icarus fascinating. What begins as an amateur cycling experiment quickly devolves into an international geopolitical thriller involving state-sponsored sports doping. Additionally, Apollo 11 utilizes pristine, newly discovered archival footage to recreate the historic moon landing, providing a visceral sense of immediacy without the need for modern narration or reenactments.

Human Portraits and Artistic JourneysCharacter-driven narratives provide warmth and inspiration during the colder months. Free Solo follows Alex Honnold as he attempts to climb the sheer face of El Capitan without ropes, delivering an intense psychological study of human focus and fearlessness. In the realm of art, Searching for Sugar Man tracks two South African fans trying to discover the fate of their musical hero, resulting in an uplifting story about the enduring power of creativity. For an intimate look at the burdens of early fame, Amy chronicles the brilliant life and tragic downfall of singer Amy Winehouse using private home videos and unreleased tracks.The culinary arts also receive beautiful treatment in Jiro Dreams of Sushi, which profiles an eighty-five-year-old master chef in Tokyo, examining the dedication, sacrifice, and family dynamics required to achieve true perfection. Wrapping up the artistic exploration, Man on Wire celebrates the poetic audacity of Philippe Petit, who walked a high wire between the Twin Towers in 1974, transforming an urban space into a stage for a breathtaking artistic triumph.

Curating a personal film festival from these diverse non-fiction works offers an enriching way to spend the cooler nights of the year. From the depths of the ocean to the heights of human ambition, these films provide the intellectual depth and emotional resonance that define the autumn season. Settling in with these cinematic achievements ensures a thoughtful journey through some of the most profound stories ever captured on film.