Best 13 Historical Documentaries Reviews

Delving into historical documentaries is like taking a journey through time, a chance to witness first-hand the events that shaped our world. From exploring ancient civilizations to the intricacies of the medieval period, there is so much to learn and appreciate. These documentaries not only inform us about our past but also help us understand how it shapes our present.

The power of historical documentaries lies in their ability to provide us with a tangible connection to the past. They allow us to see the faces and hear the voices of those who came before us, shining a light on their struggles and triumphs. From the archives of National Geographic to the libraries of the British Museum, there are countless historical documentaries that offer a window into our shared history.

Watching historical documentaries encourages us to think critically about our past, and in doing helps us better understand the world around us. With each new insight, our understanding of how we came to be where we are today deepens, giving us the tools we need to create a better tomorrow.

Historical DocumentariesHistoryDocumentariesAncient CivilizationsLearningPower Of Knowledge

Historical Documentaries

Historical documentaries are a great way to learn about the past and the events that have shaped the world we live in. Whether you’re interested in ancient history or more recent events, there’s a documentary out there that will give you an in-depth look at the subject matter.

In this post, we’ll be reviewing 13 of the best historical documentaries to help you get started on your next historical education journey.

1. The Vietnam War - This 10-part documentary by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick takes a detailed look at one of America's most controversial wars. The series explores the experiences of ordinary soldiers, protestors, and politicians involved in the conflict.

2. The War - Another Ken Burns documentary, 'The War' represents an attempt at understanding America’s deadliest event. It documents the stories of Americans that were involved in World War II.

3. The Roosevelts: An Intimate History - This documentary is a comprehensive look at the lives of American Presidents Teddy, lin and Eleanor Roosevelt. It explores their family dynamics, dedication towards the development of the American Dream, the New Deal, and much more.

4. The Civil War - Ken Burns’ 'The Civil War' is a comprehensive and celebrated nine-part documentary on the events that led to the Civil War and the conflict itself. The series is narrated and supplemented with alluring historical re-enactments.

5. O.J.: Made in America - This five-part documentary explores the life and trial of O.J. Simpson in relation to the racial and social themes of American society in the latter half of the 20th century. It won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature and stands as a pioneering work in this category.

6. 13th - Ava Duvernay’s acclaimed documentary examines the American penal system, specifically its intricate ties with American slavery and exploitation. The title '13th' refers to the thirteenth amendment of the US constitution, which abolished slavery except for as a punishment for criminals.

7. The World Wars - A three-part series that explores the relationships and alliances between powerful nations before and during the First and Second World Wars. It features archival footage and expertly crafted re-enactments that paint a vivid picture of the global conflict.

8. The Crown - Mainly fiction-based, 'The Crown' is still an important contribution to visualising post-war Britain through the life of Queen Elizabeth II. It is a Netflix original series that has received multiple accolades for its realism.

9. The Dust Bowl - This documentary explores the ecological and farming disasters experienced by the Great Plains during the years of drought in the 1930s. With harrowing pictures of the destroyed public welfare, this documentary stands as a reminder of race and inequality significant back then.

10. Paris is Burning - A classic cult favourite, 'Paris is Burning' documents the ballroom scene of the African-American and Hispanic communities of 1980s New York. The film shows how the subculture provides a refuge for those disowned by society and highlights the importance of establishing an inclusive and accepting world for those who feel they don’t belong.

11. The Mankoff Company - This documentary chronicles the lifelong career and dreams of famed cartoon editor and cartoonist Bob Mankoff. It tells the story of a talented artist’s quest to make it into, and then stay in, one of the most exclusive groups in publishing—The New Yorker cartoonists.

12. I Am Not Your Negro - An essay film by Raoul Peck that is based on the justifiably unfinished manuscript of James Baldwin, it traces the lives of three black American intellectuals and their current predicament in a divided and conflicted America.

13. The Defiant Ones - A four-part documentary that explores the lives of music legends Dr Dre and Jimmy Iovine, examining their backgrounds, friendship and the collaboration that led to creating one of the most successful music brands in the history of hip-hop.

historical documentaries are a valuable tool in our quest to learn more about the world we live in. These listed above are some of the best in the business, and they all provide an exceptional insight into the events that have shaped our society.