Fall Documentaries

It's no secret that summer and spring are two of my favorite seasons. But there's no denying the fondness I still carry for autumn. As the seasons come and go, fall really lets the leaves go out in style. Other than my love of putting together cute outfits and the undoubtable level up school seems to take around October, one of the things I look forward to the most is probably the influx of streaming content. In other words, cozying up with hot chocolate, popcorn, and some good ol' movies (one of my favorite things in the world).

So if you find yourself with time on your hands in between studying and school stress (in which case you should definitely take a step back and just breathe, you got this) I thought I'd list a few great documentary suggestions that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Just so you can keep that mind of yours busy and avoid your inevitable existential crisis. Whether you're a Hulu person or a Netflix person, there should be something for you (sorry amazon primers, I won't be going too deep into that territory). Anyway, without further ado, here are some of my documentary suggestions for fall 2019.

1. The Keepers (Netflix Mini-series 2017)

I watched this series recently on Netflix with my mama nearing the end of summer (seasonal summer, not break). The documentary, directed by Ryan White the director of The Case Against 8 (2016), investigates the unsolved murder of Sister Catherine Cesnick in Baltimore, Maryland. As far as fair documentary series go, this is definitively one of the most reliable, trust-worthy series I believe I've seen. It's also very singable. Extremely addictive. The truth is something that gets warped around by many sides, but White approaches the subject matter with a clean magnifying glass and combs through every theory thoroughly. What's more devastating, however, is what one of the main theories also contains: the case of many girls at a catholic school Cesnick taught at and the misconduct that was happening at the school, so here's your trigger warning. None the less, it is one of the best docuseries I've seen, highly recommend.

2. Manhunt: Unabomber (2017) (Netflix)

This gem is actually not a fact-for-fact, narrated documentary. This docuseries on Netflix, created by the Discovery channel, follows the story of the Unabomber and the FBI's hunt for the suspect. I first watched this my Junior year of High School in a forensics class. The teacher had apparently already seen the series and wanted us to see a few episodes for our serial killer unit and forensics method. Not only was it informative, we (the class and I) eventually got hooked into the story. The story is very well-told and generally very educational on the topic. Not only were we learning a lot, the entire class suddenly became enthralled in this epic tale of cat-and-mouse. The acting was brilliant, the writing was exemplary, and the way information was shared was direct. It probably wasn't totally accurate, but if you're one who loves more fiction then this is probably a docuseries for you. If you're a fan of the series Mindhunter this is absolutely for you.

3. Paris Is Burning (1990) 

This is a documentary (movie length) on Netflix. If you've seen the Sam Smith music video 'promises' and are educated about 80s culture, then you would have known that the Promises music video was inspired by ballroom culture in the 80s. This is something very specific to the New York and Harlem area, but this documentary came out as a way to explain not only its culture, and politics but also the era of the 80s as well. It is very informative and a wonderful piece of culture. Filmed in the 80s and released later on in the 90s, the influences of this documentary still runs deep. A gem of LGBTQ representation, Paris is Burning was inducted into the Library of Congress on the film preservation registry in 2016. It was cited as "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". 

4. World War II (In Color) - Netflix (2009)

For those history buffs out there I thought I'd bring back an influential documentary that my Dad (who is probably the definition of a history buff) loved. Essentially, a computer took footage from the world war II time and was able to translate the pictures into color based off of different hues and shades in the technology. I don't know the science of how the computer was able to do it, but a filmmaker ended up taking footage from the time and used the colored footage in a new documentary narrating the war. Now go geek out.

5. It's not a documentary really, but if you're into true crime series check out Buzzfeed Unsolved on Hulu. 

One of my personal favorite series, as I started watching the series way back when it began on Youtube, I am quite fond of the two lead narrators / ghoul boys. Not to mention they explore many theoretical avenues in their exploration of true crime cases, so I am not too prejudiced when I say they are pretty reliable as far as true crime shows go. Watch it.

6. Serengeti (2019) with Lupita Nygong'o

I had not seen this jewel by discovery but I have seen previews and as someone who does enjoy a good nature documentary, I must say that it looks gorgeous. Beautiful, and a nice look into life on the Serengeti plains. Instead of a generalized look at wildlife on the African continent, Serengeti follows life in the specified wilderness of the listed country. It would also probably be a good idea to mention that this series is narrated by academy award winning actress Lupita Nyong'o.

7. Life of A Star: Alexander McQueen and I (unknown) / Avicii: True Stories (2017)

These two are for anyone who likes learning about tortured artists. Both pause to think about the question 'are the best artists tortured?' or to answer what was going on in the minds of these two. The first documentary mentioned can be found on youtube for free (you didn't hear it from me). The second can be found on Netflix and reflects on the career of one of my favorite musicians and DJs of all time, Avicii. Both take time to lead up to both celebrities' untimely demise and what might have caused it. If you're more interested by fashion and the fashion world, that is what Alexander McQueen's documentary covers (first 30 mins and I felt too poor to be there). Both are well made and propose interesting thought material.

Rest in peace Avicii. 2017. 

8. They'll Love Me When I'm Dead (2018)

This covers the legacy of master filmmaker Orson Welles, the director of Citizen Kane (long-time debated greatest film of all time although I like to say art is subjective), The Other Side of The Wind, The Third Man (WATCH THIS ONE!!!!), Touch of Evil, and the Lady from Shanghai. The previously listed are only some of his movies. The title is a clear reference to his last movie, The Other Side of the Wind, an unfinished but released piece made by Orson before his death. Welles is a fascinating character in the director world and if anyone would like to make my day, they would simply have to strike up a conversation about him with me. Although he is not my favorite Old Hollywood director, Welles is still a spectacular director.

for more: The directors series on Oracle.

9. Free Solo (2018)

An Oscar winner, this thrilling documentary covers rock climber Alex Honnold in his venture to climb Yosemite National Park's 900-meter El Captain vertical rock wall. As terrifying as that already sounds, Honnold decides he wants to do it Batman in the Dark Knight Rises style. Free solo. In professional rock climbing this is a term that means "we're going only hands here guys! No ropes!". Yup. With setup for a truly terrifying premise, I'm looking forward to watching this one this fall.

10. 20 Feet From Stardom (2013)

There are quite a few documentaries out there covering the life of many backup dancers and singers. But one that stands out and arguably started the trend is 20 Feet From Stardom (2013) directed by Morgan Neville. This piece reflects on the career of backup singers and the musicians they have helped over the years. It is quite a fascinating watch for musicians and for anyone interested in show business. This piece also won the 2014 best documentary feature at the academy awards.

Honorable Mentions: Icarus (Netflix), Conversations With A Killer: Ted Bundy Tapes, The Invisible War, Citizenfour, Dior and I (2014), The Act of Killing, The Man With A Movie Camera, The Look of Silence

Special Honorable Mention: Won't You Be My Neighbor? (2018) because I've heard this made people quite literally cry, so grab your tissues. Apparently it also made people feel warm inside as well, so it's not all tissues.

Did you like hearing my recommendations? I know I have a lot to review this fall. I haven't had a whole lot of time to watch movies and review them due to college and its many stresses. I hope wherever you guys are, you're living life freely and I wish you love and peace. Have a great day and I hope you find a new favorite tv series or movie on here!