IMDb Loves: 20 Best Documentary Movies on Max in May 2024

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Written By William Butterworth

Will Butterworth first started reporting on entertainment news when he was a kid in Barney pajamas giving news reports to his parents while sitting in a cardboard box. Now, he still sits in a cardboard box, but his audience has grown in number (at least that's what his mom tells him). Entertainment junkies unite!

Documentaries offer glimpses into parts of the world where you may not regularly tread. From stories that occurred long ago to the very best and worst of humanity, Max has a documentary for everyone.

Check out these best documentaries on Max before they disappear.

1. We Stand Alone Together: The Men of Easy Company (2001)

We Stand Alone Together
Image Credit: HBO

If you loved Band of Brothers (2001), then you’re going to love We Stand Alone Together: The Men of Easy Company. It’s a documentary featuring the veterans of the company who talk about their service.

You’ll learn things about Easy Company that you never knew before.

2. Every Brilliant Thing (2016)

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Image Credit: Canva

In an effort to help his depressed mother, a son lists out all the wonderful things one has to live for. This documentary follows his attempts to prove to her just how great life can be.

3. True Justice (2019)

True Justice
Image Credit: NFP Photography

Trust Justice follows Bryan Stevenson, a lawyer who continues to fight the legal system for equality. Based in Alabama, it shines a light on how stacked the justice system is against minorities.

4. Magic & Bird: A Courtship of Rivals (2010)

Magic Bird
Image Credit: Canva

Basketball in the 1980s and 1990s was almost an entirely different sport than it is now. Rivalries were thick, and there was one that always promised a good show.

This documentary follows the rivalry between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson when they ruled the basketball court.

5. Inside Job (2010)

Inside Job
Image Credit: Sony Pictures Classics

The 2008 financial crisis wrecked the economy and caused many people to lose their jobs or homes. Inside Job takes a deeper look into its causes and repercussions.

6. Momentum Generation (2018)

Momentum Generation
Image Credit: All Rise Films

Love surfing? Then Momentum Generation is the perfect documentary for you. It follows a group of surfers who wanted to make it big in the world of surfing competitions.

7. Harlan County USA (1976)

Harlan County USA
Image Credit: Cabin Creek Films

In a classic struggle between a small population and a corporation, Harlan County USA follows the strike of the Brookside Mine. The coal miners found themselves threatened both by their employer and by gun-toting scabs intent on replacing them.

8. Paris Is Burning (1990)

Paris Is Burning
Image Credit: Miramax

Spotlighting drag queens and other members of the LGBTQ+ community, Paris Is Burning chronicles the life of these individuals in 1980s New York City. It shows both the glam and the hardships faced by trailblazers in the community.

9. Searching for Sugar Man (2012)

Searching for Sugar Man
Image Credit: Sony Pictures Classics

This documentary follows the heartwarming tale of a musician named Sixto Rodriguez who made a few hit songs in Detroit before giving up on his dream. His music became huge in South Africa, where two men decide to figure out what became of their favorite musician.

10. The Times of Harvey Milk (1984)

The Times of Harvey Milk
Image Credit: Black Sands Productions

Harvey Milk became San Francisco’s first elected gay city supervisor. Unfortunately, his life eventually ended in an assassination. This documentary covers all aspects of his life and dives into the reasons behind the assassination.

11. BS High (2023)

BS High
Image Credit: HBO Max

If you love high school football stories, then you won’t want to miss BS High. It follows the ultimate match-up between the Bishop Sycamore Centurions and the IMG Academy football teams.

12. All the Beauty and the Bloodshed (2022)

All the Beauty and the Bloodshed
Image Credit: Altitude Film Entertainment

Nan Goldin was a gifted artist who was one of the many victims of the Sackler family. The Sacklers were the primary owners of a pharmaceutical dynasty selling opioid drugs. This documentary follows her and many other stories of addiction and loss.

13. Moonage Daydream (2022)

Moonage Daydream
Image Credit: Neon

This documentary follows the life and creative process of David Bowie. If you want an in-depth look at how he created classic songs, then this is a movie worth watching. It’s dream-like just like Bowie’s music.

14. Glitch: The Rise and Fall of HQ Trivia (2023)

Glitch The Rise and Fall of HQ Trivia
Image Credit: HBO Max

When HQ Trivia first came out, it was a hit. Millions of people logged in to play the trivia games and win cash prizes. Then, suddenly, the tech business shut down. This documentary follows its rise and fall.

15. Being Mary Tyler Moore (2023)

Being Mary Tyler Moore
Image Credit: HBO

Mary Tyler Moore was a renowned actor, advocate, and was a primary player in creating better pay and support for female actors. This documentary covers her life and focuses on her revolutionary role as a successful female actor.

16. No Accident (2023)

No Accident
Image Credit: Max

When right-wing extremists end up attacking counter-protesters, the legal system gets hairy. This documentary covers the story of two lawyers intent on providing justice in a biased system.

17. The Insurrectionist Next Door (2023)

The Insurrectionist Next Door
Image Credit: HBO Max

January 6, 2021, was a stark day for the American government and its people. A group of people managed to enter the capitol building and endanger the lives of those working within it. This documentary film gives those who walked through those doors their version of the story.

18. Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed (2023)

Rock Hudson All That Heaven Allowed
Image Credit: HBO

Rock Hudson was a heartthrob and beloved actor who was leading a double life. He played the typical ladies’ men but was actually gay. This documentary movie offers a deeper look into his life and the struggles he faced in a Hollywood that discriminated against openly gay men.

19. The Ringleader: The Case of the Bling Ring (2023)

The Ringleader THe Case of the Bling Ring
Image Credit: Max

Rachel Lee seemed like another typical girl. Except she managed to convince her friends to join with her and steal from celebrities. This documentary sits down with Lee and examines the choices she made and why.

20. Bama Rush (2023)

Bama Rush
Image Credit: Max

As if student loans and college demands weren’t enough, some people also put themselves through sorority and fraternity drama. Ever wondered what it was like to join one? This documentary follows a group of women trying to make it into a sorority at the University of Alabama.

The 20 Best Crime Movies of All Time: Criminal Masterpieces That Will Steal Your Heart and Leave You Begging for More

Shawshank Redemption Warner Bros
Image Credit: Warner Brothers Pictures

Calling all crime flick lovers! Prepare for an adrenaline-fueled journey into the world of heists, mobsters, and high-stakes action. With countless crime films to choose from, I’ve curated a list of the top 20 that will leave you captivated and craving more. From the classics to hidden gems, these movies will keep you on the edge of your seat. Grab your popcorn and let’s embark on a thrilling adventure through the criminal underworld together!

The 20 Best War Movies of All Time: Epic Tales of Bravery and Sacrifice

Inglourious Basterds Universal Studios
Image Credit: Universal Studios

Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster as we delve into the captivating world of war movies. From tales of bravery to heartbreaking sacrifices, these films will leave you both drained and inspired. We’re ready to present you with the 20 greatest war movies that have stood the test of time. Grab your popcorn and maybe some tissues and get ready to experience these powerful stories.

The 20 Best Thriller Movies Ever Made: Heart-Stopping Must-See Films

Fight Club MSN 20th Century
Photo Credit: 20th Century Fox

Attention, movie buffs! Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled, pulse-pounding cinematic ride! Brace yourself for the top 20 thrillers of all time, featuring unforgettable moments like Batman vs. the Joker, the captivating non-linear storytelling of Pulp Fiction, and the iconic shower scene from Psycho. Buckle up, grab your popcorn, and prepare for a suspenseful journey through movie history. Let the thrills begin!