Documentaries are often more inspiring than the most tearful true-life biopics, more informative than historical dramas, and more terrifying than fictional horror films—because everything about them is completely real.
1. Night Stalker: Hunt for a serial killer
Is there anything more horrifying than a serial killer without an identifiable MO, meaning he is completely unpredictable and can't be easily tracked down by detectives? Did not think! This four-part documentary series will revisit Richard Ramirez's reign of terror in California in the mid-80s, which included more than a dozen murders, as well as many break-ins, robberies, car thefts, and sexual assaults.
It will premiere on January 13th on Netflix.
2.Summer of the soul (... Or, when the revolution could not be broadcast on television)
This documentary, Questlove's directorial debut, tells the story of the Harlem Cultural Festival, which has long been overshadowed by another massive music festival that took place that summer: Woodstock. Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, BB King and many more have performed at Black Woodstock, and the film will include footage of those performances and the festival as a whole that hasn't been seen in 50 years.
It will premiere on January 28 at the Sundance Film Festival.
3. Rita Moreno: just a girl who decided to go for it
If by "go for it" the makers of this documentary mean "starring in movies and TV shows for 70 years and earning EGOT in the process", then yes, Rita Moreno is just a girl who decides to go for it. Doc will review Moreno's illustrious life, from her early years in Puerto Rico to her rise to fame. Directed by Mariem Perez Riera and executive produced by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Norman Lear.
It will premiere on January 29 at the Sundance Film Festival.
4.Rebel Hearts
If you haven't heard of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, get ready to fall down the Wikipedia spiral. In the 1960s, this group of Los Angeles nuns refused to back down from their challenges to the patriarchal system of the Catholic Church and shook things up so badly that they were fired by the archdiocese. Their fascinating story is told in this film directed by Pedro Kos.
It will premiere on January 29 at the Sundance Film Festival.
5 Street Gang: How We Got On Sesame Street
sesame street has been bringing joy to children (and their parents) for more than half a century since it was created in 1969 by a group of activist-minded artists and educators, and this paper explores exactly how long and endlessly delightful the series achieved its cult status. It was directed by Marilyn Agrelo and released by HBO, meaning it will appear on HBO Max sometime after its Sundance debut.
It will premiere on January 30 at the Sundance Film Festival.
6. My name is Pauli Murray
Another documentary covering a long forgotten topic, this project from the directorsRBG , Betsy West and Julie Cohen, will draw attention to the extremely impressive life and work of Pauli Murray. Murray was a non-binary black activist, civil rights lawyer, and poet who influenced pioneers such as Thurgood Marshall and RBG itself; the document will include previously unseen video and audio recordings of Murray.
It will premiere on January 31st at the Sundance Film Festival.
7. Amy Tan: Unintended Memories
You must have read"Club of Joy and Luck" in high school, or at least saw the 1993 film adaptation, which proved to Hollywood the need to share the stories of Asian and Asian-American people on screen. Tan's life and cultural impact is documented in this upcoming film, which was the last work of Robert Redford's son James before his death in October 2020.
It will premiere on February 2 at the Sundance Film Festival.
8. Billie Eilish: The world is a little blurry
Billie Eilish's rise to fame was nothing less than meteoric, going from recording songs in her bedroom with her brother to sweeping the Grammys (while still recording songs in her bedroom with her brother). Filmed by R.J. Cutler, this document will give a behind-the-scenes look at the making of her 2019 albumWhen We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?
It will premiere on February 26 on Apple TV+.
9. Untitled documentary about Rihanna
After four years of waiting (nearly as long as we waited for Ree's next album, *nudge, nudge*), Peter Berg directed a documentary about Rihanna, whom he also directed in "maritime ship" should finally be released this summer. As Berg saidCollider The movie took so long to make because every time he thought it was finished, Rihanna would launch a new venture. Fair point.
It will premiere “someday, hopefully the fourth of July” on Amazon Prime.
10. The Beatles: Come Back
This metaproject, led by Peter Jackson of "Lord of the Rings» , will re-record another Beatles documentary: "Return 1970s", which had a generally very negative tone and seemed to strongly hint at the band's impending breakup. Looking at the footage, Jackson attempts to paint a much more rosy portrait of the quartet, proving that there was still a sense of camaraderie between John, Paul, George and Ringo.
It will premiere on August 27 on Disney+.
