HBO Max has gathered much attention through its new collection of movies. However, it’s also worth noting the platform’s remarkable set of documentaries, showcasing the variation within the genre. These documentaries speak on various sensitive issues, from the gender pay gap issues faced by women’s soccer teams to the public’s fascination with stuffed toys. Whether one trusts their originality or not, the topics covered in the documentaries are intriguing. The ones eager to explore the world of documentaries, be sure not to miss this list of the greatest documentaries available on HBO Max, currently.
1. LFG, a 2021 release
LFG is a 1 hour and 45-minute documentary directed by Andrea Nix Fine and Sean Fine which revolves around members of the US women’s national soccer team as they place charges against the US Soccer Federation for gender discrimination, including players like Megan Rapinoe. The film highlights their World Cup victory with their fight for equal pay, proving itself as a combination of challenges and resilience.
2. Being Mary Tyler Moore, a 2023 release
Being Mary Tyler Moore is a 1 hour and 59-minute documentary that digs into the life of Mary Tyler Moore, a revolutionary performer who significantly transformed the way women were portrayed on television. Through old interviews and testimonials, the film surrounds her contributions, personal challenges, and long-lasting influence on the media.
3. All the Beauty and the Bloodshed, a 2022 release
All the Beauty and the Bloodshed, by Laura Poitras, is a 2-hour and 2-minute documentary that surrounds famous photographer Nan Goldin. The film is a fusion of art and activism, highlighting Goldin’s campaign against the Sackler family’s role in the opioid epidemic, and includes interviews with figures like David Velasco and Megan Kapler, offering a closer look at her life and activism.
4. Marina Abramović: The Artist is Present, a 2012 release
The documentary, The Artist Is Present, directed by Matthew Akers and Jeff Dupre, has a duration of 1 hour and 46 minutes, offering a closer look at artist Marina Abramović as she prepares for a 78-day survey at The Museum of Modern Art. It revolves around her mental and physical preparations and the significant impact of her career on both herself and her audience.
5. The Vow, released over 2020 and 2022
The Vow is a documentary series created by Jehane Noujaim and Karim Amer. It provides a look at the disturbing world of the NXIVM sex cult, exploring its hidden secrets, the rise and fall of the organization, and the crimes committed by its founder, Keith Raniere. The series showcases interviews with former high-ranking members who escaped and collaborated with law enforcement to dismantle NXIVM. Running for two seasons, it uses extensive interviews and evidence to expose the truth about the cult.
6. Tina, a 2021 release
Tina, by Dan Lindsay and T.J. Martin, has a duration of 1 hour and 58 minutes, offering a closer view of music superstar Tina Turner’s tumultuous life journey. It centers around her early hardships, rise to stardom, and transformation into a successful music artist, highlighting her undefeatedness and enduring spirit.
7. The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart, a 2020 release
The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart, directed by Frank Marshall, runs for 1 hour and 51 minutes. It surrounds the journey of the talented brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb, known as The Bee Gees. The documentary presents interviews with Barry Gibb and archival footage of Robin and Maurice Gibb, throwing light on the group’s rise to fame, periods of separation, and their reunion in the music industry. It also signifies their creative songwriting and musical contributions.
8. Love, Lizzo, a 2020 release
Love, Lizzo directed by Doug Pray, is a 1-hour and 30-minute documentary offering an inspirational look into the life and career of superstar Lizzo. It combines musical performances, candid moments, and personal videos to highlight her rise to fame while dealing with the real-world struggles she’s faced on her creative journey.
9. Diego Maradona, a 2019 release
Diego Maradona, directed by Asif Kapadia, has a duration of 2 hours and 10 minutes. It explores the life of the legendary Argentine footballer, Diego Maradona, with a focus on his career at S.S.C. Napoli and his phenomenal victory in the 1986 World Cup. The documentary paints a perfect picture of Maradona’s personality, highlighting both his on-field brilliance and off-field controversies, bringing out a detailed presentation of his tiring journey. It shows over 500 hours of archival footage.
10. Allen v. Farrow, a 2021 release
Allen v. Farrow is a documentary miniseries dealing with the allegations of sexual abuse by Woody Allen. It highlights the controversy, custody battles, and relationships involved, including interviews with key individuals and offering a summarised look at the high-profile case.