Documentaries

AUSTIN TO BOSTON (2014)

7.1/10

with James Marcus Haney

The documentary chronicles the journey of four bands—Ben Howard, The Staves, Nathaniel Rateliff, and Bear’s Den—as they travel 3,000 miles (ca. 4,828 km) from Austin’s SXSW Music Festival to Boston in five vintage VW camper vans. Over two weeks, they perform in intimate venues ranging from bars to barns, showcasing their unique sounds and facing challenges like bad weather and vehicle breakdowns. 

ENCOUNTERS AT THE END OF THE WORLD (2007)

7.7/10

with Werner Herzog

​Encounters at the End of the World (2007) is a documentary by Werner Herzog that explores Antarctica’s remote landscapes and the lives of the people working there. Unlike typical nature documentaries, Herzog focuses on the unique individuals drawn to this extreme environment, delving into their experiences and the continent’s surreal beauty. ​

LIFE IN A DAY (2011)

7.6/10

with Kevin Macdonald

Life in a Day (2011) is a groundbreaking documentary that captures a single day—July 24, 2010—through the lenses of people worldwide. The film was crafted from over 80,000 video submissions totaling 4,500 hours of footage from 192 countries. This collaborative project offers an intimate glimpse into the daily lives, emotions, and experiences of individuals across the globe, weaving together a rich tapestry of human existence.

FROZEN PLANET (2011)

9/10

with David Attenborough

Frozen Planet (2011) is a stunning BBC documentary series, narrated by David Attenborough, that takes viewers on a journey through the icy worlds of the Arctic and Antarctic. Spanning seven episodes, it showcases the beauty, wildlife, and harsh realities of life in Earth’s coldest regions while also highlighting the effects of climate change on these fragile environments.

Man vs. Wild (2020)

8.1/10

with Bear Grylls

Man vs. Wild follows survival expert Bear Grylls as he takes on some of the world’s toughest terrains with minimal supplies. From icy mountains to dense jungles, he shows how to find food, build shelter, and stay alive in the wild. The series is packed with action, survival tips, and jaw-dropping adventures that make it both entertaining and informative.

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS (2021)

4.7/10

with Samuel Tourneux

Around the World in 80 Days is a thrilling adventure series based on Jules Verne’s classic novel. It follows the eccentric Phileas Fogg, who takes on a bold challenge to circumnavigate the globe in just 80 days. Along with his loyal valet Passepartout and ambitious journalist Abigail Fix, Fogg races against time through exotic lands, unexpected obstacles, and personal doubts. The show blends travel, friendship, and daring exploration into a fun and inspiring journey.

ANTARCTICA: A YEAR ON ICE (2013)

7.6/10

with Anthony Powell

Antarctica: A Year on Ice is a visually stunning documentary that captures the lives of people who live and work on the icy continent year-round. Filmed over 10 years, it offers a rare look at the harsh beauty of Antarctica’s seasons—especially the dark, isolating winter months. Through breathtaking time-lapse photography and personal stories, the film reveals the emotional and physical challenges of surviving in one of Earth’s most extreme environments.

THE MAIDENTRIP (2013)

7.5/10

with Jillian Schlesinger

The documentary follows 14-year-old Laura Dekker as she sets out to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world. With a strong spirit and deep love for the ocean, Laura navigates not just challenging waters but also her personal journey of independence and self-discovery. The film beautifully captures her growth, resilience, and the freedom she finds at sea.

Chasing Coral (2017)

8/10

with Jeff Orlowski-Yang

Chasing Coral (2017) is a powerful and visually striking documentary that uncovers the mystery behind the rapid disappearance of coral reefs. A team of passionate scientists and filmmakers travels the world to capture time-lapse footage of coral bleaching, revealing how climate change is silently destroying these underwater ecosystems. It’s an eye-opening call to action to protect our planet’s oceans.

JACK WHITEHALL: TRAVELS WITH MY FATHER (2017)

7.6/10

with Jack Whitehall

Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father (2017) is a fun travel-comedy series where British comedian Jack Whitehall takes his posh, traditional father, Michael, on quirky adventures around the world. Their hilarious generational clash and unexpected travel experiences make for a lighthearted, feel-good watch.