The Best History Documentaries to Watch of All Time

History allows us to go back in time and understand the events and people that have circulated in the world. Whether you are an amateur or a passionate follower of history, listening to history-focused documentaries is one of the greatest methods to view the past in an interesting and informative manner. There are documentaries for every topic – from the exciting accounts of wars captured on video to the motivational feats of mankind. Even during relaxing activities like playing online Canadian casino games watching history documentaries allows one to enjoy the depth of history firsthand.

Why Watch History Documentaries?

What sets history documentaries apart is their ability to tell a story within the framework of real events. These movies and series, unlike fictional stories, cover documented facts and provide expert analysis, archival footage, and eyewitness accounts. Here are some advantages of watching history documentaries:

  • Educational Value:It provides knowledge regarding relevant events, important people, and groups that shaped the world. 
  • Inspiration: Provides insight into some of the most courageous people in the history of humanity.
  • Engaging Visuals:Use of vivid reenactments and original images makes the past tangible.
  • Broad Topics: The topics range in vastness from ancient cultures to contemporary revolutions.

Top History Documentaries You Must Watch

1. The Vietnam War (2017)

Produced by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick, this 10-part series is an in-depth coverage of the Vietnam War. It gives a voice to both sides of the conflict which is essential to understanding the war. That’s the beauty of this documentary. It covers one of the most divisive modern events through vibrant storytelling and detailed analysis. The Vietnam War is productive viewing for anyone interested in history.

2. 13th (2016)

Ava DuVernay’s 13th documentary addresses racism, justice, and the prison system in America. This compelling documentary analyzes how people have used the 13th Amendment through the decades and provides sufficient insight into oppression. 

3. The Civil War (1990)

This series is comprised of letters, photos, and commentary regarding the American Civil War, one of the nation’s most expected events, and is put together by Ken Burns. This documentary is so effective in getting the point across that it has become part of historical documentary classics.

4. They Shall Not Grow Old (2018)

In this film, Peter Jackson tells the story of World War one with restored and colorized footage of the British archives. This film presents an opportunity to see the lives of real soldiers at the front making their stories inspirational and relatable.

5. The Fog of War (2003)

The documentary won an Academy Award for its portrayal of former US Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara and his contemplations on warfare as well as on humanity. Rather than capturing only McNamara, Errol Morris has created a documentary that reflects on so much more, delving into areas such as leadership and the cost of conflict. 

Documentaries on Ancient Civilizations

6. The Pyramid Code (2009)

If you are drawn to Ancient Egypt, you will enjoy The Pyramid Code. This series delves into the enigma behind some of the most recognizable Ancient Egyptian structures and the people that built them, exploring the science and history behind these wonders. 

7. Secrets of the Saqqara Tomb (2020)

This documentary from Netflix tells the story of the discovery of an Egyptian tomb that is over 4,400 years old. Get ready for an adventure to one of the best-preserved archaeological finds of the recent century. 

War Documentaries That Leave an Impact

8. World War II in Colour (2009)

This documentary series reimagines World War II by bringing a different angle, colorizing previously black and white pictures and videos of World War II. This series does not simply recount one of the most important historic events; it also explains it in detail for a visually compelling account.

9. Restrepo (2010)

This documentary covers a platoon on American soldiers in Afghanistan, which is thought of as one of the fiercest wars. The way soldiers’ experiences are so brutally honest and personal makes the documentary both heartbreaking and compelling. 

Inspirational Documentaries About Individuals

10. RBG (2018)

The documentary sketches the life and work of Ruth Bader Ginsburg as an unmistakable Supreme Court Justice. It tells the story of how she achieved gender equality and justice which should be celebrated by everyone who loves powerful women. 

11. Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (2018)

This documentary about Fred Rogers takes us through the life of the host of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. A comforting reminder of compassion and humanity. 

Final words

In their explorations of history, wars, and even revered personalities, viewers will be fascinated by what history documentaries offer. These types of videos are not just informative, but also motivational and relative to how people need to perceive the world. Be sure to consider adding a few of these titles to your watchlist, and delve into the events that changed the world for the better.

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