10 Must-See Documentaries Similar to ‘Navalny’

Description: A classic political thriller based on real events, detailing the investigative journalism that uncovered the Watergate scandal. It shares a narrative of perseverance, truth-seeking, and the power of the press against political corruption.

Fact: The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay. It popularized the phrase 'follow the money,' though it was not actually said during the Watergate investigation.

Description: A reflective and critical examination of political decision-making during times of war, featuring candid interviews with a former U.S. Secretary of Defense. It parallels the exploration of accountability and the consequences of political actions.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. It is structured around 11 lessons from the life of Robert S. McNamara.

Description: An investigative documentary that critiques the modern corporation as a dominant institution with immense power. It shares a critical perspective on systemic issues and the ethical dilemmas of institutional behavior.

Fact: The film won 26 international awards. It uses psychological diagnostics to evaluate corporate behavior as if it were a person.

Description: This documentary dissects corporate fraud and greed, revealing how executives manipulated systems for personal gain. It aligns with themes of corruption, deception, and the fallout of unethical leadership.

Fact: The film was based on the best-selling book of the same name. It features interviews with former Enron employees and journalists who covered the scandal.

Description: This documentary delves into investigative journalism and political intrigue, focusing on a high-profile case of government corruption and assassination. It shares a gripping narrative style that exposes hidden truths and systemic abuses of power.

Fact: The film won the Special Jury Award for Best Documentary at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. It features never-before-seen footage and interviews with key figures involved in the case.

Description: This documentary explores the moral and psychological aftermath of political violence, with perpetrators reenacting their crimes. It shares a deep dive into the human cost of unchecked power and historical atrocities.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. It uses surreal and theatrical techniques to confront Indonesia's dark history.

Description: A companion piece to 'The Act of Killing,' this documentary focuses on the victims of political violence and their quest for justice. It echoes themes of truth, reconciliation, and the human impact of political repression.

Fact: The film was nominated for numerous awards, including an Independent Spirit Award. It was shot under tight security due to the sensitive nature of its subject.

Description: A real-time documentary that captures the unfolding of a major whistleblowing event, revealing government surveillance programs. It mirrors the tension and urgency of exposing clandestine operations and the personal risks involved.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 201It was shot in secret over several days in a Hong Kong hotel room.

Description: A fly-on-the-wall documentary that captures the downfall of a political figure amid scandal. It shares an unflinching look at the intersection of personal failings and public accountability.

Fact: The film won the Grand Jury Prize for U.S. Documentary at Sundance. It provides unprecedented access to a political campaign in crisis.

Description: This documentary investigates one of the largest leaks of confidential documents in history, exposing global financial corruption. It mirrors the themes of whistleblowing, media scrutiny, and the fight against systemic secrecy.

Fact: The film features interviews with journalists who worked on the Panama Papers investigation. It highlights the collaborative effort of over 300 reporters worldwide.