- Contagion (2011)
- Ebola: The Doctors' Story (2015)
- Pandemic: How to Prevent an Outbreak (2020)
- Outbreak: Anatomy of a Plague (2010)
- The Flu That Killed 50 Million (2018)
- The Virus: What Went Wrong? (2020)
- The Virus Hunters (2005)
- The Age of AIDS (2006)
- Spillover: Zika, Ebola & Beyond (2016)
- Virus Hunters: Chasing Ebola (2014)
In an era where pandemics have become a global concern, understanding viruses is more crucial than ever. This curated list of documentaries delves into the fascinating, often terrifying world of viruses, offering insights into their origins, their effects on humanity, and the relentless efforts to combat them. From historical outbreaks to modern-day pandemics, these films provide a comprehensive look at how viruses shape our world, making them essential viewing for anyone interested in science, health, or simply the human condition.

Contagion (2011)
Description: While not strictly a documentary, "Contagion" provides a chillingly realistic portrayal of a global viral outbreak, making it a must-watch for understanding the potential impact of pandemics.
Fact: The film was praised for its scientific accuracy, with experts like Dr. Ian Lipkin serving as consultants. It eerily predicted many aspects of the real-life COVID-19 outbreak.


Ebola: The Doctors' Story (2015)
Description: Focuses on the 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa, showcasing the bravery of medical professionals on the front lines.
Fact: The film was made with the cooperation of Doctors Without Borders, providing an authentic look at the crisis.


Pandemic: How to Prevent an Outbreak (2020)
Description: This Netflix series delves into the global effort to prevent pandemics, focusing on various aspects of virus research and response.
Fact: The series was released just before the COVID-19 outbreak, making its content eerily timely.


Outbreak: Anatomy of a Plague (2010)
Description: This documentary traces the path of the 1918 Spanish flu, one of the deadliest pandemics in history, detailing its impact and the scientific quest to understand it.
Fact: The film uses archival footage and interviews to paint a vivid picture of the time, including the role of World War I in spreading the virus.


The Flu That Killed 50 Million (2018)
Description: This documentary revisits the 1918 influenza pandemic, exploring its origins, spread, and the societal changes it induced.
Fact: It includes rare footage and personal stories from survivors, giving a human face to the statistics.


The Virus: What Went Wrong? (2020)
Description: This documentary explores the origins and spread of the 2003 SARS outbreak, offering insights into the failures and successes of global health responses.
Fact: It features interviews with key figures involved in the SARS response, providing firsthand accounts of the crisis.


The Virus Hunters (2005)
Description: This documentary follows scientists in their quest to discover new viruses before they become pandemics, highlighting the importance of proactive research.
Fact: It features Dr. Nathan Wolfe, a pioneer in virus hunting, who has since become a prominent figure in global health.


The Age of AIDS (2006)
Description: Chronicles the history of the AIDS epidemic, from its mysterious beginnings to its global impact and the ongoing fight against it.
Fact: The documentary was produced by FRONTLINE, known for its in-depth investigative journalism.


Spillover: Zika, Ebola & Beyond (2016)
Description: Examines the concept of zoonotic diseases, where viruses jump from animals to humans, using Zika and Ebola as case studies.
Fact: The film features David Quammen, whose book "Spillover" inspired the documentary.


Virus Hunters: Chasing Ebola (2014)
Description: This documentary follows the journey of scientists tracking the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo, showcasing the challenges of field research.
Fact: It provides a rare glimpse into the lives of those who risk their lives to understand and combat deadly viruses.
