Documentaries That Make Statistics Come Alive

Description: Based on the best-selling book, this documentary uses economic theory and statistical analysis to explore unconventional topics, from cheating in sumo wrestling to the impact of names on life outcomes.

Fact: The film features segments directed by different filmmakers, including Morgan Spurlock and Seth Gordon.

Description: This film isn't a documentary per se, but it's based on the true story of how statistical analysis revolutionized baseball. It's included because it showcases the power of statistics in a real-world context, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in how numbers can change the game.

Fact: The film was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Brad Pitt.

Description: This documentary series delves into how numbers and statistics are used in sports, from football to tennis, showing how analytics can predict outcomes and change strategies.

Fact: The series was produced by the BBC and features insights from top sports analysts.

Description: Niall Ferguson takes viewers through the history of finance, where statistics play a crucial role in understanding economic trends and financial crises.

Fact: The series was adapted from Ferguson's book of the same name and aired on PBS.

Description: While not exclusively about statistics, this series covers the history of mathematics, including the development of statistical methods and their applications.

Fact: The series was presented by Marcus du Sautoy, a renowned mathematician.

Description: This documentary explores how big data is changing the world, from predicting natural disasters to understanding human behavior. It's a deep dive into the statistics that drive our digital age.

Fact: The film features interviews with experts from various fields, including astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson.

Description: Hans Rosling takes viewers on a journey through the world of statistics, showing how they can be used to understand global trends and human behavior in an engaging and accessible way.

Fact: Hans Rosling, known for his TED Talks, uses his unique data visualization techniques to make statistics fun and informative.

Description: This documentary, inspired by Nate Silver's book, examines how we can distinguish meaningful data from noise, using statistics to predict everything from elections to pandemics.

Fact: Nate Silver, a well-known statistician, provides insights into the art of prediction.

Description: This film explores the impact of big data on various aspects of life, from healthcare to urban planning, showing how statistics are shaping our future.

Fact: The documentary was produced by PBS and features a range of experts discussing the implications of big data.

Description: This documentary explores chaos theory, which has significant implications for statistical modeling, showing how small changes can lead to big differences in outcomes.

Fact: The film was directed by David Malone, who also made "The Code" about the history of mathematics.