10 Movies and Shows Similar to Collective (2019)

Description: Michael Moore's groundbreaking documentary shares 'Collective's' examination of systemic failures with deadly consequences. Both films investigate how institutions enable tragedies (school shootings in this case) through negligence or corruption. The films combine personal stories with broader societal analysis.

Fact: First documentary to compete at Cannes in 46 years. Won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Features Moore opening a bank account to get a free gun.

Description: Errol Morris's masterpiece shares 'Collective's' examination of institutional failure and moral responsibility. Both films feature in-depth interviews with key figures (Robert McNamara in this case) involved in systemic failures. The films use compelling archival material to expose how systems fail and the human cost of those failures.

Fact: Won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Features a memorable score by Philip Glass. McNamara agreed to 20 hours of interviews over 11 sessions.

Description: Like 'Collective', this controversial documentary exposes government failures and their human costs. Both films challenge official narratives about national tragedies (9/11 and the Colectiv fire). The films share an urgent, confrontational style and had significant political impacts in their respective countries.

Fact: Highest-grossing documentary of all time. Won the Palme d'Or at Cannes. Moore was sued by a soldier featured in the film.

Description: Like 'Collective', this documentary critically examines powerful institutions and their impact on society. Both films employ investigative techniques to reveal systemic problems, with 'The Corporation' analyzing the legal and psychological profile of corporations. The films share a commitment to exposing institutional pathologies.

Fact: Won 26 international awards. Features interviews with Noam Chomsky and Milton Friedman. Uses diagnostic criteria from the DSM to analyze corporate behavior.

Description: This financial documentary parallels 'Collective' in its investigation of corporate corruption and its devastating consequences. Both films expose how greed and systemic failures can lead to tragedy, with 'Enron' focusing on financial fraud while 'Collective' examines healthcare corruption. The films share a journalistic approach to unpacking complex scandals.

Fact: Based on the bestselling book by Fortune reporters. Features audio tapes of Enron traders joking about California's energy crisis. Director Alex Gibney later made films about WikiLeaks and Scientology.

Description: Like 'Collective', this Oscar-winning documentary exposes dangerous institutional practices through undercover investigation. Both films follow activists risking their safety to expose wrongdoing, with 'The Cove' focusing on dolphin hunting in Japan. The films share a sense of urgency and moral purpose in their filmmaking.

Fact: Won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Used hidden cameras disguised as rocks. Director Louie Psihoyos is a former National Geographic photographer.

Description: Similar to 'Collective' (2019), 'The Act of Killing' is a powerful documentary that exposes systemic corruption and human rights abuses. Both films delve into the dark underbelly of institutions, with 'The Act of Killing' focusing on the Indonesian killings of 1965-66. The films share a commitment to uncovering uncomfortable truths and holding power to account.

Fact: The film features perpetrators of the Indonesian killings reenacting their crimes in various cinematic genres. Director Joshua Oppenheimer spent nearly a decade making the film. Many crew members are credited as 'Anonymous' due to safety concerns.

Description: This exposé of SeaWorld's treatment of orcas shares 'Collective's' focus on institutional negligence leading to tragedy. Both films combine emotional storytelling with investigative journalism to reveal how organizations prioritize profits over safety. The films had significant real-world impacts on their respective industries.

Fact: Led to SeaWorld ending its orca breeding program. Features footage of trainer Dawn Brancheau's final moments. The title refers to the Native American term for orca.

Description: This companion piece to 'The Act of Killing' shares 'Collective's' focus on systemic violence and its aftermath. Both films examine how societies deal (or fail to deal) with historical atrocities, featuring courageous individuals confronting powerful institutions. The films employ similar immersive, observational techniques to explore painful truths.

Fact: The film focuses on victims' families confronting perpetrators. Director Joshua Oppenheimer had to smuggle footage out of Indonesia. The main subject, Adi, was a traveling optometrist who used eye exams as a way to meet perpetrators.

Description: Like 'Collective', 'Citizenfour' is a gripping real-time documentary about whistleblowing and institutional transparency. Both films follow their subjects as they expose systemic wrongdoing, with 'Citizenfour' documenting Edward Snowden's NSA revelations. The films share a tense, investigative approach and raise crucial questions about accountability in powerful organizations.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Director Laura Poitras was on an NSA watchlist before making the film. The title comes from Snowden's initial anonymous email signature.