Top 10 Documentaries About Inventors

Description: Although not a documentary, this film captures the spirit of invention through the adventures of Walter Mitty, a daydreamer who embarks on a real-life quest inspired by his imagination.

Fact: The film was inspired by James Thurber's short story of the same name.

Description: While not strictly a documentary, this biographical drama captures the life of Srinivasa Ramanujan, an Indian mathematician whose genius was recognized by G.H. Hardy at Cambridge. It's an inspiring tale of an inventor in the realm of numbers.

Fact: The film was based on the book of the same name by Robert Kanigel.

Description: This documentary tells the story of Stanislav Petrov, a Soviet officer whose decision not to launch a nuclear strike during a false alarm potentially saved the world. It's an exploration of invention in the context of global security.

Fact: The film includes interviews with Petrov himself.

Description: This documentary dives into the story of Elizabeth Holmes and her company Theranos, exploring the fine line between innovation and deception in Silicon Valley. It's a cautionary tale of ambition, hubris, and the dark side of invention.

Fact: The film was directed by Alex Gibney, an acclaimed documentary filmmaker known for "Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief."

Description: This documentary investigates planned obsolescence, focusing on how inventors and companies design products to fail, highlighting the ethical dilemmas in modern invention.

Fact: The film was screened at numerous film festivals and won several awards.

Description: This documentary focuses on Aaron Swartz, a programmer and internet activist who fought for open access to information. It's a poignant look at how invention can intersect with activism.

Fact: The film was directed by Brian Knappenberger, who also made "We Are Legion: The Story of the Hacktivists."

Description: This documentary explores the lives of Orville and Wilbur Wright, detailing their journey to invent the first successful airplane. It's a testament to perseverance and the power of human flight.

Fact: The film includes rare footage and interviews with aviation historians.

Description: This documentary delves into the life of Thomas Edison, showcasing his numerous inventions and the impact they had on the world. It's a comprehensive look at one of America's greatest inventors.

Fact: The film was produced by the History Channel.

Description: This documentary provides an in-depth look at the Wright brothers' journey to invent the airplane, focusing on their personal lives, experiments, and the impact of their invention on the world.

Fact: The film was produced by the National Geographic Channel.

Description: This documentary sheds light on the life of Nikola Tesla, an inventor whose contributions to electricity and magnetism were overshadowed by Edison. It's a story of brilliance and the struggle for recognition.

Fact: The film features interviews with Tesla's biographers and historians.