Mathematics is often seen as a dry subject, but these documentaries breathe life into numbers, equations, and theorems. They delve into the beauty of math, its history, and its impact on education and society. This curated list offers a fascinating journey through the world of mathematics, making it accessible and intriguing for both students and enthusiasts alike.

A Beautiful Mind (2001)
Description: While not strictly a documentary, this film provides insight into the life of John Nash, a mathematical genius whose contributions to game theory earned him a Nobel Prize.
Fact: The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and was based on the biography by Sylvia Nasar.


The Man Who Knew Infinity (2015)
Description: Based on the true story of Srinivasa Ramanujan, this film explores his mathematical genius and his collaboration with G.H. Hardy.
Fact: The film was well-received for its portrayal of the cultural and intellectual clash between Ramanujan and the British academic world.


The Code (2009)
Description: This documentary examines the history of code-breaking, from ancient times to modern-day encryption, highlighting the mathematical principles behind it.
Fact: It includes interviews with experts in cryptography and computer science, providing a broad perspective on the subject.


The Proof (2014)
Description: This documentary follows Andrew Wiles as he attempts to prove Fermat's Last Theorem, one of the most famous unsolved problems in mathematics.
Fact: The film captures the emotional and intellectual journey of Wiles, showcasing the dedication required in mathematical research.


The Story of Maths (2008)
Description: This series explores the history of mathematics from ancient times to the modern era, highlighting key figures and breakthroughs that have shaped our understanding of the world.
Fact: Hosted by Marcus du Sautoy, the series was praised for its engaging narrative and visual representation of complex mathematical concepts.


The Joy of Numbers (2007)
Description: A light-hearted exploration of numbers, this documentary looks at how numbers influence our daily lives, from music to architecture.
Fact: It features interviews with mathematicians and artists, showing the intersection of math and creativity.


The Secret Life of Chaos (2000)
Description: This film delves into chaos theory, explaining how seemingly random events can follow underlying patterns, which has implications for math education.
Fact: The documentary uses stunning visuals to illustrate complex mathematical concepts in an accessible way.


The Geometry of Art (2008)
Description: This film explores how geometry has influenced art throughout history, showing the mathematical foundations of artistic composition.
Fact: It features discussions with artists and mathematicians, bridging the gap between these seemingly disparate fields.


The Math Book (2009)
Description: A visual journey through the most significant mathematical concepts and discoveries, presented in a way that's accessible to all.
Fact: The film is based on the book by Clifford A. Pickover, which has been praised for its engaging presentation of math history.


The Great Math Mystery (2015)
Description: This documentary investigates the fundamental question: Is math invented or discovered? It explores the role of mathematics in understanding the universe.
Fact: Features interviews with leading physicists and mathematicians, including Stephen Hawking, discussing the philosophical implications of math.
