Delving into the intricacies of human behavior is like opening a Pandora's box of endless fascination. These documentaries not only entertain but also educate, offering a window into the complexities of our nature, our decisions, and our interactions. Whether you're a psychology enthusiast, a sociology student, or simply someone curious about what drives human actions, this curated list of documentaries will provide you with profound insights and perhaps even a few revelations about yourself and those around you.

The Stanford Prison Experiment (2015)
Description: While not a documentary, this film dramatizes the infamous psychological experiment, providing insights into how quickly normal people can adopt extreme behaviors when given power or subjected to authority.
Fact: The film was shot in the same building where the original experiment took place.


The Imposter (2012)
Description: This documentary tells the true story of a French con artist who impersonates a missing American boy, exploring themes of identity, deception, and the human need to believe.
Fact: The film won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.


The Act of Killing (2012)
Description: This documentary explores the behavior of former Indonesian death squad leaders as they reenact their mass killings in various cinematic genres. It's a profound look at how perpetrators of violence justify their actions.
Fact: The film won the BAFTA for Best Documentary and was nominated for an Academy Award.


The Wolfpack (2015)
Description: This documentary follows the Angulo brothers, who were raised in isolation in New York City, and how their only window to the outside world was through movies, shaping their behavior and worldview.
Fact: The film was a surprise hit at Sundance, winning the U.S. Documentary Grand Jury Prize.


The Century of the Self (2002)
Description: Adam Curtis's documentary series examines how Freud's theories on the unconscious have been used by corporations and governments to manipulate the masses. It's a fascinating exploration of how our desires and fears are exploited for control.
Fact: The series was banned in the UK for a time due to its controversial content.


The Social Dilemma (2020)
Description: This documentary explores the impact of social media on human behavior, revealing how algorithms manipulate our attention, emotions, and even our political views. It's a wake-up call about the unseen forces shaping our digital lives.
Fact: The film features former tech insiders from companies like Google, Twitter, and Facebook, discussing the ethical dilemmas they faced.


The Mask You Live In (2015)
Description: Focusing on the American male, this documentary examines the societal pressures that shape masculinity and how these expectations impact behavior, mental health, and relationships.
Fact: The film was inspired by the director's own experiences with toxic masculinity.


The Human Behavior Experiments (2015)
Description: This documentary dives into the famous psychological experiments that have shaped our understanding of human behavior, from Milgram's obedience studies to Zimbardo's Stanford prison experiment. It explores the ethical dilemmas and the profound impact these experiments had on society.
Fact: The film includes interviews with participants from the original experiments, providing firsthand accounts of their experiences.


Inside the Mind of a Psychopath (2017)
Description: This documentary takes a chilling look at the minds of psychopaths, exploring what makes them tick and how they differ from the rest of us. It's a deep dive into the lack of empathy and the manipulative behaviors that define psychopathy.
Fact: The film features interviews with convicted psychopaths, offering a rare glimpse into their thought processes.


The Brain: A Secret History (2010)
Description: This series delves into the history of brain science, exploring how our understanding of the brain has evolved and how it influences our behavior. It covers everything from lobotomies to the discovery of the brain's plasticity.
Fact: The series was produced by the BBC and includes rare archival footage.
