In a world brimming with challenges, from environmental crises to social issues, the power of human ingenuity shines through in these documentaries. This curated list presents films that delve into the minds of innovators, showcasing their smart solutions to complex problems. Whether it's through technology, social engineering, or sheer creativity, these films not only entertain but also inspire viewers to think outside the box and appreciate the impact of intelligent decision-making.

Inside Job (2010)
Description: This Oscar-winning documentary investigates the global financial crisis of 2008, revealing the smart decisions and missteps that led to economic turmoil, and the subsequent regulatory changes aimed at preventing future crises.
Fact: It was the first documentary to win the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature since


The True Cost (2015)
Description: Delving into the fashion industry, this documentary uncovers the smart solutions aimed at ethical production and sustainability, contrasting them with the industry's darker practices.
Fact: The film was produced by Livia Firth, who is known for her work in sustainable fashion.


An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power (2017)
Description: Al Gore returns with a sequel to his influential documentary, focusing on the smart solutions and advancements in climate change mitigation, showcasing global efforts to combat environmental degradation.
Fact: The film was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Music Film.


The Game Changers (2018)
Description: This documentary challenges conventional wisdom about diet and athletic performance, presenting smart dietary solutions that can enhance health and performance.
Fact: It was produced by James Cameron, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Jackie Chan, among others.


The Human Element (2018)
Description: Photographer James Balog explores how humans can be part of the solution to climate change, showcasing innovative approaches to environmental conservation.
Fact: The film features stunning time-lapse photography, a technique Balog pioneered.


The Biggest Little Farm (2018)
Description: Follows a couple's journey to create a sustainable farm, showcasing their innovative farming techniques and the smart solutions they implement to restore the land's biodiversity.
Fact: The film took eight years to make, capturing the farm's transformation from barren land to a thriving ecosystem.


The Age of Consequences (2016)
Description: This film examines how climate change impacts national security, highlighting the smart strategies and policies needed to address these emerging threats.
Fact: It was screened at the White House for members of Congress and military leaders.


The Internet's Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz (2014)
Description: Chronicles the life of Aaron Swartz, a programming prodigy who advocated for open access to information, showcasing his smart solutions to digital rights and internet freedom.
Fact: The film was released under a Creative Commons license, reflecting Swartz's commitment to open access.


The Ivory Game (2016)
Description: Focused on the illegal ivory trade, this film showcases the smart strategies used by activists and law enforcement to combat poaching and wildlife trafficking, highlighting the innovative use of technology and undercover operations.
Fact: The film was executive produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, who has been actively involved in wildlife conservation efforts.


The Cleaners (2018)
Description: This documentary explores the hidden world of content moderation on social media platforms, revealing the smart solutions employed to manage the vast amount of user-generated content. It's a deep dive into the ethical dilemmas and innovative approaches to online censorship.
Fact: The film was screened at over 100 film festivals worldwide and won several awards, including the German Documentary Film Music Award.
