Discrimination, in its many forms, has shaped societies and individual lives in profound ways. This curated list of documentaries delves into various aspects of discrimination, from racial and gender biases to systemic oppression. These films not only educate but also inspire change by exposing the raw truths of inequality. Whether you're looking to understand the historical context or the current state of affairs, these documentaries provide a compelling narrative on the fight against discrimination.

The Times of Harvey Milk (1984)
Description: Chronicles the political career of Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay elected officials in the U.S., highlighting the discrimination faced by the gay community.
Fact: It won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in


The Celluloid Closet (1995)
Description: This documentary traces the history of how Hollywood has portrayed homosexuality, revealing the discrimination and censorship that shaped these portrayals.
Fact: It was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award. The film features interviews with notable figures like Gore Vidal and Lily Tomlin.


The Invisible War (2012)
Description: This documentary uncovers the epidemic of rape within the U.S. military, detailing the institutional failures that allow such discrimination to persist.
Fact: It won the Best Documentary Feature at the 2013 Academy Awards. The film influenced changes in military law regarding sexual assault.


The Hunting Ground (2015)
Description: Focuses on the issue of sexual assault on college campuses, revealing the systemic cover-ups and the fight for justice by survivors, showcasing gender discrimination in educational institutions.
Fact: The film led to significant policy changes in many universities regarding sexual assault reporting. It was also screened at the White House.


RBG (2018)
Description: A portrait of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, focusing on her fight against gender discrimination and her influence on American law.
Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. It also received widespread critical acclaim.


American Promise (2013)
Description: Follows the lives of two African American boys from kindergarten through high school, exposing the educational and social discrimination they face.
Fact: The film took 13 years to make, documenting the boys' entire educational journey. It was also screened at the Sundance Film Festival.


The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution (2015)
Description: Provides an in-depth look at the Black Panther Party, their fight against racial discrimination, and their impact on American politics and culture.
Fact: The documentary was nominated for a Peabody Award. It was also featured at the Sundance Film Festival.


The Mask You Live In (2015)
Description: Examines the societal pressures on boys to conform to traditional masculinity, which often leads to discrimination against those who do not fit the mold.
Fact: The film was produced by the same team behind "Miss Representation," focusing on gender stereotypes. It has been used in educational settings to discuss toxic masculinity.


The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson (2017)
Description: Explores the life and mysterious death of Marsha P. Johnson, a transgender activist, and the ongoing discrimination against the transgender community.
Fact: The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. It was also produced by Netflix.


13th (2016)
Description: This documentary explores the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States, highlighting how the 13th Amendment has been used to perpetuate racial discrimination.
Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. It was also named one of the top 10 films of 2016 by the American Film Institute.
