Must-Watch Documentaries Similar to ‘Born Into Brothels’

Description: This documentary follows two surfers as they travel the world in search of the perfect wave. While lighter in tone, the film's exploration of a subculture and its subjects' passion for their craft resonates with the personal and immersive storytelling found in other documentaries about unique lifestyles.

Fact: The film is credited with popularizing surfing globally. It was shot on a shoestring budget and became a surprise hit, earning millions at the box office.

Description: This documentary captures the Rolling Stones' 1969 US tour, culminating in the disastrous Altamont Free Concert. The film's raw and unfiltered look at a moment of cultural upheaval and violence shares a similar immediacy and intensity with other documentaries that document real-life events as they unfold.

Fact: The film is considered one of the greatest rock documentaries ever made. It features the infamous stabbing of a concertgoer by a Hells Angel, which was caught on camera.

Description: This documentary follows the lives of homeless teenagers in Seattle, providing an intimate and heartbreaking portrayal of their daily struggles. The film's focus on youth living on the fringes of society mirrors the themes of resilience and survival seen in other documentaries about marginalized children.

Fact: The film was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. It was inspired by a Life magazine photo essay by the same name.

Description: This documentary follows two African-American high school students in Chicago as they pursue their dreams of becoming professional basketball players. The film's focus on the challenges faced by underprivileged youth and their aspirations resonates with the themes of hope and struggle seen in other documentaries about marginalized communities.

Fact: The film was originally intended to be a 30-minute short but expanded into a nearly three-hour documentary. It is often cited as one of the greatest documentaries ever made.

Description: This documentary explores the lives of homeless people living in the underground tunnels of New York City. The film's intimate and empathetic portrayal of its subjects aligns with the themes of survival and community found in other documentaries about marginalized groups.

Fact: The film was shot entirely in black and white. It won three awards at the Sundance Film Festival, including the Audience Award for Documentary.

Description: This documentary delves into the lives of teenagers affected by bullying, offering a stark and emotional look at their experiences. The film's unflinching portrayal of youth in crisis aligns with the themes of vulnerability and resilience found in other documentaries about children facing adversity.

Fact: The film was controversial for its graphic content and led to discussions about the impact of bullying. It was shot in a cinéma vérité style, capturing real-life events as they unfolded.

Description: This documentary exposes the annual dolphin hunt in Taiji, Japan, through a combination of investigative journalism and covert operations. The film's blend of activism and storytelling shares a similar urgency and moral imperative with other documentaries that seek to shed light on hidden injustices.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. It was shot using hidden cameras and military-grade equipment to avoid detection by local authorities.

Description: This documentary examines the Indonesian mass killings of 1965-66 through the perspectives of the perpetrators, who reenact their crimes in various cinematic genres. The film's innovative approach to storytelling and its exploration of dark historical events share a similar boldness with other documentaries that tackle difficult subjects.

Fact: The film was executive produced by Werner Herzog and Errol Morris. It won the BAFTA Award for Best Documentary.

Description: This documentary serves as a companion piece to 'The Act of Killing,' focusing on the victims of the Indonesian genocide. The film's intimate and emotional portrayal of a family seeking justice and closure parallels the deeply personal narratives found in other documentaries about trauma and resilience.

Fact: The film was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. It was shot under dangerous conditions, with the crew often facing threats from the perpetrators.

Description: This documentary explores the lives of homeless children living in the subway stations of Bucharest, Romania. It shares a raw and unfiltered look at the struggles of marginalized youth, similar to the way another documentary captures the harsh realities of children in difficult circumstances.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. It was shot over the course of several years, following the same group of children.