10 Movies & Shows Like Jim: The James Foley Story

Description: An in-depth interview with former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara, this documentary reflects on the complexities and moral dilemmas of war and leadership.

Fact: The film uses archival footage and McNamara's candid reflections to explore key moments in 20th-century history. It won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Description: A critical examination of the U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq, this documentary highlights the strategic failures and human costs of the war.

Fact: The film features interviews with key policymakers and military officials, many of whom were critical of the war's execution. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Description: A shocking exposé on the dolphin hunting industry in Japan, this documentary combines investigative journalism with environmental activism.

Fact: The filmmakers used hidden cameras and covert operations to capture the footage, risking arrest. It won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Description: This documentary explores the psychological and moral consequences of violence, focusing on perpetrators who reenact their crimes in surreal and unsettling ways.

Fact: The film's subjects, former Indonesian death squad leaders, initially believed they were participating in a fictionalized account of their actions. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Description: This documentary exposes the ethical and safety issues surrounding captive orcas in theme parks, sparking widespread public debate and policy changes.

Fact: The film led to a significant drop in attendance at SeaWorld and influenced legislation banning orca captivity in some states. It was nominated for a BAFTA Award for Best Documentary.

Description: A companion piece to 'The Act of Killing,' this documentary examines the lingering trauma of genocide through the eyes of a survivor confronting his brother's killers.

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

Description: A sequel to 'Restrepo,' this documentary provides an intimate look at the daily lives and struggles of soldiers in one of Afghanistan's most dangerous valleys.

Fact: The film was shot over a year, with the crew embedded alongside U.S. troops. It offers a raw and unfiltered perspective on the realities of war.

Description: A gripping documentary that delves into themes of surveillance, whistleblowing, and government transparency, offering a raw and intimate look at a pivotal moment in modern history.

Fact: The film was shot in real-time as Edward Snowden revealed classified NSA documents, making it a unique historical document. It won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in

Description: A harrowing look at vigilante groups fighting drug cartels, this documentary captures the chaos and moral ambiguity of modern conflict zones.

Fact: The director embedded himself with both Mexican vigilantes and American militia groups, risking his life to capture the footage. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Description: A thrilling documentary about Philippe Petit's daring high-wire walk between the Twin Towers, blending suspense, artistry, and human ambition.

Fact: The film uses a mix of archival footage and reenactments to recreate Petit's illegal stunt. It won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.