If you were captivated by the gripping political intrigue and historical depth of The Waldheim Waltz (2018), this article is for you. We’ve curated a list of 10 similarly compelling movies and shows that explore themes of power, deception, and historical reckoning. Whether you're a fan of investigative documentaries or political dramas, these picks will keep you engaged.

Bowling for Columbine (2002)
Description: A provocative exploration of gun violence in America that combines investigative journalism with personal reflection, challenging societal norms and assumptions.
Fact: The film includes an animated sequence tracing the history of American violence, set to the song 'What a Wonderful World.'


The Fog of War (2003)
Description: A profound examination of political decision-making and its consequences, featuring candid interviews with a key historical figure reflecting on his controversial past.
Fact: Robert McNamara, the film's subject, was Secretary of Defense during the Vietnam War and lived to be 93 years old.


The Cove (2009)
Description: A daring investigative documentary that exposes hidden atrocities, combining covert footage with environmental activism to create a powerful call to action.
Fact: The filmmakers used hidden cameras disguised as rocks to capture footage of the controversial dolphin hunt in Taiji, Japan.


Searching for Sugar Man (2012)
Description: A mysterious musical journey that uncovers an unknown artist's surprising legacy, exploring themes of obscurity, rediscovery, and cultural impact.
Fact: The film's subject, Rodriguez, was completely unaware of his massive popularity in South Africa until the filmmakers tracked him down.


The Act of Killing (2012)
Description: This documentary explores historical atrocities through a unique and unsettling lens, blending reenactments with personal testimonies to challenge perceptions of truth and memory.
Fact: The film's subjects, former Indonesian death squad leaders, reenact their killings in various cinematic genres, creating a surreal and disturbing narrative.


Blackfish (2013)
Description: An exposé on animal captivity that sparked widespread debate, using emotional storytelling and expert testimony to challenge an established industry.
Fact: The film's release led to significant changes in public perception and policies regarding orca captivity at marine parks.


Amy (2015)
Description: An intimate portrait of a talented artist's rise and fall, using archival footage to explore themes of fame, media scrutiny, and personal tragedy.
Fact: The film includes never-before-seen home videos of Amy Winehouse as a teenager, years before she became famous.


The Look of Silence (2014)
Description: A companion piece that examines historical violence through personal confrontation, focusing on victims' perspectives and the lingering trauma of past atrocities.
Fact: The film's protagonist, an optometrist, uses his profession as a way to confront his brother's killers during eye examinations.


Citizenfour (2014)
Description: A gripping real-time documentary that delves into themes of surveillance, power, and whistleblowing, capturing intimate moments of a historic revelation.
Fact: The filmmaker was in the room when Edward Snowden first revealed the extent of NSA surveillance to the world.


Man on Wire (2008)
Description: Captures an extraordinary true story of ambition and artistry, blending reenactments with firsthand accounts to create a thrilling narrative about a seemingly impossible feat.
Fact: The subject, Philippe Petit, walked between the Twin Towers on a tightrope in 1974 without permission, an act he called 'the artistic crime of the century.'
