- The Stanford Prison Experiment (2015)
- Experimenter (2015)
- The Brain with David Eagleman (2015)
- The Power of Nightmares (2004)
- The Mind, Explained (2019)
- Quiet Rage: The Stanford Prison Experiment (1991)
- The Century of the Self (2002)
- The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers (2009)
- The Human Face (1994)
- The Brain: A Secret History (2010)
If you're fascinated by the inner workings of the human mind and the experiments that have shaped our understanding of psychology, this curated list of documentaries is just for you. Each film delves into groundbreaking psychological studies, offering insights into human behaviour, ethics, and the very nature of our mental processes. From classic experiments to modern-day explorations, these documentaries provide a window into the often surprising and sometimes controversial world of psychological research.
The Stanford Prison Experiment (2015)
Description: This film recreates the infamous 1971 Stanford prison experiment, where students were assigned roles as prisoners or guards, leading to shocking results about power dynamics and human nature.
Fact: The film was shot in the actual basement of the Stanford Psychology Department where the original experiment took place.
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Experimenter (2015)
Description: A dramatization of Stanley Milgram's obedience experiments, exploring the ethical dilemmas and the impact of his work on social psychology.
Fact: The film includes interviews with real-life psychologists who knew Milgram, providing a unique perspective on his character and work.
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The Brain with David Eagleman (2015)
Description: While not exclusively about psychological experiments, this series delves into how our brains work, featuring various experiments and studies that reveal the complexity of human cognition.
Fact: Neuroscientist David Eagleman uses innovative visual techniques to make complex brain functions accessible to the layperson.
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The Power of Nightmares (2004)
Description: Adam Curtis's documentary series investigates the rise of the politics of fear, exploring how psychological manipulation has shaped political landscapes.
Fact: The series controversially suggests that the threat of Islamic terrorism was exaggerated to maintain political power.
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The Mind, Explained (2019)
Description: This Netflix series covers various aspects of the human mind, including episodes on memory, dreams, and anxiety, often referencing key psychological experiments.
Fact: The series uses a mix of animation and real-life footage to explain complex psychological concepts in an engaging manner.
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Quiet Rage: The Stanford Prison Experiment (1991)
Description: This documentary provides a detailed look at the Stanford Prison Experiment, including interviews with participants and the experiment's creator, Philip Zimbardo.
Fact: Zimbardo himself narrates the documentary, offering personal insights into the experiment's aftermath.
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The Century of the Self (2002)
Description: A four-part BBC documentary series that explores how Freud's theories on the unconscious shaped the 20th century, particularly in relation to consumerism and public relations.
Fact: The series was directed by Adam Curtis, known for his thought-provoking documentaries on social and political issues.
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The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers (2009)
Description: This documentary focuses on the psychological and ethical dimensions of whistleblowing, exploring the mind of Daniel Ellsberg and his decision to leak the Pentagon Papers.
Fact: The film includes interviews with Ellsberg, providing a firsthand account of his psychological journey.
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The Human Face (1994)
Description: John Cleese hosts this series that examines the psychology behind facial expressions and how they influence human interaction and perception.
Fact: The series features contributions from experts like Desmond Morris, who also wrote the book "The Naked Ape."
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The Brain: A Secret History (2010)
Description: This three-part series by Michael Mosley explores the history of brain research, including psychological experiments that have shaped our understanding of the mind.
Fact: The series includes reenactments of historical experiments, providing a vivid portrayal of the past.
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