Dive into the intriguing world of human behaviour with this curated list of documentaries. Each film provides a deep dive into the complexities of our actions, motivations, and the societal constructs that shape us. Whether you're fascinated by psychology, sociology, or just love a good story, these documentaries will offer you a profound understanding of what drives human nature.

The Fog of War (2003)
Description: Featuring former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, this film reflects on the decisions and psychological factors influencing war and peace.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature and provides insights into McNamara's thoughts on the Vietnam War.


The Stanford Prison Experiment (2015)
Description: A dramatisation of the infamous psychological study, this film explores how quickly normal individuals can adopt extreme behaviours when given power or subjected to authority.
Fact: The original experiment was conducted in 1971 and had to be terminated early due to the extreme behaviours exhibited.


The Cove (2009)
Description: While primarily about dolphin hunting, this documentary delves into the human behaviour of denial, activism, and the moral dilemmas surrounding environmental issues.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.


The Act of Killing (2012)
Description: This film looks at the psychological aftermath of the Indonesian mass killings of 1965-66, where the perpetrators are asked to reenact their crimes in various film genres, revealing their inner turmoil and societal denial.
Fact: The film won the European Film Award for Best Documentary and was nominated for an Academy Award.


The Wolfpack (2015)
Description: This film follows six brothers who were kept inside their New York apartment for years, examining the effects of isolation on their development and behaviour.
Fact: The brothers recreated films they watched on VHS tapes, which became a significant part of their socialisation.


The Social Dilemma (2020)
Description: This documentary investigates the impact of social media on human behaviour, exploring how algorithms manipulate our attention and emotions for profit.
Fact: It features interviews with former employees of major tech companies who express their concerns about the industry's direction.


The Human Experiment (2013)
Description: This documentary explores how everyday products affect human health, delving into the psychological and social pressures that lead to consumer choices.
Fact: The film was inspired by the book "The Hundred-Year Lie" by Randall Fitzgerald, which investigates the impact of chemicals in everyday products.


The Imposter (2012)
Description: A documentary that blurs the lines between truth and deception, exploring the psychological aspects of identity and trust through the story of a French con artist.
Fact: The film was nominated for a BAFTA Award for Best Documentary.


The Mask You Live In (2015)
Description: Focusing on the American male identity, this film discusses how societal expectations shape boys' behaviour, leading to issues like violence and emotional suppression.
Fact: The film was produced by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, who also directed "Miss Representation."


The Century of the Self (2002)
Description: Adam Curtis's four-part series examines how Freud's theories on the unconscious were used by corporations to manipulate consumer behaviour in the 20th century.
Fact: The series was broadcast on BBC Two and has since become a staple in discussions about consumer culture and propaganda.
