The Best Free Documentaries to Watch on Fandango at Home

We can all appreciate a compelling documentary. Whether you’re a superfan of the genre or just an occasional viewer, when a documentary captivates us, it’s worth celebrating. But when you consider the vast selection of documentary films available at our fingertips, sometimes it’s hard to sift through the many thousands of titles across streamers and theaters. We can help you there. With thousands of free documentaries to stream on Fandango at Home, we’ve put together this list of the best documentaries, centering on everything from iconic musicians to headline-making events, available to watch right now.

When Michael Jackson’s This Is It was released in 2009, some critics called it “a love letter to the fans,” while others wrote that it was a “powerful and emotional tribute” to the beloved musician. The doc is currently Certified Fresh with an 81% on the Tomatometer and has over 100,000+ audience reviews.

Check out the full list below, ranked first by Tomatometer and then by Popcornmeter, and be sure to explore the collection on Fandango at Home. —Stephanie Ornelas

I Am Not Your Negro (2016)

99%

Critics Consensus: I Am Not Your Negro offers an incendiary snapshot of James Baldwin's crucial observations on American race relations -- and a sobering reminder of how far we've yet to go.

Synopsis: In 1979, James Baldwin wrote a letter to his literary agent describing his next project, "Remember This House." The book was to be a revolutionary,... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Samuel L. Jackson

Directed By: Raoul Peck

Blackfish (2013)

98%

Critics Consensus: Blackfish is an aggressive, impassioned documentary that will change the way you look at performance killer whales.

Synopsis: The story of Tilikum, a captive killer whale that has taken the lives of several people, underscores problems within the sea-park industry, man's relationship to... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Tilikum, John Hargrove, Samantha Berg, Mark Simmons

Directed By: Gabriela Cowperthwaite

Life Itself (2014)

98%

Critics Consensus: Rich in detail and warmly affectionate, Life Itself offers a joyful yet poignant tribute to a critical cinematic legacy.

Synopsis: Filmmaker Steve James chronicles the life of film critic Roger Ebert, especially his career highlights, his battle with alcohol, and his sometimes ruthless rivalry with... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Roger Ebert, Ava DuVernay, Chaz Ebert

Directed By: Steve James

Marley (2012)

95%

Critics Consensus: Kevin Macdonald's exhaustive, evenhanded portrait of Bob Marley offers electrifying concert footage and fascinating insights into reggae's greatest star.

Synopsis: The life story of musician, revolutionary and legend Bob Marley, from the early days to international superstardom. Features rare footage, performances and interviews.

Starring: Bob Marley, Ziggy Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Cedella Marley

Directed By: Kevin Macdonald

Sicko (2007)

91%

Critics Consensus: Driven by Michael Moore's sincere humanism, Sicko is a devastating, convincing, and very entertaining documentary about the state of America's health care.

Synopsis: Filmmaker Michael Moore examines America's health-care crisis and why millions of citizens are without coverage. Moore spotlights the cases of several ordinary citizens whose lives... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Michael Moore, Tucker Albrizzi, Tony Benn, Aleida Guevara

Directed By: Michael Moore

Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004)

82%

Critics Consensus: Extremely one-sided in its indictment of the Bush administration, but worth watching for the humor and the debates it'll stir.

Synopsis: Michael Moore's political documentary uses humor and connect-the-dots investigative journalism to question the Bush administration's motives for wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The film argues... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Michael Moore, Ben Affleck, Stevie Wonder, George W. Bush

Directed By: Michael Moore

Michael Jackson's This Is It (2009)

81%

Critics Consensus: While it may not be the definitive concert film (or the insightful backstage look) some will hope for, Michael Jackson's This Is It packs more than enough entertainment value to live up to its ambitious title.

Synopsis: Prior to his untimely death, Jackson was in the midst of preparing for a series of sold-out concerts that were scheduled to take place in... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Michael Jackson, Orianthi, Darryl Phinnessee, Timor Steffens

Directed By: Kenny Ortega

Bullied (2019)

100%

Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.

Synopsis: The film Bullied is a work that traces bullying and the effects of bullying, but also the methods and programs that have proven efficacious in... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ron Avi Astor, James Doty, Jennifer Pozner

Directed By: Thomas Keith

Andy Irons: Kissed by God (2018)

100%

Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.

Synopsis: Three-time world champion surfer Andy Irons struggles with bipolar disorder and opioid addiction.

Starring: Bruce Irons, Lyndie Irons, Kelly Slater

Directed By: Steve Jones, Todd Jones

#10

Pumping Iron (1977)

92%

Critics Consensus: In addition to offering an enlightening early look into the world of future star/politician Arnold Schwarzenegger, Pumping Iron provides a witty and insightful overview of competitive bodybuilding.

Synopsis: This partly real and partly scripted film documents what many consider to be the golden age of bodybuilding that occurred in the 1970s. It depicts... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, Roger Callard, Franco Columbu

Directed By: George Butler, Robert Fiore

#11

When I Walk (2013)

88%

Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.

Synopsis: Filmmaker Jason DaSilva documents his body's decline following his multiple sclerosis diagnosis.

Starring: Alice Cook, Jason DaSilva

Directed By: Jason DaSilva

#12

Loopers: The Caddie's Long Walk (2019)

75%

Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.

Synopsis: Filmmaker Jason Baffa examines the personal bonds and dynamic relationships that form between golfers and caddies.

Starring: Bill Murray

#13

Don't Stop Believin': Everyman's Journey (2013)

63%

Critics Consensus: An energetic but thin portrait of the venerable rock band Journey, Don't Stop Believin' gets a boost from new singer Arnel Pineda's charming personality.

Synopsis: Filipino musician Arnel Pineda gets the opportunity of a lifetime when Journey guitarist Neal Schon sees him perform on YouTube, leading to a job offer... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Arnel Pineda, Neal Schon, Ross Valory, Jonathan Cain

Directed By: Ramona S. Diaz

#14

SEAL Team Six: The Raid on Osama bin Laden (2012)

50%

Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.

Synopsis: In May 2011, a seasoned team of U.S. Navy SEALs storms a Pakistani compound and brings the long hunt for the world's most wanted terrorist... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Cam Gigandet, Anson Mount, Freddy Rodríguez, Xzibit

Directed By: John Stockwell

#15

Naked Ambition, an R-Rated Look at an X-Rated Industry (2009)

38%

Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.

Synopsis: Porn stars Jenna Jameson and Jesse Jane are among those interviewed in an intimate look at the lucrative adult-entertainment industry.

Starring: Michael Grecco, Tera Patrick, Evan Seinfeld, Simon Karmarkar

Directed By: Michael Grecco

#16

Michael Jackson: The Journey (2015)

- -

Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.

Synopsis: Michael Jackson's transformation from boyhood sensation to international superstar.

Starring: Michael Jackson, Berry Gordy, Suzanne De Passe, Katherine Jackson

Directed By: Billy Simpson

#17

Inside the Fifty Shades: Real Women Confess (2013)

- -

Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.

Synopsis: Women reveal their experiences within the dominance and submission lifestyle portrayed by the "Fifty Shades of Grey" book trilogy.

Directed By: David "Kane" Garcia

#18

A Plastic Ocean (2016)

- -

Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.

Synopsis: Craig Leeson discovers a startling amount of plastic pollution in the world's oceans.

Starring: David Attenborough, Sylvia Earle, Ben Fogle, Craig Leeson

Directed By: Craig Leeson

#19

Hell or High Seas (2021)

- -

Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.

Synopsis: U.S. Navy veteran Taylor Grieger and writer Stephen O'Shea embark on the adventure of a lifetime -- sailing around the treacherous waters of Cape Horn. View Full Synopsis

Starring: Taylor Grieger, John Rose, Stephen O'Shea

Directed By: Glenn Holsten

#20