For those who’re in search of an awesome documentary to look at on HBO Max, you’ve come to the proper place. The streaming service not solely performs host to a library of nice HBO documentaries, however some streaming originals and engrossing docuseries as properly, starting from true crime to superstar to emotional slice-of-life. Beneath we’ve put collectively a curated listing of a few of the greatest documentaries on HBO Max proper now. They’re all assured to scratch that documentary itch, and a couple of doc on this listing ends with a surprising confession.
Pee-wee as Himself
The 2-part Pee-wee documentary that debuted earlier this 12 months is among the many greatest issues HBO has launched – a revealing, candid and surprising chronicle of the lifetime of Paul Reubens, with confessional interviews recorded as he was secretly battling well being points. Reubens discusses his sexuality overtly for the primary time on this doc, in addition to the ups and downs of his profession and tenure as Pee-wee Herman. What units this aside is the strain between Reubens, who tries to stay evasive and personal through the interviews, and the movie’s director, Matt Wolf, because the Pee-wee creator tries to wrestle management of the doc and his story. It culminates in a voice notice that Reubens despatched Wolf hours earlier than he died, illuminating elements of himself that he had saved hidden. It is a must-watch.
I’ll Be Gone within the Darkish
Among the finest true crime docs, “I’ll Be Gone within the Darkish” is predicated on the e book of the identical identify by Michelle McNamara, who tragically died earlier than her investigation helped reveal the id of the Golden State Killer. The seven-episode docuseries chronicles the grisly murders all through California and the decades-long hunt for the person answerable for the crimes. The ultimate episodes chronicle how he was caught and the lead-up to his trial.
Hoop Goals
Hailed by most movie students as probably the greatest documentaries ever, “Hoop Goals” is simply as compelling in the present day because it was when it was launched in 1994. The Steve James-directed movie follows two younger Black highschool college students in Chicago who dream of changing into skilled basketball gamers, and chronicles their disparate experiences and struggles. It’s an achingly candid and true-to-life movie.
The Yogurt Store Murders
Right here’s a model new one. “The Yogurt Store Murders” follows the 1991 killings of 4 teenage ladies in a yogurt store in Austin, Texas, not solely chronicling the case by interviewing those that investigated it and the relations of the victims, but in addition the journey of grief and the confusion that surrounded the case as these arrested and convicted of homicide had their convictions overturned by DNA proof. It’s haunting and wildly emotional.
Spielberg
For those who’re a fan of the work of Steven Spielberg, then the documentary “Spielberg” is a must-watch. The movie is anchored by an interview with Spielberg himself (and his relations) because it runs via his storied profession, with the filmmaker providing candid perception alongside the way in which. For those who’ve ever puzzled how Spielberg took the blow of “1941” or why “Catch Me If You Can” was rooted in a household secret, these solutions and extra are discovered inside.
Going Clear
The explosive documentary movie “Going Clear: Scientology and the Jail of Perception” is a fairly complete overview of the scandals involving the Church of Scientology, as framed by ex-Scientologist and Oscar-winning filmmaker Paul Haggis, who recounts his time within the Church alongside different ex-Scientologists. Alex Gibney’s doc is engrossing and interesting.
The Jinx
The Season 1 finale of “The Jinx” was a second of tv historical past. One thing that by no means occurs in true crime docs – a surprising confession caught on tape that gives closure to the story being instructed over the course of the earlier episodes. The 2015 collection, instructed in six episodes, tells the story of actual property inheritor Robert Durst who was suspected of killing his spouse and a author good friend of his. Regardless of being press shy, Durst reached out to “The Jinx” filmmaker Andrew Jarecki and agreed to be interviewed, leading to a collection of completely wild and peculiar discussions that discover Durst evading and alluding to his involvement within the aforementioned murders.
