Documentary filmmaking is at its peak, and Showtime’s catalog is a goldmine of documentaries that are both interesting and informative. To help you choose which ones to watch, we’ve rounded up the best Showtime documentaries that you can stream right now.
Risk is a sequel to the Oscar-winning Citizenfour, and it profiles WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. The film raises questions about objectivity, and the controversial figure of Assange leads to different reactions from viewers. However, the film does an excellent job of capturing multiple perspectives, making it a must-watch.
The Godfathers of Hardcore tells the story of Agnostic Front, one of the first and most important hardcore bands that emerged in New York City in the 1980s. The film captures the essence of the violent brand of music called hardcore, which brought metal speed to the anger of punk. From the Foo Fighters to Slayer, bands have sung their praises, and this documentary is a fascinating look at the godfathers of mosh.
American Jihad examines the path from normal citizen to major security threat. The film is an important and criminally underseen documentary that examines the subject of homegrown terrorism. Director Alison Ellwood handles difficult material without dipping into sensationalism, making it an essential watch.
Burn Motherf*cker Burn! tells the story of the LAPD’s history of community violence and how it impacts the city. The film is an unflinching look at a city’s difficult racial history, from the ‘65 Watts riots to the rise of LA’s gang culture. It’s a must-watch for everyone interested in American history.
Gringo: The Dangerous Life of John McAfee chronicles the eccentric millionaire going off the grid in Belize, becoming a drug lord, and living on the run for suspected murder. McAfee’s most interesting stories come from how he spent his money, and this documentary covers it all. While McAfee isn’t a good man, the film is a fascinating look into his life.
Disgraced documents the story of Patrick Dennehy, a Baylor University basketball star whose murder rocked the sports world in 2003. The film explores the darkness at the center of Baylor’s scandalous basketball program, and the filmmakers even got an interview with the disgraced coach David Bliss. It’s a thorough documentary that is a must-watch for sports fans.
Whitney: Can I Be Me offers an unthinkable look into the artist’s tragic life. The rise and fall of Whitney Houston reflect the best and worst aspects of the American dream. This documentary is an unflinching history of a vocalist blessed with unimaginable talent and demons to match. Grab some tissues before you watch.
These are just a few of the most compelling documentaries you can stream right now on Showtime. If you’ve already watched these or have other favorites, let us know in the comments section below. To watch these films, you can sign up for a Showtime account using the link in the description.
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