15 Best Documentaries on HBO Max to Watch in 2023

This blog covers the best 15 HBO Max documentaries. Read below to get the best documentaries of all time.

HBO Max offers diverse, high-quality content, including renowned original programming, first-run movies, and an impressive collection of captivating documentaries.

The HBO Max featured documentaries provide insights into the world and the human condition, offer glimpses into the lives of celebrities, and shed light on pressing contemporary issues.

However, before hopping on to the best HBO Max documentaries list, don’t forget to turn on your HBO Max VPN to protect your traffic or bypass restrictions.

15 Best Documentaries on HBO Max

Here’s a quick rundown of the best 15 HBO Max documentaries to watch right now!

Best HBO Max Documentaries- Detailed Review

Here is a detailed review of HBO Max’s  most sought-after documentaries in 2023:

1. All That Breathes

• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
• Director: Shaunak Sen
• Year: 2022
• Runtime: 91 minutes
• Rating: NR

“All That Breathes” is a captivating nature documentary that presents a unique perspective as it unfolds in an urban setting, showcasing the interaction between domesticated animals and wild birds amidst the encroachment of human civilization and assistance.

2. 4 Little Girls

• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
• Director: Spike Lee
• Year: 1997
• Runtime: 102 minutes
• Rating: TV-14

Renowned filmmaker Spike Lee, known for his powerful and insightful films on race in America, took a departure from narrative filmmaking in 1997 to direct “4 Little Girls,” a poignant documentary that delves into a dark and tragic event in U.S. history. The film centers on the 1963 bombing of a predominantly Black church in Birmingham, Alabama, by Ku Klux Klan members, resulting in the death of four young girls aged 11 to 14. Through interviews with civil rights activists, authorities, and relatives of those involved in the bombing, “4 Little Girls” serves as a memorial, reflection, and a compelling call to action.

3. Amy

• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
• Director: Asif Kapadia
• Year: 2015
• Runtime: 127 Minutes
• Rating: R

In the 2015 documentary “Amy,” directed by Asif Kapadia, viewers are treated to a poignant exploration of the tumultuous life of the late British singer Amy Winehouse, who struggled with addiction and passed away years prior. The film revolves around the complex layers of Winehouse’s public persona, including her iconic beehive hairdo, tattoos, relationship with ex-husband Blake Fielder-Civil, and candidness about her addiction.

4. All the Beauty and the Bloodshed

• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
• Director: Laura Poitras
• Year: 2022
• Runtime: 117 minutes
• Rating: NR

Nan Goldin: All the Beauty and the Bloodshed” is a documentary that sheds light on the groundbreaking and provocative work of Nan Goldin, one of America’s most progressive and transgressive artists known for her intimate and sensitive portrayal of others, giving voice to the marginalized.

The film delves into Goldin’s art and activism as she fearlessly speaks truth to power and exposes egregious injustices.

The documentary explores how the Sacklers used their profits to support art and museums, forcing curators to confront the ethical implications of their funding sources.

Through Goldin’s unwavering advocacy and art, the documentary captures her powerful impact in holding those in power accountable and bringing attention to critical social issues.

5. Beanie Mania

• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
• Director: Yemisi Brookes
• Year: 2021
• Runtime: 80 minutes
• Rating: TV-PG

“Beanie Mania” is a documentary that explores the cultural phenomenon of Beanie Babies, seemingly simple animal-shaped bean bags that became one of the most sought-after toys of the 1990s.

The film delves into the economic factors that fueled the Beanie Babies craze, with customers believing that the toys would increase in value over time.

The Beanie Babies market soared to unprecedented heights as people flocked to store shelves to collect these toys.

Through humor and nostalgia, “Beanie Mania” delves into the rise and fall of this cultural phenomenon, exploring the economic dynamics that drove the craze and its subsequent decline.

6. Andre the Giant

• Rotten Tomatoes Score: N/A
• Director: Jason Hehir
• Year: 2018
• Runtime: 85 minutes
• Rating: TV-14

“Andre the Giant” is a documentary that offers a humanizing perspective on the life and career of Andre Roussimoff, best known to mainstream audiences as Fezzik in “The Princess Bride” and one of the biggest professional wrestling stars of his time.

The film goes beyond the myth and legend surrounding Andre the Giant to provide insight into the man behind the persona.

The documentary features appearances from wrestling legends like Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair, offering unique perspectives on Andre’s impact on the world of sports entertainment.

For sports and pop culture fans alike, “Andre the Giant” is a must-watch documentary that provides a compelling and intimate look at the life of a wrestling legend who left an indelible mark on popular culture.

7. Bright Light: Starring Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds

• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
• Directors: Alexis Bloom, Fisher Stevens
• Year: 2017
• Runtime: 94 minutes
• Rating: TV-14

“Bright Lights: Starring Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds” is an intimate and heartfelt documentary that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the unique relationship between Hollywood icons Carrie Fisher and her mother, Debbie Reynolds.

8. Beware the Slenderman

• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%
• Director: Irene Taylor
• Year: 2016
• Runtime: 117
• Rating: TV-14

“Beware the Slenderman” is a thought-provoking and disturbing documentary that delves into the case of two young girls, Morgan and Annisa, who stabbed their friend due to their belief in the fictional internet-created monster known as the Slenderman.

Despite its unsettling nature, the documentary offers a fascinating exploration of the power of internet mythology and the disturbing depths to which young minds can be influenced, leading to a horrific act of violence.

9. Crazy, Not Insane

• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
• Director: Alex Gibney
• Year: 2020
• Runtime: 118
• Rating: TV-MA

“Crazy, Not Insane” offers a fresh approach to the true crime genre by delving into the psychological analysis of the criminal justice system.

The documentary highlights psychiatrist Dorothy Lewis and her work with notorious violent offenders, including infamous serial killer Ted Bundy.

With a unique perspective on the minds of serial murderers, the film provides a thought-provoking and intriguing exploration that will captivate fans of the true crime genre.

10. Class Action Park

• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
• Directors: Seth Porges, Chris Charles Scot III
• Year: 2020
• Runtime: 90 minutes
• Rating: NR

“Class Action Park” uncovers the untold story of a notoriously hazardous water park with a New Jersey flair and a dose of humor.

Through interviews with former visitors and staff, including celebrities like Chris Gethard and Alison Becker, the documentary reveals the shocking history of Action Park and its complete disregard for safety standards, resulting in numerous accidents, injuries, and even fatalities.

With its unique blend of humor and eye-opening revelations, “Class Action Park” explores a little-known chapter in amusement park history.

11. Everything Is Copy

• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
• Directors: Jacob Bernstein, Nick Hooker
• Year: 2015
• Runtime: 89 minutes
• Rating: TV-14

“Everything Is Copy” delves into the life and work of Nora Ephron, a renowned journalist, screenwriter, and director known for her witty and candid writing. With a blend of humor and heartbreak, “Everything Is Copy” provides a compelling portrait of one of the greatest modern writers, making it a must-watch for film fans.

12. David Bowie: The Last Five Years

• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88%
• Director: Francis Whately
• Year: 2017
• Runtime: 90 minutes
• Rating: TV-14

“The Last Five Years” offers a rare and intimate look into the creative process of the iconic musician David Bowie during the last years of his life.

The documentary features behind-the-scenes footage of Bowie battling cancer and working on his final two albums, as well as the play “Lazarus.”

Despite Bowie’s penchant for keeping his true self hidden from the public, the film provides a heartbreaking glimpse into the world of one of the world’s most beloved artists.

While leaving some questions unanswered, “The Last Five Years” captures Bowie’s unwavering commitment to his art and serves as a poignant tribute to his enduring legacy.

13. Going Clear: Scientology & the Prison of Belief

• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
• Director: Alex Gibney
• Year: 2015
• Runtime: 119 minutes
• Rating: NR

“Going Clear” is an innovative documentary that sheds light on the highly secretive religion of Scientology, based on Lawrence Wright’s book. Through interviews with scholars and former members, “Going Clear” exposes the inner workings of Scientology in a shocking and stark manner.

14. George Harrison: Living in the Material World

• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%
• Director: Martin Scorsese
• Year: 2011
• Runtime: 208 minutes
• Rating: NR

Through interviews with Harrison’s family, friends, fellow musicians, and rare archival footage, the film delves into Harrison’s rich musical legacy and impact on the world of music and spirituality.

It’s a must-watch for The Beatles and George Harrison fans, offering a fresh perspective on this iconic musician’s life and career.

15. Grey Gardens

• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
• Directors: Ellen Hovde, Albert Maysles, David Maysles
• Year: 1975
• Runtime: 95 minutes
• Rating: PG

“Grey Gardens” is an unconventional documentary that delves into the lives of Big Edie and Little Edie, relatives of Jacqueline Onassis, who live in a decaying and squalid mansion overrun with pests.

The film, directed by Albert and David Maysles, offers a fascinating and often controversial study of these eccentric and reclusive women.

Wrapping Up

HBO Max offers many thought-provoking and captivating documentaries, from true crime and social issues to music, art, and beyond. These documentaries provide viewers with compelling insights into the lives of fascinating individuals, explore critical societal issues, and shed light on little-known histories and conventional perspectives. Check out the above list of the best HBO Max documentaries, and let us know about your favorite ones in the comments section.