Many fantastic documentaries that are a great way to learn about a range of topics have already been produced in 2022. The top ten documentaries of 2022 so far, which explore subjects including the origins of hip hop and the depths of the ocean, are listed below:

  • Craig Foster's documentary "The Octopus in My House" chronicles the story of a South African filmmaker who develops a deep bond with an octopus that lives off the nation's coast. This heartwarming and educational film offers a unique perspective on the aquatic environment and the complex relationships that can arise between people and animals.

  • Filmmaker Jonas Poher Rasmussen's "Flee" tells the story of a man who escaped Afghanistan as a child and now resides in Denmark. The video examines his past and the arduous trip he had to reach safety with the use of interviews and animation. Anyone with an interest in the fate of refugees must see this compelling movie
  • "The Rescue" - Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi's 2018 film recounts the story of the international media sensational Thai cave rescue. This riveting and heart-pounding documentary offers a behind-the-scenes look at the rescue effort and the heroic rescuers.
  • The song "Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)" - Questlove's documentary "Summer of Soul," which explores the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, featured performances by some of the biggest artists of the time, including Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, and Sly and the Family Stone. This eye-opening and moving documentary offers a glimpse into a frequently overlooked era of American history.
  • "Bring Your Own Brigade" is a movie that Lucy Walker produced and filmed that looks at the destructive wildfires that have been happening more frequently in California lately. The documentary offers a comprehensive look at the complex root causes of these flames and the challenges associated with putting them out.
  • Julie Cohen and Betsy West's documentary "My Name is Pauli Murray" follows the life of Pauli Murray, a lawyer and civil rights activist who played a significant role in the fight for racial and gender equality. This inspiring and instructive movie sheds light on a historically significant American individual who is occasionally overlooked.
  • "Val" - "Val" offers a behind-the-scenes look at actor Val Kilmer's life and work. Leo Scott and Ting Poo were the directors. Using footage taken by Kilmer himself throughout his career, the documentary offers a personal and frequently poignant look at the highs and lows of a life in Hollywood.
  • "Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain" - Directed by Morgan Neville, "Roadrunner" offers an inside look at the life and career of famed chef Anthony Bourdain, who took his own life in 2018. Using video from Bourdain's travels and interviews with his friends and coworkers, the documentary offers a compelling and insightful look at a complex and well-liked figure.
  • "The First Wave" - The Matthew Heineman-directed film offers a close-up view of the COVID-19 pandemic's early phases. The documentary offers a sobering look at the challenges that governmental officials and healthcare workers faced in their efforts to control the virus and protect the general public.
  • Rick James's "Bitchin': The Sound and Fury of Rick James" - The Sacha Jenkins-directed film "Bitchin'" chronicles the life of funk legend Rick James, whose music has impacted countless musicians. A thorough examination of James' life and career, including his battles with addiction and the scandals that surrounded him, is provided in the documentary.
  • The Morgan Neville-directed movie "Roadrunner: A Anthony Bourdain Biopic" provides an intimate look at the life and work of renowned chef Anthony Bourdain, who committed suicide in 2018. The documentary presents an engrossing and perceptive look at a complex and well-liked figure using footage from Bourdain's travels and interviews with his friends and colleagues.

                        The Matthew Heineman-directed movie "The First Wave" provides a close-up look at the COVID-19 pandemic's early stages. The documentary provides a sobering look at the difficulties that policymakers and healthcare professionals encountered while attempting to contain the virus and safeguard the public.