What Documentary Movies to watch on Pluto
Find what to watch on Pluto including the latest releases. Filter by movies, TV shows, release years, genres and more.
Lonesome Dove: The Making of an Epic
Documentary tracing the development and production of the mini-series '"Lonesome Dove" (1989) (mini)', from Larry McMurtry's novel of the same name. Stars Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones, among others, described the circumstances of filming, and director Simon Wincer comments on the adaptation of the novel. Others from the crew, including wranglers and stuntmen, describe some of the difficulties of this massive project.

- 1991
We Are As Gods
WE ARE AS GODS offers a compelling deep dive into the many sides of Stewart Brand - creator of The Whole Earth Catalog, an influential member of Ken Kesey's "The Merry Pranksters," a founder of the modern environmental movement, and today a vocal advocate for bringing back extinct species of animals and plants. Brand's approach to his work and life influenced many, including Steve Jobs, who have gone on to shape our modern world. Now in his 80's, he looks to leave a legacy for the future with his Long Now Foundation and efforts to "enhance biodiversity through the genetic rescue of extinct and endangered species." The man who coined the phrase "we are as gods and might as well get good at it" is now under fire from former allies who believe he's gone too far, but Brand won't be easily deterred from a mission he feels is necessary to save the future of the planet.

- 2021
Why on Earth
Travel the globe to experience the vital connection between humans, animals, and our planet through stunning, rarely before seen footage which exposes the effects that deforestation and the illegal trade of threatened and endangered species have on elephants, lions, sharks, orangutans, and more. By caring for these beautiful animals, we begin a healing process that will eventually help us all.

- 2022
Riding with a Spy
After being convicted of espionage, branded a traitor, and ostracized by her people, Israeli whistleblower Anat Kamm tries to rebuild her life in the United States. She graduates from Columbia University, but her ghost of her past still haunts her. Unable to find employment to extend her visa, she is forced to return to Israel. During her final months in the US, Kamm goes on a cross-country road trip, traveling from New York to California to meet Daniel Ellsberg (whistleblower of The Pentagon Papers). The trip is her last chance to enjoy her personal freedoms before returning to the inevitable reality of once again being "The Anat Kamm."

- 2021
Image of Victory
Inspired by true events in 1948. Hassanin, an Egyptian filmmaker, is tasked with documenting a raid on the isolated kibbutz Nitzanim. When the kibbutz learns of the impending army raid, Mira, a young but valiant mother, is forced to reckon with the true cost of war and make an impossible choice.

- 2021
Lifemark
David’s comfortable world is turned upside down when his birthmother unexpectedly reaches out to him, longing to meet the 18-year-old son she’s only held once. With the encouragement of his adoptive parents, David embarks on a journey of discovery that leads to a staggering truth from his past.

- 2022
Catnip Nation
Good Samaritans risk hostility, political persecution, and legal prosecution to care for feral cats living in colonies. The three main characters in the documentary Catnip Nation, who live miles apart and come from different walks of life, invite us into a world of advocacy, political wrangling, and legal intrigue. Despite their passion for animals, the success of their battles are mixed but the message is consistent: This nation needs better policy to humanely manage "community cats," and to protect people who look after them.

- 2019
An Irish Story: This Is My Home
The Black Donnellys attempt to break the Guinness World Record for a concert played in every U.S. state while exploring Irish immigration to America and its influence and heritage.

- 2020
A Night with Lou Reed
Lou Reed was by this time a shell of his former subversive Velvet Underground and early solo self, and the band is a slightly more standard rock band. However, the interplay between Quine and Reed recalls Quine's Voidoids work and of course Reed and Sterling Morrison play off each other in spectacular fashion, which is probably best heard on the Live Matrix Tapes boxset. Lou Reed delivers a set that is a mixture of his Velvet Underground standards, such as "Sweet Jane," "I'm Waiting for the Man," "Rock and Roll," "White Light/White Heat" and solo hits like "Walk on the Wild Side" and "Satellite of Love." "Walk on the Wild Side" recently was embroiled in an absolutely insane controversy when it was played at the University of Guelph student union. It was considered "transphobic" by some "activist" students, when it's the complete opposite - Reed was dating a transgender woman at the time of the song, mysteriously only known as Rachel.

- 1983
Boxing: In and Out of the Ring
An investigative documentary that takes viewers inside the high-stakes business of boxing. It is an unprecedented look at the inner workings of the fight game from both sides of the ropes.

- 2001
Bryan Callen: Man Class
In his first one-hour comedy special Bryan Callen gives his unique take on how to be a real man in modern society.

- 2012
In from the Cold? A Portrait of Richard Burton
Few great actors have been so unfairly represented in the public image. Drunk, a wastrel, uncontrollable, unprofessional, besotted with glamour and wealth - just a few epithets dumped on Richard Burton.

- 1988
Jack Lemmon
- 1996
Michael Jackson: Remember the King
This documentary will cover all aspects of his life, from the Jackson 5 to This Is It, from his humble beginnings to Neverland, and from his abusive father to his alleged abuse cases. Join us as we, remember the king.

- 2018
The World of Liberace
Known for flamboyant excess on stage, Liberace dazzled the world and was the highest-paid entertainer in the world. Renowned director Tony Palmer dives into his lifestyle, dreams and fears.

- 1973
Zedd: True Colors
Ride along as Zedd explores new territory with his latest album, 'True Colors,' and get a behind the scenes look at everything from making the album, the most ambitious EDM arena tour in history, and a series of intimate fan experiences.

- 2016
Shirley MacLaine: Kicking Up Her Heels
Born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1934, Shirley MacLaine was the product of a strict middle-class background from which she and her brother, the future actor Warren Beatty, escaped into the fantasy world of show-biz. Her ballet training and her long-legged pixie charm led to rapid success on Broadway in musical comedy. Inevitably, Hollywood called and by 1955 Shirley was cast in Hitchcock's The Trouble With Harry. It wasn't too long before the fine dramatic roles also came to her opposite the most popular leading men of the time, like Fred MacMurray, Jack Lemmon, Frank Sinatra, Clint Eastwood and Robert Mitchum. But Shirley was not only known for her capacity to play opposite major male stars, she also soon made it clear that women had equal importance for her, both as fellow players and as real life friends. These women included Audrey Hepburn, Julia Roberts, and former Congresswoman Bella Abzug. It was apparent that this once perky "gypsy" of Broadway would leave her mark as one of the finest actresses of her day, an Academy-Award winner, who is ready and able to tackle any role that seems equal to her intelligence and talent. Her widely varied interests encompass the political, the literary and the mystical.

- 1996
Princess Diana: The Quiet Revolution
No one in history has ever been so universally adored as Diana, Princess of Wales. In her short life she captivated the world with her beauty, charm and limitless compassion. Her legacy still lives on two decades after her tragic death.

- 2017
The Fantastical World of Hormones with Professor John Wass
Expert John Wass presents a documentary telling the story of how hormones were discovered and remain at medicine's cutting edge as we try to deal with modern scourges like obesity.

- 2014
Concussed: The American Dream
The danger of head trauma in sports has emerged with the discovery of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) in athletes after death. This documentary explores the story of Super Bowl winner Tyler Sash who rose from a small town to the NFL until concussions shortened his career. NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre's story is paralleled as he deals with the aftereffects of playing football for 20 years professionally.

- 2024
Serena Williams: The Power and the Glory

- 2024
Jack the Ripper: London's Most Notorious Killer
It was autumn of 1988, and an evil monster, responsible For committing a series of gruesome murders, was stalking the streets of London.

- 2020
Space Smash
The orbit that most satellites inhabit is getting crowded -- not only with operating satellites but also space debris from broken satellites and pieces of broken satellites. It's the debris that's generally out of control and is responsible for more and more collisions. Space Smash (2021) explores the problem and reviews programs to alleviate the situation. Some programs are being developed by individual nations, other programs are joint international efforts.

- 2018
Craig Ferguson: A Wee Bit o' Revolution
Recently granted American citizenship, Craig Ferguson is ready to rule his adopted nation!

- 2009