17 Daring Ken Burns Documentaries

Ken Burns is renowned for his ability to transform history into gripping narratives that keep audiences engaged and fascinated. With his signature slow pans and use of historical photos and footage, Burns has brought to life some of America's most significant historical stories. Ken Burns spouse is Julie Deborah Brown, and they have been together since 2003.

In this article, we'll summarize some of his most popular documentaries, including The Vietnam War, The Roosevelts: An Intimate History, The Dust Bowl (2012), The Mayo Clinic: Faith - Hope - Science, Jackie Robinson, and Horatio's Drive: America's First Road Trip.

1. The Vietnam War (2017)

The Vietnam War is a 10-part documentary that explores one of the most complicated conflicts in American history. Burns draws heavily on interviews with soldiers and civilians, along with previously unseen footage.

The documentary offers quotes from more than 79 eyewitnesses from all sides of the conflict, leading to an immersive experience that depicts the true human cost of such a tragic war.

The Vietnam War on IMDb

2. The Roosevelts: An Intimate History (2014)

The Roosevelts: An Intimate History is a seven-part documentary exploring the lives of three legendary figures: Theodore, Franklin, and Eleanor Roosevelt.

The documentary provides an in-depth look at the trio, each with their own unique contributions to American history. Burns uses archival footage, home movies, photographs, and letters to provide an intimate portrayal of the family's evolution, trials, and accomplishments.

The Roosevelts: An Intimate History on IMDb

3. The Dust Bowl (2012)

The Dust Bowl is a two-part documentary that examines the hardships faced by those who lived through the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. Burns uses eyewitness accounts, documents, and photographs to provide a fresh look at this tragic event.

In this documentary, he vividly portrays the struggles faced by farmers who were trying to survive amid dust storms, droughts, and economic hardships.

The Dust Bowl on IMDb

4. The Mayo Clinic: Faith, Hope and Science (2018)

The Mayo Clinic: Faith, Hope and Science is a one-hour documentary that takes the viewer on a journey into one of the world's leading hospitals.

Ken Burns and his team take you behind the scenes of Mayo Clinic to give you a look at how they treat some of the most complex medical cases. Through a combination of historical photos and footage, contemporary interviews, and amiable voiceovers, Burns portrays Mayo Clinic's culture and commitment, which made it world-renowned.

The Mayo Clinic: Faith, Hope and Science on IMDb

5. Jackie Robinson (2016)

Jackie Robinson is a two-part documentary that focuses on the life of the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball.

Burns used interviews with Robinson's widow, Rachel, and his teammates, including Tommy Lasorda and Don Newcombe, to provide an intimate portrayal of Robinson as a person, as well as an athlete. Burns and his team also use newspaper headlines, game footage, and photographs to provide a visual immersion into the world of baseball in the 1940s and 1950s.

Jackie Robinson on IMDb

6. Horatio's Drive: America's First Road Trip (2003)

Horatio's Drive: America's First Road Trip is a three-part documentary that chronicles the 1903 transcontinental road trip initiated by the young naturalist Horatio Nelson Jackson.

Using historical reenactments, rare archival footage, and interviews with experts, Burns follows the risky voyage as Jackson and his driving partner, Sewall Crocker, drive from San Francisco to New York City. The documentary provides exciting historical background and important information regarding America's transportation history.

Horatio's Drive: America's First Road Trip on IMDb

7. Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson (2004)

This film tells the story of Jack Johnson, the first black heavyweight boxing champion who rose to fame at the turn of the 20th century.

From his meteoric rise as a dominant fighter to his tragic downfall, this film dives deep into the racism and societal pressures Johnson faced as a black man in a white-dominated sport. Burns masterfully showcases clips of Johnson's fights and delves into his personal life, presenting a compelling portrait of a true American hero.

Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson on IMDb

8. The Civil War (1990)

Possibly Burns' most famous documentary, The Civil War examines the bloody conflict that nearly tore the country apart, from its beginnings to its bitter aftermath.

The overarching theme of this film is the tragic human cost of war, and Burns' expert use of primary sources and moving musical accompaniments make for a truly immersive viewing experience. With its sweeping scope and thoughtful exploration of complex issues, this film remains just as relevant today as it was when it first aired.

The Civil War on IMDb

9. The Congress (1988)

This documentary covers the workings of the United States Congress, the beating heart of American politics.

Through interviews with politicians and behind-the-scenes footage, this film gives an in-depth look at how the legislative branch operates and how it has evolved over time. Though perhaps not as dramatic as The Civil War or Unforgivable Blackness, The Congress is a fascinating examination of the inner workings of American democracy.

The Congress on IMDb

10. The National Parks: America's Best Idea (2009)

America's Best Idea: This sprawling series explores the creation and evolution of America's national park system, from its earliest beginnings to the present day.

Throughout the film, Burns highlights the key figures who worked tirelessly to preserve and protect these natural treasures, and shows the immense benefits they bring to American society. Whether you're a nature lover or simply interested in American history, this documentary is a must-watch.

The National Parks: America's Best Idea on IMDb

11. The Shakers: Hands to Work, Hearts to God (1984)

This film profiles the Shakers, a unique religious community known for their traditions of pacifism, celibacy, and communal living.

Throughout the film, Burns delves into the successes and struggles of the Shaker way of life, as well as its eventual decline. Though not as well-known as some of Burns' other works, this documentary provides a fascinating look into a lesser-known aspect of American history.

The Shakers: Hands to Work, Hearts to God on IMDb

12. Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio (1991)

This film examines the invention and evolution of radio, a technology that revolutionized communication and entertainment.

Through expertly crafted storytelling and archival footage, Burns introduces viewers to the key players who helped create and build this transformative medium. As with his other films, Burns demonstrates an ability to take a seemingly small thread of history and weave a compelling, informative narrative around it.

Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio on IMDb

13. Defying the Nazis: The Sharps' War (2016)

"Defying the Nazis: The Sharps' War" is a documentary that tells the story of Waitstill and Martha Sharp, a courageous couple from Massachusetts who undertook a perilous mission to help save refugees and political dissidents from Nazi persecution in Europe.

Through interviews, photographs, and archival footage, the documentary portrays their bravery and selflessness in the face of danger and the horrors of the Holocaust. The film also highlights the role of ordinary people in the fight against injustice and tyranny.

Defying the Nazis: The Sharps' War on IMDb

14. The Central Park Five (2012)

"The Central Park Five" is a powerful film that chronicles the wrongful conviction and imprisonment of five young black and Latino men in New York City in 1989.

The documentary shows how the media, law enforcement, and the justice system failed to protect the rights of these innocent teenagers, who were coerced into confessing to a crime they did not commit. The film raises important questions about race, prejudice, and the flaws of the criminal justice system, and the impact of wrongful convictions on the lives of those who are affected.

The Central Park Five on IMDb

15. The Statue of Liberty (1985)

"The Statue of Liberty" is an awe-inspiring documentary that explores the history and symbolism of one of America's most iconic landmarks. Through stunning visuals, interviews with experts, and historical accounts, the film captures the spirit of hope, freedom, and democracy that the statue embodies.

The documentary also sheds light on the complex relationship between the United States and France, and the role of immigration in the American story.

The Statue of Liberty on IMDb

16. Prohibition (2011)

"Prohibition" is a fascinating documentary that examines the era of alcohol prohibition in the 1920s and early 30s.

Through archival footage, photographs, and interviews with historians and experts, the film shows how the temperance movement and moral crusaders successfully convinced the government to ban the sale, production, and transportation of alcohol. The documentary also highlights the unintended consequences of this policy, such as the rise of organized crime, corruption, and the erosion of civil liberties.

Prohibition on IMDb

17. Baseball (1994-2010)

Finally, "Baseball" is a critically acclaimed series that explores the history and cultural significance of America's national pastime. The documentary covers over 150 years of baseball history, from its origins in the 19th century to its current status as a multi-billion-dollar industry.

Through interviews with players, managers, fans, and historians, the film depicts how baseball reflects and shapes American society, politics, and culture. The documentary also touches upon important themes such as race, discrimination, and gender.

Baseball on IMDb

Conclusion

Ken Burns’s documentaries have been praised for elegantly weaving history with captivating narratives, offering a unique insight into the natural world of America's past.

With The Vietnam War, The Roosevelts: An Intimate History, The Dust Bowl, The Mayo Clinic: Faith, Hope and Science, Jackie Robinson, and Horatio's Drive: America's First Road Trip, Burns has taken on various historical subjects, providing viewers with an insight into American history and culture, and the people who have shaped it. The Ken Burns list of documentaries is still lengthening by the day!

It's difficult to sum up all of Burns' documentaries, but it's safe to say that they're all worth watching. If you want more documentaries, try Ken Burns The American Buffalo. So, go ahead and queue them up for your next viewing!