10 Highest Grossing Documentaries
Documentaries provide us with a unique perspective on the world and the people who live in it. They offer us insights into subjects that we may not have had the chance to explore otherwise, and they shape our understanding and empathy towards complex issues. Over the years, documentaries have grown in popularity and have become increasingly profitable.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at some of the highest grossing documentaries of all time and explore why they were so successful.
1. Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004) - $119.1 million
Fahrenheit 9/11 is perhaps one of the most well-known documentaries of all time and is the highest grossing documentary with $119.1 million in box office revenue.
Directed by Michael Moore, the film focuses on the after-effects of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States and the subsequent war in Iraq. The film received mixed reviews from critics, but it was praised for its bold and candid approach to a sensitive subject matter.
👉 Watch Fahrenheit 9/11 on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Fahrenheit 9/11 as DVD on Amazon
2. March of the Penguins (2005) - $77.4 million
March of the Penguins is another documentary that captured audiences' hearts and earned an impressive $77.4 million at the box office. The French film depicts the life of Emperor Penguins in Antarctica and their incredible journey to find a mate and start a family.
The movie was praised for its stunning cinematography, exceptional score, and captivating story that managed to hold audiences' attention despite having no dialogue.
👉 Watch March of the Penguins on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy March of the Penguins as DVD on Amazon
3. Justin Bieber: Never Say Never (2011) - $73 million
Justin Bieber: Never Say Never is the youngest film on the list, but that didn't stop it from earning a whopping $73 million box office revenue.
Directed by Jon M. Chu, the documentary chronicles the rise of Justin Bieber from a small-town kid to a global sensation. The film gives us a behind-the-scenes look at Bieber's life, his family, and his fans, and also features some of his most famous performances.
👉 Watch Justin Bieber: Never Say Never on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Justin Bieber: Never Say Never as DVD on Amazon
4. Michael Jackson's This Is It (2009) - $72 million
Michael Jackson's This Is It is a posthumous documentary that pays tribute to the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
Directed by Kenny Ortega, the film includes rehearsal footage of Jackson's comeback concert tour that he had been preparing for before his untimely death. The documentary earned $72 million at the box office and was praised for its touching tribute and the insight it provided into Jackson's creative process.
👉 Watch Michael Jackson's This Is It on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Michael Jackson's This Is It as DVD on Amazon
5. 2016: Obama's America (2012) - $33.4 million
2016: Obama's America (2012) is a documentary that explores the political journey of the former US President, Barack Obama.
Directed by Dinesh D'Souza and John Sullivan, the film examines Obama's background and upbringing and speculates on his political agenda. The documentary generated controversy for its biased and partisan views, but it still managed to earn $33.4 million box office revenue.
👉 Watch 2016: Obama's America on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy 2016: Obama's America as DVD on Amazon
6. Earth (2007) - $32 million
Disneynature's Earth is a breathtaking documentary that takes us on a journey across the world. The film is narrated by James Earl Jones and features jaw-dropping shots of landscapes, animals, and natural wonders.
Earth was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $32 million worldwide. It remains one of the most impressive documentaries ever made, inspiring audiences to care more about the planet we live on.
7. Chimpanzee (2012) - $28.9 million
Chimpanzee, also from Disneynature, is a heartwarming film that follows the life of Oscar, a chimpanzee living in the African forest.
The documentary is a perfect blend of entertainment and education, as it highlights the intelligence and emotional complexity of chimps. The film was particularly successful with families and children, grossing $28.9 million worldwide.
👉 Watch Chimpanzee on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Chimpanzee as DVD on Amazon
8. One Direction: This Is Us (2013) - $28.8 million
One Direction fans couldn't get enough of This Is Us, a documentary that takes an inside look at the lives of the popular boy band. The film grossed $28.8 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing music documentaries ever made.
This Is Us offers an intimate look into the lives of Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, and Louis Tomlinson, showcasing their journey to stardom.
👉 Watch One Direction: This Is Us on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy One Direction: This Is Us as DVD on Amazon
9. Katy Perry: Part of Me (2012) - $25.3 million
Katy Perry's Part of Me is a documentary that shows the highs and lows of the singer's life, from her humble beginnings to her sold-out world tour.
The documentary is both revealing and entertaining, featuring behind-the-scenes footage that fans loved. Part of Me grossed $25.3 million worldwide, cementing Perry's status as a pop superstar.
👉 Watch Katy Perry: Part of Me on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Katy Perry: Part of Me as DVD on Amazon
10. Sicko (2007) - $24.5 million
Michael Moore is known for his controversial documentaries, and Sicko is no exception. The film takes an in-depth look at the American healthcare system, exposing its flaws and shortcomings.
Sicko grossed $24.5 million worldwide and sparked a conversation about healthcare reform in the United States. It was praised for its informative and persuasive approach, and many consider it to be one of Moore's best works.
Conclusion
In conclusion, documentaries have proven to be a lucrative means of sharing stories and information that capture audiences' attention and motivate them to make a conscious change in the world.
The highest grossing documentaries of all time demonstrate a range of niches and styles that can be successful in this media. From political commentaries to nature documentaries to biographical portraits, these films engage, educate, and inspire diverse audiences worldwide.
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