The Best HBO Documentaries Of The Last Few Years

Ranker Film
Updated August 11, 2023 1.1K votes 190 voters
Over 100 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best HBO Documentaries Of The Last Few Years
Voting Rules
Vote for the best HBO original documentaries released since January 1, 2019.
Latest additions: Mama's Boy, A Tree of Life: The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting, Love, Lizzo
Most divisive: On the Record

Over the years, a series of innovative and informative HBO documentary movies have left viewers captivated and curious. The best HBO documentaries feature topics such as true crime, animal cruelty, iconic historical figures, and political issues. What are the best recent HBO documentary films? This list will help decide. 

Which original HBO documentaries will you find here? If you're interested in true crime, you can check out Mommy Dead and Dearest. To explore topical political issues, try An Apology to Elephants or Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison Belief. For films about iconic figures, check out Bright Lights: Starring Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds or Love, Marilyn.

This list of new HBO docs shows all the most acclaimed documentaries released by HBO since 2019. Which new HBO documentaries do you think stand out? Vote for the best documentaries below. 

Ranked by
  • Tony Hawk: Until The Wheels Fall Off
    1

    Tony Hawk: Until The Wheels Fall Off

    Tony Hawk, Stacy Peralta, Rodney Mullen
    6 votes
    • Released: 2022
    • Directed by: Sam Jones
    Tony Hawk: Until The Wheels Fall Off is a 2022 American documentary film directed by Sam Jones. A wide-ranging, definitive look at Hawk’s life and iconic career, and his relationship with the sport with which he’s been synonymous for decades.
  • What’s My Name: Muhammad Ali
    2

    What’s My Name: Muhammad Ali

    Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, Diana Ross
    14 votes
    • Released: 2019
    • Directed by: Antoine Fuqua
    What’s My Name: Muhammad Ali is a 2019 documentary film, directed by Antoine Fuqua, based on the life of Muhammad Ali. One of the most iconic figures in athletic history, Muhammad Ali's incredible story from world champion boxer to inspiring social activist is explored through his own voice and never-before-seen archival material.
  • Leaving Neverland
    3

    Leaving Neverland

    Wade Robson, James Safechuck, Michael Jackson
    29 votes
    • Released: 2019
    • Directed by: Dan Reed
    Leaving Neverland is a 2019 documentary film directed and produced by British filmmaker Dan Reed. Leaving Neverland describes how Michael Jackson allegedly began relationships with two young fans, then aged 7 and 10, and their families.
  • Woodstock 99: Peace, Love, and Rage
    4

    Woodstock 99: Peace, Love, and Rage

    Carson Daly, Black Thought, Maureen Callahan
    9 votes
    • Released: 2021
    • Directed by: Garret Price
    Woodstock 99: Peace, Love, and Rage is a 2021 American documentary film directed by Garret Price. Woodstock 99, a three-day music festival promoted to echo unity and counterculture idealism of the original 1969 concert but instead devolved into riots, looting and sexual assaults.
  • The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley
    5

    The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley

    Errol Morris, Elizabeth Holmes, Tyler Shultz
    23 votes
    • Released: 2019
    • Directed by: Alex Gibney
    The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley is 2019 American documentary film, directed and produced by Alex Gibney. The story of Theranos, a multi-billion dollar tech company, its founder Elizabeth Holmes, the youngest self-made female billionaire, and the massive fraud that collapsed the company.

    Available On:

    subscription

  • 15 Minutes of Shame
    6

    15 Minutes of Shame

    Monica Lewinsky, Max Joseph,
    7 votes
    • Released: 2021
    • Directed by: Max Joseph
    15 Minutes of Shame is a 2021 American documentary film directed by Max Joseph. A timely, eye-opening roller-coaster ride through the world of public shaming. Examine social behavior by embedding with individuals from across the U.S. who have been publicly shamed or cyber-harassed – while exploring the bullies, the bystanders, the media, psychologists, politicians and experts in between.