Documentary cinema guide

Behind the Curtain of Sports: Failure and Friction in the Carlsen–Niemann Showdown

Behind the Sport: Checkmate and Controversy dives into the Carlsen–Niemann scandal and the cheating allegations that rocked the chess world. Streaming on Netflix starting April 7, 2026.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Rise: Netflix’s Musical Documentary

The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Rise to Fame: Hillel, Our Brother, a musical documentary exploring the band’s origins and the impact of guitarist Hillel Slovak, premieres on Netflix on March 20, 2026.

Rural: Édouard Bergeon Takes Center Stage in the World of Agriculture

On March 4, 2026, movie theaters will host "Rural," a 1-hour and 33-minute documentary by Édouard Bergeon centered on Jérôme Bayle, a prominent agricultural figure from the Southwest who is currently actively engaged in the fight.

Ernest Cole, Photographer: Raoul Peck's Documentary Lands on Netflix

Ernest Cole, the acclaimed photographer featured in Raoul Peck’s documentary showcased at Cannes 2024, is set to debut on Netflix on March 25, 2026.

Indochine, a musical revolution: the exclusive film airing on France 4

Airing on March 2nd at 9 p.m. on France 4, this original film directed by Laurent Allen-Caron explores the story of Indochina through the perspective of Nicola Sirkis, featuring rare footage and an exclusive concert.

Samuel Paty: Justice Served – A Documentary on France 5

Airing on March 10, 2026, on France 5 and france.tv following the appeal trial, Christine Tournadre's documentary revisits the initial court proceedings surrounding the murder of Samuel Paty.

Space Mission: Experience the Launch of Sophie Adenot at the Grand Rex, with Astronauts in Attendance

Heading into space on Sunday, February 22, 2026! The Grand Rex hosts a special event organized by the European Space Agency (ESA) to relive the launch of Sophie Adenot to the International Space Station, as part of her εpsilon mission. An immersive experience behind the scenes of crewed spaceflight, with live commentary from a panel of astronauts on hand for the occasion.

An Elevator Music History: ARTE Documentary

An ARTE documentary written and directed by David Unger, An Elevator Music Story delves into the origins and purposes of muzak. The film will be available from March 11, 2026, on arte.tv.

EPiC: Baz Luhrmann's Restored Musical Film "Elvis Presley in Concert"

EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, Baz Luhrmann's musical documentary, brings to life never-before-seen footage from Elvis's concerts. It hits theaters on February 25, 2026.

It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley: an exclusive documentary on the iconic singer

Just one album was all it took for Jeff Buckley to leave an indelible mark on rock history. Having tragically passed away at just 30 years old, the American singer and guitarist left behind a legacy of unforgettable tracks, including the legendary cover of “Hallelujah.” A new documentary, titled It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley, is set to bring the iconic artist back to the big screen. Directed by Amy Berg, the film has unveiled a heartfelt trailer. Mark your calendars — it hits French theaters on February 11, 2026!

Life After Siham: An Intimate Documentary Comes to the Cinemas

"Life After Siham" by Namir Abdel Messeeh, a documentary showcased at the Acid at Cannes 2025, hits theaters on January 28, 2026.

Orwell: "2+2=5," Raoul Peck's new documentary hitting theaters

Orwell: 2+2=5 is the latest documentary by Raoul Peck about George Orwell, premiering at Cannes Première 2025. It hits theaters nationwide on February 25, 2026.

Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart—the must-watch documentary now streaming on Netflix

Crime documentary directed by Benedict Sanderson, Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart revisits one of the most high-profile disappearances in the United States, premiering on Netflix on January 21, 2026.

The latest scoop: Behind the scenes of Stranger Things 5 on Netflix

Event documentary, The Final Adventure takes viewers behind the scenes of the last season of Stranger Things, delving into the creative process, heartfelt goodbyes, and its lasting cultural impact, available on Netflix.

The Paris Swindler: Lies and Gastronomy — Canal+ Investigates a Culinary Scam

Initially airing on Canal+ on January 7, 2025, The Paris Swindler: Lies and Gastronomy revisits a high-profile scam centered around a fake culinary venture that captivated the entire Paris elite.

The Carman Family Deaths: crime documentary on Netflix

The Carman Family Deaths, a documentary by Yon Motskin about a tragic family affair in New England, arrives on Netflix on November 19, 2025.

Masaka Kids: The Heartbeat – documentary set in Uganda on Netflix

Masaka Kids: The Heartbeat, a documentary by Moses Bwayo and David Vieira Lopez, will be released on Netflix on December 9, 2025. A portrait of orphaned children in Uganda.

Come See Me In The Good Light: documentary on Apple TV+

Come See Me In The Good Light, a documentary by Ryan White starring Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley, will be released on Apple TV+ on November 14, 2025. An intimate journey about love and the end of life.

À demain sur la Lune (See you tomorrow on the moon): documentary on palliative care

À demain sur la Lune, a documentary by Thomas Balmès, opens in theaters on February 4, 2026. Immerse yourself in a palliative care unit alongside Peyo the horse.

Taylor Swift: The End of an Era – Disney+ documentary series on the behind-the-scenes of the Eras Tour

Taylor Swift: The End of an Era, a six-part documentary series, goes behind the scenes of the Eras Tour. Two episodes will be available on December 12, 2025, on Disney+.