Source: Courtesy of Warner Independent Pictures
5. March of the Penguins (2005)
> Domestic box office, adjusted for inflation: $110.7 million
> IMDb user rating: 7.5/10 (58,122 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes user rating: 81% (99,912 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 94% (184 reviews)
> Directed by: Luc Jacquet
As the Antarctic summer draws to a close, emperor penguins march across a frozen tundra for their annual mating ritual. French documentarian Luc Jacquet captures the epic journey in all its triumph and tragedy in this blockbuster film. Morgan Freeman narrates the English version as well as its lesser-known sequel.
Source: Courtesy of Sun International
4. Chariots of the Gods (1974)
> Domestic box office, adjusted for inflation: $125.5 million
> IMDb user rating: 6.2/10 (1,565 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes user rating: 42% (50 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 0% (3 reviews)
> Directed by: Harald Reinl
Long before the current obsession with aliens, there came this Oscar-nominated documentary from German director Harald Reinl. Based on a book of the same name, it explores the theory that extraterrestrials provided the early foundations for religion, art, and civilization.
24/7 Wall St.
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
3. Galapagos (1955)
> Domestic box office, adjusted for inflation: $167.6 million
> IMDb user rating: 6.7/10 (104 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes user rating: 83% (1,000 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 100% (10 reviews)
> Directed by: Thor Heyerdahl
Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl chronicles his archaeological expedition to the Galapagos Islands in this travel documentary. It came on the heels of his famous journey across the Pacific aboard a pae-pae raft, as depicted in the 1950 Oscar-winner “Kon-Tiki.”
Source: Courtesy of Fellowship Adventure Group LLC
2. Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004)
> Domestic box office, adjusted for inflation: $175.7 million
> IMDb user rating: 7.5/10 (129,614 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes user rating: 70% (207,876 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 82% (238 reviews)
> Directed by: Michael Moore
Left-wing activist, Michael Moore’s controversial documentary revisits the terrorist attack of 9/1 and the war campaigns that followed. It explores various geopolitical motives and theories and doubles as a scathing takedown of the former President George W. Bush and his administration. One-sided perhaps, but it’s nevertheless quite revealing.
Source: Courtesy of Warner Bros.
1. Woodstock (1970)
> Domestic box office, adjusted for inflation: $191.6 million
> IMDb user rating: 8.1/10 (17,388 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes user rating: 92% (9,343 votes)
> Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 100% (25 reviews)
> Directed by: Michael Wadleigh
The highest-grossing documentary ever made (when adjusted for inflation) earned a greater profit than the famous concert it depicted. Witness three impactful days of peace, love, and music, complete with naked hippies and thrilling live performances. A director’s cut was released in 1994 with nearly 40 minutes of extra footage.
Sponsored: Tips for Investing
A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. If you’re an investor looking to minimize expenses, consider checking out online brokerages. They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit.
Editors' Picks
