Top 25 Documentary Movies Hits from 1974

Various MGM stars from yesteryear present their favorite musical moments from the studio's 50-year history. Info on That's Entertainment! / IMDB / YouTube

Hilarious documentary on the wildlife of the Namib Desert. More about Beautiful People / IMDB / YouTube

This parallels the life of Andy Warhol Factory star Edie Sedgwick. The film chronicles Susan Superstar's (Sedgwick) glory days in the late 1960s through her inevitable downfall and the tragic addiction that would claim her life only weeks after filming wrapped in 1971. More about Ciao Manhattan / IMDB / YouTube

The life and music of Janis Joplin. Info on Janis / IMDB / YouTube

A concert film taken from two Rolling Stones concerts during their 1972 North American tour. Learn about Ladies and Gentlemen: The Rolling Stones / IMDB / YouTube

He's the greatest fighter of all time. A sports icon that is loved throughout the world. A man driven by his ambition to be the best. Muhammad Ali is a name that to this day puts fear in the strongest of men. Hear from the people who knew him best, from experts of the world of boxing, relive the legendary fights and explore the life of boxing's greatest symbol, Ali. Details on Float Like a Butterfly, Sting Like a Bee / IMDB / YouTube

World championship heavyweight boxing live from Kinshasa, Zaire as the undefeated champion, George Foreman, takes on the former title holder, Muhammad Ali. Read about The Rumble in the Jungle / IMDB / YouTube

Semi-fictionalized documentary biopic of British artist David Hockney. After a difficult break-up, Hockney is left unable to paint, much to the concern of his friends. Titled after Hockney's pop-art painting 'A Bigger Splash'. Get info on A Bigger Splash / IMDB / YouTube

Vibrant scenes of individuals' daily life are filmed in Place de la République. See more about Place de la République / IMDB / YouTube

Based on the beloved children's album that helped challenge gender stereotypes, this 1974 TV special brings a selection of songs from Marlo Thomas's record and book to the small screen via live-action, puppetry and animation. Find out about Free to Be... You & Me / IMDB / YouTube

In this uncomfortably intimate film, documentary filmmaker Kazuo Hara visits his ex-girlfriend Miyuki and records her new relationships. See more about Extreme Private Eros: Love Song 1974 / IMDB / YouTube

The Nazification of Germany from 1933 to 1945 told through a compilation of Nazi footage, newsreels, propaganda films and Eva Braun's home movies. Read about Swastika / IMDB / YouTube

Rockumentary by Paul McCartney's Wings recorded live at Abbey Road in 1974, featuring performances of Maybe I'm Amazed, Jet, Live and Let Die, and voiceovers from band members discussing their musical journeys. Info on One Hand Clapping / IMDB / YouTube

This film casts a forensic observational eye over researchers working with primates. After a time watching it is possible to wonder which ones of these two sets of primates is the more strange. Look into Primate / IMDB / YouTube

Documentary following the drivers of the 1973 Formula 1 Season Info on One by One / IMDB / YouTube

Directed by celebrated British filmmaker Tony Palmer, Bird on a Wire follows Cohen on his 1972 European tour. Long lost 16mm prints were restored for this release, not seen since 1972. Details on Leonard Cohen: Bird on a Wire / IMDB / YouTube

A documentary about the plight of the victims of Minamata disease, which was caused by the ingestion of fish containing abnormal amounts of mercury released into the sea by a fertilizer factory owned by the Chisso company. More about Minamata / IMDB / YouTube

An examination of the life and career of the first woman to conduct major orchestras in the US and Europe, Antonia Brico. See more about Antonia: A Portrait of the Woman / IMDB / YouTube

Documentary about a film crew's failed attempt at interviewing Fidel Castro while in Cuba. Learn about Waiting for Fidel / IMDB / YouTube

A documentary about the rivalry between veteran Larry Mahan and newcomer Phil Lyne, as the two vie for the National Finals Rodeo Championship title. Info on The Great American Cowboy / IMDB / YouTube

An examination of mysteries of the ancient world and their connection to the possibility that aliens visited Earth. Check out In Search of Ancient Mysteries / IMDB / YouTube

This documentary chronicles a summer in the life of Funny Car racer Jim Dunn and his family. Read about Funny Car Summer / IMDB / YouTube

This ABC's special remembers the everlasting legacy of the myth James Dean, the magic of his performances that still resonates with audiences many years after his tragic death. All he got was only three pictures and that was enough to make him a popular cinematographic icon. His co-stars and friends share stories with host Peter Lawford, talking about who Dean was, hi. More about James Dean Remembered / IMDB / YouTube

Set in Liverpool in 1973, this documentary follows the tenants of a housing estate as they go about their everyday lives, leading up to going back on rent. We get a glimpse of the human struggle behind a national scandal. Read about Behind the Rent Strike / IMDB / YouTube

What you are witnessing is based on fact. Some will find it fascinating, some will find it frightening: but it is all true. Details on UFOs: Past, Present, and Future / IMDB / YouTube