Best 28 Documentary Movies Must-Watch Released in 1981

A look into the Los Angeles punk rock scene, that was largely ignored by the rock music press of the time. Find out about The Decline of Western Civilization / IMDB / YouTube

A documentary on the eccentric residents of Vernon, Florida. Explore Vernon, Florida / IMDB / YouTube

A documentary of the decline of America. It features footage (most exclusive to this film) from race riots to serial killers and much, much more. Learn about The Killing of America / IMDB / YouTube

This film continues along the same lines as F.O.D. 1 with short scenes of material related to death. Mortuaries, accidents, police work are filmed by television equipment and domestic video cameras. Check out Faces of Death II / IMDB / YouTube

A young British punk and roadie for The Clash navigates life in socially torn 1970s England. More about Rude Boy / IMDB / YouTube

The life and career of Elvis Presley are chronicled in home movies, concert footage, and dramatizations. Learn about This Is Elvis / IMDB / YouTube

Scientists and witnesses involved in the creation and testing of the first ever atomic bomb reflect on the Manhattan project and its fascinating leader, J. Robert Oppenheimer, who upon completion of his wonderful and horrible invention became a powerful spokesperson against the nuclear arms race. Details on The Day After Trinity / IMDB / YouTube

The story of Nostradamus and his predictions about the future. Learn about The Man Who Saw Tomorrow / IMDB / YouTube

This documentary examines the great problems and ingenious solutions that marked the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, tracing its transformation from a spectacular feat of heroic engineering to an honored symbol in American culture. Look into Brooklyn Bridge / IMDB / YouTube

In 1981, the managers of an Aboriginal co-operative cattle station attempt to maintain work for their employees, despite struggles with government agencies. Details on Collum Calling Canberra / IMDB / YouTube

The documentary follows Gene Scott, famous televangelist involved with constant fights against FCC, who tried to shut down his TV show during the 1970's and 1980's, and even argues with his viewers, complaining about their lack of support by not sending enough money to keep going with the show. Werner Herzog presents the man, his thoughts and also includes some of his. Details on Glaube und Währung - Dr. Gene Scott, Fernsehprediger / IMDB / YouTube

Live performances from dozens of leading early-1980s musical acts - new wave, punk, ska, reggae - it's all here. Explore Urgh! A Music War / IMDB / YouTube

Documentary chronicaling the rise and fall of the punk movement with rare interview footage of Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen. Also concert and news footage. Find out about D.O.A. / IMDB / YouTube

Cloudy days that produce snow are great but there's nothing quite like the days where you get to Ski in the Sun. Grab your skis and sunscreen and join along as skiers like Mike Chew, Scott Brooksbank, Karen Huntoon, Kevin Moore, Ben Jones, and tons of others show you what real skiing looks like under the brightest light in the sky. From British Columbia down to Mount . Info on Ski in the Sun / IMDB / YouTube

Paul McCartney and Wings' epic 1975-76 tour captured in Rockshow. Full concert film from Seattle's Kingdome, restored and remastered with 5.1 sound. A legendary performance finally available in its entirety. Look into Rockshow / IMDB / YouTube

Illuminating look at the way physically disabled people were dealt with in West Germany in the late 60's / early 70's. Details on Behinderte Zukunft / IMDB / YouTube

The reverend Huie L. Rogers delivers an intense and impassioned sermon at his church in Brooklyn. More about Huie's Sermon / IMDB / YouTube

A notorious mondo film depicting unbelievable and bizarre rituals, animal killing and cruelty, and people being killed and eaten, all by either animals or humans against each other or themselves. Check out Savage Man Savage Beast / IMDB / YouTube

Documentary about women working in factories during WWII and resultant loss of jobs after the war. Five women tell their stories. Fascinating clips of racist, sexist propaganda of the era. Look into The Life and Times of Rosie the Riveter / IMDB / YouTube

A documentary film on the life and works of director Kenji Mizoguchi. See more about Kenji Mizoguchi: The Life of a Film Director / IMDB / YouTube

One of the first 'Making of...' movies to become a hit in its own right, this documentary treats movie fans to a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Raiders of the Lost Ark, about the quest to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis. Included are interviews with stars Harrison Ford and Karen Allen, director Steven Spielberg and other members of the cast and . Look into The Making of 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' / IMDB / YouTube

A documentary about women's basic training in Fort Georgia. Info on Soldier Girls / IMDB / YouTube

Produced as the premier presentation for the Theatre of the National Air and Space Museum Smithsonian Institution, takes the viewer on an aerial tour of America from a balloon ascension in the 1800's to a venture into space. Learn about To Fly! / IMDB / YouTube

Devil at Your Heels, traces the trials of stuntman Ken Carter who attempts a death defying aerial jump in a car. Not content with a normal jump, Ken Carter attempts a jump from Canada to the USA. Info on The Devil at Your Heels / IMDB / YouTube

Autobiographical account of the cult 80's British pop group Madness, with members of the group playing themselves, charting their rise from humble beginnings as pub band The Invaders to chart success and their first overseas tour. The film follows the ups and downs of individual members of the group, and features all of their early hits including The Prince, One St. Read about Take It or Leave It / IMDB / YouTube

MODEL shows male and female models at work on TV commercials, fashion shows, magazine covers, and advertising for a variety of products, including designer collections, fur coats, sports clothes and automobiles. The models are seen at work with photographers whose techniques illustrate different styles of fashion and product photography. The business aspect of running an agency is also shown: interviewing prospective models, career counseling, arranging portfolios, talking with clients, and planning trips. The film presents a view of the intersections of fashion, business, advertising, photography, television and fantasy. Look into Model / IMDB / YouTube

The film offers a comprehensive examination of the exploitation of animals in modern society. Explore The Animals Film / IMDB / YouTube

With a great archive footage coming from 16 countries, this Oscar nominated documentary briefly presents some of the most important facts about the Nazist persecution against Jews in Europe, starting with Hitler's rise to the power. Find out about The Yellow Star: The Persecution of the Jews in Europe - 1933-1945 / IMDB / YouTube