The Best Documentaries of the 1980s

The 1980s were a decade filled with significant events and cultural shifts, and the world of documentary filmmaking was no exception.

From political upheavals to social justice issues to groundbreaking art, the documentaries of the 1980s captured it all. 

In this article

1. Koyaanisqatsi (1982) 
2. Roger & Me (1989) 
3. The Atomic Cafe (1982)

The era was marked by a shift towards individualism, consumerism, and a growing emphasis on materialism. 

This was reflected in popular culture, where music, movies, and television shows celebrated the pursuit of wealth and success. 

The 1980s saw the rise of iconic figures such as Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Prince, who symbolized the spirit of the era with their flamboyant style and extravagant lifestyles. At the same time, the 1980s were also a time of social and political upheaval. 

The decade was marked by the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union, as well as a growing concern over the threat of nuclear war. 

Despite these challenges, the 1980s were also a time of creativity and innovation in the arts. This was especially true in the world of music, where new genres such as hip-hop, new wave, and heavy metal emerged and went mainstream. 

The MTV music channel revolutionized the way music was marketed and consumed, and music videos became an essential part of the cultural landscape. In film, the 1980s saw the rise of blockbusters such as ‘Star Wars’, ‘Indiana Jones’, and ‘Ghostbusters’ which set new records at the box office and became cultural touchstones for a generation.

Here are the top documentaries of the 1980s, listed in no particular order: 

Koyaanisqatsi (1982) 

Directed by Godfrey Reggio and scored by Philip Glass, Koyaanisqatsi is a visually stunning and experimental film that explores the relationship between humanity, technology, and nature. Featuring breathtaking cinematography and a hypnotic score, this documentary is a true work of art.

Roger & Me (1989) 

Directed by Michael Moore, Roger & Me is a scathing critique of corporate America and its impact on working-class communities. Moore takes on General Motors and its CEO, Roger Smith, as he explores the devastating effects of GM’s decision to close down factories in his hometown of Flint, Michigan. 

The Atomic Cafe (1982)

Directed by Kevin Rafferty, Jayne Loader, and Pierce Rafferty, The Atomic Cafe is a satirical and darkly humorous look at the American government’s propaganda efforts during the Cold War.

Wondering what the best documentaries of the 1970s were? Read the blog here.