Seven Recommended Documentaries for Viewers Interested in Narrative Storytelling

Documentaries can present stories in ways comparable to fictional films. The Atlantic's writers and editors selected seven documentaries noted for their narrative qualities. These films cover diverse subjects and are accessible on multiple platforms.

The first recommendation is the 2012 documentary The Queen of Versailles, available to rent on Prime Video and YouTube TV. It follows Jackie Siegel and her husband, David Siegel, a time-share resort developer, as they attempt to build a 90,000-square-foot mansion in central Florida modeled after the Palace of Versailles.

The mansion, which is nearly twice the size of the White House, remained unfinished after the Great Recession affected their finances, leaving the family with a partially constructed property on swampland.

Minding the Gap, directed by Bing Liu, is streaming on Hulu and Disney+.

The film centers on a group of skateboarders in Illinois and explores themes beyond skateboarding, including personal challenges faced by the participants. Liu, an Illinois-bred Chinese American, incorporates elements from his own experiences in the documentary, which received an Academy Award nomination.

The documentary shifts focus as it progresses, revealing deeper aspects of the subjects' lives.

Viewers are advised to approach it with limited prior knowledge to maintain the narrative impact. It highlights the connections between skateboarding and broader life issues for the featured individuals.

Magnus is available to stream on Tubi and PlutoTV.

The film documents the life of Magnus Carlsen, who became a chess grandmaster at age 13 and world chess champion at age 22. It covers his early development, adolescent challenges, and training process. The narrative traces Carlsen's path from childhood to achieving prominence in chess.

The documentary provides details on his psychological approaches and motivations. Carlsen is recognized as one of the top chess players currently.

The list also includes Cave of Forgotten Dreams, though specific details on its content and availability were not fully provided in the source.

Other selections from The Atlantic's recommendations span various genres, emphasizing storytelling techniques that appeal to audiences preferring fictional narratives. These films offer insights into real-world subjects through structured, engaging formats.