The following 7 documentaries have shaped my thinking and changed my behavior over the last several years. I revisit them often. They were all featured in 5-Bullet Friday, my free weekly newsletter. Sign up for free: tim.blog/friday 1. Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain. I deeply appreciated the nuanced portrayal. The archival and outtake footage alone make it well worth watching. Tony’s story is inspiring, incredible, and tragic, and this film does an admirable job of capturing all three. 2. Searching for Sugar Man. I’ve had dozens of friends recommend this over the years. It’s SPECTACULAR. The film’s accolades include 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, a BAFTA Award for Best Documentary, and an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, just to mention a few. 3. Bird by Bird with Annie. I’ve loved Anne Lamott and her work for more than a decade, and ever since I had her on the podcast, I’ve gone even deeper into the Annieverse. This documentary had just the right blend of humor, humanity, and insight to help me with some difficult emotions this week. 4. Sour Grapes. This film scores ~95% on Rotten Tomatoes, and both the story and its cinematic telling are simply fantastic. This is a hilarious and nearly unbelievable case study in factors that make humans vulnerable to deceit, hubris, and more. 5. The Work. This documentary tore my heart apart but simultaneously gave me tremendous hope. It strikes me as particularly important for men (or those who want to better understand men) to watch, but the intensity isn’t for everyone. 6. Dealt, directed by Luke Korem. This absolutely blew my mind, and I don’t want to spoil it with a description. Truly amazing. I can’t remember the last time I finished a documentary, only to want to immediately watch it again. 7. RBG. “At the age of 85, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has developed a lengthy legal legacy while becoming an unexpected pop culture icon. Explore her unique and unknown personal journey of her rise to the nation’s highest court.”