Best Documentary Movies of 1999

The highest-rated documentary films from 1999, ranked by MovieMagicScore based on authentic viewer ratings.

Documentary 1998 Documentary 2000 All Time Documentary

Action Comedy Drama Horror Science Fiction Thriller Romance Animation Fantasy Crime

Buena Vista Social Club

1999

In this fascinating Oscar-nominated documentary, American guitarist Ry Cooder brings together a group of legendary Cuban folk musicians (some in their 90s) to record a Grammy-winning CD in their native city of Havana. The result is a spectacular compilation of concert footage from the group's gigs in Amsterdam and New York City's famed Carnegie Hall, with director Wim Wenders capturing not only the music -- but also the musicians' life stories.

7.5

American Movie

1999

American Movie documents the story of filmmaker Mark Borchardt, his mission, and his dream. Spanning over two years of intense struggle with his film, his family, financial decline, and spiritual crisis, American Movie is a portrayal of ambition, obsession, excess, and one man's quest for the American Dream.

7.6

My Best Fiend

1999

A film that describes the love-hate relationship between Werner Herzog and Klaus Kinski, the deep trust between the director and the actor, and their independently and simultaneously hatched plans to murder one another.

7.3

Best Documentary Movies of 1999

This ranking features the top documentary movies released in 1999, sorted by MovieMagicScore viewer ratings. Looking for more? Browse all genres from 1999 or see the best documentary movies of all time.