Want to learn something new? Check out this week's lineup of documentaries showing on the big screen in and around Seattle.
Here are the best documentary films to catch in theaters, based on critical scores sourced from review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. (Movie descriptions courtesy The Movie Database; showtimes via Fandango.)
'Won't You Be My Neighbor?'
Fred Rogers used puppets and play to explore complex social issues: race, disability, equality and tragedy, helping form the American concept of childhood. He spoke directly to children and they responded enthusiastically. Yet today, his impact is unclear. Have we lived up to Fred's ideal of good neighbors?
Boasting a critical approval rating of 98 percent and an audience score of 100 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" has been a must-watch since its release on June 29. The site's critical consensus indicates that, "'Won't You Be My Neighbor?' takes a fittingly patient and honest look at the life and legacy of a television pioneer whose work has enriched generations."
It's screening at AMC Pacific Place 11 (600 Pine South) through Thursday, Jan. 10. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
'Free Solo'
Follow Alex Honnold as he attempts to become the first person to ever free solo climb Yosemite's 3,000-foot-high El Capitan wall. With no ropes or safety gear, this would arguably be the greatest feat in rock climbing history.
Boasting a critical approval rating of 98 percent and an audience score of 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Free Solo" has gotten stellar reviews since its release on Sept. 28. Per the site's critical consensus, "'Free Solo' depicts athletic feats that many viewers will find beyond reason — and grounds the attempts in passions that are all but universal."
Catch it on the big screen at AMC Pacific Place 11 (600 Pine South) through Tuesday, Jan. 8 and AMC Seattle 10 (4500 Ninth Ave. NE) through Thursday, Jan. 10. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
'Three Identical Strangers'
New York, 1980: three complete strangers accidentally discover that they're identical triplets, separated at birth. The 19-year-olds' joyous reunion catapults them to international fame, but also unlocks an extraordinary and disturbing secret that goes beyond their own lives — and could transform our understanding of human nature forever.
With a 96 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 89 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Three Identical Strangers" has gotten stellar reviews since its release on June 29. According to the site's summary of critic reviews, "Surreal and surprising, 'Three Identical Strangers' effectively questions the nature of reality and identity."
Catch it on the big screen at AMC Pacific Place 11 (600 Pine South) through Friday, Jan. 11. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
'Crime + Punishment'
Based on more than four years of unprecedented access, this documentary tells the story of a brave group of black and Latino whistleblower cops and one unrelenting private investigator who, amidst a landmark lawsuit, risks everything to expose illegal quota practices and their impact on young minorities.
With a 95 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 100 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Crime + Punishment" has become a favorite since its release on Jan. 19. The site's critical consensus indicates that, "'Crime + Punishment' shines a brilliant light on systemic corruption, building a case for change that's as upsetting as it is ultimately inspiring."
You can catch it at AMC Pacific Place 11 (600 Pine South) through Thursday, Jan. 10. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
[Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions.]
