The 25 biggest documentary film openings of all time

Something unusual is happening right now: a documentary is drawing crowds to theaters at a level rarely seen for the genre.The Elizabeth Holmes documentary "You Can See Everything," directed by Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim, grossed $15.6 million in the US and Canada during its opening weekend in October. That makes it the second-biggest theatrical docufilm debut ever, behind director Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 9/11," which saw a nearly $24 million opening in 2004. "You Can See Everything" was filmed in the month before Holmes reported to prison in May 2023 after she was convicted of defrauding investors in connection with her now-defunct blood-testing company, Theranos.Theatrical documentary premieres have become rarer since the streaming era began, as the genre has found a major audience on streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu. Besides the new Holmes docufilm, only two others on the list were from this decade: "Melania" debuted to $7.1 million in January 2026, and "After Death," a documentary about near-death experiences, opened to $5 million in 2023.Still, theatrical docufilms were once a cultural force, especially in the 2000s and 2010s, when a wave of nature-, political-, and celebrity-focused ones premiered in theaters to much fanfare.Here are the 25 highest-grossing traditional documentary film openings at the box office, using data from Box Office Mojo. Several hit concert docufilms, like "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" and "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never," earned more but were omitted from this list to focus on traditional nonfiction documentaries. 25. Whitney (2018) Director Kevin Macdonald and Executive Producer Pat Houston attend the "Whitney" premiere on June 27, 2018, in New York City. Theo Wargo/Getty Images Opening weekend domestic gross: $1,265,572Directed by Kevin Macdonald, "Whitney" chronicles the life and career of singer Whitney Houston.The documentary uses archival footage and interviews with people close to Houston to explore her rise to fame, personal struggles, and her death in 2012. 24. Imagine: John Lennon (1988) Richard Gere and photographer Herb Ritts attend the "Imagine: John Lennon" premiere on October 6, 1988, in New York City. Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images Opening weekend domestic gross: $1,412,213The documentary, directed by Andrew Solt, looks back on John Lennon’s life and career through archival footage, home movies, interviews, and recordings.It covers Lennon's time with the Beatles, his solo work, and his relationship with Yoko Ono. 23. That's Dancing! (1985) Actress Lindsay Wagner and American director and producer Jack Haley Jr. attend the premiere of 'That's Dancing!' on January 18, 1985, in New York City. Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images Opening weekend domestic gross: $1,506,802Directed by Jack Haley Jr., "That's Dancing!" chronicles how dance evolved in Hollywood films through clips from musicals.It features performances by Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Judy Garland, and more. 22. Rize (2005) Christina Aguilera and David LaChapelle attend the premiere of "Rize" on June 21, 2005, in Hollywood. Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic Opening weekend domestic gross: $1,574,787David LaChapelle directed the documentary that focuses on the different dance styles across Los Angeles, including krumping and clowning.It follows dancers who use dance as an outlet in South Central LA. 21. Babies (2010) Hoda Kotb and Bobbie Thomas attend the premiere of "Babies" at the Tribeca Grand Screening Room on April 27, 2010, in New York City. Jerritt Clark/WireImage Opening weekend domestic gross: $2,160,460Directed by Thomas Balmès, the documentary follows four infants from birth through their first year in Namibia, Mongolia, Japan, and the US. 20. Penguins (2019) Jeff Wilson, Ed Helms, Dr. Jane Goodall, Alastair Fothergill, and Roy Conli attend Disneynature's "Penguins" premiere on April 14, 2019, in New York City. Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Disney Studios Opening weekend domestic gross: $2,282,593Directed by Alastair Fothergill and Jeff Wilson, the Disneynature documentary, narrated by Ed Helms, follows a penguin as he searches for a partner and starts a family in Antarctica. 19. The Real Cancun (2003) Director Rick De Oliveira attends the "The Real Cancun" premiere in Hollywood. Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic Opening weekend domestic gross: $2,300,000"The Real Cancun" follows 16 American college students on spring break in Mexico.The documentary captures the students as they party, hook up, argue, and more during a 10-day stay in Cancún's Hotel Zone. 18. Death of a Nation (2018) "Death of a Nation" was written and directed by Dinesh D'Souza and Bruce Schooley. Greg Doherty/Getty Images Opening weekend domestic gross: $2,356,522Conservative commentator Dinesh D'Souza co-directed "Death of a Nation" with Bruce Schooley.The documentary uses reenactments and interviews to argue that Donald Trump is comparable to Abraham Lincoln and that the Democratic Party has historical ties to racism and fascism. 17. Meet the Mormons (2014) The cast of "Meet the Mormons" attend the documentary's premiere on October 7, 2014, in Sandy, Utah. Photo by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Opening weekend domestic gross: $2,509,808Produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the documentary follows six church members around the world, including the US, Costa Rica, and Nepal, to depict their daily lives and beliefs. 16. Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed (2008) "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed" was directed by Nathan Frankowski and starred actor Ben Stein, pictured, who is also known for his involvement in politics. Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images Opening weekend domestic gross: $2,970,848Directed by Nathan Frankowski, "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed" challenges the teaching of evolution and includes interviews with scientists, writers, and religious figures. 15. Fahrenheit 11/9 (2018) Director Michael Moore attends the 'Fahrenheit 11/9' premiere on September 19, 2018 in Beverly Hills. Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for Briarcliff Entertainment Opening weekend domestic gross: $3,008,563Director Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 11/9," a follow-up to his 2004 documentary "Fahrenheit 9/11," examines the political climate surrounding Donald Trump's election and presidency.The documentary ranges from the Flint water crisis to the Parkland school shooting and criticism of Democratic leaders. 14. Religulous (2008) Director Larry Charles and Bill Maher speak at the "Religulous" press conference on September 7, 2008. Malcolm Taylor/Getty Images Opening weekend domestic gross: $3,409,643Comedian Bill Maher travels the world questioning believers, clergy members, and religious institutions in "Religulous," directed by Larry Charles.The documentary takes a comedic and confrontational look at Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and other religions. 13. Terror in the Aisles (1984) "Terror in the Aisles" was directed by Andrew J. Kuehn. Thomas McGovern/Getty Images Opening weekend domestic gross: $4,009,866Directed by Andrew J. Kuehn, "Terror in the Aisles" dives into the history of horror cinema.Actors Donald Pleasence and Nancy Allen introduce clips from films including "Psycho," "The Exorcist," "Halloween," and "The Shining," while discussing why audiences enjoy being scared. 12. Monkey Kingdom (2015) The world premiere of "Monkey Kingdom" on April 12, 2015 in Los Angeles. Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Disney Opening weekend domestic gross: $4,577,861"Monkey Kingdom" follows Maya, a toque macaque, as she raises her son within the Sri Lankan jungle.Mark Linfield and Alastair Fothergill directed the Disneynature documentary, narrated by Tina Fey. 11. Tupac: Resurrection (2003) The premiere of "Tupac: Resurrection"on November 4, 2003, in Los Angeles. Kevin Winter/Getty Images Opening weekend domestic gross: $4,632,847Director Lauren Lazin's documentary examines the life of Tupac Shakur through archive footage, home videos, interviews, and Shakur's own voice recordings.The documentary lets Shakur's recordings guide the audience through his childhood, music career, activism, legal troubles, and his death in 1996. 10. Bears (2014) The premiere of "Bears" on April 15, 2014, in New York City. Monica Schipper/FilmMagic Opening weekend domestic gross: $4,776,267"Bears" follows a brown bear mother as she emerges from hibernation in Alaska with her two cubs.Directed by Alastair Fothergill and Keith Scholey and narrated by John C. Reilly, the Disneynature documentary tracks the family's search for food and protection as they face wolves, rival bears, and the wilderness. 9. Born in China (2017) The premiere of "Born In China" on April 8, 2017 in New York City. Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images Opening weekend domestic gross: $4,790,367Director Lu Chuan takes viewers across China's mountains and forests in "Born in China," a Disneynature documentary narrated by John Krasinski.It follows a giant panda mother and cub, a golden snub-nosed monkey family, and a snow leopard raising her young in the highlands. 8. After Death (2023) "After Death" was released through the American media and technology company Angel Angel Opening weekend domestic gross: $5,051,950"After Death" interviews people who say they had near-death experiences and returned to life.The documentary, co-directed by Stephen Gray and Chris Radtke, also includes interviews with doctors, scientists, and others about consciousness, death, and the possibility of an afterlife. 7. African Cats (2011) The "African Cats" UK film premiered on April 25, 2012, in London. Jon Furniss/WireImage Opening weekend domestic gross: $6,003,200Set in Kenya, the Disneynature documentary, directed by Alastair Fothergill and Keith Scholey, focuses on a family of lions and a cheetah raising her cubs.It was nominated for documentary awards by the Environmental Media Awards and the Phoenix Film Critics Society. 6. Oceans (2010) The premiere of "Oceans" on April 17, 2010 in Hollywood. Mark Sullivan/Getty Images Opening weekend domestic gross: $6,058,958"Oceans," directed by Jacques Perrin and Jacques Cluzaud, is a portrait of marine life around the world.The documentary is largely filmed underwater, showcasing whales, sharks, schools of fish, and more. 5. Melania (2026) President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attend the world premiere of "Melania" at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, on January 29, 2026. Alex WROBLEWSKI / AFP via Getty Images Opening weekend domestic gross: $7,161,605Directed by Brett Ratner, "Melania" follows first lady Melania Trump during the 20 days before Donald Trump’s second presidential inauguration in January 2025.The film offers behind-the-scenes footage of her preparations to return to the White House, including meetings, travel, and intimate moments among family members. 4. Earth (2009) The world premiere of "Earth" on April 18, 2009 in Hollywood. Eric Charbonneau/Le Studio/Wireimage Opening weekend domestic gross: $8,825,760Disneynature directors Alastair Fothergill and Mark Linfield directed "Earth," which follows polar bears, elephants, and humpback whales across the different seasons.The documentary was the first release from Disneynature in the US and was among the highest-grossing nature documentaries at the time. 3. Chimpanzee (2012) The world premiere of "Chimpanzee" on April 13, 2012 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Gerardo Mora/Getty Images for Disney Opening weekend domestic gross: $10,673,748"Chimpanzee" centers on a young chimp living in the forests of Ivory Coast who is orphaned after a rival troop attacks his group.The Disneynature documentary was directed by Alastair Fothergill and Mark Linfield, with Tim Allen as the narrator. 2. You Can See Everything (2026) Directors Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim speak at the "You Can See Everything" premiere on September 30, 2026. Cindy Ord/Getty Images for FLC Opening weekend domestic gross: $15,601,418Directed by Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim, the documentary offers a revealing portrait of Elizabeth Holmes, who was convicted of fraud and conspiracy connected to her fallen company, Theranos.Holmes allowed the directors into her life during the 34 days before she reported to federal prison to serve an 11-year sentence. It's receiving wide critical acclaim and sparking online debate about its portrayal of Holmes. 1. Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004) Director Michael Moore attends a "Fahrenheit 9/11" press conference on July 6, 2004, in New York City. J. Countess/WireImage Opening weekend domestic gross: $23,920,637Director Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 9/11" takes a close look at President George W. Bush, the September 11 attacks, the war in Iraq, and the connections between American political and business leaders.The documentary won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and became the highest-grossing traditional documentary in US box-office history.