There is something to be said for a film made for more than pure entertainment. I’ve always loved non-fiction, and therefore, I’ve long been a shamelessly flamboyant fan of the documentary. Since I find that a lot of people get lost in the whirlwind of Hollywood mainstream film, I’ve put together this list of documentaries you MUST check out.

DiG!
DiG! Captures 7 years, via intimate footage, of the bands The Dandy Warhols and The Brian Jonestown Massacre. It details their trials and triumphs and struggles and successes. More importantly, it provides for a real, first hand look of how difficult being in a band can actually be.

SPELLBOUND
Following eight teens who are on a mission to win a spelling bee, this movie introduces the viewers to the kids’ parents, their practice routines, and the generally weird world of competition spelling.

SHOT IN THE DARK
You may be a fan of Adrian Grenier, or you may not. Regardless, his documentary is amazing. It is about his quest to find his father, who he grew up without. It’s emotional and simultaneously intelligent.

JESUS CAMP
Even if you ARE religious and a firm believer in Christianity, particularly Pentecostal beliefs, you should still see this movie. It documents children who are away at ‘Jesus’ Camp. It’s intense, informative, and a total must see.

MAD HOT BALLROOM
Didn’t you want to be a ballroom dancer when you were in grade school? No? Well, some New York City public school kids did and this film follows them around and shows their determination to make something of themselves…by dancing.

WHAT THE #$*! DO WE KNOW?
You may or may not agree with everything this film presents to you, but I still think you need to see it. It helps you to question basically everything you have ever known and if nothing more, it will give you some perspective.

CONFESSIONS OF A SUPERHERO
Some people in L.A. dress up as superheroes every single day of their lives. They make their money through tips. It’s pretty ridiculously amazing and this film allows you to get into the head of L.A.’s best known superheroes.

CRAZY LOVE
Two crazy lovers are so passionate about each other (and emotionally destructive) that a woman actually returns to her lover 16 years after he blinds her by throwing acid in her face. If you think your relationship is insane, check out this movie.

NO DIRECTION HOME
Don’t like Bob Dylan? Doesn’t matter. This film is a classic. It is shot beautifully and trails Dylan’s career.

MY FLESH AND BLOOD
What if you adopted 11 kids? And what if they were all special needs children? This film follows a woman around who has admirably done just that.

[Got any other Doc recommendations? Let us know!]