20 excellent art documentaries

This documentary explores the life and work of artist and activist Ai Weiwei, who has created incredible art in the face of censorship from the Chinese government. Stream on Amazon Video. 

Arguably the most famous artist in the world right now, this documentary tells the story of the anonymous and avant-garde enigma that is Banksy. It's a little bit quirky, a lot interesting, and perhaps raises more questions than it answers. Available for rental on Amazon Video. 

This gripping documentary about the high-stakes world of art forgery is the definition of eye-opening. Stream on Netflix.  

This 2018 film offers a glimpse into the life of prominent Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, known for her wildly popular Infinity Rooms series. It follows her rise to fame from Japan to New York and back while chronicling her struggles with mental illness and acceptance in a male-dominated art world. Stream via Hulu. 

This 2017 documentary about late artist Jean Michel-Basquiat is packed with new footage, writings, and works from the acclaimed painter during his teenage years living in New York City. It's a stunning look into a wildly talented mind, told by the people who knew Basquiat best. Stream via Amazon Video. 

Art heists seem like something that can only happen in movies, but "This Is A Robbery" proves that absolutely isn't the case. It chronicles the brazen 1980 robbery of Boston's Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the spoils from which have still never been found. Stream on Netflix. 

This slightly-nerdy documentary series explores a wide range of design disciplines, from bio-architecture to the creation of typefaces and interactive art pieces. Stream all episodes of "Abstract: The Art of Design" on Netflix. 

Responsible for some of the most iconic animated films of the last three decades, there's no denying Pixar's place in film history. This 2007 documentary offers fans of films like "Toy Story" and "Finding Nemo" a look behind the scenes at what goes into making these incredible works of animated art. 

Relatively new to Netflix, this documentary offers a sobering look at the legacy of famed TV painter Bob Ross. Known for his "happy little trees," Ross ruled the PBS airwaves for decades, but the fight over his legacy is the definition of controversial. Stream on Netflix. 

An absolute feast for the eyes, this visually stunning documentary follows Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang as he creates an epic, 1,600-foot work of contemporary art that reaches toward the sky. Stream "Sky Ladder" via Netflix. 

Perhaps best known for the iconic campaign poster he created for President Barack Obama, Shepard Fairey's work is both beloved and controversial. "Obey Giant," tells Fairey's story, from a punk-rock-loving skateboarder to renowned artist and activist. Stream on Hulu. 

This quirky documentary follows inventor Tim Jenison as he uses technological tricks to replicate the work of artist Johannes Vermeer. It's fascinating to watch, especially as Jenison painstakingly works to prove his theory that Vermeer used optical tools to create his stunning portraits and landscapes. 

This touching documentary about Czech artist Barbora Kysilkova and the man who stole two of her beloved paintings combines art, true crime, and a redemption narrative in the most compelling way possible. Stream via Hulu. 

A look at the intersection of consumerism and pricey contemporary art, "Blurred Lines" examines the profit machine that drives the world of high-end art. Stream via Amazon Video. 

Before his tragic death in 2010, U.K. designer Alexander McQueen was one of the most coveted names in fashion. This documentary offers a look at McQueen's rise from working as a tailor to helming his own fashion house and is full of interviews with McQueen's closest companions. Stream via Hulu. 

Focusing on a historic Los Angeles art exhibit, this documentary shines the spotlight on the work of Black artists like curator David Driskell, Theaster Gates, and Kehinde Wiley, among others. Stream on HBOMax. 

This quirky documentary follows a bright-yellow work of Andy Warhol art, designed to look like a box of Brillo pads, as it travels from private ownership to the competitive contemporary art market. Stream "Brillo Box (3¢ Off) on HBO Max. 

Following artists like Bruce Hall and Pete Eckert, this documentary showcases the creativity of photographers who are blind. Prepare to be surprised by the creative ways these photographers work to make the shot happen. Stream "Dark Light: The Art of Blind Photographers" on HBOMax. 

Can't make it to New Mexico to check out the popular DIY art installation Meow Wolf? This documentary is a heck of a consolation prize. It tells the story of how the installation was conceived and created and even features appearances from author George R.R. Martin, also a New Mexico native. Stream via Amazon Video. 

This touching 2014 documentary features actor Robert DeNiro as he explores the art career of his father, Robert De Niro, Senior, who was a talented painter who perhaps didn't get his due. Stream "Remembering the Artist Robert De Niro, Sr." via HBOMax.