Werner Herzog is a cinematic powerhouse renowned for his gripping documentaries that delve into human nature, cultural phenomena, and our relationship with the natural world. His unique narrative voice and fearless approach to filmmaking make his documentaries stand out. Here are the 10 best Werner Herzog documentaries, ranked:

10.”Encounters at the End of the World” (2007)

Exploring the untouched landscapes of Antarctica, Herzog weaves a tale of the harsh life and surreal beauty at McMurdo Station.

9.”Wheel of Time” (2003)

In this documentary, Herzog explores Tibetan Buddhist rites and examines the intricate patterns that are part of their spiritual quest.

8.”Into the Abyss” (2011)

A haunting examination of a triple homicide and its aftermath, “Into the Abyss” confronts the morality of capital punishment.

7.”Happy People: A Year in the Taiga” (2010)

This film follows Siberian fur trappers through the seasons, revealing a deeply personal look at their isolated and stoic way of life.

6.”Cave of Forgotten Dreams” (2010)

Herzog gains exclusive access to ancient paintings inside France’s Chauvet Cave, offering insight into art from 30,000 years ago.

5.”Little Dieter Needs to Fly” (1997)

The remarkable story of Dieter Dengler, a German-American pilot who was shot down over Laos during the Vietnam War and became a prisoner.

4.”The White Diamond” (2004)

Focusing on an airship engineer designing a new craft, this film contemplates obsession and man’s quest to conquer nature.

3.”Grizzly Man” (2005)

Perhaps one of his most recognizable works, Herzog documents the life and death of bear enthusiast Timothy Treadwell in Alaska’s wilderness.

2.”Lessons of Darkness” (1992)

This visually stunning piece reimagines Kuwaiti oil fields post-Gulf War as a devastated alien landscape, reflecting on devastation and loss.

1.”Fitzcarraldo” (1982)

While technically not a documentary in the traditional sense, its making was documented in ‘Burden of Dreams.’ “Fitzcarraldo” showcases Herzog’s classic themes: madness, obsession, and struggle against nature; themes also prevalent in his non-fiction work.

Werner Herzog’s documentaries are more than simple chronicles; they are profound inquiries into what makes us human. Each documentary listed here offers a unique perspective on our world; stories told only as Werner Herzog can tell them.