From Video Games to Horror Icons: The Best Geeky Documentaries

Feb 28, 2025

6

min read

There’s something special about a great documentary—especially when it dives into the behind-the-scenes stories of gaming, comics, sci-fi, horror, and fandom culture. As geeks, we love exploring the worlds of our favorite franchises, but sometimes, the real-life stories behind them are even wilder than fiction.

Whether it’s the cutthroat rivalry of Donkey Kong world champions, the struggles of indie game developers, or the chaotic rise and fall of gaming empires, these documentaries offer insane stories, deep nostalgia, and a fresh perspective on geek culture.

So, if you’re looking for something to watch that’s both entertaining and packed with geek history, here are the best geeky documentaries you need to check out right now.

1. High Score (2020) – The History of Video Games

Where to Watch: Netflix

This six-episode docuseries is a must-watch for any gamer. High Score takes you through the golden age of video games, covering everything from the birth of arcade classics like Pac-Man and Space Invaders to the console wars of Nintendo vs. Sega.

The series features legendary developers like John Romero (DOOM) and Tom Kalinske (former Sega CEO) and explores the innovations that shaped modern gaming, including RPGs, 3D graphics, and online multiplayer. It’s the perfect mix of nostalgia and insight, making it a must-watch for gaming fans.

2. The Toys That Made Us (2017-2019) – The Nostalgia Trip

Where to Watch: Netflix

The Toys That Made Us is a deep dive into the history of the most iconic toys ever made, from LEGO and Transformers to Star Wars action figures and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Each episode explores how these toys were designed, marketed, and became pop culture legends, with insane behind-the-scenes stories of corporate battles, near-failures, and surprise successes. If you ever had a childhood obsession with collecting figures, building sets, or reenacting battles with your favorite action heroes, this docuseries is for you.

3. Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope (2011) – The Ultimate Convention Experience

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime

Comic-Con wasn’t always the Hollywood-dominated spectacle it is today. Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope follows the true heart of the convention—the fans, cosplayers, and aspiring creators who attend hoping to break into the industry or meet their heroes.

Directed by Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me), the documentary includes interviews with Stan Lee, Joss Whedon, and Kevin Smith, making it a love letter to geek culture and fandom.

4. The Power of Grayskull (2017) – The Story of He-Man and Masters of the Universe

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime & Tubi

He-Man wasn’t just a toy line—it was a pop culture juggernaut. This documentary dives into the creation, rise, and eventual decline of He-Man and how it still influences geek culture today.

Packed with behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with creators, and insights into the business decisions that shaped the franchise, this is a must-watch for 80s cartoon and toy fans.

5. Nintendo Quest (2015) – A Collector’s Dream (or Nightmare?)

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime

Imagine trying to collect every single NES game ever made—without using the internet. That’s the challenge Jay Bartlett takes on in this crazy road trip documentary.

As he travels across North America hunting down rare cartridges, the film explores the world of retro game collecting and the deep emotional connection gamers have to their childhood favorites.

6. The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007) – Arcade Rivalry at Its Finest

Where to Watch: Apple TV & Amazon Prime

One of the most dramatic documentaries ever made—and it's about Donkey Kong.

This film follows Steve Wiebe, an underdog trying to break the world record in Donkey Kong, while facing off against the reigning champion, Billy Mitchell, whose villainous persona makes this feel like a real-life sports drama.

It's a must-watch for anyone who loves competitive gaming, esports, or just a good underdog story.

7. Indie Game: The Movie (2012) – The Heart and Soul of Game Development

Where to Watch: Steam & Amazon Prime

An emotional and brutally honest look at the struggles of indie game developers, following the creators of Super Meat Boy, Fez, and Braid as they deal with deadlines, self-doubt, and financial stress while trying to bring their visions to life.

8. Atari: Game Over (2014) – The Infamous E.T. Burial

Where to Watch: YouTube & Amazon Prime

The true story behind gaming’s greatest urban legend—millions of unsold E.T. cartridges buried in the desert. This documentary is a fascinating look at Atari’s collapse and how one game nearly destroyed the entire gaming industry.

9. Power On: The Story of Xbox (2021) – The Birth of a Gaming Giant

Where to Watch: YouTube (Free)

A six-part docuseries on how Microsoft took a massive gamble launching the Xbox, leading to the Red Ring of Death crisis and its battle against PlayStation.

10. Living with Chucky (2022) – A Horror Icon’s Legacy

Where to Watch: Screambox, Amazon Prime

A personal and behind-the-scenes look at the Child’s Play franchise, directed by Kyra Elise Gardner, whose father worked on the special effects for Chucky.

11. RoboDoc: The Creation of RoboCop (2023) – A Deep Dive into a Sci-Fi Classic

Where to Watch: Screambox & Amazon Prime

RoboCop is one of the greatest sci-fi action films ever made, and RoboDoc is the ultimate deep dive into its creation, legacy, and cultural impact.

This four-part documentary explores the insane practical effects, the controversial violence, and the struggles of making a film that blended satire, action, and dystopian sci-fi. Packed with interviews from Peter Weller, Paul Verhoeven, and the film’s crew, it’s a must-watch for fans of classic sci-fi cinema.