Best documentaries on political scandals

This documentary offers unprecedented access to Anthony Weiner's 2013 mayoral campaign, which was derailed by new sexting allegations. It provides a raw and intimate look at a modern political scandal and the intense media scrutiny it generated.

This Netflix documentary investigates the Cambridge Analytica scandal, revealing how personal data was harvested to influence political campaigns. Despite its 2019 release, its themes of data privacy and political manipulation remain highly relevant to modern political scandals.

This recent Netflix documentary offers a compelling look at the career of Seymour Hersh, a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter. It highlights the crucial role of independent journalism in exposing government and military corruption, making it highly relevant to political scandals.

Alex Gibney's documentary explores the case of Julian Assange and WikiLeaks, examining how their actions in releasing classified information reshaped discussions around privacy and government secrecy. The themes of transparency and leaks remain highly pertinent to political scandals.

Directed by Sergei Loznitsa, this film, which debuted in 2025, offers a stark portrayal of systemic government corruption in Stalinist Russia. Its recent release and critical acclaim make it relevant for understanding the enduring nature of political scandals.

This documentary profiles Roger Stone, a controversial Republican political strategist known for his 'dirty tricks' approach. It offers a deep dive into the tactics and influence of a key political operative often associated with scandal and manipulation.

This documentary, featuring Stacey Abrams, sheds light on the history and ongoing issue of voter suppression in the United States. It argues that voter suppression is an insidious form of political corruption that undermines democratic processes, making it highly relevant to political scandals.

This acclaimed documentary tells the story of Daniel Ellsberg, who leaked the Pentagon Papers, revealing government deception about the Vietnam War. It's a seminal film about whistleblowing and government secrecy, highlighting a major political scandal that exposed official lies.

This documentary exposes a massive leak of financial documents that revealed widespread corruption, tax evasion, and illicit dealings among world leaders. It remains a definitive work on international financial corruption and its political implications.

Directed by Alex Gibney, this film examines the scandal that ended the career of New York Governor Eliot Spitzer due to his involvement with a prostitution ring. It's a classic example of a political sex scandal bringing down a prominent figure.

This documentary chronicles the rise and fall of wealthy lobbyist Jack Abramoff, convicted of conspiracy and fraud in a major corruption scandal. It provides a detailed look into the shady dealings and corrupting influence of money in politics.

Premiering in 2026, this FOX Nation historical docudrama promises to re-examine American history through the lens of its most iconic residence. It specifically mentions an episode titled 'Scandals and Lies,' offering a fresh perspective on historical political scandals.

This 2026 Netflix documentary series explores the power struggles and scandals within the Murdoch family, which have shaped the modern media world. It reveals how media empires intersect with and influence political landscapes, leading to significant political ramifications.

This HBO Original series, directed by Alex Gibney, is a timely investigation into the influence of dark money in politics. It specifically covers the HB 6 bribery scandal in Ohio, directly addressing contemporary political corruption.

This FRONTLINE documentary provides a critical and in-depth look at the federal criminal case against former President Donald Trump. It investigates the efforts to overturn the 2020 election, offering insights into a highly significant and ongoing political scandal.