Documentaries are a powerful way to not only educate audiences about historic and current events, but also provide an intimate look into the lives of those affected by them. Watergate is no exception – there have been numerous documentaries produced over the years that chronicle this political scandal with captivating stories and raw footage. Whether you’re just beginning to learn about this event or already have a deep understanding of the subject, these documentaries will provide you with an in-depth look at Watergate and its impact on modern American politics. Here are the best documentaries about Watergate – from award-winning films to raw footage never seen before.
1. The Final Report: Watergate (National Geographic)
For those interested in understanding the full story of Watergate, The Final Report: Watergate from National Geographic can provide a comprehensive look into this momentous political scandal. This documentary delves deep into the entire timeline and aftermath of the Watergate conspiracy and provides viewers with an in-depth look at how U.S. President Richard Nixon’s administration became involved in a massive cover-up of a break-in at the Democratic National Committee Headquarters. It also examines why it took so long for the truth to be revealed and how it ultimately contributed to President Nixon’s resignation from office.
2. Deep Throat: The Full Story of Watergate (Tom Brokaw, NBC News)
From the clandestine source known as “Deep Throat,” to Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein’s deep dives into the Watergate scandal, to Robert Redford’s groundbreaking movie All The President’s Men, Tom Brokaw has been a key figure in exposing the dark truth of Richard Nixon’s presidency. In NBC News’ illuminating report Deep Throat: The Full Story of Watergate, Brokaw brings together many of the scandal’s most important figures in one place to uncover the truth. Through interviews with Redford and Woodward & Bernstein, we gain a fascinating insight into the true story of Deep Throat’s identity.
3. Nixon & The Watergate Scandal Documentary
Nixon & The Watergate Scandal Documentary is an engrossing journey into the history of one of America’s most infamous political scandals. This documentary combines archival footage, interviews, and music to provide viewers with a comprehensive and thought-provoking look at this remarkable period in American history. Through these different elements, we can gain insight into how President Nixon was able to turn the Watergate Scandal into one of the most significant political crises in US history. The documentary also dives into the role of the media, providing commentary on how it was used to shape public opinion and bring about Nixon’s eventual resignation from office.
4. Watergate: The Secret Story
The 1973 Watergate scandal rocked the United States and the world. It all started when an aide to President Richard Nixon secretly recorded conversations in the Oval Office, leaving a trail for investigators to uncover who was telling the truth. The battle for these tapes began immediately, igniting debate over executive power and constitutional rights. In response, Nixon appointed Archibald Cox as a special prosecutor to investigate the matter. To document this historic event, Mike Wallace of CBS News produced a documentary that aired in June 1992. The documentary was later released on DVD and is now widely known as Watergate: The Secret Story.
5. WATERGATE AFFAIR BBC DOKUMENTATION 1994
The Watergate affair of the 1970s is one of the most significant events in American history. The scandal changed how the public viewed government and led to a greater sense of distrust for many years to come. To this day, it serves as a reminder that no one, not even those in power, is above the law. Julian Assange’s story is also one of similar importance. Assange, a champion of freedom of information, released military and diplomatic documents from the US government in 2010 that revealed the many injustices being perpetuated by those in power.
6. What Was Watergate
What’s the Story Behind Watergate?In 1972, five men were arrested for breaking into the offices of the Democratic National Convention. What transpired was an event dubbed the Watergate Scandal. This scandal quickly unraveled to reveal a web of corruption and deceit that extended high up in the political world, involving then-President Richard Nixon. This story is one of the most notorious political scandals in American history. It is a story that captures the public’s imagination, filled with twists and turns. To get to the bottom of this story, filmmakers have created some excellent documentaries about Watergate.
7. 20/20 ABC Mystery: Watergate — Truth & Lies
The ABC Mystery: Watergate — Truth & Lies documentary is a must-see for anyone looking to get the full story of one of the biggest political scandals in American history. Through exclusive interviews, photos and footage, this captivating documentary sheds light on the Nixon administration’s involvement in Watergate and helps uncover the truth behind what really happened. Along with new perspectives from historians and those who were closely involved in the political drama, this film is a powerful and thought-provoking journey into one of the most controversial events of the 20th century. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking to learn more about Watergate, you won’t want to miss this documentary.
8. “Watergate: The Secret Story
“Uncover the Secrets of WatergateAre you ready to explore one of the biggest political scandals in American history? Watergate: The Secret Story is a CBS News special that dives deep into the events surrounding the break-in at Democratic National Committee headquarters on June 17, 1972. Witness exclusive interviews with people involved in the investigation, and discover never-before-heard details about what really happened. Follow the twists and turns that led to President Nixon’s resignation, and gain a better understanding of this remarkable event in history.
9. Watergate Plus
Produced and written by the award-winning filmmaker Sherry Jones, Watergate Plus is an in-depth look at one of the most devastating political scandals in United States history. The documentary takes a deep dive into the events that led up to Watergate, as well as its immediate aftermath and lasting ramifications. Through interviews with historians, journalists, lawyers, politicians, and government officials, viewers gain insight into the investigation and learn about its far-reaching consequences. With archival footage, compelling interviews, and a powerful soundtrack, Watergate Plus gives viewers an essential account of one of the most momentous moments in American history.
10. Watergate Scandal – A Third Rate Burglary
The Watergate scandal stands as one of the most consequential political events in the history of the United States. It started with a third-rate burglary at the Democratic National Committee’s offices in Washington D.C. and culminated in a constitutional crisis that resulted in President Richard Nixon being forced to resign from office. As investigations by Congress and journalists uncovered more evidence, it became clear that Nixon had tried to cover up the burglary and its connections to his own administration. This scandal had a profound impact on American politics and led to sweeping reforms of government ethics, campaign finance laws, and the way elections are run. Today, documentaries about Watergate continue to shed light on this fascinating moment in history.
11. Watergate Episode 1: “Break-In,” Discovery Channel, August 7, 1994
It all started on the summer of 1994. That’s when the Discovery Channel and BBC co-produced a five-part series that chronicled the infamous Watergate scandal. Entitled “Break-In,” episode one focused on the events leading to the burglary of Democratic National Committee headquarters. This groundbreaking documentary was an eye opening look into what many consider one of America’s greatest political scandals, and remains to this day one of the most powerful documentaries about Watergate. From the burglary itself to its political implications, “Break-In” is an authoritative source of information for anyone looking to get a comprehensive understanding of what happened during this era.
