The 11 Best Documentaries About Neil Armstrong

Oct 28, 2023 | Best Of, Celebrities

Discover the best documentaries made about one of America’s most celebrated figures, Neil Armstrong. A man who will always be remembered for taking ‘one small step for [a] man’ and changing the course of history. These 12 documentaries provide a unique and in-depth look into his life: from his childhood to the moment he stepped foot on the moon. So, if you’re interested in learning more about the incredible achievements of Neil Armstrong then these documentaries are a must watch! Prepare to be inspired by his courage and tenacity. Let’s get started!

1. First Man on the Moon – The Real Neil Armstrong

This documentary follows Neil’s life as an astronaut before, during and after his historic moon walk. From his humble beginnings in a small Ohio town to the moment he became a global icon, this film is sure to capture the hearts of its viewers. Not only will you get an insight into Neil’s personal life but it also includes interviews with some of his colleagues from the Apollo 11 mission and his family. Follow Neil’s journey as he takes on some of his most daring feats, which included surviving a near-fatal Gemini 8 accident and becoming the first person to walk on the moon. Learn about what inspired him to pursue such an ambitious dream and gain insight into the personal struggles he faced during this time. Discover the real Neil Armstrong, a man of courage and determination whose legacy lives on to this day. From his incredible achievements in space exploration to his work as an advocate for peace, this documentary is sure to provide an inspiring look into one of America’s greatest heroes. It is an amazing story that will inspire the next generation of dreamers and adventurers.

 

2. Armstrong Hosts NASA 50th Anniversary Documentary

Since the days of Neil Armstrong, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration has been a leader in space exploration. This gripping documentary takes us back to 1958 when the organization first began its journey into outer space. Through interviews with engineers, astronauts, and mission control staff, we explore how Apollo 11 Commander Neil Armstrong changed the course of history forever by becoming the first man to walk on the moon. As he guides us through the history of NASA, we gain unprecedented insight into Armstrong’s life and legacy – from a young boy with dreams of space travel, to an American hero who inspired generations. Produced by NASA TV in 2008, this informative documentary is sure to engage viewers of all ages as they explore the fascinating story behind Neil Armstrong’s historic journey. But Armstrong’s story doesn’t end there. He became a passionate ambassador for the space program and continued to make groundbreaking contributions until his death in 2012. In this documentary, we learn about Armstrong’s daring feats at NASA, as well as his incredible acts of courage and leadership during some of the most dangerous missions ever undertaken.

 

3. First Man on the Moon – The Real Neil Armstrong

On July 21st 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first person to set foot on the moon. This momentous event marked a pivotal transformation for humankind – one that changed Neil’s life in ways few could have imagined. Through interviews with family and workmates, this documentary seeks to uncover the truth about what happened after Armstrong’s historic achievement…and unravel the intriguing mystery of the real Neil Armstrong. Unravel what was happening behind the scenes and gain a unique insight into this hero of our times. This documentary is sure to provide an eye-opening look at one of history’s most iconic moments, and will give viewers an up-close look at the enigmatic man behind it all – Neil Armstrong. Be prepared for an emotional journey as friends and family share memories of the quiet, yet massive figure of Armstrong. Find out what made him tick – and why he was so different than the public face he presented to the world.

 

4. Moon Landing – The World’s Greatest Hoax?

this being one of the most iconic moments in modern history, 52% of British people still believe it was an elaborate hoax designed to beat Russia in the space race! But what’s the truth? We will search for a definitive answer by looking at both sides of this debate. In our feature-length documentary, we’ll explore and test the various theories surrounding the moon landing. We will have interviews with leading experts, conspiracy theorists, archive material and highly detailed reconstructions of the event. This show will put to bed once and for all whether Neil Armstrong really was the first man on the Moon. Join us on an exciting journey through the history of modern space exploration, and discover which version of this story is true. Prepare for take off as we uncover the truth about one of mankind’s most extraordinary achievements. Does Neil Armstrong really have a place in history?

 

5. First Man on the Moon – The Real Neil Armstrong

July 21st 1969, the day that changed history for humanity. Neil Armstrong became the first man to ever set foot on the moon and his life was never going to be the same again. Now, hear from those closest to him, professionals at work, and stories from his life as they reveal what kind of individual Neil truly was. Dive into a world of insight and admiration for the man that changed human history forever. This documentary will give viewers a deeper understanding of the individual that made this epic achievement, exploring his motivations, his relationships, and his legacy. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to get a glimpse into Neil Armstrong’s life from those who knew him best. Join us as we uncover the stories behind the iconic figure. This documentary is an absolute must-see for anyone interested in Neil Armstrong and his contributions to history. Get ready to step into a whole new world of knowledge and admiration as we tell the stories that made this incredible man, and changed humanity’s path forever.

 

6. A Celebration of the Life of Neil Armstrong

A service of celebration for the life and achievements of Neil Armstrong was recently held at the Washington National Cathedral, which was broadcast live on NASA TV. The event honored his tremendous contributions to humanity, specifically with regard to his historic journey as the first man to walk on the moon. It is difficult to imagine what it must have been like for him to take those small steps on the lunar surface, but we can all pay tribute to his memory by appreciating the incredible legacy that he left behind. Armstrong was an inspiration to us all and a symbol of human exploration, perseverance and progress. With each generation striving for new discoveries and pushing the boundaries of science and technology forward, it is important that our society continues to remember and recognize those who have paved the way — like Neil Armstrong. His will always be remembered as a true pioneer, not only of space exploration but also of humankind.

 

7. The Story Behind Neil Armstrong and first step on the moon

The iconic moment of Neil Armstrong taking that first step on the moon was a symbol of America’s technological and scientific prowess. The daring space program, spearheaded by President Kennedy in the 1960s, was driven on a geopolitical level. In the late 1950s to early 1960s, the USSR were leading in terms of their own space program, and Kennedy was determined to lessen their technological advantage. In the face of immense technical challenges, the NASA mission became a race against time for the U.S. After initial setbacks, the Apollo 11 mission in 1969 made history as Armstrong stepped onto the moon’s Sea of Tranquility. The famous words he uttered were broadcast to millions across the world. To many, it marked a true triumph of human spirit and determination. The passion for the space program continues to this day, with more documentaries being released that tell the story of Neil Armstrong’s legacy. In 2015, a new documentary was released that follows his journey from astronaut training through to that fateful first step on the moon.

 

8. The ENTIRE History of Apollo 11 Explained

On July 16th 1969, the world held its breath as the space mission of Apollo 11 began. This was a defining moment in the Cold War and humanity’s greatest accomplishment to date – sending Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins on an 8-day journey to the Moon and back. The Saturn V rocket launched them 240,000 miles away from Earth, and 12 years of space rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union led to this ultimate victory. The journey to the Moon was a major achievement for mankind that marked the second half of the 20th century. From decades of research and preparation leading up to this moment, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to ever step foot on another world, giving the United States a historical victory in the Space Race.

 

9. NASA Remembers Neil Armstrong

As one of the most famous astronauts of all time, Neil Armstrong is an icon in the space exploration community. But few people know about the man beyond his mission to land on the moon. That’s why NANASA has created a special series of documentaries that tell the story behind Neil Armstrong’s incredible legacy. Titled “NANASA Remembers Neil Armstrong”, this series takes a deep dive into the life and accomplishments of one of the most memorable figures in modern history. From his humble beginnings as an engineer, to his courageous first steps on the moon, each documentary offers an intimate look at Neil’s remarkable journey. The series also focuses on some lesser-known aspects of Neil’s life, including his struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as the groundbreaking technological innovations he helped create during the space race. NANASA Remembers Neil Armstrong is an inspiring tribute to a true American hero, providing an up close and personal look at one of history’s most remarkable figures.

 

10. An Audience with Neil Armstrong

Neil Armstrong is a legendary figure, beloved by many for his stoic and cool-headed demeanor even in the most dangerous of situations. He was an ideal candidate for Apollo 11’s mission to the Moon, armed with a 90% chance of surviving the journey home and only a 50% chance of landing successfully – yet he still accepted the challenge with gusto. On the moon’s surface, Armstrong was all business. He didn’t take time to meditate on his surroundings – he simply focused on the task at hand. His bravery and relentless determination made him a true force of nature, and his refusal to give in to worry or fear ensured that Apollo 11 were able to complete their mission without incident.

 

11. Wings of Man, Neil Armstrong Documentary, Gemini VIII and Apollo 11

The iconic Neil Armstrong has left an indelible mark on the history books. His experiences as a decorated military officer, pioneering astronaut and celebrated American hero have served as inspiration for generations of dreamers and innovators alike. A fascinating documentary about his life provides an in-depth look at the extraordinary career of this remarkable man. Through up close interviews with Armstrong and archival footage of his training, missions and travels, viewers gain insight into the incredible tasks he endured in order to become the first human being to set foot on the moon. The film covers his early days as a pilot, his devotion to family, and ultimately his journey towards achieving one of mankind’s greatest feats. The documentary also traces his post-Apollo years, as he attempted to adjust to a new life back on Earth and served as an ambassador for NASA. With thoughtful editing and beautiful cinematography, this documentary gives viewers a comprehensive look into the life of one of America’s greatest heroes.

Read On – Our Latest Top Documentaries Lists

David B