10 Most Successful Mockumentaries – Hone Your Sense of Irony

Ready for a roller coaster of laughter, satire, and ingenious storytelling? Buckle up as we dive into the world of the 10 most successful mockumentaries. These best mockumentaries, available on Netflix and other streaming services, provide a unique blend of humor and insight, while redefining the boundaries between fact and fiction. So, let’s jump right in and explore the ingenious art of mockumentary filmmaking.

10 – “I’m Still Here”

Respected director Casey Affleck and his brother-in-law, quirky actor Joaquin Phoenix, conspire together in this 2010 mockumentary to convince us Phoenix has turned his back on his profession to become a scruffy, hip-hop hobo. The film raises some interesting questions about the nature of celebrity and the actor’s ability to remain in character for a year prior to the film’s release certainly added to its believability!

09 – “Incident at Loch Ness”

This entertaining 2004 mock documentary explores the myth of the Loch Ness Monster. The story follows writer, producer and star Werner Herzog and his crew as they work on the production of a sceptical Nessie doco, while another crew is busy shooting their own film about Werner. This mockumentary artfully attempts to make you believe it’s all real. Especially with some seriously deadpan scenes that will make you wonder who is conning who!

The Magician

08 – “The Magician”

In this 2005 Aussie mockumentary, Melbourne hitman Ray Shoesmith (played by the film’s writer, director and producer Scott Ryan) is followed around by his neighbour, a budding filmmaker looking to make his mark. This is a grim yet comical murder romp lauded for its acting and superbly written dialogue.

07 – “This Is Spinal Tap”

If you love watching comedy that’s conveyed through music, then this 1984 classic, directed by Rob Reiner (of “When Harry Met Sally” fame) is for you. The film follows a group of aging, histrionic heavy metal rockers who are yet to realise their heyday has passed. Satirizing the pretensions and wild behaviour of rock bands, the film’s brilliance is partly due to the fact that everyone plays it so straight. Fans of this “rockumentary” will love its blu ray releases, which contain extra features including deleted scenes, interviews with the band members and even TV commercials!

06 – “Death of a President”

This slick 2006 British mockumentary chronicles the fictional assassination of (at the time) U.S. President George W. Bush and the consequent fallout surrounding the killing. This apolitical film looks at the likely social and media reactions to such a high-profile murder and adeptly uses a combination of actors, special effects and archival video footage to present its hypothetical aftermath.

05 – “Forgotten Silver”

Directed by Peter Jackson, “Forgotten Silver” is a masterful mockumentary that tells the fabricated story of a New Zealand filmmaker who supposedly pioneered many cinematic techniques. Seamlessly blending fiction and reality, this film pays homage to the art of filmmaking while leaving viewers questioning the authenticity of historical accounts.

04 – “Best in Show”

“Best in Show,” a hilarious and heartwarming mockumentary, chronicles the eccentric participants of a prestigious dog show. Showcasing the quirks and idiosyncrasies of dog owners, this uproarious film offers a delightful look into the world of competitive dog shows, leaving audiences in stitches.

Successful mockumentaries
Borat

03 – “Borat”

An over-the-top 2006 film that became a worldwide success. Borat is a shockingly funny mockumentary that makes brilliant use of its unwitting cast members — the American public. Starring British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, the movie chronicles the cross-country trek of its title character as he attempts to learn more about U.S. culture and customs. This vulgar yet hilarious film received “high-fives” from new and old Cohen fans alike.

02 -“Lake Mungo”

Next up, “Lake Mungo” presents a spine-chilling, faux-documentary-style horror film that delves into the eerie mysteries surrounding a teenage girl’s tragic death. As the family uncovers unsettling secrets, this gripping tale will leave you questioning the line between truth and deception.

01 – “A Hard Day’s Night”

A 1964 film that created an influential legacy, “A Hard Day’s Night” follows the life of The Beatles during the height of Beatlemania. Considered to be one of the best and most influential musical films of all-time (it’s said to have inspired The Monkees television series) this black-and-white mockumentary parodies the concert movie subgenre.

FAQs:

Q: What is a mockumentary?
A: A mockumentary is a fictional film or television show that uses documentary-style filmmaking to tell a story, often incorporating humor and satire to explore various subjects.

Q: Are mockumentaries based on real events?
A: While some mockumentaries may be inspired by real events or people, they are generally fictional and use elements of reality to create a more engaging and believable story.

Q: Can I watch these mockumentaries on Netflix or other streaming services?
A: Yes, many of these mockumentaries are available on Netflix and other streaming services. However, availability may vary depending on your region and the platform’s content library.

Q: Are mockumentaries suitable for all audiences?
A: While some mockumentaries are family-friendly, others may contain mature themes, strong language, or graphic content. It’s essential to check the film’s rating and reviews to determine if it’s appropriate for your intended audience regardless.

Q: What makes a mockumentary successful?
A: A successful mockumentary seamlessly blends humor, satire, and engaging storytelling while pushing the boundaries of conventional filmmaking. It often challenges the viewer’s perception of reality and encourages critical thinking about the subject matter additionally.

With this comprehensive guide to the 10 most successful mockumentaries, you’re all set to embark on a laughter-filled, thought-provoking journey into the world of faux-reality films. Happy streaming!

Image From Flickr’s Creative Commons by ssosay

 About the Author: Stacey Blake is a blogger and lifestyle writer with a passion for travel and films. She loves to keep up to date with the latest DVD releases. Moreover, she can regularly be found eating popcorn at the movies.