Best Norwegian documentary movies

a-ha: The Movie (2021)

When "Take On Me" reached nr 1 on Billboard in the US in 1985, the dream came true. Or did it? The band was not prepared for what the success could bring, including tension between the three band members.

The Painter and the Thief (2020)

When two of artist Barbora Kysilkova’s most valuable paintings are stolen from a gallery at Frogner in Oslo, the police are able to find the thief after a few days, but the paintings are nowhere to be found. Barbora goes to the trial in hopes of finding clues, but instead she ends up asking the thief if she can paint a portrait of him. This will be the start of a very unusual friendship. Over three years, the cinematic documentary follows the incredible story of the artist looking for her stolen paintings, while at the same time turning the thief into art.

No Other Land (2024)

This film made by a Palestinian-Israeli collective shows the destruction of the occupied West Bank's Masafer Yatta by Israeli soldiers and the alliance which develops between the Palestinian activist Basel and Israeli journalist Yuval.

Magnus (2016)

From a young age Magnus Carlsen had aspirations of becoming a champion chess player. While many players seek out an intensely rigid environment to hone their skills, Magnus’ brilliance shines brightest when surrounded by his loving and supportive family. Through an extensive amount of archival footage and home movies, director Benjamin Ree reveals this young man’s unusual and rapid trajectory to the pinnacle of the chess world. This film allows the audience to not only peek inside this isolated community but also witness the maturation of a modern genius.

Kon-Tiki (1950)

"Kon-Tiki" was the name of a wooden raft used by six Scandinavian scientists, led by Thor Heyerdahl, to make a 101-day journey from South America to the Polynesian Islands. The purpose of the expedition was to prove Heyerdal's theory that the Polynesian Islands were populated from the east- specifically Peru- rather than from the west (Asia) as had been the theory for hundreds of years. Heyerdahl made a study of the winds and tides in the Pacific, and by simulating conditions as closely as possible to those he theorized the Peruvians encountered, set out on the voyage.

Liv & Ingmar (2012)

The 42 year long relationship between legendary actress Liv Ullmann and master filmmaker Ingmar Bergman.

iHuman (2019)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is possibly the most powerful technology of our time. It has the potential to solve humanity’s biggest challenges yet some fear AI will be our downfall. iHUMAN follows pioneers at the frontline of the race to develop the ever more sophisticated AI to find the questions we need to ask at this crucial point in history.

Acoustic Ocean (2018)

Acoustic Ocean is an artistic exploration of the sonic ecology of marine life in the North Atlantic. Located on the Lofoten Islands in Northern Norway, the video centers on the performance of a marine-biologist diver who is using a life-size model of a submersible equipped with all sorts of hydrophones and recording devices. In this science-fictional quest, her task is to sense the submarine space for acoustic and bioluminescent forms of expression.

Once Aurora (2018)

This is the third documentary of Norwegian singer AURORA. It will follow the production of her second album. Filmed in La Fabrique, France.

The Day Before Disclosure (2010)

Our modern civilization is likely to be confronted with the biggest paradigm shift in the perception of reality ever, and through our productions we wish to bring insight from the forefront of this development.

Quietest Boy – The Lillebjørn Nilsen Story (2022)

A documentary portraying the life of Norwegian folk singer Lillebjørn Nilsen. Lillebjørn's talent brought him into the limelight as a shy 15-year-old. This is his own story about music, fame and an eternal longing for peace.

A New Kind of Wilderness (2024)

In a forest in Norway, a family lives an isolated lifestyle in an attempt to be wild and free, but a tragic event changes everything, and they are forced to adjust to modern society.

Drone (2014)

DRONE is a documentary about the covert CIA drone war. Through voices on both sides of this new technology, DRONE reveals crucial information about the drone war in Pakistan and offers unique insights into the nature of drone warfare.

Cocks & Crosses - The Music That Wouldn't Die (2016)

A documentary about the Norwegian noise rock band Årabrot. About life, death, art and the music that wouldn't die.

North of the Sun (2012)

Two friends discover the perfect beach at a remote Norwegian shore just above the Arctic Circle and decide to spend the winter here – surfing. Building a hut from driftwood and living on expired food only, the young men turn sustainable living into their own Robinson-adventure, keeping their calm even in the face of personal danger.

Winnerbäck - A Kind of Life (2017)

Lars Winnerbäck is one of Sweden's biggest artists for 15 years. At the same time he is one of those we know least about. Now Winnerbäck celebrates 20 years as an artist, despite barely filling 40. This documentary takes us closer to him than ever, while summarizing a musically unlikely career. But most of all, it gives an insight into an extremely complex human being, with all its weaknesses and characteristics reflecting an entire generation's feelings. In addition to Lars Winnerbäck is featured in the film Rolf Lassgård, Per Gessle and Melissa Horn. Director and producer are Øystein Karlsen, who is behind successes like Dag og Lilyhammer.

Songs of Earth (2023)

With Olin's 85-year-old father as guide, we experience Norway's most adventurous valley, Oldedalen in Nordfjord. He grew up here, and here generations before him have lived in balance with nature.

Facing War (2025)

Jens Stoltenberg had planned to step down after nine years in the powerful position of NATO Secretary General. The 65-year-old politician had packed his bags to go home to his wife in Norway, as he had promised her. But then Joe Biden called and asked him to stay another year. Because in a troubled world, an experienced leader is needed more than ever. With unprecedented access, we follow Jens Stoltenberg through his last year as Secretary General of NATO.

Letters to Håkon Banken (2024)

During the 80s, Håkon Banken (1949–2018) was one of Norway’s most popular recording artists, selling upwards of half a million records and cassettes and topping the charts for weeks at a time. Today he is mainly remembered by a small group of dedicated fans, who celebrate him for his candid lyrics about his own struggles with mental health. This documentary tells the story of this unique figure in Norwegian popular music through archive material, reconstructions and interviews with some of those who he left an indelible impression on.

A Year Along the Abandoned Road (1991)

A portrait of a deserted fisherman's village in Northern Norway called Børfjord - a place with an incredible personality in the middle of a magnificent Arctic nature. The 12 minute short film was filmed in 70mm Super Panavision, using a specially developed "nature animation" technique. The result is a magic flight in one single shot, along the remains of an internal village road. At the same time a whole year passes by at 50 000 times normal speed! Most of the year, the village of Børfjord lies empty with virgin snow between cold houses. People show up only during a short and hectic summer season. But the cycles of nature go on as they have always done, totally independent of what people might do.

Shakespeare: The Hidden Truth (2013)

Was the legendary playwright William Shakespeare really the author of his acclaimed plays? Or was he just a straw man working for a secret society? Norwegian organist and researcher Petter Amundsen claims to have a solid theory on the subject. Shakespearean scholar Robert Crumpton decides to travel to Norway to meet him.

Tears of Gaza (2010)

In a rough style, by way of unique footage, the brutal consequences of modern wars are exposed. The film also depicts the ability of women and children to handle their everyday life after a dramatic war experience. Many of them live in tents or in ruins without walls or roofs. They are all in need of money, food, water and electricity. Others have lost family members, or are left with seriously injured children. Can war solve conflicts or create peace? The film follows three children through the war and the period after the ceasefire.

Siblings Are Forever (2013)

The siblings Magnar and Oddny never left their childhood home. They run the family farm as it was run by several generations before them. Time seems to be standing still, as it is running out.

Silence (2018)

What does it take to climb the world’s first 9c? Bernardo Giménez' documentary shows what preceded on the afternoon of September 3, 2017 when professional rock climber Adam Ondra made a little piece of climbing history by sending his project in the Hanshelleren Cave in Norway. The route, eventually named Silence, received a new grade of 9c making it the hardest route in the world.

Home Town (2018)

Who are we? Where do we come from? With private recordings, unique archive footage and stories from famous and unknown people, Trondheimsreisen takes a close and personal look at the history of Trondheim.

Cracking the Shakespeare Code (2016)

Norwegian researcher Petter Amundsen claims to have deciphered a secret code hidden in legendary playwright William Shakespeare's works that reveals a map leading to the location of certain treasures. British Shakespearean scholar Robert Crumpton embarks on a mission to prove he is spectacularly wrong. (A remake of “Shakespeare: The Hidden Truth,” including new discoveries.)

The Norwegian Solution (2009)

Norway is per capita one of the world's biggest producers of weapons and ammunition. The Norwegian Solution gives us a rare look into the ammunition's factory Nammo, situated in the idyllic surroundings of Raufoss, in the middle of the country.

Mot i brøstet – 30th Anniversary (2023)

A 30th anniversary special celebrating the Norwegian sitcom Mot i brøstet. Actors Nils Vogt, Sven Nordin and Hilde Lyrån share their memories.

Backstreet Girls: Tilbake til Muotathal (2015)

Documentary about the Norwegian band Backstreet Girls.

Hjernevask - Likestillingsparadokset (2010)