Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) – machines that can think, reason, and learn like humans – sounds like a sci-fi fantasy, doesn’t it? But it’s very real, and it’s reshaping our world faster than we might realize. In fact, Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, has boldly predicted that AGI could arrive as soon as this year, 2025.
Think about that for a moment. We’re standing on the brink of an era that could redefine everything—work, relationships, decision-making, even what it means to be human. If you’re as curious (or unsettled) as I was when I first learned about AGI, these documentaries are the perfect way to dive in.
Here’s my countdown of the top 10 AGI documentaries, ranked from quietly profound to absolutely unforgettable.
The Best AGI Documentaries to Watch in 2025:
10. In the Age of AI (2019): A Comprehensive Dive

In the Age of AI offers a detailed and expansive look at artificial intelligence, including its potential to revolutionize industries and redefine global power dynamics. Unlike many AI-focused documentaries, it doesn’t shy away from the ethical dilemmas or geopolitical tensions.
What sets this documentary apart is its balance—it’s neither blindly optimistic nor apocalyptically grim. It’s the kind of film that gives you a lot to chew on. If you want a thorough understanding of where AI is today and where it might take us, this is an excellent starting point.
Where to Watch: FRONTLINE/YouTube
9. iHuman (2019): A Chilling Look at AI’s Influence

iHuman is a gripping documentary that explores the political and ethical dilemmas of AI. Directed by Tonje Hessen Schei, this film dives into the minds of AI pioneers while also scrutinizing the dangers of mass surveillance, deepfake technology, and the militarization of AI.
What stands out here is the sheer urgency. It doesn’t just ask, “What can AI do?” but, “What is AI already doing behind the scenes?” From algorithms that shape elections to technologies that can deceive millions, iHuman is a wake-up call.
If you’re looking for a documentary that’s as much about the people building AI as it is about the machines themselves, this is it.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Vimeo On Demand
8. The Age of A.I. (2020): Downey Jr. Makes It Fun

What happens when you pair Robert Downey Jr.’s charisma with the fascinating world of AI? You get The Age of A.I., a docuseries that’s as engaging as it is informative.
Each episode dives into a different aspect of AI’s impact, from space exploration to prosthetics. It’s lighter than other documentaries on this list, making it a perfect pick for beginners—or anyone who just enjoys a little Iron Man flair.
Where to Watch: YouTube (Free)
7. Lo and Behold: Reveries of the Connected World (2016): Herzog’s Unique Lens

Werner Herzog isn’t your typical tech documentarian, but that’s what makes Lo and Behold so special. This film isn’t just about AI—it’s about the internet, robotics, and the strange ways technology shapes our lives.
Herzog’s questions are delightfully odd. At one point, he asks a scientist if robots could ever feel love. The pause before the answer says it all. This isn’t a flashy documentary, but it lingers with you, like a deep conversation over coffee.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
6. The Great Hack (2019): When AI and Data Collide

While The Great Hack isn’t solely about AGI, it’s a crucial watch for understanding how AI weaponizes data. The Cambridge Analytica scandal takes center stage, revealing how algorithms manipulated elections by targeting voters with scarily precise ads.
It’s gripping, like watching a real-life political thriller. By the end, you’ll find yourself questioning how much of your personal data you’ve unknowingly handed over—and how it’s being used.
Where to Watch: Netflix
5. Humans Need Not Apply (2014): The Short and Sharp Warning

This 15-minute documentary is proof that you don’t need hours to make a powerful point. Humans Need Not Apply lays out, in stark terms, how automation and AI are set to replace humans in industries we once thought were safe.
One line hit me hard: “It’s not about replacing jobs, it’s about replacing humans.” It’s not flashy, but it’s effective. This mini-documentary is perfect for a quick yet impactful watch.
Where to Watch: YouTube (Free)
4. Do You Trust This Computer? (2018): The Big Question

This is where things start to get chilling. Do You Trust This Computer? explores a future where machines could outthink, and outmaneuver us.
Elon Musk makes an appearance, warning about the dangers of unchecked AI development. What I love about this documentary is its tone: it’s not screaming “doom” but calmly laying out scenarios that feel plausible enough to give you pause. After watching, I couldn’t stop thinking: Are we really prepared for what’s coming?
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
3. The Social Dilemma (2020): The AI That Controls Your Feed

You’ve probably felt it, scrolling through Instagram or TikTok for hours, knowing you should stop but can’t. The Social Dilemma explains why, revealing how AI-powered algorithms are designed to manipulate our attention for profit.
The dramatizations of a family struggling with social media addiction might feel a bit heavy-handed, but they get the point across. By the end, I found myself rethinking how I use my phone—and uninstalling a few apps.
Where to Watch: Netflix
2. Coded Bias (2020): The Uncomfortable Truth

Have you ever thought about how fair or unfair AI systems are? Coded Bias dives into this uncomfortable truth, starting with Joy Buolamwini’s discovery that facial recognition software couldn’t detect her face because she’s Black.
This documentary doesn’t just explain bias; it shows how these flaws can have devastating real-world consequences, from policing to hiring practices. Watching it made me angry, but it also gave me hope. There are people fighting to make AI fairer—and they need our support.
Where to Watch: Netflix
1. AlphaGo (2017): The Game That Changed Everything

AlphaGo is more than just a documentary, it’s an emotional rollercoaster. It tells the story of how DeepMind’s AI defeated Lee Sedol, one of the greatest Go players in history.
What makes this film so powerful is its heart. Watching Sedol fight against the machine, you can’t help but root for him. And when he wins just one game, it feels like a victory for all of us. This isn’t just about a board game—it’s about humanity’s place in a world of ever-smarter machines.
Where to Watch: YouTube
Why These Films Matter
These documentaries don’t just explain AGI, they show why it matters. They dive into the ethics, the emotions, and the implications of living in a world where machines might someday think like us—or better than us.
If you’re curious, concerned, or just looking for a good watch, these films are a great place to start. So, which one will you queue up first?