Biographical documentaries

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From world leaders including Volodymyr Zelensky to icons of pop culture like Elizabeth Taylor or billionaires such as Elon Musk, BBC Select brings you the life stories of the influential people that shaped the past and present. Stream a range of compelling biographical documentaries from the BBC and beyond with BBC Select.

The Real Lawrence of Arabia

The Real Lawrence of Arabia

A British Intelligence Officer known as Thomas Edward Lawrence conducted daring raids during World War I which made him a legend. But how did this man become the renowned ‘Lawrence of Arabia?’ This fascinating history documentary explores the character behind the man and tries to explain how he came to lead a small band of Arab fighters against the fourth largest army in the world.

Marie Antoinette

Marie Antoinette

Marie Antoinette is known as the frivolous, callous queen who epitomized the decadence of the French monarchy and paid the ultimate price at the guillotine. But is this a fair assessment? This fascinating history documentary attempts to explode the myth of the vilified Queen of France. Drawing on original documents and contemporary analysis, a true picture of this controversial figure is revealed.

Arthur: King of the Britons

Arthur: King of the Britons

Many legends surround the 5th century British monarch King Arthur. The Lady in the Lake, the Sword in the Stone, the Round Table, Merlin, and Lancelot and Guinevere. But what is fact and what is merely apocryphal? This edifying history documentary tries to separate the man from the myth. Was Arthur really a king? Did he even exist at all? And why are so many enduring stories linked to him?

Hitler: A Life In Pictures

Hitler A Life in 10 Pictures

Adolf Hitler was careful to cultivate a cult of personality. Images of him were carefully selected by the Nazi propaganda machine. This extraordinary documentary features photos and film from two photographers who dedicated their lives to documenting Hitler: Heinrich Hoffmann and assistant Eva Braun. Unpublished photos and hours of amateur film footage show a rare glimpse of the unseen Hitler.

Turkey: The Rise of Erdogan's Empire

Turkey: Rise of Erdogans Empire

Recep Tayyip Erdogan has grown into a political giant, reshaping Turkey more than any leader in recent times. This fascinating political documentary charts his rise from humble roots to a powerful, controversial ruler. How did he reach such heady heights, what methods has he used to quell dissent, what controversies have dogged his regime and how far is he willing to go to hang onto power?