Filmography › Ken Burns
All the book-based movies and TV shows adapted by Ken Burns, ranked
A thorough and authoritative account of the American Civil War, this production has garnered 40 major film and television awards, including two Emmys and two Grammys.
A seven-part series that delves into the numerous ways in which the Second World War profoundly affected the lives of American families.
Baseball traverses the quest for racial justice, the clash between labor and management, the immigrant experience, the transformation of popular culture, and the enduring appeal of the national pastime.
The documentary series narrates the epic story of one of the most significant, divisive, and controversial events in American history. Unedited for television.
Two women, united in allegiance. Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony collaborated in the fight for women everywhere, and their unwavering determination and strong will continue to resonate in contemporary society. In Ken Burns’ Emmy Award-winning documentary, the challenges, struggles, and successes of these two pioneers striving to ignite the women’s movement are recounted. It wasn’t until after their passing that their shared vision of women’s suffrage was finally realized.
A documentary that intricately intertwines the stories of Theodore, Franklin, and Eleanor Roosevelt—three individuals from one of the most prominent and influential families in American politics.
A commanding presence both inside and outside the ring, Muhammad Ali, known for his candid and controversial nature, emerged as one of the most influential personalities and athletes of his era. In this four-part series by Ken Burns, Sarah Burns, and David McMahon, Ali’s legend and legacy are extensively explored. Journalist insights, historical perspectives, and reflections from Ali’s family and confidantes, combined with archival footage, contribute to a compelling portrait of ‘The Greatest.’
From its Blues and Ragtime origins through Swing and into Bebop and Fusion, the evolution of Jazz is chronicled. This journey includes 75 interviews, over 500 pieces of music, and rare, unseen photos and footage.
Embark on a journey through over 10,000 years of North American history, traversing some of the continent’s most iconic landscapes while tracing the evolution of mammals.
Brimming with vibrant imagery and captivating personalities, ‘The West’ unveils the triumphs and tragedies of America’s relentless pursuit to become a continental nation.
Renowned as the funniest man of his era, Mark Twain was a critic of human nature, utilizing humor as a weapon against hypocrisy, greed, and racism. As America’s most beloved author, he crafted some of its most unforgettable characters and quoted sayings. Director Ken Burns delves beneath the legend to unveil the authentic Twain, exposing his extraordinary life filled with adventure, literary pursuits, remarkable success and setbacks, as well as a blend of comedy and tragedy.
The documentary traces Jack Johnson’s odyssey from his roots as the son of former slaves to his entrance into the brutal realm of professional boxing. Within this unforgiving arena, he fought his way up through the ranks, ultimately becoming the first African-American Heavyweight Champion of the World. Accompanied by over fifty photographs and drawing from a wealth of new material, the biography of Jack Johnson unfolds.