
D. A. Pennebaker
DirectingAbout D. A. Pennebaker
Donn Alan Pennebaker (/ˈpɛniːbeɪkər/; July 15, 1925 – August 1, 2019) was an American documentary filmmaker and one of the pioneers of direct cinema. Performing arts and politics were his primary subjects. In 2013, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognized his body of work with an Academy Honorary Award. Pennebaker was called by The Independent as "arguably the pre-eminent chronicler of Sixties counterculture."
D. A. Pennebaker Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of D. A. Pennebaker reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 16 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of D. A. Pennebaker's work falls within the Documentary genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 38% of D. A. Pennebaker's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Jill Drew and D.A. Pennebaker, which stands out as a key performance.
Best D. A. Pennebaker Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from D. A. Pennebaker's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie D. A. Pennebaker has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Tiny Tim: King for a Day | Himself | Average | Similar → |
| 2016 | Jill Drew and D.A. Pennebaker | Himself | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2016 | Robert Drew & Associates at the Museum of Tolerance | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2015 | Janis: Little Girl Blue | Himself | Hit | Similar → |
| 2014 | A Venue For The End Of The World | Himself | Average | Similar → |
| 2012 | Ricky on Leacock | Self | Flop | Similar → |
| 2011 | Mario Ruspoli, Prince of the Whales | Self | Flop | Similar → |
| 2010 | Godard Made in USA | Self | Flop | Similar → |
| 2008 | Morris Engel: The Independent | Self | Flop | Similar → |
| 2005 | No Direction Home: Bob Dylan | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2003 | World Tour 1966: The Home Movies | Self (archive footage) | Flop | Similar → |
| 2000 | The Ballad of Ramblin' Jack | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 1982 | Before the Nickelodeon: The Cinema of Edwin S. Porter | Reader - Film as a Visual Newspaper (voice) | Average | Similar → |
| 1971 | Up Your Legs Forever | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1971 | 1 P.M. | Self | Average | Similar → |
| 1968 | Wild 90 | Al | Flop | Similar → |
D. A. Pennebaker - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of D. A. Pennebaker?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring D. A. Pennebaker is "Jill Drew and D.A. Pennebaker" with a rating of 9.0/10.
How many movies has D. A. Pennebaker acted in?
D. A. Pennebaker has been featured in at least 16 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by D. A. Pennebaker?
Other notable films include "Robert Drew & Associates at the Museum of Tolerance", "No Direction Home: Bob Dylan", and "Janis: Little Girl Blue".


