Created in 2018 by former U.S. President Barack Obama and former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama, Higher Ground Productions has produced 17 movies and TV shows to date. After signing a multi-year deal with Netflix to produce scripted and unscripted content, the company launched its brand with the release of American Factory in 2019, a documentary about the closure of a General Motors factory in the Midwest.
With two recent Netflix releases, including the powerful biopic Rustin and the disturbing dystopian thriller Leave the World Behind, Higher Ground Productions continues to increase its profile and is beginning to become a major player in Hollywood. As such, it's time to chronologize the production company's movie and TV output and remind viewers that they can watch every movie and TV show that it has created thus far on Netflix.
16 American Factory — August 21, 2019
Higher Ground Productions kicked off its production slate with American Factory, a poignant documentary about 21st-century globalization. The story concerns a Chinese billionaire who purchases a shuttered General Motors factory in Ohio and hires 2,000 American workers. The film won Best Documentary Feature at the 92nd Academy Awards.
What begins as an uplifting and optimistic glimpse of the future of America's industrial resurgence becomes more complicated when the local Ohio residents experience a culture clash in their new workplace. Aside from treating the subject with sobering honesty, the film established the kinds of morally complex and socially conscious projects Higher Ground Productions would gravitate to in the future.
15 Crip Camp — March 25, 2020
Sticking with the documentary format, Crip Camp chronicles the tight-knit community of several teenagers with physical impairments during a summer camp vacation during the 1970s. The acclaimed health documentary received plaudits for raising awareness about a marginalized group of individuals who may lack agency but forge a rousing sense of empowerment on their own.
With secluded Camp Jened formed in the Catskills, the utopian paradise became so inspiring that the camp spawned a political activist movement that fought for equality among disabled groups in America. Former President Obama proudly promoted the Oscar-nominated documentary, noting Crip Camp fits into Higher Ground's slate of movies that "educate, connect, and inspire us all."
14 Becoming — May 6, 2020
Based on Michelle Obama's book tour for her autobiography of the same name, Becoming is an insightful and uplifting documentary about one of the brightest legal minds and most gracious public officials in America. Directed by Nadia Hallgren, the film charts Obama's 34-city book tour as she reflects on her memoir and chronicles her personal and professional experience.
Nominated for four Primetime Emmys, Becoming drew praise for its intimate look behind the scenes as Obama relays candid personal anecdotes in various interviews during her book tour. Entertaining and edifying at once, both casual and ardent fans of Michelle Obama will come away feeling as if they know her a little more as they follow her down memory lane and learn about what makes the former First Lady tick.
13 Waffles + Mochi — March 16, 2021
In Higher Ground Productions' first non-documentary feature, Waffles + Mochi is an endearing cooking show for children. Akin to the characters in Sesame Street, the show is hosted by Michelle Obama, who interacts with a slew of lovable characters in a magical supermarket in search of the world's most delicious ingredients.
Irresistibly delightful for the whole family to enjoy, Waffles + Mochi marks Higher Ground Productions' transition to more youthful and more lighthearted fare. Yet, like the documentary features produced by the company, Waffles + Mochi balances education with entertainment to make a valuable addendum to Michelle Obama's healthy eating campaign for kids.
In 2022, Obama reprised her hosting duties in Waffle + Mochi's Restaurant, which expands the worldly travels of the cute culinary characters in an adorable spinoff.
12 Fatherhood — June 18, 2021
Directed by Paul Weitz, Fatherhood marks the first narrative feature film produced by Higher Ground Productions. Based on the memoir Two Kisses for Maddie by Matthew Logelin, the movie concerns Matt (Kevin Hart), a new father grappling with parenthood following the tragic death of his wife one day after delivering their baby.
Tender, moving, and revealing a sensitive dramatic side of Kevin Hart fans have rarely seen before, Fatherhood drew praise for its well-observed writing, superb ensemble cast, and emotional heft. For Higher Ground Productions, the transition to dramatic narrative feature films never compromised their mission to make socially conscious, fact-based movies that go beyond entertainment to make a profound statement about the human condition.
11 We The People — July 4, 2021
Aptly released on Independence Day, We The People is an incredibly stylish, engaging, and educational animated series that walks children through the basic tenets of the American Civil Rights movement. Featuring upbeat music by Janelle Monae and other pop stars, the short episodes are fun, informative, and easy to replay.
Bursting with vibrant colors to match the uptempo energy of the pop songs, We The People is instructional without being overly preachy. With government classes and civics courses waning in America, We The People fills a void in the cultural discourse for children and makes complicated ideals and concepts easy to digest.
10 Ada Twist, Scientist — September 28, 2021
Created by Chris Nee, Ada Twist, Scientist is the second consecutive short animated series produced for Netflix by the Obamas. The educational children's series tracks the inventive experimental exploits of Ada Twist, an inquisitive scientist who works in a laboratory with her two friends and colleagues, Iggy and Rosie.
With four seasons and 41 episodes produced so far and counting, Ada Twist, Scientist has become one of Higher Ground Productions' most popular original series. In 2022, the show won an Annie Award and a Children and Family Emmy Award for its excellence in making scientific subjects amusing for kids to learn about and enjoy.
9 Worth — September 3, 2021
Directed by Sara Colangelo, Worth is a historical biographical drama that follows Ken Feinberg (Michael Keaton), a Washington DC lawyer hired to oversee the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. Torn between his cynical legal obligations and his compassionate sense of morality to the families who suffered in the tragedy, Feinberg becomes a national hero.
While stirring up the painful memories of 9/11 can be difficult, the movie ultimately honors and celebrates the heroes and victims whose lives were forever changed by such a senseless event. As such, Worth drew praise for tackling a difficult subject with honest subtlety and for the terrific supporting performances around Keaton's commanding turn. For Higher Ground, the movie marks another example that touches on political influence without propagandizing ideology.
8 Our Great National Parks — April 13, 2022
As its title suggests, Our Great National Parks charts the proud history of the world's natural wildlife preservation sites, such as Patagonia in Chile, Tsavo in Kenya, and Gunung Leuser in Indonesia. The recent Netflix documentary narrated by Barack Obama also depicts the stunning parks in Africa, Australia, and Japan.
A gorgeous affirmation of natural life around the world, Our Great National Parks won a Primetime Emmy for Obama's magisterial narration in the opening episode, "A World of Wonder." Aside from the raw beauty of animals in their natural habitat and the humanitarian efforts to ensure the survival of species, the series connects the entire globe through the mutual adoration of wildlife.
7 The G Word With Adam Conover — May 19, 2022
A spiritual successor to Adam Ruins Everything, The G Word With Adam Conover is a comedic documentary miniseries that finds the host questioning several government agencies and activities. Whether examining the USDA, bank bailouts, or healthcare practices, Conover tries to overcome his skepticism by exposing government practices.
Hailed for its accessible approach to understanding complex government systems, the series stands out most for the final episode in which Adam meets Barack Obama in person to give him a rousing pep talk. Although the show only lasted for 6 episodes, it continued Higher Ground Productions' thematic trend of making digestible thought-provoking edutainment.
6 Descendant — October 21, 2022
Directed by Margaret Brown, Descendant is a harrowing and underrated Netflix documentary film that charts the remaining survivors of the Clotilda, the last known slave ship carrying Africans to America. The wreckage of the Clotilda was found in the Mobile River in 2019, with the film charting how the survivors settled into a place called Africatown in Alabama.
Descendant drew widespread acclaim for its unflinching depiction of an African community finding their voice, reclaiming their place in history, and finding a ray of hope in an otherwise futile scenario. The material is on-brand for Higher Ground Productions, with Descendant earning Brown a 2022 U.S. Special Documentary Jury Award at the Sundance Film Festival.
5 The Light We Carry: Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey — April 25, 2023
The first project that Higher Ground Productions released in 2023 includes The Light We Carry, a fascinating and intimate sitdown between Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey as they discuss life, love, politics, and what inspired Michelle to write her memoir. Fans of both powerful icons are sure to glean invaluable lessons from the 80-minute TV special.
Nominated for a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series or Special, The Light We Carry depicts Michelle's infectious sense of humor as she honestly discusses the trials and tribulations of balancing a personal life with being a public figure. Her marriage to Barack Obama and their parentage to Sasha and Malia also reinforces Michelle's unwavering love and loyalty to her family.
4 Working: What We Do All Day — May 17, 2023
Narrated by Barack Obama, Working: What We Do All Day is an eye-opening 4-part Netflix docuseries that charts the daily grind of four American citizens and their different vocations. From the service industry to freelancing artists to white-collar lobbyists and CEOs, the series offers a wide range of socioeconomic impacts in America.
Nominated for a Primetime Emmy for Obama's powerful narration, the documentary takes tonal and thematic cues from Studs Turkel's famous 1974 book, Working: People Talk About What They Do All Day And How They Feel About What They Do. Thanks to the variety of subjects, the compelling documentary is easy to relate to and identify with the daily workers doing their best to overcome workplace hardships and realize the American Dream.
3 Rustin — November 3, 2023
Rustin
- Release Date
- November 17, 2023
- Rating
- PG-13
Directed by George C. Wolfe, Rustin is an unforgettable historical biopic that charts the life of Bayard Rustin, a daring American civil rights activist who sought to create societal change in 1963. As a gay Black man, Rustin had to fight societal oppression, racism, and prejudice in his personal life en route to making sweeping professional changes.
Marked by a tour-de-force performance by Colman Domingo as Rustin, the film gained plaudits for telling a true story with honesty and integrity that gives voice and agency to the marginalized. While difficult at times, the heroic sacrifices Rustin made to achieve civil rights justice in America are an uplifting reminder of what public service can achieve at its best. For the mission of Higher Ground Productions, Rustin fits the company perfectly.
2 American Symphony — November 29, 2023
Directed by Matthew Heineman, American Symphony is a Netflix musical documentary that tracks a year in the professional life of Jon Batiste, a multi-talented musical artist, singer, songwriter, composer, and TV personality. During the one-year documentary, fans learn a lot about Batiste's resilience as he and his wife, Suleika Jaouad, deal with her cancer diagnosis.
A compelling portrayal of a musical artist whose creativity is stifled when facing a grave family illness, American Symphony shows what matters most to someone as talented and accomplished as Batiste. It's impossible not to feel a great amount of sympathy for what Batiste and Jaouad battle with as they try to balance their personal and professional lives in the face of uncertainty. As such, it's no surprise that American Symphony won several festival awards in 2023.
1 Leave The World Behind — December 8, 2023
Directed by Sam Esmail, Leave the World Behind is the most recent project created by Higher Ground Productions. In a slight departure from the company, the post-apocalyptic thriller follows the Sandford family as they travel to a remote mansion for a weekend getaway. When two strangers show up and claim the house is theirs, a mysterious blackout gives way to an ecological disaster.
Marked by a star-studded cast led by Julia Roberts and Mahershala Ali, Leave the World Behind is a much different type of movie than Higher Ground Productions is known for. Yet, the mega-popular release has been a mainstay atop the Netflix charts since its release, with many critics noting the eye-popping visual FX and character-driven plot twists. Despite being more of a genre film, Higher Ground Productions continues to produce thought-stirring projects with political intrigue on the periphery.
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