The Untold History Of The United States

20129h 45m Directed by Oliver Stone
8.1
(105 votes)
DocumentaryHistory

Overview

Oliver Stone charts the history of the United States from the Second World War to the present.

The Untold History Of The United States

A Critical Lens on America's Hidden Past

Noura Haddad
Noura HaddadFeb 2, 2026
The Untold History of the United States, a documentary series directed by Oliver Stone, is a thought-provoking and meticulously researched exploration of the country's history from the Second World War to the present day. With a runtime of 585 minutes, this series is not for the faint of heart, but for those willing to invest the time, it offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the complexities that have shaped America. Stone's narrative is both captivating and challenging, as he delves into the darker aspects of American history, often overlooked or distorted in traditional accounts.

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One of the strengths of the series is its ability to contextualize historical events within a broader framework, highlighting the intricate web of cause and effect that has led to the current state of global politics. Stone's critique of American exceptionalism and the country's role in shaping world events is both incisive and provocative, encouraging viewers to question their assumptions about the nation's history and its impact on the world. The series also features a wide range of interviews with historians, politicians, and other experts, adding depth and diversity to the narrative. However, some viewers may find Stone's perspective to be overly critical, and his tendency to emphasize the negative aspects of American history may strike some as unbalanced.

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Despite these potential criticisms, The Untold History of the United States is a significant and timely work, one that contributes meaningfully to the ongoing conversation about America's role in the world. The series is also notable for its thematic resonance, as it explores issues that remain pressing today, such as the tension between national security and individual freedom, the impact of imperialism, and the dangers of unchecked power. While the series may not offer easy answers or comforting truths, it is a powerful reminder of the importance of critical thinking and nuanced understanding in evaluating the complexities of history. Ultimately, The Untold History of the United States is a must-see for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the forces that have shaped America and the world, and for those willing to confront the darker aspects of the country's past.

CAST

Oliver Stone
Oliver Stone
Narrator
Vasili Arkhipov
Vasili Arkhipov
Self (archive footage)
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Self (archive footage)
Henry A. Wallace
Henry A. Wallace
Self (archive footage)
Harry S. Truman
Harry S. Truman
Self (archive footage)
Joseph Stalin
Joseph Stalin
Self (archive footage)
Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill
Self (archive footage)
Barack Obama
Barack Obama
Self (archive footage)
George W. Bush
George W. Bush
Self (archive footage)
John F. Kennedy
John F. Kennedy
Self (archive footage)

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