The Most Unknown
Synopsis
An epic documentary film that sends nine scientists to extraordinary parts of the world to uncover unexpected answers to some of humanity’s biggest questions. How did life begin? What is time? What is consciousness? How much do we really know? By introducing researchers from diverse backgrounds for the first time, then dropping them into new, immersive field work they previously hadn’t tackled, the film pushes the boundaries of how science storytelling is approached. What emerges is a deeply human trip to the foundations of discovery and a powerful reminder that the unanswered questions are the most crucial ones to pose. Directed by Emmy-nominated and Peabody Award-winning filmmaker Ian Cheney and advised by world-renowned filmmaker Werner Herzog, The Most Unknown is an ambitious look at a side of science never before shown on screen.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
The Most Unknown (Official Documentary Trailer)
Type: Trailer • Published 2018-03-01
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Jennifer L. Macalady
Self - Microbiologist, Penn State University
Davide D'Angelo
Self - Physicist, Università degli Studi di Milano
Axel Cleeremans
Self - Cognitive Psychologist, Université libre de Bruxelles
Luke McKay
Self - Astrobiologist, Montana State University
Rachel L. Smith
Self - Astrophysicist, North California Museum of Natural Sciences
Erik Cordes
Self - Ecologist & Chief Expedition Scientist, Temple University
Victoria Orphan
Self - Geobiologist, California Institute of Technology
Jun Ye
Self - Physicist, University of Colorado-Boulder & National Institute of Standards and Technology
Anil Seth
Self - Neuroscientist, University of Sussex
Laurie Santos
Self - Cognitive Psychologist, Yale University
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Ian Cheney
- Original Title
- The Most Unknown
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 32m
- Production Studios
- VICE Media
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Ian Cheney
Department Leadership Roster
Ian Cheney
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Most Unknown.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Most Unknown.
Movies to watch
Watchlist
2010
MovieLens[50K:]
Movies that have been on Netflix
**Automated** TMDB list of movies that have been on Netflix.<br>See github.com/paolobasso99/netflix-movies-to-tmdb <br>Last update: 9 May 2026
70 Removal
Similar Titles to The Most Unknown
Movies sharing stylistic DNA, tone, and thematic storytelling
8.2
6.9
8.5
8.0
7.0
More Like The Most Unknown
Recommended titles matching themes, cast, and genres.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Most Unknown
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Most Unknown about?
An epic documentary film that sends nine scientists to extraordinary parts of the world to uncover unexpected answers to some of humanity’s biggest questions. How did life begin? What is time? What is consciousness? How much do we really know? By introducing researchers from diverse backgrounds for the first time, then dropping them into new, immersive field work they previously hadn’t tackled, the film pushes the boundaries of how science storytelling is approached. What emerges is a deeply human trip to the foundations of discovery and a powerful reminder that the unanswered questions are the most crucial ones to pose. Directed by Emmy-nominated and Peabody Award-winning filmmaker Ian Cheney and advised by world-renowned filmmaker Werner Herzog, The Most Unknown is an ambitious look at a side of science never before shown on screen.
Who directed The Most Unknown?
The Most Unknown was directed by Ian Cheney.
Who stars in The Most Unknown?
The principal cast of The Most Unknown includes Jennifer L. Macalady, Davide D'Angelo, Axel Cleeremans, Luke McKay, Rachel L. Smith.
When was The Most Unknown released and how long is it?
The Most Unknown was released in 2018 with a total runtime of 1h 32m.