Sure, it might be a great weekend for Frankenweenie, Tim Burton’s latest multimillion dollar 3D flick from Disney, but rest assured: It’ll be around for many more to come. Less accessible are three critically acclaimed documentaries that are worth your cash and full attention. Seek these moving stories out now if you can:

• Searching for Sugar Man: This is the almost unbelievable, inspiring true story of Detroit musician Sixto Diaz Rodriguez, who became a legend in South Africa for his accidental contributions to the anti-apartheid movement, despite being virtually unknown in America. I saw this film when it was released in July and can’t recommend it highly enough: It’s still opening in more locations nationwide, so now could be your chance to catch it in theaters.

• The Queen of Versailles: Here’s another true story about larger-than-life characters: David and Jackie Siegel are billionaires who decide to build the largest mansion in America—and run into financial disaster when the recession hits. It’s the American dream seen through a fun house mirror, and the result is thought-provoking and often hilarious (if cringe-inducing). This one has also been out since July, so seek it out before it leaves theaters.

• The House I Live In: Here’s one I’m headed to tonight, a well-reviewed film about the “War on Drugs” that’s hitting theaters now. It may be a bit heavier than Frankenweenie,  but what’s wrong with a little edu-tainment on Friday night?