Netflix is home to some of the best documentaries of all time; and over the years some of these have gone so viral they were all anybody could talk about. Think about titles like Making A Murderer, The Last Dance, The Tinder Swindler, Tiger King, Blackfish – and on and on. And while Netflix has so many great documentaries to choose from, sometimes you might find it difficult to find something that you haven’t seen yet (that’s worth watching). This list is designed for people in that situation.
Netflix offers a wide range of documentaries, covering real-life stories, events, people, true crime, nature, and sports. There’s something for everyone, whether you want to learn about new topics or delve deeper into familiar ones. Some documentaries have won awards and are praised for shedding light on important issues. They are both entertaining and educational, making them suitable for viewers of all ages.
The Best Documentaries Currently On Netflix
1. “The Social Dilemma” (2020)
This eye-opening documentary explores the impact of social media on our lives. It features interviews with former tech executives who reveal the dark side of algorithms and data collection.
2. “13th” (2016)
Ava DuVernay’s powerful film examines the history of racial inequality in the United States, focusing on the mass incarceration of Black Americans.
3. “My Octopus Teacher” (2020)
A heartwarming and visually stunning documentary about a filmmaker’s unique bond with an octopus in a South African kelp forest.
4. “American Murder: The Family Next Door” (2020)
This chilling true crime documentary unravels the shocking disappearance of Shanann Watts and her two daughters, using raw footage and social media posts.
5. “Icarus” (2017)
An unexpected turn of events in this documentary about doping in sports leads to a major international doping scandal.
6. “FYRE: The Greatest Party That Never Happened” (2019)
This jaw-dropping film chronicles the disastrous Fyre Festival, a luxury music festival that turned into a chaotic nightmare.
7. “Tiger King” (2020)
A wild and bizarre look into the world of big cat breeding, featuring eccentric personalities, murder accusations, and a cast of unforgettable characters.
8. “The Great Hack” (2019)
This documentary explores the Cambridge Analytica scandal, revealing how personal data was weaponized to influence elections.
9. “Crip Camp” (2020)
A moving and inspiring film about a summer camp for teenagers with disabilities that sparked a revolution for disability rights.
10. “Wild Wild Country” (2018)
This six-part series delves into the controversial Rajneeshpuram community in Oregon, led by the charismatic and controversial Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh.
Featured Documentaries and Their Themes
| Documentary Title | Genre | Themes |
|---|---|---|
| The Social Dilemma | Technology, Society | Social media’s impact, algorithms, data privacy |
| 13th | History, Social Justice | Racial inequality, mass incarceration |
| My Octopus Teacher | Nature, Human Interest | Connection to nature, animal intelligence |
| American Murder: The Family Next Door | True Crime | Domestic violence, social media’s role in investigations |
| Icarus | Sports, Investigative | Doping in sports, international scandal |
| FYRE: The Greatest Party That Never Happened | Music, Fraud | Luxury, social media, deception, failure |
| Tiger King | True Crime, Eccentricity | Big cat breeding, cults of personality, crime |
| The Great Hack | Technology, Politics | Data privacy, elections, manipulation |
| Crip Camp | History, Social Justice | Disability rights, activism, community |
| Wild Wild Country | History, Cults | Religious movements, conflict, power |
Deep Dive into Netflix Documentaries
Expanded List of Must-Watch Documentaries
Here are more documentaries to add to your list, with brief descriptions and ratings to help you choose:
- “The Social Dilemma” (2020): This eye-opening film explores the impact of social media on our lives, featuring interviews with former tech executives who reveal the dark side of algorithms and data collection. (IMDb rating: 7.6/10)
- “13th” (2016): Ava DuVernay’s powerful film examines the history of racial inequality in the United States, focusing on the mass incarceration of Black Americans. (IMDb rating: 8.2/10)
- “My Octopus Teacher” (2020): A heartwarming and visually stunning documentary about a filmmaker’s unique bond with an octopus in a South African kelp forest. (IMDb rating: 8.1/10)
- “American Murder: The Family Next Door” (2020): This chilling true crime documentary unravels the shocking disappearance of Shanann Watts and her two daughters, using raw footage and social media posts. (IMDb rating: 7.2/10)
- “Icarus” (2017): An unexpected turn of events in this documentary about doping in sports leads to a major international doping scandal. (IMDb rating: 7.9/10)
- “FYRE: The Greatest Party That Never Happened” (2019): This jaw-dropping film chronicles the disastrous Fyre Festival, a luxury music festival that turned into a chaotic nightmare. (IMDb rating: 7.2/10)
- “Tiger King” (2020): A wild and bizarre look into the world of big cat breeding, featuring eccentric personalities, murder accusations, and a cast of unforgettable characters. (IMDb rating: 7.6/10)
- “The Great Hack” (2019): This documentary explores the Cambridge Analytica scandal, revealing how personal data was weaponized to influence elections. (IMDb rating: 7.1/10)
- “Crip Camp” (2020): A moving and inspiring film about a summer camp for teenagers with disabilities that sparked a revolution for disability rights. (IMDb rating: 7.9/10)
- “Wild Wild Country” (2018): This six-part series delves into the controversial Rajneeshpuram community in Oregon, led by the charismatic and controversial Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. (IMDb rating: 8.1/10)
- “Athlete A” (2020): This documentary exposes the sexual abuse scandal within USA Gymnastics, focusing on the brave athletes who spoke out against Larry Nassar. (IMDb rating: 7.7/10)
- “The Keepers” (2017): This true-crime docuseries investigates the unsolved murder of a nun and uncovers a dark history of abuse at a Catholic school. (IMDb rating: 8.1/10)
- “Making a Murderer” (2015): This groundbreaking series follows the case of Steven Avery, a man twice convicted of violent crimes, raising questions about the justice system. (IMDb rating: 8.6/10)
- “Planet Earth” (2006): This stunning nature documentary series explores diverse habitats around the world, showcasing breathtaking footage of wildlife and landscapes. (IMDb rating: 9.4/10)
- “Jiro Dreams of Sushi” (2011): This film profiles Jiro Ono, a renowned sushi chef in Tokyo who dedicates his life to perfecting his craft. (IMDb rating: 7.9/10)
Highlighting Social and Environmental Issues
Netflix documentaries go beyond true crime. They tackle a wide range of social issues, including:
- Climate Change: “Chasing Coral” and “Our Planet” show the impact of climate change on our planet’s ecosystems.
- Social Justice Movements: “Knock Down the House” follows four women who run for Congress, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
- Environmental Issues: “Seaspiracy” exposes the environmental impact of the fishing industry.
Documentaries for Kids and Families
Looking for something the whole family can enjoy? Here are some kid-friendly options:
- “Our Planet”: Stunning visuals and fascinating animals make this series a great choice for families.
- “The Magic School Bus Rides Again”: This animated series teaches kids about science and nature in a fun and engaging way.
- “March of the Penguins”: This heartwarming film follows the incredible journey of emperor penguins.
Hidden Gems
Don’t miss these lesser-known documentaries that deserve more attention:
- “Three Identical Strangers”: This mind-blowing documentary tells the story of triplets separated at birth who reunite as adults.
- “Shirkers”: A filmmaker investigates the disappearance of her teenage film and uncovers a web of mystery.
- “Honeyland”: This beautifully shot film follows a Macedonian beekeeper who faces challenges from a neighboring family.
Documentaries by Category
Here’s a table to help you find documentaries based on your interests:
| Category | Documentaries |
|---|---|
| True Crime | “Making a Murderer,” “The Keepers,” “The Tinder Swindler,” “American Murder: The Family Next Door” |
| Nature | “Our Planet,” “My Octopus Teacher,” “Chasing Coral,” “Planet Earth” |
| Sports | “The Last Dance,” “Icarus,” “Free Solo,” “Senna” |
| History | “13th,” “Wild Wild Country,” “The Civil War,” “Apollo 11” |
| Social Issues | “The Social Dilemma,” “Crip Camp,” “Knock Down the House,” “Seaspiracy” |
Key Takeaways
- Netflix offers a diverse selection of documentaries on various topics
- Many Netflix documentaries have received critical acclaim and awards
- Documentaries can be both entertaining and educational for viewers
Exploring Netflix’s Documentary Landscape
Netflix offers a wide range of documentaries. These films cover many topics and styles. They aim to inform and entertain viewers.
The Rise of True Crime and Investigative Series
True crime shows have become very popular on Netflix. These series look into real crimes and mysteries. Some focus on famous cases like “Making a Murderer” and “The Keepers”. Others explore lesser-known stories.
Many of these shows use new evidence to reexamine old cases. They often interview people involved in the events. This can include victims, witnesses, and law enforcement.
True crime documentaries sometimes lead to real-world changes. They can bring new attention to unsolved crimes. In some cases, they have even helped free wrongly convicted people.
Highlighting Social Issues Through Documentary Storytelling
Netflix documentaries tackle important social topics. These films shine a light on problems in society. They cover issues like racism, sexism, and LGBTQ+ rights.
Some documentaries focus on specific events or movements. “13th” examines the link between race and mass incarceration. “Crip Camp” tells the story of disability rights activists.
These films often mix personal stories with broader facts. This helps viewers connect with the issues on a human level. Many use expert interviews and historical footage to explain complex topics.
Celebrating the Natural World
Nature documentaries are a big part of Netflix’s lineup. These shows explore the beauty and wonder of our planet. They often use cutting-edge filming techniques to capture amazing sights.
“Our Planet” is one of Netflix’s most popular nature series. It looks at different habitats around the world. The show also talks about how climate change affects these places.
Other nature docs focus on specific animals or ecosystems. “My Octopus Teacher” follows one man’s friendship with an octopus. “Chasing Coral” shows the threats facing coral reefs.
These films often have a message about conservation. They aim to inspire viewers to care about the natural world.
Critically Acclaimed Documentaries on Netflix
Netflix offers many award-winning and groundbreaking documentaries. These films cover important topics and use creative techniques to tell true stories.
Oscar-Winning and Nominated Films
“American Factory” won the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature in 2020. It looks at a Chinese company that reopens a closed factory in Ohio. The film shows the clash between American and Chinese work cultures.
“13th” by Ava DuVernay got an Oscar nomination in 2017. It explores the link between race, justice, and mass incarceration in the U.S. The film uses historical footage and expert interviews to make its case.
“My Octopus Teacher” won the Oscar in 2021. It follows a filmmaker’s unusual bond with an octopus in South Africa. The stunning underwater footage amazed viewers and critics.
Docuseries with a Cult Following
“Making a Murderer” became a huge hit when it came out in 2015. It looks at the case of Steven Avery, who was wrongly jailed for 18 years. The series raised questions about the justice system and sparked debates.
“The Tinder Swindler” went viral in 2022. It tells the story of a con man who tricked women he met on dating apps. The film’s mix of true crime and romance drew in many viewers.
“Our Planet” wowed audiences with its nature footage. narrated by David Attenborough, it shows the beauty and fragility of Earth’s ecosystems.
Breaking New Ground with Innovative Filmmaking
“Dick Johnson is Dead” uses dark humor to deal with aging and loss. Director Kirsten Johnson stages fake deaths for her father, who has dementia. This unique approach earned praise from critics.
“The Social Dilemma” blends interviews and drama to show the dangers of social media. It features tech experts who share insider knowledge about how these platforms work.
“Shirkers” mixes old footage and new interviews to tell a strange story. The director reclaims her lost student film and explores themes of creativity and betrayal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Netflix offers a wide range of documentaries. Viewers often have questions about which ones to watch. Here are answers to some common queries.
What are the current award-winning documentaries available on Netflix?
“American Factory” won an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature in 2020. It looks at a Chinese company that opened a factory in Ohio. “My Octopus Teacher” won the same award in 2021. It shows a man’s bond with an octopus.
Which are the top-rated documentaries on Netflix according to IMDb?
IMDb users give high marks to “The Last Dance” about Michael Jordan. “13th” by Ava DuVernay is also highly rated. It explores race and the justice system in the U.S.
What new documentaries have recently been added to Netflix?
“To Kill a Tiger” was added in 2022. It tells the story of a family seeking justice in India. “Power” by Yance Ford is set to release in May 2024. It will look at the history of policing in America.
What is the most watched documentary on Netflix currently?
Netflix does not always share exact viewing numbers. But true crime series like “Making a Murderer” and “Tiger King” have been very popular. Nature documentaries like “Our Planet” also draw many viewers.
Which crime documentaries on Netflix come highly recommended?
“The Act of Killing” is praised by critics. It takes an unusual look at past crimes in Indonesia. “Icarus” won an Oscar for its story about sports doping. Both offer deep dives into complex topics.
How can I find critically acclaimed documentaries on Netflix?
Look for documentaries that have won awards or been featured at film festivals. Check reviews from trusted sources. Netflix often puts acclaimed docs in its “Trending Now” or “Popular on Netflix” sections.
