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Since the 1894 short Fred Ott’s Sneeze, which captured its subject’s sneeze in just five seconds, documentaries have evolved dramatically. They can motivate, as seen in the 2019 Oscar-winning Free Solo, showcasing fearless climber Alex Honnold. They can highlight cultural icons like Fred Rogers, featured in 2018’s Won’t You Be My Neighbor?. They can also dissect political history, with films like 2003’s The Fog of War revealing pivotal global decisions.
Some documentaries aim to tell true stories so extraordinary they seem fictional. In 2020, Tiger King captivated audiences for this very reason. We’ve highlighted similar films in past lists, available here, here, and here. If you’ve already explored those tales of cannibalism, tragic romances, and shocking true crime, here are 10 more that will leave you glued to your screen in amazement.
1. The Legend of Cocaine Island (2019)
A diverse group of aspiring treasure hunters converges on a tiny Caribbean island, lured by tales of hidden drug money, in this engaging depiction of misguided dreams.
Where to watch it: Netflix
2. Abducted in Plain Sight (2017)
In 1974, 12-year-old Jan Broberg from Idaho became the target of her neighbor’s disturbing and inappropriate obsession. What starts as a chilling account of manipulation escalates into an astonishing scheme to control Jan’s entire family. Director Skye Borgman’s portrayal of ordinary people caught in a horrifying plot to steal their daughter has sparked widespread disbelief since its 2019 release.
Where to watch it: Netflix
3. Dons of Disco (2021)
Den Harrow, the European pop sensation, dominated the '80s music charts with their infectious hits. But the story takes a twist when a man steps forward, claiming to be the real voice behind the band, while lead singer Stefano Zandri is dismissed as merely a front. This documentary delves into the unexpected drama behind the scenes.
Where to watch it: Amazon Prime
4. Three Identical Strangers (2018)
Director Tim Wardle’s film begins with a fascinating premise: triplets, born in 1961 and separated at birth, reunite after 18 years apart. Their initial reunion is heartwarming, but the documentary soon shifts focus to uncover the unsettling reasons behind their separation. The shocking revelations give Three Identical Strangers its poignant and unforgettable tone.
Where to watch it: Hulu
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5. Misha and the Wolves (2021)
In 1997, Misha Defonseca released a memoir detailing her experiences of surviving the Holocaust by living with wolves. But is her tale truly inspirational, or does it raise doubts?
Where to watch it: Netflix
6. Tread (2019)
Frustrated by local authorities' handling of property disputes involving his welding shop, Marvin Heemeyer retaliated by armoring a bulldozer to make it impenetrable. In 2004, he unleashed chaos in Granby, Colorado, targeting city structures while police struggled to stop his nearly indestructible machine. Tread offers a gripping look at the consequences of a man pushed to his breaking point.
Where to watch it: Netflix
7. My Kid Could Paint That (2007)
At just 4 years old, Marla Olmstead from upstate New York started creating abstract paintings that her parents sold for high prices. However, a 60 Minutes report raised doubts about whether Marla worked alone. Was she a true prodigy, or did she receive help? And if so, does it diminish her talent? My Kid Could Paint That explores Marla’s artistic journey while delving into the complexities of abstract art and the debate over what validates creativity.
Where to watch it: Amazon Prime
8. Beware the Slenderman (2016)
In 2014, two young girls from Wisconsin made a chilling choice: to kill a classmate to satisfy the “Slenderman,” a fictional figure born from internet lore. Though the victim survived, the lives of all three were irrevocably changed. Beware the Slenderman examines the dangerous convergence of mental health issues, online culture, and urban legends that led to this shocking crime.
Where to watch it: HBO Max
9. The Iceman Tapes: Conversations with a Killer (1992)
For decades, Richard Kuklinski fulfilled his murderous impulses by carrying out contract killings for organized crime groups in New York and New Jersey. After his arrest and conviction, he agreed to share details about his unique methods for eliminating victims and how he maintained a seemingly ordinary family life, complete with a wife and children, alongside his violent career. (A glimpse of Kuklinski’s cold demeanor can be seen in the clip above.) Beyond The Iceman Tapes, which debuted on HBO, Kuklinski also participated in two sequels: The Iceman Confesses: Secrets of a Mafia Hitman in 2001 and The Iceman and the Psychiatrist in 2003.
Where to watch it: HBO Max
10. Perfect Bid (2019)
Ted Slauson, a devoted Price is Right fan, spent years studying retail prices in hopes of being selected from the audience. His journey takes an unexpected turn when he comes dangerously close to a flawless Showcase Showdown guess, creating a story filled with suspense.
Where to watch it: IMDb TV on Amazon Prime
