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For fans of true crime and culinary arts, this is a golden era. Master storytellers in nonfiction are delivering captivating narratives about shocking crimes and exquisite dishes crafted by top chefs.
Documentary series aren’t limited to these themes. You’ll find a wealth of content exploring history, art, travel, and more, ready to stream. When you need a break from solving real-life mysteries, dive into these 25 exceptional docuseries.
- Ren Faire (2024)
- The Jinx (2015-)
- Telemarketers (2023)
- Trainwreck: Woodstock '99 (2022)
- Dark Side of the Ring (2019-)
- McMillions (2020)
- The Last Dance (2020)
- The Confession Tapes (2019)
- Our Planet (2019-)
- The Devil Next Door (2019)
- Ugly Delicious (2018-2020)
- Bobby Kennedy for President (2018)
- Evil Genius (2018)
- Wild Wild Country (2018)
- The Vow (2020-2022)
- The Innocent Man (2018)
- The Staircase (2004-2018)
- The Toys That Made Us (2017-2019)
- Wormwood (2017)
- Five Came Back (2017)
- Last Chance U (2016-2020)
- Making a Murderer (2015-2018)
- Chef's Table (2015-2022)
- Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez (2020)
- Fear City: New York Vs. the Mafia (2020)
Ren Faire (2024)
When a prominent figure declares his retirement, a fierce competition erupts among several individuals to seize control of his vast empire. Is this Succession? Not quite! This three-part docuseries delves into the Texas Renaissance Festival, the biggest Renaissance fair in the U.S., and the chaos sparked by George “The King” Coulam relinquishing his reign. A kettle corn vendor, an elephant handler, and the king’s trusted lieutenant battle for supremacy, but Coulam’s unpredictable antics add layers of complexity to the power struggle. Ideal for enjoying by the fireside with a hearty turkey leg.
Where to watch it: Max
The Jinx (2015-)
Following the groundbreaking success of Serial in 2014, two gripping
If the initial installment captivated you, The Jinx: Part Two, a six-episode follow-up, is a must-watch. Released in April 2024, it delves into Durst’s arrest and trial, but don’t expect a straightforward tale of justice. Featuring more jaw-dropping interviews, the series examines the network of enablers who shielded Durst from accountability for his crimes. Beyond mere condemnation, it challenges viewers to ponder how they’d react if their closest friend committed such heinous acts.
Where to watch it: Max
Telemarketers (2023)
Sam Lipman-Stern and Patrick Pespas are employed by a telemarketing company that claims to raise funds for firefighter and police charities. However, they uncover that their employer, Civic Development Group, is a sham operation diverting most donations to its owners. This revelation is just the tip of the iceberg in a sprawling crime story about a billion-dollar corruption scheme that appears to remain active.
Where to watch it: Max
Trainwreck: Woodstock '99 (2022)
Long before Fyre Festival, Woodstock ’99 attempted to revive the spirit of the legendary 1960s concert festival. Though not an outright scam, it was a poorly organized disaster marked by chaos and violence, symbolizing the cultural divide between Gen X and the peace-loving hippies of the ’60s. Featuring insights from Gavin Rossdale of Bush, Fatboy Slim, and Carson Daly, the documentary captures the event’s descent into muddy anarchy.
Where to watch it: Netflix
Dark Side of the Ring (2019-)
This celebrated docuseries peels back the curtain on the glitz and drama of professional wrestling, revealing the dark tragedies and scandals that have plagued the industry. From the Chris Benoit murder-suicide to the heartbreaking saga of the Von Erich family in The Iron Claw, the series provides an unparalleled look at the industry’s hidden struggles. Each episode tackles a new, often shocking subject, making Evan Husney and Jason Eisener’s creation irresistibly binge-worthy.
Where to watch it: Hulu
McMillions (2020)
Millennials and older generations likely recall McDonald’s Monopoly game, a promotion offering prizes and cash rewards on food and drink packaging. Running from 1989 to 2001, the campaign was marred by fraud, as the man overseeing it siphoned winnings for himself and his inner circle. Through detailed interviews and records, McMillions vividly recounts this audacious, long-running scam that captivated the public before fading into obscurity.
Where to watch it: Max
The Last Dance (2020)
This acclaimed ESPN series takes an in-depth look at the Chicago Bulls' legendary 1997-1998 NBA championship season.
Where to watch it: Netflix
The Confession Tapes (2019)
Using raw archival footage of police interrogations, this series unfolds gripping narratives set in a simple room with detectives and exhausted suspects.
Where to watch it: Netflix
Our Planet (2019-)
Immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife with this visually stunning journey through nature’s most remarkable wonders—and the environmental challenges they face. Narrated by David Attenborough.
Where to watch it: Netflix
The Devil Next Door (2019)
In 1980s Cleveland, John Demjanjuk, a grandfather and auto worker, faced extradition to Israel after being accused of being Ivan the Terrible, a notorious Nazi camp guard. As Demjanjuk fought the charges, the trial gripped the nation, leaving viewers questioning his true identity. This gripping series keeps you on edge until the final moment.
Where to watch it: Netflix
Ugly Delicious (2018-2020)
David Chang, known for hosting The Mind of a Chef, brings a fresh take on food culture in this series. Is “authentic” pizza a real thing? What connects Korean cuisine to the American South? With his laid-back style, Chang and a roster of guests dive into the dishes we adore, showcasing food as a unifying force.
Where to watch it: Netflix
Bobby Kennedy for President (2018)
This four-part documentary delves into Robert F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign, set against the backdrop of a nation divided by racial tensions. Featuring rare personal footage and firsthand accounts from figures like Marian Wright and Congressman John Lewis, it paints a poignant picture of the era, prompting viewers to reflect on its relevance today and ponder the question: What if?
Where to watch it: Netflix
Evil Genius (2018)
On August 28, 2003, Brian Wells, a pizza deliveryman, entered a PNC Bank in Erie, Pennsylvania, with a bomb strapped to his neck and a cane-shaped shotgun. He handed the teller a note demanding $250,000. After leaving with $8,702, he followed instructions from a note found at a nearby McDonald’s, only to be arrested minutes later. At 3:18 p.m., the bomb exploded, killing Wells as police stood by, waiting for the bomb squad.
This shocking event is just the start of Evil Genius, which explores the strange case involving Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong and other suspects. For over a decade, both amateur sleuths and the FBI have debated whether Wells was a willing participant or an innocent victim in this bizarre bank robbery.
Where to watch it: Netflix
Wild Wild Country (2018)
When an Indian guru and his thousands of American devotees establish a commune near a quiet Oregon town, chaos ensues. This meticulously researched documentary explores pressing societal issues, from religious freedom to electoral rights. Be ready to change your stance—repeatedly—as the story unfolds.
Where to watch it: Netflix
The Vow (2020-2022)
The story of Keith Reniere, the cult leader who manipulated and brainwashed followers as the architect of NXIVM, offers a captivating yet disturbing viewing experience.
Where to stream: Max
The Innocent Man (2018)
Following two heinous murders in 1980s Oklahoma, four individuals were found guilty. Despite their convictions, all four insist they are innocent, raising doubts about whether they were truly culpable or instead victims of law enforcement manipulation. This gripping series is adapted from John Grisham's 2006 book of the same title, with Grisham serving as an executive producer.
Where to stream: Netflix
The Staircase (2004-2018)
In 2001, novelist Michael Peterson claimed his wife Kathleen died from a fall down the stairs, but authorities suspected foul play and charged him with murder. Long before the true crime genre exploded in popularity, The Staircase—Jean-Xavier de Lestrade’s acclaimed docuseries—chronicled Peterson’s complex legal battle. With its gripping courtroom drama and unprecedented access to Peterson’s defense team, this series remains essential viewing. Netflix’s 2018 addition of new episodes reignited fascination with the case, sparking theories—like the infamous owl attack—that continue to baffle viewers.
Where to stream: Netflix
The Toys That Made Us (2017-2019)
This series reveals the surprisingly intense behind-the-scenes stories of beloved toy franchises. From Transformers to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, it explores the creative clashes and innovations that brought these iconic playthings to life.
Where to stream: Netflix
Wormwood (2017)
Renowned documentarian Errol Morris delves into the shadowy world of MKUltra, a notorious CIA program shrouded in mystery. This Cold War initiative explored mind control through LSD and hypnosis, culminating in the enigmatic death of a scientist. Morris meticulously examines the six-decade quest of the scientist’s son for the truth, blending intrigue and investigative rigor.
Where to stream: Netflix
Five Came Back (2017)
Inspired by Mark Harris’s acclaimed book, this historical documentary showcases legendary filmmakers such as Steven Spielberg and Guillermo del Toro reflecting on the wartime contributions of icons like John Ford, William Wyler, John Huston, Frank Capra, and George Stevens. Narrated by Meryl Streep, the series explores how these directors were influenced by World War II and, in turn, how their work influenced the war effort. As an added treat, Netflix also offers the wartime documentaries highlighted in the film for streaming.
Where to stream: Netflix
Last Chance U (2016-2020)
More than just a sports documentary, this series follows the journey of players at East Mississippi Community College, where personal triumphs matter as much as game scores. Many of these talented athletes lost their spots at Division I schools due to academic or disciplinary issues, and now they’re fighting for redemption in a program designed to help them return to top-tier colleges. Later seasons shift focus to Independence Community College in Kansas, offering a fresh perspective on the pursuit of second chances.
Where to stream: Netflix
Making a Murderer (2015-2018)
A groundbreaking true crime sensation in 2015, this series took a decade to create. Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos unravel the shocking tale of Steven Avery, a man exonerated from a sexual assault conviction only to be accused of murdering Teresa Halbach. Beyond exposing flaws in the justice system and hinting at small-town conspiracies, it masterfully stirs outrage and captivates audiences. Following its unexpected success, Netflix released a second season in 2018, continuing the gripping narrative.
Where to stream: Netflix
Chef's Table (2015-2022)
Created by David Gelb, the filmmaker behind Jiro Dreams of Sushi, this series offers an exclusive look into the kitchens of the world’s most renowned chefs. From Osteria Francescana to Blue Hill, Alinea, and Pujol, these culinary masters reveal their creative processes and present mouthwatering dishes that might just tempt you to lick your screen.
Where to stream: Netflix
Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez (2020)
Aaron Hernandez, a former NFL star, stunned the world when he was found guilty of murder in 2013. This documentary explores the factors that drove a talented athlete to such a tragic downfall, featuring insights from those who knew him best.
Where to stream: Netflix
Fear City: New York Vs. the Mafia (2020)
In the 1970s, organized crime dominated New York City. This gripping series delves into the lives of the powerful figures who controlled the underworld and the determined law enforcement agents who dismantled their empires.
Where to stream: Netflix
