Buzz
Whether you're seeking inspiration, knowledge, a spark of outrage, or simply a relaxing escape into the wonders of nature, these are the finest documentaries available for streaming on Netflix.
What Happened, Miss Simone? (2015)
Directed by Liz Garbus (Ghosts of Abu Ghraib), this film vividly portrays the intensity and brilliance of Simone’s artistry and activism at their peak. As one of the most iconic entertainers of the century, Simone was also a formidable personality; her unyielding presence as a Black woman in a society that often undermines Black power is both empowering and poignant, despite the personal toll it took on her. Centered in the cultural and revolutionary movements of the 1960s, this documentary highlights her enduring influence and significance.
Shirkers (2018)
Back in 1992, three friends from Singapore—Sandi Tan, Jasmine Ng, and Sophia Siddique—collaborated on a film titled Shirkers, guided by their film instructor. However, the instructor disappeared with the completed film, leaving no trace. Decades later, after the man's death, the footage was returned to Sandi Tan, who transformed it into a captivating documentary exploring the risks and rewards of revisiting a forgotten chapter of her life.
13th (2016)
The Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1865, abolished slavery but included a significant loophole that, as director Ava DuVernay compellingly demonstrates, has been exploited throughout American history. While the amendment ended involuntary servitude, it allowed for forced labor as punishment for crimes. DuVernay traces this legacy from the post-Civil War era, when Black voters were systematically disenfranchised, to today's prison industrial complex, where Black Americans are incarcerated at alarmingly disproportionate rates.
American Factory (2019)
The inaugural film from Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions, and their first Oscar-winning documentary (Best Documentary), American Factory embodies the strengths of the Obama legacy in the most positive sense. The documentary examines a defunct GM plant in Ohio, bought by a Chinese billionaire for his glass company, Fuyao. While the plant provided jobs for 2,000 American workers, the cultural and managerial clashes between Chinese executives and American employees revealed deep-seated challenges. The film adopts an observational style, letting the factory’s dynamics speak for themselves. It serves as a cautionary tale about globalization’s impact on labor, presenting a nuanced view without casting heroes or villains—just individuals navigating a shifting world.
Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution (2020)
Another acclaimed project from Higher Ground Productions, Crip Camp earned an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary Feature (losing to My Octopus Teacher). The film vividly portrays the everyday struggles of disabled individuals, starting with a 1971 summer camp in the Catskills, Camp Jened, where attendees could embrace freedom and joy without judgment. It then follows five former campers who channeled their experiences into lifelong activism. While the term 'inspiring' is often overused, it perfectly captures the essence of this powerful and transformative story.
My Octopus Teacher (2020)
Naturalist and filmmaker Craig Foster spent a year building a unique bond with a wild octopus, a creature that exhibits remarkable intelligence and otherworldly behaviors. Their evolving friendship allowed Foster to explore her underwater realm, revealing both the beauty and peril of her existence. The film poignantly reflects on the fragility of life and the profound connections we can form with other species. For a lighter follow-up, the Documentary Now episode 'My Monkey Grifter' offers a humorous twist on the story.
Our Father (2022)
Delving into a chilling narrative, Our Father follows Jacoba Ballard and others who discovered they were among the 94 (or more) biological children of Donald Cline, a fertility doctor who secretly used his own sperm to impregnate patients without their consent. While the film adopts a sensational tone to match its shocking subject matter, it often highlights the emotional toll on the victims—both parents and children. Despite its heavy-handed approach, the story remains as gripping as it is disturbing.
Sr. (2022)
Robert Downey Sr., though often eclipsed by his famous son, was a pivotal figure in the counterculture movement of the 1960s and ‘70s, known for his sharp, low-budget satires critiquing American society and capitalism. Directed by Chris Smith (American Movie), this documentary balances its focus between Downey Sr.’s career and his bond with his son, Robert Downey Jr. While it may not fully capture the eccentricity of Sr.’s life, it offers a heartfelt and insightful portrayal of both the artist and the father.
For the Love of Spock (2016)
Adam Nimoy, both director and actor, offers an intimate portrayal of his father’s life, presenting Leonard Nimoy not just as the iconic Spock, but as a multifaceted individual with interests beyond acting and a complex dynamic with his family and fame. This documentary stands out as one of the most authentic explorations of Nimoy’s legacy and the cultural impact of his unforgettable role.
Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story (2017)
While many documentaries delve into the lives of classic Hollywood stars, few stories are as extraordinary as Hedy Lamarr’s. Known primarily as a glamorous actress, Lamarr was also a brilliant inventor. Fleeing Austria and a domineering, Nazi-sympathizing husband in the 1930s, she arrived in Hollywood but never abandoned her passion for innovation. Despite lacking formal education, she developed groundbreaking technology during her film career, including patents that could have significantly impacted World War II—had they been recognized at the time.
Homecoming (2019)
Chronicling Beyoncé’s historic 2018 Coachella performance, Homecoming is more than a concert film—it’s a testament to her dedication, creativity, and meticulous preparation. Beyond showcasing her artistry, the film highlights the cultural significance of her achievement as the first Black woman to headline the festival, celebrating Black excellence and the profound joy it brings.
Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones (2023, four parts)
While countless programs explore diet and lifestyle, this miniseries stands apart by spotlighting the lives of individuals in “blue zones,” regions identified by Dan Buettner where people live significantly longer than average. The health insights shared by a 104-year-old woman or a group of siblings in their 90s, thriving within communities of long-lived individuals, carry a unique and compelling weight.
Pray Away (2021)
Though often criticized, 'conversion therapy'—a harmful practice aimed at altering LGBTQ individuals’ sexual orientation or gender identity—remains legal in much of the world and the U.S. Director Kristine Stolakis adopts a compassionate lens, featuring interviews with survivors enduring its lasting effects and former proponents confronting the harm they’ve caused.
Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (2018)
Morgan Neville’s 2018 documentary about Fred Rogers, the beloved host of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, became the highest-grossing biographical documentary ever. Mirroring Rogers’ own gentle demeanor, the film delves into his deep compassion and quiet determination. Through archival footage and heartfelt interviews with loved ones, it highlights his unwavering commitment to creating a nurturing space for children—a legacy that remains profoundly relevant today.
Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell (2021)
While Christopher Wallace, aka The Notorious B.I.G., has been depicted in numerous films, most focus on his tragic death, overshadowing his life. I Got a Story to Tell breaks this pattern by centering on his journey, enriched by insights from his mother and close associates. It paints a vivid picture of an artist whose life was tragically cut short, while also addressing the complexities and challenges he faced.
Immigration Nation (2020, six parts)
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) cooperated with this documentary series, likely expecting a favorable portrayal. Instead, filmmakers Christina Clusiau and Shaul Schwarz expose the agency’s harsh practices, often through the words of its own agents. The series reveals an organization operating on the edge of legality, with devastating consequences for those seeking a better life in America.
The Pharmacist (2020, four parts)
While COVID-19 temporarily shifted attention away from the opioid crisis, its devastating impact persists. This gripping documentary series traces the origins of the epidemic through an unexpected lens: Dan Schneider, a pharmacist whose quest for justice after his son’s unsolved murder led him to uncover the alarming rise in OxyContin prescriptions in the early 2000s. It’s a unique and compelling perspective on a continuing public health disaster.
Ordinary Men: The Forgotten Holocaust (2023)
Adapted from Christopher R. Browning’s book, Ordinary Men examines the role of Reserve Police Battalion 101 and similar units in the Holocaust. These groups, composed largely of ordinary conscripts rather than fervent Nazis, were responsible for the deaths of millions. The film argues that their actions stemmed more from social pressures than personal hatred, offering a stark and timely warning about how easily ordinary people can be drawn into atrocities under certain conditions.
They Shall Not Grow Old (2018)
Peter Jackson’s documentary is both a technical marvel and an emotionally resonant journey through time. By restoring and colorizing previously unseen World War I footage, and adding meticulously crafted sound effects and voiceovers, Jackson brings the experiences of British soldiers to life. The narration, drawn from interviews with veterans, creates a deeply moving portrayal that bridges the gap between the past and present.
FIFA Uncovered (2022, four parts)
Starting in 1974, FIFA Uncovered exposes decades of corruption within soccer’s global governing body. The series highlights João Havelange’s presidency, which aimed to globalize the sport but also ushered in an era of bribery, racketeering, and scandal. The documentary unfolds like a gripping true crime story, revealing the dark underbelly of the world’s most popular sport.
The Last Dance (2020, ten parts)
A celebratory sports documentary, The Last Dance follows Michael Jordan’s legendary career, culminating in the Chicago Bulls’ 1997-1998 championship season. With never-before-seen footage and interviews, the series makes a compelling case for the Bulls’ unparalleled legacy. Its 10-episode format feels perfectly paced, offering an engaging and uplifting look at one of basketball’s greatest eras.
Our Planet (2019, eight parts)
Even in his late 90s, David Attenborough continues to be a tireless advocate for environmental education and conservation. In Netflix’s first nature documentary series, Our Planet, he highlights species threatened by climate change. A successor to the Planet Earth series, it features breathtaking high-definition footage that captivates and informs.
Five Came Back (2017, three parts)
This series offers a compelling exploration of Hollywood’s golden age during World War II, focusing on five iconic directors: John Ford, William Wyler, John Huston, Frank Capra, and George Stevens. It examines their cinematic contributions and wartime experiences, with insights from modern filmmakers like Steven Spielberg, Guillermo del Toro, and Francis Ford Coppola. Narrated by Meryl Streep, it uncovers surprising moments, such as Wyler’s refusal to create a recruitment film for Black soldiers due to rampant racism in the military, and the unintended consequences of wartime propaganda.
Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey (2022, four parts)
This series sheds light on the survivors of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, particularly the women subjected to psychological, physical, and sexual abuse under Warren Jeffs’ leadership. Through harrowing interviews and recovered footage, it paints a deeply unsettling picture while avoiding the exploitative tone often found in true-crime narratives.
Born in Syria (2016)
Though released several years ago, Born in Syria remains heartbreakingly relevant as the Syrian civil war and global conflicts continue to displace millions. The documentary poignantly follows seven children forced to flee their homes, capturing their struggles and resilience in the face of ongoing adversity.
