The best Netflix documentaries are a great option when fictional TV shows and movies aren't enough. Pulled from actual events, these nonfiction shows and movies give us plenty of pathos and beautiful moments of nature to dive into.
And, thankfully, Netflix has plenty of documentaries and docuseries to educate and entertain us for hours. Whether you're a fan of true crime and murder mysteries or are more intrigued by the natural world, you're set with options at Netflix. It's one of the reasons why Netflix remains one of the best streaming services — it's got one of the largest documentary selections of any streaming platform.
'My Octopus Teacher'
Winner of the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2020, “My Octopus Teacher” is a surprisingly heartfelt documentary that explores the deep connections that humans can form with animals.
The documentary follows disillusioned filmmaker Craig Foster as he looks for meaning in his life. He begins taking daily snorkeling excursions into a South African Kelp Forest where he forms an unlikely bond with an octopus who he sees almost every day on his journeys.
As Foster delves into the octopus's world, he witnesses her intelligence, resourcefulness, and the challenges of her short life. This newfound friendship becomes a turning point for Foster himself. Witnessing the octopus's resilience chips away at his cynicism, fostering a newfound openness towards both the natural world and those around him.
Genre: Nature documentary
Rotten Tomatoes score: 93%
Stream now on Netflix
'Night on Earth'
Looking for a new perspective on the natural world? “Night on Earth” is a documentary series all about revealing the hidden lives of animals after dark. While humans might sleep at night, nocturnal animals like lions, bears, owls, frogs, lizards and more navigate the darkness to hunt, find mates, and raise young.
This series uses state-of-the-art, low-light cameras to capture never-before-seen animal behaviors and includes stunning footage from around the world, from the dark, tree-dense jungle to the moonlit plains.
Genre: Nature documentary
Rotten Tomatoes score: 83%
Stream now on Netflix
Capturing the Killer Nurse
This harrowing documentary finds a brave nurse unearthing a shocking truth within the walls of a local hospital. Teaming up with two determined small-town detectives, she goes undercover to unveil the dark secrets of a colleague she once called a friend. Fellow nurse Charles Cullen soon emerges as one of the most notorious serial killers in American history, linked to a series of inexplicable deaths through mysterious lab results.
Genre: True crime documentary film
Rotten Tomatoes score: 71%
Stream now on Netflix
The Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker
Kai, a homeless hitchhiker, catapulted to viral fame after seemingly rescuing a woman from an assailant using a hatchet. Ironically, it was the same man who had given him a lift just moments before. The incident and Kai's raw recounting of the event in a spontaneous interview captured the public's attention, though everything was not as it seemed at first. Kai's interview soon ends up being the key to his imprisonment after details come to light that reveal Kai is not who he appears to be, nor is his version of events the way things actually went down.
Genre: True crime documentary film
Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%
Stream now on Netflix
American Factory
"American Factory" explores the cultural and economic challenges faced when a Chinese company, Fuyao Glass America, reopens a shuttered General Motors plant in Dayton, Ohio. This documentary examines the initial optimism of reviving the factory and the subsequent conflicts that arise due to differing Chinese and American workplace cultures. It also highlights the contrasting approaches to labor, with Chinese management emphasizing long hours and stringent productivity expectations, while American workers prioritize safety, fair wages, and unionization efforts. — AB
Genre: Economic fly-on-the-wall documentary film
Rotten Tomatoes score: 95%
Stream now on Netflix
Dick Johnson is Dead
"Dick Johnson Is Dead" follows cinematographer Kirsten Johnson’s father, Dick, who has been diagnosed with dementia. To cope with the inevitable loss, Kirsten stages various imaginative and often humorous scenarios of her father's death, turning these morbid fantasies into a creative and therapeutic process for both of them. The documentary combines dark humor with touching moments to show the love between a father and daughter. — AB
Genre: Biographical documentary film
Rotten Tomatoes score: 99%
Stream now on Netflix
Pepsi, Where's My Jet?
"Pepsi, Where's My Jet?" on Netflix is a four-part docuseries that tells the true story of John Leonard, a college student who set out to claim a Harrier jet promised in a Pepsi commercial. In 1996, Pepsi launched a promotional campaign where consumers could collect "Pepsi Points'' to exchange for merchandise. One commercial humorously implied that 7 million points could be redeemed for a Harrier jet. Leonard, seeing an opportunity, attempted to acquire the points to claim the jet. When Pepsi refused to honor the offer, Leonard sued the company, leading to a high-profile court case that pitted him against the soda giant. — AB
Genre: Docuseries w/ dramatic reenactments
Rotten Tomatoes score: 91%
Stream now on Netflix
Miss Americana
This is one of the best movies for Taylor Swift fans and anyone who wants to learn more about her life behind the scenes. It covers her journey as she navigates the pressures of stardom, grapples with her public image, and begins to voice her political opinions. It delves into significant events in her life, such as the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards incident with Kanye West, her experiences with body image issues, and her struggles with media scrutiny and internet backlash. "Miss Americana" aims to show the more vulnerable and determined sides of Swift, beyond her public persona as a pop icon. — AB
Genre: Music documentary film
Rotten Tomatoes score: 91%
Stream now on Netflix
Girl in the Picture
Skye Borgman’s true crime documentary delves into the harrowing story of Suzanne Sevakis, who was known by various aliases including Sharon Marshall and Tonya Hughes. The documentary reveals how Suzanne was kidnapped by Franklin Delano Floyd, who raised her as his daughter, then later forced her to marry him and subjected her to continuous abuse. The movie explores the complex and tragic sequence of events that unfolded over decades, leading to her mysterious death in a hit-and-run accident in 1990 and the subsequent investigations to uncover her true identity and the full extent of Floyd's crimes. — AB
Genre: True crime documentary film
Rotten Tomatoes score: 96%
Stream now on Netflix
Bad Vegan: Fame. Fraud. Fugitives.
This shocking documentary focuses on the dramatic downfall of Sarma Melngailis, a celebrated vegan restaurateur. Melngailis, who owned the New York City hotspot Pure Food and Wine, was drawn into a bizarre scheme by Anthony Strangis, a conman who convinced her he could make her dog immortal and help her expand her food empire. Believing his promises, she illegally transferred over $1.6 million from her restaurant's funds to Strangis, leading to the collapse of her business and a nationwide manhunt. — AB
Genre: Crime docuseries
Rotten Tomatoes score: 88%
Stream now on Netflix
The Deepest Breath
"The Deepest Breath" profiles Italian freediver Alessia Zecchini and her quest to break a world record in freediving with the help of safety diver Stephen Keenan. The documentary explores their intense bond and the extreme risks and rewards associated with freediving.
Zecchini's ambitious journey shows the physical and psychological challenges of the sport, and the tragic events that unfolded during a competition in the Bahamas. You’ll see stunning underwater footage with personal videos and interviews, portraying both the breathtaking beauty and the perilous dangers of diving deep into the ocean. — AB
Genre: Sports documentary film
Rotten Tomatoes score: 84%
Stream now on Netflix
Take Care of Maya
This documentary tells the distressing true story of Maya Kowalski and her family. At ten years old, Maya was admitted to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in Florida with a rare illness. As the medical team struggled to understand her condition, they began to suspect her parents of abuse, leading to Maya being placed in state custody. The documentary captures the family's battle against the hospital and the child welfare system, highlighting the traumatic impact on their lives and raising critical questions about children's healthcare and parental rights. — AB
Genre: Biographical documentary film
Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%
Stream now on Netflix
Waco: American Apocalypse
Learn more about the infamous 1993 siege of the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas. You’ll see the events leading up to the standoff between the FBI, ATF, and David Koresh's religious group, as well as the tragic outcome that resulted in the deaths of many members of the compound. The documentary examines the perspectives of both law enforcement and the Branch Davidians, shedding light on the complex and controversial nature of the incident. — AB
Genre: True crime docuseries
Rotten Tomatoes score: 81%
Stream now on Netflix
Money Shot: The Pornhub Story
Pornhub, the adult film website, has been at the center of scandals for years. There have been countless accusations of how this website platformed non-consensual content. Through interviews with adult film actors and advocates, as well as employees of parent company MindGeek, "Money Shot" educates audiences on the real troubles and complications of a site they may have dismissed as a simple home of smut. — AB
Genre: Interview documentary film
Rotten Tomatoes score: 83%
Stream now on Netflix
Descendant
“Descendant” stands out among Netflix documentaries for its unique perspective. While Netflix is renowned for its true crime documentaries, “Descendant” diverges by offering a profound history lesson that unveils a previously hidden narrative.
Director Margaret Brown's exploration centers on an overlooked chapter of the slave trade's history. The Clotilda, the final documented ship to transport kidnapped Africans to America, was deliberately set ablaze to erase its existence. Today, in Africatown near Mobile, Alabama, the descendants of these enslaved individuals share poignant accounts of their ancestors' experiences. — AB
Genre: Historical documentary film
Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%
Stream now on Netflix
Pamela, A Love Story
"Pamela, A Love Story" chronicles the life of Pamela Anderson, the Canadian-American actress, model, and activist. This documentary delves into Pamela Anderson's rise to fame, her personal life, and her enduring cultural impact. Her career milestones, relationships, and the challenges she faced in the public eye are all shown through a very engaging watch. You’ll also get insights into Pamela Anderson's journey as both a celebrity and a person navigating fame and personal struggles. — AB
Genre: Biographical documentary film
Rotten Tomatoes score: 98%
Stream now on Netflix
The Tinder Swindler
If you enjoyed the guilty pleasure of watching "Inventing Anna," where Anna Sorokin navigates through New York City's elite circles with deception, but seek something even more grounded in reality, then "The Tinder Swindler" is your next must-watch. This documentary exposes the unsettling exploits of Simon Leviev, who exploited numerous women across Europe by persuading them to fall in love with him, ultimately swindling them out of vast sums of money. — AB
Genre: True crime documentary film
Rotten Tomatoes score: 96%
Stream now on Netflix
Athlete A
"Athlete A" investigates the widespread sexual abuse scandal involving Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics national team doctor. The movie primarily focuses on the courageous survivors who came forward with their stories of abuse and the journalists who uncovered the systemic failures within the gymnastics community and at USA Gymnastics that allowed Nassar to prey on young athletes for decades. — AB
Genre: Crime documentary film
Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%
Stream now on Netflix
Seaspiracy
Many have sworn off seafood after viewing Seaspiracy, and understandably so. Released in 2021, this documentary explores the ecological consequences of industrial fishing, exposing the profound harm inflicted upon marine ecosystems by human activities.
While clearly advocating for a reduction in fish consumption, “Seaspiracy” presents compelling arguments supporting this stance, prompting viewers to reconsider their dietary choices in light of its findings. — AB
Genre: Environmental documentary movie
Rotten Tomatoes score: 75%
Stream now on Netflix
The Social Dilemma
As society increasingly prioritizes screen time over in-person interactions, it becomes crucial to scrutinize the socio-interactive impacts of modern technology. "The Social Dilemma" features interviews with tech experts who reveal industry secrets and issues that are often more apparent than hidden. Yet, what makes this one of Netflix's standout documentaries is its exploration of the detrimental effects social media inflicts on both individuals and humanity as a whole. — AB
Genre: Documentary drama film
Rotten Tomatoes score: 86%
Stream now on Netflix
Sophie: A Murder In West Cork
If you enjoy gripping, atmospheric murder mysteries, this one will captivate you. In 1996, a French woman was tragically murdered while visiting her holiday home in West Cork, Ireland. Her body was discovered on the rugged path leading to her secluded property. Shockingly, the case of Sophie Toscan du Plantier remains unsolved to this day. The documentary takes a deep dive into the perplexing details, featuring Ian Bailey, a local journalist implicated in the crime and sentenced in absentia in France. His involvement adds a bizarre and compelling layer to the entire story. — AB
Genre: True crime docuseries
Rotten Tomatoes score: 89%
Stream now on Netflix
Beckham
David Beckham has been a polarizing figure throughout his career. A larger-than-life footballer in a celebrity relationship, some loved him and others despised him.
And your opinion on Beckham could change at any point. He was initially loved by the Manchester United faithful for being a local success story, but essentially left the club in shame — albeit to join the biggest football club in the world. Similarly, his shortcomings at the international level had England fans who once loved him turn on him after a red card at the 1998 World Cup. But after watching this documentary, you'll hopefully view him as a complicated human who didn't always get things right, for better or worse. - MM
Genre: Sports docuseries
Rotten Tomatoes score: 88%
Stream now on Netflix
'World War II: From the Front Lines'
This comprehensive look at the global conflict of World War II through rare colorized footage and firsthand accounts is a harrowing watch. Giving voice to multiple perspectives from all sides of the war, this documentary finds soldiers recounting the brutal realities of combat and life on the front lines, while civilians describe the struggles they faced on the home front. The filmmakers colorized archival clips to bring an extra dimension of realism to the black-and-white images for a complete look back at the war that changed the world.
Genre: War documentary
Rotten Tomatoes score: 69%
Stream now on Netflix
'Our Father'
This eerie exposé unravels the disturbing revelations surrounding a former fertility doctor accused of impregnating multiple women with his own sperm. It centers on a woman who discovers she has multiple half-siblings after taking a DNA test. This triggers an investigation uncovering the unethical practices of the reproductive specialist who treated her mother decades earlier. As more siblings come forward, patterns emerge suggesting the doctor secretly used his own sperm to artificially inseminate scores of patients without their knowledge or consent.
Genre: True crime documentary
Rotten Tomatoes score: 79%
Stream now on Netflix
'The Innocence Project'
This powerful series shines a light on the important work of The Innocence Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to overturning wrongful convictions through DNA evidence. By cexamining several cases taken up by the Innocence Project, it exposes flaws in the U.S. criminal justice system that can lead to innocent people being wrongly imprisoned for crimes they didn't commit. With several in-depth interviews and case files, the show highlights the efforts of Innocence Project lawyers and investigators fighting to set the innocent free.
Genre: True crime documentary
Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%
Stream now on Netflix
More from Tom's Guide
