The Best documentaries to watch on Netflix

The realm of documentaries offers a powerful lens through which we can explore the deep reality, unveiling untold stories and shedding light on pressing issues. There are plenty of thought-provoking and enlightening documentaries that captivate audiences with their compelling narratives and profound insights. With an extensive collection that spans diverse genres and subjects, Netflix continues to provide a platform for groundbreaking documentaries that educate, entertain, and inspire viewers.

In this article, we will present you with five exceptional documentaries available on Netflix, each offering a unique perspective on the world we live in. From riveting true crime investigations to powerful exposés on social and environmental challenges, these documentaries will leave you in a world of discovery, inviting you to broaden your understanding and contemplate the complexities of our shared human experience. Get ready to embark on an enlightening journey as we delve into these remarkable documentaries that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact.

1. My Octopus Teacher

My Octopus Teacher is a captivating documentary that was released on Netflix in 2020. The film is directed by Pippa Ehrlich and James Reed. The film is focused on filmmaker Craig Foster as he forms a remarkable bond with an octopus in the South African kelp forest. It offers a beautiful and moving exploration of our relationship with nature and the wonders beneath the sea with stunning cinematography. The film is approximately 85 minutes long. My Octopus Teacher has received critical appreciation for its heartfelt storytelling and breathtaking visuals. It also received the Best Documentary Feature at the 2021 Academy Awards.

2. Crime Scene

Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel is a gripping true crime docu-series available on Netflix released in 2021. The documentary focuses on the mysterious disappearance of Elisa Lam, a Canadian student, at the infamous Cecil Hotel in Los Angeles. The series is directed by Joe Berlinger; the series delves into the dark history of the hotel and examines the unsettling circumstances surrounding Lam’s case. The series consists of four episodes, and it has captured the attention of audiences worldwide with its compelling storytelling and compelling exploration of true crime mysteries.

3. David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet is an impactful documentary released on Netflix in 2020. This documentary movie is directed by Alastair Fothergill, Jonnie Hughes, and Keith Scholey. The film features renowned naturalist Sir David Attenborough and his exploration of the natural world. With insightful commentary and stunning footage, the documentary highlights the urgent need to address climate change and its impact on our planet. The running time of the movie is approximately 83 minutes; it serves as a passionate call to action, emphasizing the importance of preserving biodiversity and restoring ecological balance for the upcoming generations.

4. Miss Americana

Miss Americana is a documentary film directed by Lana Wilson The movie was released on Netflix in 2020. The film offers an intimate portrayal of pop superstar Taylor Swift, giving an insight into her personal and professional life. It captures the journey of her rise to fame, battles with public scrutiny, artistic evolution, and her decision to become more politically active. The movie is 1 hour 25 minutes long. Miss Americana provides a deeper understanding of Swift’s journey, showcasing her growth, vulnerability, and the impact of her experiences on her music and public image. Fans from all over the world loved the compelling and insightful exploration of fame, identity, and the complexities of her life, being a public figure.

5. Icarus

Icarus is a documentary film that explores the Russian doping scandal in athletics and takes an unexpected turn when the filmmaker, Bryan Fogel, becomes personally entangled in the story. Through his journey, Fogel uncovers a vast state-sponsored doping program and reveals the extent of corruption in international sports. The movie is approximately 121 minutes long and offers a thrilling and eye-opening exploration of the dark side of sports and the implications of doping. The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2018. The film is directed by Bryan Fogel. It was released on Netflix in 2017.