Movies and TV shows can be a great form of escape when everyday life gets mundane. Once in a while, it’s good to take a break from watching fantasy-fueled fiction and watch an educational documentary instead. They show viewers that there is more to life than meets the eye. The drama, suspense, love and injustice that unfolds in real life can be incredibly engaging, suspenseful and moving, just like documentaries. by Netflix tiger king was one of the most famous in 2020, but there are others who have this one in mind.
Netflix offers countless documentaries, but with so many to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start. They cover a variety of topics, the most notable being nature, social justice, and true crime. Other documentaries can range from the music industry to professional sports. What matters is that there is a documentary for everyone on Netflix.
Updated May 2, 2022 by Lynn Gibbs: One of the highest rated documentaries on IMDb deals with the nature and diversity of beings on Earth. The rating proves how interesting it is to learn more about Earth’s creatures and landscapes. However, IMDb also proves that there is a deep interest in documentaries about true crime stories, the lives of athletes, and religious cults that end in shock. While some of these documentaries are well-known and even award-winning, some have gone unnoticed and underrated.
13 Don’t F**k with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer (2019) – 8.0
Cat lovers and animal lovers should avoid Don’t fuck with cats. Luka Rocco Magnotta is revealed to be a psychopath and convicted murderer who killed a Chinese student from Toronto (Jun Lin) and shared the video online. He did the same with several kittens — confusing two individuals, Thompson and Green, who decided to identify the criminal.
The documentary follows the manhunt, which ultimately leads to Magnotta’s arrest. This documentary is far more terrifying than any serial killer movie because it’s all true.
12 Bravo (2020-) – 8.1
Who knew the story of the Navarro Community College cheerleaders was one of Netflix’s most gripping documentaries? Applaud takes viewers into the world of college cheerleading in the small town of Navarro, Texas, which is by no means as simple as it seems. Under the strict tutelage of Monica Aldama, the young athletes found a strong sense of belonging and purpose in this curious sport.
The documentary features student-athletes and some of them come from really tragic backgrounds. Viewers looking for something inspiring and heartbreaking should binge watch Applaud, and in case season 1 of Applaud left out the Navarro College team, viewers can also watch season 2,
11 Savage Savage Country (2018) – 8.1
Why watch the disturbing scenes of mid summer when this world has seen countless equally fearsome cults come and go? wild wild country revolves around a much less deadly, but equally confusing cult founded by Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (aka Osho). In the 1980s he started his own community in Oregon and called it Rajneeshpuram. His intentions, however, were not so innocent. One of the craziest facts about wild wild country it’s that he even tried to militarize his devoted faction.
Several other documentaries cover cults available on Netflix but this one is highly rated by IMDb for a reason.
ten My Octopus Teacher (2020) – 8.1
When Craig Foster visited the Namib Desert and observed trackers, he found that they lived with nature rather than outside of it, as many do. Following an existential crisis that has begun to affect his family life, he decides to go swimming in the cold waters of South Africa to regain a sense of belonging. He mapped the ocean and learned a thing or two about the pursuit on his own.
Soon he encountered an octopus and befriended the curious, intelligent creature. My octopus teacher is an incredibly calming watch and it is sure to stir deep emotions. This is one of the best documentaries about the ocean and its inhabitants,
9 13th (2016) – 8.2
More relevant than ever, Ava DuVernay’s documentary explores the history of racial inequality in the United States. The main message is clear: while literal slavery may be gone, black struggles continue. Mass incarceration, dehumanization and judicial corruption are glaring problems in American society today.
It opens with Barack Obama’s famous quote: “The United States is home to 5% of the world’s population, but 25% of the world’s prisoners. 13th has received several accolades, including a BAFTA award. It’s the perfect watch for those who want to learn more about the Black Lives Matter movement or the prison system in the United States.
8 Tales by Light (2015-) – 8.3
Fans of docuseries and mother nature should watch Tales by light, a fascinating tale that inspects the lives of National Geographic photographers in Australia. The show is not limited to impressive images: it shows viewers some of the most beautiful places on the planet and the lives of indigenous peoples.
In a world without humanity, Tales by light reminds viewers of what matters most: community and the preservation of the planet rather than greed and money.
7 Last Chance U (2016-2020) – 8.4
Last chance U looks a lot like Applaud since the two documentaries were made by They and Greg Whiteley all have to do with the world of college sports. Even those who are not in the world of athletics should give him a watch because it is very personal. In his heart, Last chance U is a story of young men who have been left behind by society and who focus on sports as an outlet.
For some of these men, the football or basketball team represents home and independence. Unfortunately, many people simply want to use them and their success for personal gain. At first glance, it may seem that this famous documentary series glorifies football and basketball. In fact, it offers insight into the shortcomings of the American education system.
6 Make a Murderer (2015-) – 8.6
Steven Avery was granted a life and it was taken from him when he was possibly wrongfully accused of murder and sentenced to 18 years in prison. make a murderer gives insight into just how flawed and biased the justice system is. Some might not appreciate that the director sided with Avery and that some evidence was omitted, but it remains a compelling true crime story, one of the most famous to date.
make a murderer has two seasons. It’s not just about justice, however. The documentary series also offers unique insight into marginalized groups in Wisconsin.
5 Formula 1: Drive to Survive (2019- ) – 8.6
fans of the last dance and Applaud would also find Formula 1: drive to survive an interesting documentary series. Focusing on the working lives of Formula 1 drivers, viewers see how chaotic and competitive life is on and off the track.
Viewers who binged the series already have their favorite episodes of Formula 1, but those unfamiliar with the sport will learn a lot as they get to know the ins and outs of the different teams, cars and athletes. In March 2022, its fourth season was released, spotlighting the 2021 World Championship.
4 David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet (2020) – 8.9
David Attenborough is known for his documentaries and has covered most of the world in his 95 years. As a journalist, Attenborough has visited every continent and shed light on Earth’s different ecosystems and landscapes, but in A life on our planetAttenborough is talking about something more serious: the destruction that humans have on Earth.
As a witness, he shows what he has seen, learned and what has changed on the planet during his six-decade career. For those looking for documentaries to learn. A life on our planet is a good start.
3 The Last Dance (2020) – 9.1
Jason Hehir’s Spectacular Documentary the last dance focuses on Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in their 1997 season. Those who grew up watching Michael Jordan rise to fame can’t help but rave about the nostalgia they felt watching all 10 episodes of this documentary much appreciated.
The story is an ode to the talent and character of Michael Jordan. He is portrayed in an incredibly inspiring way, which has raised doubts about the authenticity of his depiction. It’s one of the best sports documentaries on Netflix.
2 Blue Planet II (2017) – 9.3
blue planet and Blue Planet II both have a rating above 9.0, which is rare in the world of documentaries. Told by the legendary David Attenborough, Blue Ocean II brings viewers face to face with some of the most unknown parts of the planet. The underwater world is much more versatile and spectacular than it first appears.
Some episodes, however, might leave viewers in a rather gloomy mood. Due to global warming and overfishing, the magical underwater world is disappearing at a rapid rate. Nonetheless, it’s a powerful documentary that gets to the bottom of climate change and how it affects marine life.
1 Our Planet (2019) – 9.3
Another documentary directed by the incredible David Attenborough (joined by actresses Penelope Cruz and Salma Hayek), Our planet looks at the diverse terrains of South Africa. The miniseries has eight episodes that cover different aspects of South Africa. From water to grassland to desert – Attenborough’s soothing knowledge is fascinating to learn.
Or Planet is one of the best nature documentaries streaming right now and one of the highest rated documentaries on IMDb. The series even won two Primetime Emmys!
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13 Best Netflix Documentaries Right Now, According To IMDb – CNET – ApparelGeek