Documentaries provide an unfiltered view into the lives, struggles, and triumphs of individuals, societies, and events that have shaped the world. If you’re a fan of discovering untold truths or want to dive into real stories, the best documentaries can offer powerful insights and gripping narratives.
From exploring crime cases to environmental issues, these documentaries provide audiences with a closer look at complex subjects that often go unnoticed. Let’s explore some of the best documentaries that will make you think, reflect, and appreciate the world in new ways.
20 Best Documentaries Streaming in 2025
When it comes to best documentaries, there’s no shortage of choices that span across various genres. Whether you are into true crime, social justice, or historical events, these documentaries offer riveting stories that educate and entertain. Here are the top documentaries you must check out.
1. Making a Murderer
- Seasons: 2
- Episodes: 20
- Genre: True Crime, Legal
- Streaming on: Netflix
- Plot: Making a Murderer follows the story of Steven Avery, a man who was wrongfully convicted of a crime and later exonerated. The series tracks his life post-exoneration, leading to his arrest for another crime, this time the murder of Teresa Halbach. The documentary raises questions about police misconduct, the justice system, and the potential for wrongful convictions. It also focuses on his lawyer’s attempts to prove his innocence, creating an engaging narrative around the pursuit of justice.
2. The Last Dance
- Seasons: 1
- Episodes: 10
- Genre: Sports Documentary, Biography
- Streaming on: Netflix
- Plot: This docuseries chronicles the rise of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, focusing particularly on their final championship season in 1997-1998. It delves into Jordan’s legacy, leadership, and challenges, offering a behind-the-scenes look at his competitive spirit and the team’s journey to securing six NBA championships. Featuring extensive interviews, archival footage, and insights from players and coaches, it captures the unique atmosphere of the Bulls’ dynasty.
3. 13th
- Seasons: 1 (Film)
- Episodes: 1
- Genre: Social Justice, History
- Streaming on: Netflix
- Plot: Directed by Ava DuVernay, 13th explores the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States. The title refers to the 13th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery, except as punishment for a crime. The film examines how the American legal system has perpetuated systemic racism, particularly through the mass incarceration of African Americans. It includes interviews with scholars, activists, and politicians, providing a critical look at the ongoing struggles for racial equality.
4. Planet Earth II
- Seasons: 1
- Episodes: 6
- Genre: Nature Documentary
- Streaming on: BBC iPlayer, BBC Earth
- Plot: Planet Earth II, narrated by Sir David Attenborough, explores the beauty and diversity of Earth’s ecosystems. Each episode takes viewers to different parts of the world, showcasing urban, jungles, deserts, islands, mountains, and grasslands. The series uses cutting-edge technology to bring stunning visuals of wildlife, highlighting the challenges animals face in their environments. The documentary’s breathtaking cinematography offers an immersive experience into the natural world.
5. Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
- Seasons: 1 (Film)
- Episodes: 1
- Genre: Biography, Documentary
- Streaming on: HBO Max
- Plot: This touching documentary follows the life and career of Fred Rogers, the host of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, a show that became a staple of American children’s television. Through interviews, archival footage, and personal reflections, the film explores Fred Rogers’ philosophy on kindness, love, and acceptance. It examines his deep influence on generations of children and his commitment to addressing difficult topics with empathy and sincerity.
6. The Social Dilemma
- Seasons: 1 (Film)
- Episodes: 1
- Genre: Social, Technology
- Streaming on: Netflix
- Plot: The Social Dilemma explores the dark side of social media, investigating the ways in which platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter manipulate users and influence society. Featuring interviews with former tech executives, the film reveals how these companies use algorithms to engage users, often leading to addiction, mental health issues, and the spread of misinformation. It’s an urgent call to rethink the role of technology in our lives and its impact on democracy.
7. Free Solo
- Seasons: 1 (Film)
- Episodes: 1
- Genre: Sports, Adventure
- Streaming on: Disney+
- Plot: Free Solo follows rock climber Alex Honnold as he attempts to scale the 3,000-foot El Capitan in Yosemite National Park without any ropes or safety gear. The documentary captures the intense physical and mental preparation required for such an unprecedented climb, as well as the emotional toll it takes on Honnold and his loved ones. The film explores themes of fear, obsession, and the pursuit of perfection in a thrilling and heart-stopping adventure.
8. Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened
- Seasons: 1 (Film)
- Episodes: 1
- Genre: True Crime, Documentary
- Streaming on: Netflix
- Plot: This documentary exposes the rise and fall of the Fyre Festival, a highly-publicized music event that turned into a disastrous fraud. The film follows the story of the festival’s founder, Billy McFarland, and how his promises of a luxurious experience for attendees were nothing but an elaborate scam. The documentary takes viewers through the planning, execution, and eventual collapse of the festival, highlighting the consequences of social media-driven hype.
9. The Cove
- Seasons: 1 (Film)
- Episodes: 1
- Genre: Environmental, Activism
- Streaming on: Netflix
- Plot: The Cove follows a group of activists as they expose the secretive and brutal practice of dolphin hunting in Taiji, Japan. The film documents their efforts to capture footage of the annual dolphin slaughter, shining a light on the cruelty and environmental impact of the practice. The documentary is both a call to action for marine conservation and a poignant reflection on the power of activism in bringing about change.
10. The Fog of War
- Seasons: 1 (Film)
- Episodes: 1
- Genre: History, War
- Streaming on: Netflix
- Plot: The Fog of War is a profound look into the life of Robert S. McNamara, the former U.S. Secretary of Defense, as he reflects on his role in the Vietnam War. Through interviews with McNamara, the film explores the difficult decisions he made during the war and his thoughts on war, conflict, and morality. The documentary offers a nuanced view of the complexities of warfare and the personal toll it takes on those involved in shaping its course.
11. O.J.: Made in America
- Seasons: 1
- Episodes: 5
- Genre: True Crime, Biography
- Streaming on: ESPN, Hulu
- Plot: This critically acclaimed documentary series tells the story of O.J. Simpson, exploring his rise to fame, his infamous 1994 murder trial, and the aftermath of the case. It examines the cultural and racial tensions surrounding his trial, as well as the media circus that surrounded it. The series gives a deep dive into Simpson’s life and legacy, placing his trial in the context of American history and racial relations.
12. The Staircase
- Seasons: 1
- Episodes: 13
- Genre: True Crime, Documentary
- Streaming on: Netflix
- Plot: The Staircase follows the case of Michael Peterson, a writer who was accused of murdering his wife, Kathleen, in 2001. The documentary goes behind the scenes of Peterson’s legal battle, providing access to both the courtroom and personal moments. It raises questions about the justice system, forensic evidence, and the complexities of a case that continues to stir controversy and public debate.
13. The Keepers
- Seasons: 1
- Episodes: 7
- Genre: True Crime, Investigative
- Streaming on: Netflix
- Plot: The Keepers delves into the unsolved murder of Sister Cathy Cesnik, a nun and high school teacher in Baltimore, and the conspiracy that surrounds it. The series follows a group of women who investigate her death and uncover disturbing secrets about sexual abuse at the hands of priests. The show is both a gripping murder mystery and an investigation into institutional corruption and abuse of power.
14. The Last Dance
- Seasons: 1
- Episodes: 10
- Genre: Sports, Biography
- Streaming on: Netflix
- Plot: The Last Dance chronicles the legendary career of Michael Jordan, focusing specifically on his final season with the Chicago Bulls. It highlights the team’s pursuit of their sixth NBA title in 1998, with a particular focus on Jordan’s leadership and his impact on the sport. Through interviews, never-before-seen footage, and in-depth analysis, it showcases the unique drive and determination that made Jordan an icon.
15. Wild Wild Country
- Seasons: 1
- Episodes: 6
- Genre: Crime, Drama
- Streaming on: Netflix
- Plot: Wild Wild Country follows the controversial rise of the Rajneeshpuram community in Wasco County, Oregon, in the 1980s, led by the Indian guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. The documentary explores the conflict between the community and the local town, which escalated into an international scandal involving criminal activities, including attempted murder and biological warfare. The series dives deep into the psychological and social dynamics of the cult-like following.
16. The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann
- Seasons: 1
- Episodes: 8
- Genre: True Crime, Investigation
- Streaming on: Netflix
- Plot: This documentary investigates the 2007 disappearance of 3-year-old Madeleine McCann while on vacation in Portugal with her family. It explores the media frenzy, police investigations, and various theories surrounding her disappearance. The series raises questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement, the role of the media, and the lingering uncertainty about what truly happened.
17. The Great Hack
- Seasons: 1 (Film)
- Episodes: 1
- Genre: Social, Technology
- Streaming on: Netflix
- Plot: The Great Hack focuses on the data-driven manipulation of voters, particularly through the Cambridge Analytica scandal during the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election. The documentary examines how personal data was used to influence political campaigns and public opinion. It explores the ethical and political implications of big data, digital privacy, and the power of social media in shaping modern democracy.
18. Blackfish
- Seasons: 1 (Film)
- Episodes: 1
- Genre: Environmental, Animal Rights
- Streaming on: Netflix
- Plot: Blackfish explores the ethics of keeping orcas in captivity, particularly focusing on Tilikum, an orca involved in the deaths of three people while in captivity at SeaWorld. The documentary highlights the consequences of captivity on orca behavior, the negative impacts on their health, and the exploitation of animals for entertainment purposes. It raises important ethical questions regarding animal rights and conservation.
19. Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
- Seasons: 1 (Film)
- Episodes: 1
- Genre: Biography, Social Impact
- Streaming on: HBO Max
- Plot: This documentary chronicles the life of Fred Rogers, the beloved host of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Through archival footage and interviews, the film highlights Rogers’ approach to children’s programming and his gentle philosophy of kindness, acceptance, and emotional intelligence. It provides a deep look at how Rogers’ work impacted generations of children, offering a beautiful tribute to his legacy.
20. The Social Dilemma
- Seasons: 1 (Film)
- Episodes: 1
- Genre: Social, Technology
- Streaming on: Netflix
- Plot: The Social Dilemma is a chilling look at how social media platforms manipulate users by exploiting their data and creating addictive environments. Featuring interviews with former tech insiders, the documentary exposes the ways in which social media impacts society, from mental health issues to the spread of misinformation. It challenges viewers to rethink their relationship with technology and the consequences of living in an increasingly digital world.
Best Documentaries to Watch on Different Streaming Platforms
Streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and HBO Max offer a variety of documentaries that explore captivating real-life stories. Whether you’re into true crime, nature, or history, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a look at some of the best documentaries available across these platforms.
Best Documentaries to Watch on Netflix
Netflix is home to some of the most thought-provoking and impactful documentaries available. If you’re wondering what the best documentaries to watch on Netflix are, check out these must-see options. They cover a wide range of topics and will leave you reflecting on the real world.
- Making a Murderer
- 13th
- Our Planet
- The Social Dilemma
- Tiger King
- My Octopus Teacher
- Wild Wild Country
- The Great Hack
- The Last Dance
- Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened
Best Documentaries on YouTube
While Netflix and Amazon Prime are household names, YouTube also has a great variety of free best documentaries. Whether you’re looking for a quick watch or an in-depth series, YouTube provides endless documentaries for every interest.
- Inside the Mind of a Cat
- The Secrets of Sugar
- The Story of Food
- The Minimalists: Less is Now
- Free Meek
- The Blackfish Documentary
- The Rise of Jordan Peterson
- Secrets of the Universe
- The Men Who Built America
- The History of the World in 2 Hours
Best Documentaries on Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime offers a variety of documentaries that delve into different subjects, from true-crime stories to inspiring tales of human perseverance. Here’s a list of the top 10 documentaries that you should watch:
- The Last Dance
- One Child Nation
- Free Solo
- The Beatles: Eight Days a Week
- Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
- I Am Not Your Negro
- The Cove
- Jiro Dreams of Sushi
- 13th
- City of Ghosts
Best Documentaries for Kids
If you’re looking for best documentaries for kids, there are several family-friendly titles that are both educational and fun. These documentaries engage young minds and encourage curiosity while exploring the world around them.
- Our Planet
- March of the Penguins
- The Last Dance (edited version for kids)
- Planet Earth II
- The Magic School Bus Rides Again: The Frizz Connection
- The Amazing Human Body
- My Octopus Teacher
- David Attenborough’s Natural World
- The World According to Jeff Goldblum
- The Secret Life of Pets
FAQs
Conclusion: Discover the Best Documentaries Today
In conclusion, documentaries have the power to change perspectives, broaden minds, and introduce new ideas. The best documentaries provide an opportunity to reflect on the human experience, the complexities of society, and the mysteries of the world. Whether you’re passionate about true crime, environmental issues, or historical events, there’s a documentary out there that will capture your attention. So, take the plunge and start watching the best documentaries today!
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