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The genre of documentaries has experienced a resurgence in recent years, with some incredibly well-crafted and well-documented films that Netflix can boast of having in its catalog. In fact, this platform can also boast of offering its subscribers a good number of documentary films that have been Oscar-nominated, such as ‘Winter on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom’ (2015) or ‘The Edge of Democracy’ (2019), and even Oscar-winning films like ‘My Octopus Teacher’ (2020), ‘American Factory’ (2019), or ‘Icarus’ (2017).
The Best Documentaries You Can Find on Netflix
In this list, we have compiled some of the best documentaries in the history of cinema. From murder mysteries to environmental issues, animal activism, abuses within the Church, and literary culture and feminism, we guarantee that each one of them will leave a lasting impact on you.
1) ‘My Octopus Teacher’ (2020)
Winner of the Best Documentary Oscar in 2021, ‘My Octopus Teacher’ showcases the unique friendship between filmmaker Craig Foster and an octopus in South Africa. It’s a mesmerizing journey that explores the mysteries of the marine world and the unexpected bond that forms between a human and a wild animal once trust is earned.
2) ‘Our Planet’ (2019)
Narrated by David Attenborough, this breathtaking documentary series focuses on the magnificent diversity of natural habitats around the world. From the remote and icy landscapes of the Arctic to the mysterious depths of the oceans, the vast landscapes of Africa, and the jungles of South America, this series takes you on a captivating journey without leaving your home.
3) ‘The Social Dilemma’ (2020)
We tweet, we like, and we share. But what are the consequences of our growing dependence on social media? As digital platforms become increasingly important for staying connected, experts from Silicon Valley explain how online interaction is reshaping civilization, revealing what lies behind the screen.
4) ‘Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution’ (2020)
The Obamas have made a significant impact as producers on Netflix. First, there was ‘Becoming’, the documentary about Michelle Obama, and ‘American Factory’, which won the Best Documentary Oscar in 2019. Now, we have the opportunity to watch ‘Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution’, a documentary that tells the story of a summer camp that, in the late 1960s and early 1970s, brought together a group of teenagers with disabilities to challenge the stigma surrounding disability and bring about a revolutionary change.
5) ‘Winter on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom’ (2015)
In 2013 and 2014, peaceful student protests demanding Ukraine’s integration into Europe escalated into a violent revolution, calling for the resignation of President Viktor F. Yanukovich. This documentary, nominated for an Oscar, shows that what started as a peaceful demonstration turned into a full-blown war zone. Evgeny Afineevsky’s cameras captured the events as if they were true reporters. This film, along with 12 other documentaries, provides insight into the conflict in Ukraine.
6) ‘Knock Down the House’ (2019)
This exceptional documentary focuses on extraordinary women who inspire and change the world. It follows the campaigns of four exceptional women who made history by being elected to Congress in 2018 in the United States. From Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who worked double shifts as a waitress to pay her mortgage, to Amy Vilela, who entered politics after a preventable tragedy, Cori Bush, a nurse who took action after witnessing a shooting in her neighborhood, and Paula Jean Swearengin, who became involved after seeing her loved ones suffer from the coal industry’s environmental effects.
7) ‘American Factory’ (2019)
Winner of the Best Documentary Oscar in 2020 and supported by Barack and Michelle Obama, ‘American Factory’ focuses on the struggles of the American working class in the 21st century. It tells the story of a Chinese billionaire who comes to Ohio to build a massive factory. However, his modern business perspective clashes with the Midwestern workers’ beliefs and values.
8) ‘Tell Me Who I Am’ (2019)
This harrowing documentary tells the story of Marcus and Alex Lewis as they search for their identity. Alex suffered a motorcycle accident at the age of 18 that left him with complete memory loss, except for the face of his brother. Marcus was then responsible for creating memories for Alex through stories and photographs, concealing the true tragedy of their family. When ‘Tell Me Who I Am’ reveals the authentic nature of the secret, you will understand the pain of both brothers and why Alex may feel betrayed.
Continue reading the article on Ratingperson for the complete list of the best Netflix documentaries that will keep you hooked.
