Netflix is a goldmine for documentary lovers, packed with stories that make you think, feel, and see the world differently.
I’ve spent countless hours diving into their catalog, and let me tell you, picking just 10 favorites was no easy task.
These films and series stand out for their heart, grit, and ability to spark real conversations.
From raw personal journeys to jaw-dropping exposés, here’s my take on the best Netflix documentaries of all time. Grab your popcorn and get ready to be hooked.
1. The Last Dance (2020)
- Genre: Sports, Biography
- Runtime: 10 episodes, ~50 minutes each
I’m not even a huge basketball fan, but The Last Dance had me glued to the screen. This series follows Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls during their iconic 1997-98 season, weaving in flashbacks to Jordan’s rise to stardom.
The mix of never-before-seen footage and candid chats with players like Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman makes it feel like you’re courtside. It’s less about sports and more about what it takes to be relentless.
- Why It’s Great: The storytelling is electric, and Jordan’s intensity is contagious.
- Watch Now: The Last Dance on Netflix
2. 13th (2016)
- Genre: Social Justice, History
- Runtime: 1 hour 40 minutes
Ava DuVernay’s 13th hit me hard. It connects the dots between slavery, the 13th Amendment, and today’s mass incarceration crisis, showing how systemic racism shapes the justice system.
The interviews with activists and historians like Angela Davis are powerful, and the facts are laid out so clearly it’s impossible to look away. This one’s a gut punch, but it’s so important.
- Why It’s Great: It’s a masterclass in crystalizing complex issues.
- Watch Now: 13th on Netflix
- Dig Deeper: Equal Justice Initiative
3. My Octopus Teacher (2020)
- Genre: Nature, Personal Journey
- Runtime: 1 hour 25 minutes
This one’s a gem. My Octopus Teacher follows Craig Foster, a filmmaker who befriends an octopus while free-diving in South Africa.
Sounds wild, right? The underwater shots are stunning, and watching their bond grow feels like a little miracle. It’s not just about nature—it’s about slowing down and finding meaning in unexpected places.
- Why It’s Great: It’s beautiful and soulful, with a story that stays with you.
- Watch Now: My Octopus Teacher on Netflix
- Explore More: Sea Change Project
4. The Great Hack (2019)
- Genre: Technology, Politics
- Runtime: 1 hour 54 minutes
Ever wonder how your data gets used? The Great Hack pulls back the curtain on the Cambridge Analytica scandal, showing how our online lives were manipulated during major elections. The whistleblowers and journalists in this doc are real heroes, and it’s honestly a bit scary how much power tech companies have.
- Why It’s Great: It’s a wake-up call that feels like a thriller.
- Watch Now: The Great Hack on Netflix
- Stay Safe: Electronic Frontier Foundation
5. Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened (2019)
- Genre: True Crime, Culture
- Runtime: 1 hour 37 minutes
Oh, Fyre. This doc about the infamous Fyre Festival disaster is equal parts hilarious and infuriating. It’s the story of a luxury music festival that promised paradise but ended in soggy tents and cheese sandwiches. The behind-the-scenes footage and interviews show how ego and lies snowballed into chaos.
- Why It’s Great: It’s a wild ride that’s as entertaining as it is cautionary.
- Watch Now: Fyre on Netflix
6. Athlete A (2020)
- Genre: True Crime, Sports
- Runtime: 1 hour 44 minutes
Athlete A tells the story of the gymnasts who took down Larry Nassar and exposed the toxic culture in USA Gymnastics. The courage of the survivors, paired with the dogged work of investigative reporters, makes this both heartbreaking and uplifting. It’s a reminder of what happens when people stand up.
- Why It’s Great: It honors resilience and accountability.
- Watch Now: Athlete A on Netflix
- Get Support: RAINN
7. Miss Americana (2020)
- Genre: Music, Biography
- Runtime: 1 hour 25 minutes
I didn’t expect to love Miss Americana as much as I did. This doc follows Taylor Swift at a turning point, showing her navigating fame, self-doubt, and her choice to get political. She’s so open about her struggles that it feels like a conversation with a friend. Even if you’re not a Swiftie, it’s relatable.
- Why It’s Great: It’s raw and real, peeling back the curtain on stardom.
- Watch Now: Miss Americana on Netflix
8. American Factory (2019)
- Genre: Economics, Culture
- Runtime: 1 hour 50 minutes
American Factory hooked me with its look at what happens when a Chinese company reopens a closed factory in Ohio. It’s not just about jobs—it’s about culture clashes, automation, and the future of work. The workers’ stories, from both sides, make it feel personal and universal at the same time.
- Why It’s Great: It’s a thoughtful take on globalization’s real impact.
- Watch Now: American Factory on Netflix
- Learn More: Economic Policy Institute
9. Dick Johnson Is Dead (2020)
- Genre: Personal, Experimental
- Runtime: 1 hour 29 minutes
This one’s unlike anything else. Filmmaker Kirsten Johnson faces her dad’s dementia by filming him in quirky, staged “death” scenes. It sounds odd, but it’s so full of love and humor that it works. Dick Johnson Is Dead is about cherishing every moment, and it left me teary but smiling.
- Why It’s Great: It’s creative, warm, and deeply human.
- Watch Now: Dick Johnson Is Dead on Netflix
- Find Resources: Alzheimer’s Association
10. Will & Harper (2024)
- Genre: Personal, Social Issues
- Runtime: 1 hour 54 minutes
Will & Harper is a new favorite. It follows Will Ferrell and his friend Harper Steele, a trans woman, on a road trip across the U.S. Their friendship shines as they talk about identity, change, and acceptance. It’s funny, honest, and handles tough topics with so much heart.
- Why It’s Great: It’s a beautiful story of friendship and growth.
- Watch Now: Will & Harper on Netflix
- Connect: Trans Lifeline
Wrapping It Up
Netflix has a knack for turning real life into stories you can’t stop watching. These documentaries prove that each offers something unique and unforgettable. So, cozy up, hit play, and let these stories take you somewhere new. Got a favorite from the list or one I missed? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear!
