From intimate, personal journeys to the mysteries of ancient worlds, Netflix is home to a trove of documentaries just waiting to be watched. That said, it can be difficult to know what’s actually worth your time and what isn’t with all of the options available. We did the homework for you and sifted through countless titles to bring you the best of the best. Whether you’re in the mood for gripping true crime, a moving human story, or an inspiring journey through history, here are the documentaries on Netflix that are absolutely worth a watch.
The Menendez Brothers: Misjudged History or Chilling Reality?
Few true-crime stories have gripped the public imagination as deeply as the case of the Menendez brothers. This documentary series reopens the case, peeling back decades of media sensationalism to delve into the intricate, disturbing details behind Lyle and Erik Menendez’s 1989 murder of their wealthy parents. What was initially painted as a callous act of greed transforms here into a layered investigation into family dynamics, abuse, and privilege. This series challenges viewers to question the boundaries of justice and the media’s role in shaping our understanding of high-profile cases.
Secrets of the Saqqara Tomb: Uncovering Egypt’s Hidden Past
This extraordinary documentary follows a team of Egyptian archaeologists as they excavate a remarkably intact tomb at Saqqara, the site of Egypt’s oldest necropolis. Buried for over 4,000 years, the tomb reveals astonishing secrets about daily life, spiritual beliefs, and the afterlife conceptions of ancient Egyptians. The film’s rich visuals and storytelling turn the discovery into an emotional and spiritual journey that feels as if we, too, are unearthing pieces of a forgotten world.
Daughters of Destiny: An Unflinching Look at Breaking the Cycle of Poverty
This moving docu-series follows five girls from India’s most impoverished communities as they pursue an education at the Shanti Bhavan school, an institution that serves as both a lifeline and a symbol of hope. At once heartbreaking and inspiring, Daughters of Destiny chronicles their journeys over seven years, offering an intimate view of the triumphs and challenges that define their quest to transcend caste-based poverty.
Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold – A Portrait of a Literary Giant
Directed by her nephew Griffin Dunne, this documentary on Joan Didion is a tender, revealing portrait of one of America’s most influential writers. From her razor-sharp reflections on 1960s counterculture to her intimate essays on grief, Didion’s work defined an era and shaped generations of writers. Featuring rare interviews and archival footage, The Center Will Not Hold captures the haunting vulnerability, intellectual rigor, and poetic spirit that make Didion a cultural icon.
LA Originals: Art, Culture, and the Birth of a Movement
At the intersection of West Coast hip-hop and Chicano culture stands LA Originals, a documentary that delves into the lives and legacy of tattoo artist Mister Cartoon and photographer Estevan Oriol. With candid insights from legends like Snoop Dogg and Cypress Hill, the film paints a vivid picture of the duo’s rise and their impact on the urban art scene. Raw, vibrant, and unapologetically authentic, LA Originals is both a tribute to street art and a chronicle of the power of cultural identity, shining a light on a side of Los Angeles too often overlooked.
Stutz: A Journey Through Mind and Emotion
In Stutz, actor Jonah Hill takes audiences into an intimate, heartfelt conversation with his therapist, Phil Stutz, whose unique approach to mental health has influenced countless lives. Rather than a clinical dissection of therapy, this documentary unfolds as a gentle but profound dialogue on the human experience, punctuated by Stutz’s groundbreaking methods for grappling with inner struggles. Hill’s vulnerable approach and Stutz’s wisdom make this documentary not only therapeutic but also deeply moving, an exploration of how self-reflection can be both painful and liberating.
Grass is Greener: When Art Meets Advocacy
Hip-hop icon Fab 5 Freddy directs Grass is Greener, a documentary that takes an incisive look at America’s history with cannabis and its role in shaping music and culture. The film explores the racialized origins of America’s war on drugs, revealing how communities of color were disproportionately affected by its policies. With cameos from Snoop Dogg and Damian Marley, Grass is Greener is both educational and entertaining, a call to understand the socio-political implications of the cannabis industry that sheds light on urgent issues of justice and equity.
Black Barbie: A Cultural Reflection
In Black Barbie, filmmaker Lagueria Davis delves into the history of the iconic doll, exploring the complex interplay between race, representation, and beauty standards in American society. The film traces Barbie’s evolution and the introduction of Black Barbie, examining the doll’s impact on children’s perceptions of identity and self-worth. Through interviews with collectors, historians, and creators, Black Barbie brings to life the power of visibility and the lasting impact of representation in popular culture.
