Are There Any Good Documentaries on Netflix?

Netflix is one of the leading streaming services in the world, and with its extensive library of films and shows, it is also a great source for documentary films. Whether you’re looking for educational pieces about history, science, or culture, Netflix has a wide variety of documentaries that span a range of topics.

Grizzly Man is one of the most popular nature documentaries on Netflix. Directed by Werner Herzog, this 2005 film follows the life and death of Timothy Treadwell, an environmentalist who spent 13 summers living among grizzly bears in Alaska. Treadwell’s story is told through his own footage and interviews with those close to him.

The Staircase is another documentary series that gives viewers an inside look at a court case. This 2018 series follows Michael Peterson’s trial for the murder of his wife Kathleen in North Carolina. The series includes exclusive interviews from Peterson’s family and friends as well as rarely seen courtroom footage.

The Social Dilemma is a 2020 documentary about how technology companies are manipulating people’s behavior online. It features interviews from tech insiders such as former Google design ethicist Tristan Harris and former Facebook president Sean Parker who warn against how tech can be used to influence our lives.

13th, directed by Ava DuVernay, is a powerful 2016 documentary that examines racism in America’s criminal justice system. Using archival footage and interviews with activists and politicians, DuVernay explores how African Americans have been disproportionately incarcerated since the passage of the 13th amendment.

Crip Camp, produced by Barack and Michelle Obama’s production company Higher Ground Productions, tells the story of Camp Jened – an inclusive summer camp for disabled teens in upstate New York during the late 1960s – and its role in sparking the disability rights movement.

To conclude, there are plenty of good documentaries on Netflix that offer both entertainment value as well as educational insight into various topics. From nature documentaries to social issues, Netflix has something to offer everyone.