Documentaries offer a unique window into different aspects of the world, from exploring historical events and social issues to showcasing the lives of extraordinary people. With the rise of online streaming platforms, it has become easier than ever to access a vast collection of documentaries from around the world. Whether you are a history buff, a science enthusiast, or simply looking for thought-provoking content, there is no shortage of excellent documentaries to choose from. In this article, we have compiled a list of 33 of the best documentaries to watch online, covering a range of topics and interests.
Here are the best documentaries to watch online that will inform and inspire you:
1) Blackfish (2013)
Blackfish is a gripping documentary about the treatment of killer whales in captivity, focusing on the story of Tilikum, a captive orca responsible for the deaths of several trainers. The film examines the physical and emotional toll of captivity on these intelligent animals and raises important questions about the ethics of keeping them in captivity for entertainment.
IMDb: 8.1/10
Run Time: 83 Minutes
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
2) The Act of Killing (2012)
The Act of Killing is a chilling and surreal documentary that challenges viewers to confront the perpetrators of the 1965 Indonesian genocide. Director Joshua Oppenheimer worked with former death squad leaders to create reenactments of their crimes, allowing them to reflect on their actions and the legacy of their violence. The result is a haunting and unsettling look at the power of propaganda and the trauma of political violence.
IMDb: 8.2/10
Run Time: 122 Minutes
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
3) 13th (2016)
13th is a documentary that explores the history of racial inequality in the United States, specifically focusing on the 13th Amendment and its impact on the criminal justice system. The film provides an in-depth look at the systemic racism that has plagued the United States for centuries and the ways in which the criminal justice system has perpetuated this inequality. 13th is a powerful and important documentary that sheds light on a critical issue in American society.
IMDb: 8.2/10
Run Time: 100 Minutes
Where to Watch: Netflix
4) My Octopus Teacher (2020)
My Octopus Teacher is a beautifully filmed documentary that follows filmmaker Craig Foster as he develops an unlikely friendship with a wild octopus off the coast of South Africa. Through stunning underwater footage, Foster shows how he gains the trust of the octopus over months of visits, and how their connection helps him rediscover his own connection to nature. Directed by Pippa Ehrlich and James Reed, this is one of the best documentaries to watch online.
IMDb: 8.1/10
Run Time: 85 Minutes
Where to Watch: Netflix
5) The Social Dilemma (2020)
The Social Dilemma is a thought-provoking documentary that explores the dark side of social media, including how algorithms are designed to keep users hooked and how these platforms are contributing to the spread of misinformation and polarization. The film features interviews with former executives of major tech companies and provides a sobering look at the impact of these platforms on society.
IMDb: 7.6/10
Run Time: 94 Minutes
Where to Watch: Netflix
6) Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011)
Directed by David Gelb, this documentary follows the life and work of Jiro Ono, an 85-year-old sushi master in Tokyo who has dedicated his life to perfecting his craft. He owns a 10-seat sushi restaurant in a Tokyo subway station. The film explores the art and philosophy of sushi-making and delves into Jiro’s relationship with his son, who is expected to take over the family business one day.
IMDb: 7.8/10
Run Time: 81 Minutes
Where to Watch: Netflix
7) The Fog of War (2003)
Directed by Errol Morris, this documentary features an extended interview with former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara, who reflects on his role in the Vietnam War and the lessons he learned from that experience.
IMDb: 8.1/10
Run Time: 107 Minutes
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
8) Trophy (2017)
This documentary examines the complex and controversial world of big-game hunting and wildlife conservation. It delves into the motivations of hunters, the economic impact of trophy hunting, and the ethical questions surrounding the practice.
IMDb: 7.4/10
Run Time: 108 Minutes
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
9) Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (2018)
Directed by Morgan Neville, this documentary celebrates the life and legacy of Fred Rogers, the beloved host of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. This touching documentary profiles the life and legacy of beloved children’s television host Fred Rogers. The film explores how Rogers used his platform to promote kindness, acceptance, and empathy, and the impact he had on generations of children.
IMDb: 8.3/10
Run Time: 93 Minutes
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
10) Amy (2015)
This documentary chronicles the life and tragic death of British singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse. The film offers an intimate portrait of Winehouse’s talent and her struggles with addiction and mental health.
IMDb: 7.8/10
Run Time: 128 Minutes
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
11) The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley (2019)
This documentary follows the rise and fall of Elizabeth Holmes and her biotech company, Theranos. The film exposes the fraud and deception behind the company’s promise to revolutionize blood testing.
IMDb: 7.2/10
Run Time: 119 Minutes
Where to Watch: Disney+ Hotstar
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12) The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007)
Directed by Seth Gordon, this documentary follows the intense competition between two men vying for the high score in the classic arcade game Donkey Kong.
IMDb: 8.0/10
Run Time: 79 Minutes
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
13) Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened (2019)
This documentary explores the rise and fall of Fyre Festival, a failed luxury music festival that promised to be the ultimate VIP experience. The film features interviews with festival organizers, attendees, and social media influencers who promoted the event, as well as behind-the-scenes footage of the festival’s disastrous planning.
IMDb: 7.2/10
Run Time: 97 Minutes
Where to Watch: Netflix
14) The Eagle Huntress (2016)
Directed by Otto Bell, this documentary follows a young girl in Mongolia who becomes the first female eagle hunter in her family’s 12 generations.
IMDb: 7.5/10
Run Time: 87 Minutes
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
15) The Imposter (2012)
Directed by Bart Layton, this documentary tells the strange and unsettling story of a French con artist who impersonates a missing Texan teenager.
IMDb: 7.5/10
Run Time: 99 Minutes
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
16) The Ivory Game (2016)
The Ivory Game is a powerful documentary about the illegal ivory trade, which has decimated elephant populations in Africa and threatens the survival of these magnificent animals. This eye-opening film takes viewers inside the global black market for ivory, showing how criminal networks profit from the slaughter of elephants and the corrupt officials who enable this trade to continue.
IMDb: 7.8/10
Run Time: 102 Minutes
Where to Watch: Netflix
17) The Great Hack (2019)
The Great Hack is a fascinating documentary about the Cambridge Analytica scandal, in which the political consulting firm used data from millions of Facebook users to influence the 2016 US presidential election. The film provides a deep dive into the world of data mining and the ways in which our personal information is being exploited for profit and political gain.
IMDb: 7.0/10
Run Time: 113 Minutes
Where to Watch: Netflix
18) Winter on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom (2015)
Winter on Fire is a powerful documentary about the Ukrainian revolution of 2014, which led to the overthrow of President Viktor Yanukovych. The film captures the intensity and violence of the protests, as well as the courage and determination of the activists who risked their lives to fight for their country’s future.
IMDb: 8.3/10
Run Time: 102 Minutes
Where to Watch: Netflix
19) Honeyland (2019)
Honeyland is a beautiful and intimate documentary that explores the life of a traditional beekeeper in rural Macedonia. The film captures the beauty of the natural world and the deep connection between humans and the environment, while also highlighting the challenges faced by traditional communities in the face of modernization and globalization.
IMDb: 8.0/10
Run Time: 87 Minutes
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
20) American Factory (2019)
American Factory is a compelling documentary about a Chinese-owned factory that opens in Ohio and the cultural clashes that arise between American workers and their new Chinese bosses. The film provides a fascinating look at the challenges of globalization and the impact of economic shifts on working-class communities.
IMDb: 7.4/10
Run Time: 110 Minutes
Where to Watch: Netflix
21) The Kingmaker (2019)
The Kingmaker is a documentary that explores the life of former First Lady of the Philippines, Imelda Marcos. The film provides an in-depth look at her political career, her personal life, and the impact she has had on the Philippines. The documentary also examines the controversial legacy of the Marcos regime, including their alleged human rights violations and the ongoing efforts to reclaim their stolen wealth. This film is a must-watch for anyone interested in Philippine history and politics.
IMDb: 7.6/10
Run Time: 100 Minutes
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
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22) The Square (2013)
The Square is a documentary that explores the 2011 Egyptian Revolution through the eyes of several activists who were involved in the protests in Tahrir Square. The film provides an in-depth look at the challenges faced by the activists as they worked to overthrow the government of President Hosni Mubarak. The documentary also examines the aftermath of the revolution and the ongoing struggles faced by the Egyptian people as they continue to fight for democracy and human rights.
IMDb: 8.0/10
Run Time: 108 Minutes
Where to Watch: Netflix
23) Tickled (2016)
Tickled is a documentary that explores the strange and bizarre world of competitive endurance tickling. The film follows journalist David Farrier as he investigates the world of competitive tickling and uncovers a dark and disturbing underbelly of power and control. “Tickled” is a fascinating and often shocking documentary that provides a unique look at a little-known subculture.
IMDb: 7.5/10
Run Time: 92 Minutes
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
24) Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness (2020)
One of the most talked-about documentaries of 2020, Tiger King takes viewers inside the bizarre world of big cat breeding in America. The series follows the life of Joe Exotic, a flamboyant zookeeper and convicted criminal who owned hundreds of tigers, lions, and other exotic animals.
IMDb: 7.5/10
Run Time: 110 Minutes
Where to Watch: Netflix
25) Free Solo (2018)
Free Solo is a breathtaking documentary that chronicles climber Alex Honnold’s attempt to climb the 3,000-foot El Capitan in Yosemite National Park without any ropes or safety gear. The film captures the stunning beauty of the climb and the incredible physical and mental challenges that Honnold faced along the way.
IMDb: 8.1/10
Run Time: 100 Minutes
Where to Watch: Disney+ Hotstar
26) Icarus (2017)
Icarus is a thrilling documentary that exposes the widespread use of performance-enhancing drugs in professional sports, particularly in Russia. The film follows amateur cyclist Bryan Fogel as he sets out to uncover the truth about doping and inadvertently becomes embroiled in a major international scandal.
IMDb: 7.4/10
Run Time: 110 Minutes
Where to Watch: Netflix
27) Three Identical Strangers (2018)
This fascinating documentary tells the unbelievable true story of triplets who were separated at birth and adopted by three different families, only to be reunited by chance at age 19. But as they delve deeper into their past, they uncover a dark secret that raises disturbing questions about human behavior and the ethics of scientific research. The film explores the ethics of scientific experimentation and the impact of nature vs. nurture on individual lives.
IMDb: 7.6/10
Run Time: 96 Minutes
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
28) Abacus: Small Enough to Jail (2016)
This Oscar-nominated documentary tells the story of Abacus Federal Savings Bank, a small family-owned bank in New York City’s Chinatown that was the only US bank to face criminal charges in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis.
IMDb: 7.1/10
Run Time: 90 Minutes
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
29) The Staircase (2004)
This gripping true crime documentary series follows the trial of Michael Peterson, a North Carolina author accused of murdering his wife Kathleen. The series spans over a decade, providing an in-depth look at the legal process and the family dynamics involved.
IMDb: 7.1/10
Run Time: 110 Minutes
Where to Watch: Netflix
30) Hail Satan? (2019)
This documentary explores the controversial Satanic Temple, a non-theistic religious organization that advocates for social and political change. The film provides an inside look at the Temple’s beliefs and practices, as well as its activism against religious and political oppression.
IMDb: 7.3/10
Run Time: 95 Minutes
Where to Watch: Netflix
31) Paris is Burning (1990)
This landmark documentary explores the ball culture of New York City in the 1980s, where LGBTQ people of color competed in drag and dance competitions. The film provides an inside look at the vibrant subculture and the social issues facing the participants.
IMDb: 8.2/10
Run Time: 78 Minutes
Where to Watch: Netflix
32) 20 Feet from Stardom (2013)
This Oscar-winning documentary shines a light on backup singers in the music industry, exploring their talent and contributions to hit songs while also examining the challenges they face in the industry.
IMDb: 7.4/10
Run Time: 90 Minutes
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
33) Tell Me Who I Am (2019)
This documentary explores the story of two identical twin brothers, one of whom suffers from amnesia and relies on the other to reconstruct his past. The film takes an emotional and shocking turn as secrets about their childhood come to light.
IMDb: 7.6/10
Run Time: 96 Minutes
Where to Watch: Netflix
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Conclusion
Documentaries offer a great way to explore the world around us, gain new insights, and discover fascinating stories. Whether you’re interested in history, science, social issues, or pop culture, there are countless documentaries available online to suit your interests. This list of 33 best documentaries to watch online offers a wide range of options to choose from, covering everything from nature and wildlife to politics and human rights. So, grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy these incredible documentaries from the comfort of your home.