The very best Netflix documentaries to look at this weekend

The Staircase

Netflix

The true crime documentary style is completely saturated at this level, however The Staircase stands out. 

Specializing in Michael Peterson and the demise of his spouse Kathleen, The Staircase is greater than only a homicide thriller. It is a drawn-out epic that takes place over literal many years, a documentary that follows Peterson and examines his each transfer, however someway nonetheless stays goal. 

Who Killed Little Gregory

Netflix

Who Killed Little Gregory is a documentary centered on the horrific homicide of Grégory Villemin. It is arguably the perfect true crime documentary on Netflix. It is a couple of homicide, and makes an attempt to resolve that homicide, nevertheless it’s additionally a lesson in media illustration and the horrific sexism Grégory’s mom needed to face within the wake her personal son’s homicide. 

Sophie: A Homicide in West Cork

Netflix

One other Netflix true crime documentary sequence, Sophie: A Homicide In West Cork follows the case of Sophie Toscan Du Plantier, a French artist and TV producer who was killed in 1996, in West Cork, Eire. Justice for her homicide took many years to enact and this sequence follows the case. 

This Is A Theft

Netflix

This Is A Theft is about Netflix because it will get. A four-part sequence specializing in the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, that is primarily a documentary about an artwork heist. Keep in mind Evil Genius? (Which can be on this record.) This Is A Theft may be very a lot in that fashion. The primary episode takes some time to get going, however be affected person — this one has a repay. 

Homicide Among the many Mormons

Netflix

A few of Netflix’s more moderen true crime documentaries have been a bit bloated and… sorta unhealthy?

Fortunately Homicide Among the many Mormons is a return to type. Undoubtedly watch this one. 

The Sons of Sam: A Descent Into Darkness

Netflix

The Sons of Sam: A Descent Into Darkness is much from Netflix’s finest true crime documentary sequence (that honor belongs to Who Killed Little Gregory) however it’s price watching. Its additionally one of many latest documentaries on this record, so should you’re searching for one thing model new to sink your tooth into, you can do quite a bit worse.

This docu focuses on the Son of Sam case, and investigates the idea that the killer didn’t work alone. 

Making A Assassin

Netflix

With the swathe of true crime documentaries and podcasts that got here in its wake, it is simple to overlook that the world as soon as misplaced its collective thoughts over Making A Assassin. In a whole lot of methods it created the template that many Netflix documentaries now observe. An actual authentic.

The Keepers

Netflix

I’ve watched loads of true crime documentaries on Netflix, however nothing has come near The Keepers. A staggering story, advised throughout generations, that is respectful of the victims, but compelling all through.

It is a story in regards to the unsolved homicide of Catherine Cesnik, a nun who taught at a Catholic college in Baltimore, however The Keepers goes additional than you would possibly count on and exposes a possible cowl up of intercourse abuse allegations.

American Homicide: The Household Subsequent Door

Netflix

There are a whole lot of true crime documentaries on the market (and on this record) however American Homicide: The Household Subsequent Door stands proud. 

It tells the story of Chris Watts, a seemingly common man who murdered his spouse and kids. The entry to footage is staggering and it is edited and produced in a singular approach, utilizing textual content messages and social media posts to inform the story. It is a horrific reminder of the banal, extremely frequent existence of home violence.

Evil Genius

Netflix

Telling the weird story of the “pizza bomber”, Evil Genius is unquestionably a kind of docu-series that ought to have been a film, nevertheless it’s compelling nonetheless. It thrives by specializing in the characters behind the crime. Nicely price a gander.

Amanda Knox

Netflix

Lots of people have forgotten about this documentary nevertheless it’s a humdinger. Amanda Knox focuses on the well-known homicide Knox was accused of. However past that, this docu is a superb examination of how media reporting can skew a case. The sexism right here was pretty brutal. 

Untold

Netflix

Untold is the most recent from the oldsters behind Wild Wild Nation.

It is a sports activities documentary sequence, with every episode going in-depth on controversial sports activities subjects. The primary episode focuses on Malice on the Palace, the infamous basketball match the place Ron Artest waded into the group and wailed on followers again in 2004.

The second episode focuses on Christie Martin, the feminine boxer from the 80s who turned well-known after preventing on Mike Tyson’s undercard. 

It is launched weekly and, to date so good. It is very 30 for 30 — which is an efficient factor.

The Final Dance

Netflix

In 2020, within the midst of a pandemic, Netflix dropped this piece of sports activities doc perfection. 

The Final Dance focuses on the Chicago Bulls throughout their 97-98 NBA title profitable season, however actually it is a leaping off level for a documentary that tells the life story of its central star, Michael Jordan. 

In consequence, many criticized it for being just a little too Jordan-focused, however The Final Dance was an occasion documentary that lived as much as the hype. 

Icarus

This Oscar-winning documentary is an absolute belter. 

Icarus begins out as an expose on the affect performance-enhancing medication have on sports activities efficiency, however a sequence of occasions drags director Bryan Fogel into an internet of geopolitics and conspiracies. To say extra would spoil it, however Fogel in the end has created a documentary that had a really actual affect on our notion of sports activities as an entire. In that respect, Icarus is a literal sport changer.

Naomi Osaka

Netflix

Naomi Osaka has grow to be one of the well-known and talked about athletes on the planet. This fascinating documentary explores totally different phases of her profession and provides unimaginable entry into the lifetime of a younger girl fighting the pressures of sport and fame. A should watch.

Pelé

Netflix

Launched in Feb 2021, Pele is a incredible have a look at the World Cup run of one of the celebrated soccer gamers in all of historical past.

Better of all, it is a documentary that does not pull punches. It asks onerous questions of Pele, together with his silence throughout a navy coup that remodeled Brazil right into a dictatorship for many years. It is about soccer, for certain, however Pele’s historical past is the historical past of a whole nation, this documentary understands that.

Sunderland ‘Til I Die

Netflix

Prime Video provides you entry to the (admittedly) nice All or Nothing sequence, which supplies you behind the scenes entry to prime Premier League golf equipment like Man Metropolis and Spurs, however each of these come throughout buffed and polished. You by no means actually get true behind the scenes entry.

Sunderland ‘Til I Die is totally different. It is gritty, brutal and provides you entry to the worst components of what it means to run a soccer group. It virtually hurts to look at.

Athlete A

Netflix

Athlete A is a superb characteristic size expose on Larry Nassar, the group doc of US Gymnastics, who had been sexually abusing feminine athletes for many years.

Be warned: This one is harrowing.

The Pace Cubers

Netflix

For those who’re searching for a barely extra uplifting documentary, you can do far worse than The Pace Cubers, a have a look at the world of aggressive rubix… cubers? It is quick, however packs an unimaginable emotional punch. Put together your self, this one would possibly break you.

Seaspiracy

Netflix

Seaspiracy follows within the footsteps of a number of documentaries centered on the affect of meat consuming on the atmosphere. This time the worldwide fishing business is within the crosshairs. As anticipated this one has stirred up a little bit of controversy from all stakeholders — PETA, Greenpeace and conservation teams can not seem to agree if Seaspiracy is correct or truthful. Watch it and make up your personal thoughts.

My Octopus Instructor

Netflix

My Octopus Instructor follows Craig Foster, a filmmaker who spent a 12 months snorkelling and interacting with an octopus off the coast of South Africa. It is a nature movie, certain, nevertheless it’s concurrently a documentary designed to encourage awe within the viewer. Briefly, octopi are unimaginable. Little aliens on Earth, primarily. That is the story of a relationship between people and nature nevertheless it’s additionally an inspiring name to motion: Do not ignore the marvel that exists throughout you.

Our Planet

Netflix

David Attenborough nature documentaries are so ubiquitous they’re susceptible to self parody, however Our Planet is — I consider — the excessive watermark. Solely Planet Earth, one other Attenborough docu, comes shut. However I desire this one.

Black Holes: The Fringe of All We Know

Netflix

For these of you obsessive about the grim, huge, empty void of house, Black Holes: The Fringe of All We Know is a superb documentary in regards to the science’s endeavour to grasp one of many strangest components of the recognized universe.

Tiger King

Netflix

Time could uninteresting its affect, however when Tiger King was first launched on Netflix, the complete world could not cease speaking about it. 

It is a present that strikes quickly from the weird to the downright unbelievable. Tiger King explores the unusual underbelly of huge cat breeding, specializing in a forged of unforgettable (and in the end harmful) characters. It drags its viewers to bizarre locations. Fully unforgettable.

Operation Varsity Blues: The Faculty Admissions Scandal

Netflix

Not too long ago launched, Operations Varsity Blues: The Faculty Admissions Scandal has a reputation so long as a few of Netflix’s latest documentaries. Fortunately, this is not as bloated as, say, the recent Cecil Hotel docu, nevertheless it might nonetheless use some trimming. 

Operation Varsity Blues centered on the FBI investigation into faculty admissions that put actress Felicity Huffman into jail. Its director Chris Smith beforehand labored on the Fyre Competition documentary. This is not fairly as compelling, however continues to be nicely price watching. 

Knock Down the Home

Sundance

No matter your views on Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Knock Down The Home is an unimaginable underdog story that can’t be missed. Specializing in progressive feminine candidates in the course of the 2018 congressional main campaigns, it is an insightful have a look at the democratic course of. It is an inspiring reminder that we have to struggle with a purpose to make the voices of peculiar individuals rely.

Wild Wild Nation

Netflix

Overlong and bloated, Wild Wild Nation is however one of the fascinating documentaries I’ve ever watched on Netflix. 

It tells the story of Indian guru Bhagwan Shree Rajnees, who tried to construct a huge sprawling commune, for what was primarily a intercourse cult, in america. It is a unusual story that someway turns into stranger with age. Very similar to Tiger King the story plumbs depths you will not consider. At instances it is a slog, however Wild Wild Nation is totally worthwhile.

13th

Netflix

13th by Ava Duvernay is a staggering documentary that tells the story of American slavery and its long-lasting impacts, lots of which nonetheless resonate as we speak. 

Within the wake of the Black Lives Matter motion, this ought to be necessary viewing.

5 Got here Again

Netflix

I completely adore this documentary. 5 present acclaimed administrators (together with Steven Spielberg and Francis Ford Coppola) assist inform the story of 5 well-known film administrators from the ’30s and ’40s who did frontline work in the course of the Second World Warfare. It wraps their legacies alongside the affect of the struggle itself into a really compelling story of Hollywood’s golden age.

Challenger: The Remaining Flight

Netflix

This have a look at the explosion of NASA’s House Shuttle Challenger would not convey something new to the desk, however it’s a well-produced, well-made look again on the tragic occasions of 1986. 

It does nice work, with nice entry and a few intimate interviews with these left behind. Nicely price a watch.

American Manufacturing facility

Netflix

One other Oscar winner for Netflix, this documentary is the primary produced by Barack and Michelle Obama’s Increased Floor Productions group. 

American Manufacturing facility tells the story of Fuyao, a Chinese language firm that constructed a manufacturing unit in Ohio that inhabits a now-closed Common Motors plant. It’s important to watch this film.

Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Wealthy

Netflix

By this level all of us have some type of understanding of Jeffrey Epstein’s story however Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Wealthy does itself an awesome service by specializing in the tales of the survivors of his abuse. 

The Motion pictures That Made Us

Netflix

A slick spin-off of The Toys That Made Us, there’s two seasons of The Motion pictures That Made Us. Bringing nice behind-the-scenes details about traditional motion pictures like Again To The Future, Jurassic Park and Ghostbusters, it is a should look ahead to followers of outdated motion pictures — significantly motion pictures from the 80s.

Fyre: The Best Social gathering That By no means Occurred

The Cinemart/Hulu

Hulu additionally has an awesome Fyre competition documentary, however I desire this Netflix one. Not like many Netflix documentaries, that are stretched and bloated into multi-part episodes, this documentary is sharp, direct and stable gold the complete approach by means of.

What Occurred, Miss Simone?

Netflix

Not gonna say a lot right here. Nina Simone is a legend and that is possibly probably the greatest documentaries I’ve ever seen. 

The Nice Hack

Netflix

Within the wake of the Capitol siege, the Fb/Cambridge Analytica controversy virtually appears like historical historical past, however that does not make this documentary any much less essential. If you have not seen it, then watch it.