11 Must-See Documentaries on TV & Streaming Now (PHOTOS)
Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (2018)
Everyone’s favorite neighbor Mr. Rogers is at the center of this documentary, which focuses on the PBS personality’s impact on generations of children past and present. A feel good film, Won’t You Be My Neighbor? tugs at your nostalgia in the best possible way.
Available on HBO Go, HBO Now, On Demand and Prime Video with the HBO add-on
Catfish (2010)
You may have heard of MTV’s series with the same title, but before Nev Schulman was hosting the series, he was the one being “catfished.” This documentary follows Nev’s relationship with someone he meets online and his journey to see her face-to-face — needless to say things don’t go as planned. See how the term “catfish” became part of today’s pop culture vocabulary in this memorable doc.
Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video
Fyre (2019)
Despite the proximity of their release, Netflix’s documentary on Billy MacFarland’s failed music festival attempt edges Hulu’s out by a slight margin. If you’re looking to be utterly baffled by the story of the now infamous Fyre Festival, then this flick is for you.
Available for Streaming on Netflix
Three Identical Strangers (2018)
This story about identical triplets who cross paths for the first time in their early teens begins like a fairytale, but reaches a sad conclusion involving adoption agencies, medical experiments and mental illness. For viewers seeking a good mystery and unbelievable story, this doc is certainly worth checking out.
Available for streaming on Hulu
Amy (2015)
Four years following the death of musician Amy Winehouse, this film documents her rise and sad fall with testimonials from her father among others. This film is perfect for those wishing to learn more about a voice that continues to play on radios today.
Available for streaming on Netflix
Searching for Sugar Man (2012)
This incredible story about a talented musician who seemingly disappears into obscurity only to be found once again certainly proves itself worthy of the Best Documentary Oscar it earned in 2013. Learn about Rodriguez and his impact on the music world — you may learn you know more about Sugar Man than you thought.
Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video
Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind (2018)
This deep dive into the beloved comedian’s early career leading up until his final days is both illuminating and tragic. The film offers testimonials from Williams’s closest friends and family and doesn’t shy away from the illness which lead to his surprising death.
Available on HBO GO, HBO Now and On Demand
Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief (2015)
Ever wondered what Scientology entails? This film dives deep into the church — which has called Tom Cruise and John Travolta among its members — in this wild tale about how L. Ron Hubbard’s religion really works. From broken family ties to celebrity testimonials, your jaw will likely be on the floor throughout the whole two hours.
Available on HBO Go, HBO Now and On Demand
Game of Thrones: The Last Watch (2019)
Still upset about that Game of Thrones ending? This accompanying documentary may appease your Season 8 qualms when you learn more about the behind-the-scenes action. Meet those responsible for bringing it all together off-screen as well as one extra who makes the film worth watching alone.
Available on HBO GO, HBO Now and On Demand
13th (2016)
Ava DuVernay’s eye-opening documentary — which draws connections between our modern criminal justice system and slavery in America — is truly alarming. For those interested in social justice, this statistics-heavy doc with testimonials from some of today’s biggest figures could be one of the most important films of this generation.
Available for streaming on Netflix
Ask Dr. Ruth (2019)
One of the world’s most famous doctors is seen in a new light with this film that examines her life from a Holocaust survivor to America’s most famous sex therapist. Learn something new about the woman who has become a pop culture fixture.
Available for streaming on Hulu
Not sure what to binge next, or are you tired of episode after episode? Why not take a break with some great documentaries?
TV and streaming platforms are filled with great titles for every taste from social justice to musician-based tales. Unlike some of the more outlandish storylines fed to viewers through scripted episodic series, documentaries tell incredible true stories in an often compelling manner.
See Also
What's Coming and Going From Netflix in June 2019
(Credit: Netflix)
Whether you know them or not, you'll walk away having learned something new and likely gained some water-cooler conversation along the way. As Netflix prepares to release their Martin Scorsese-directed doc Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story on June 12, we're rounding up some must-see docs for every kind of TV viewer (as it appears this upcoming film could join the list).
Click through the gallery above for a look at 11 titles that are worth a watch and check out the trailer for Rolling Thunder Revue below.
Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story, Premieres Wednesday, June 12, Netflix
