The 30 Best Documentaries You Can and Should Stream Right This Minute
Look, we know you're probably stuck inside right now, and we know you're probably getting sick of watching the dinner party episode of The Office on repeat (yes, it is possible) and scrolling through endless rows of "For You" selections that don't seem like they're actually for you. So we're here to help. Mix up your binge with the best documentary films that are available to stream right TF now.
Free Solo (Hulu) stream now
Particularly good if you're trying to live vicariously though people going outside RN. This doc follows a free solo climber who's about to take on his biggest challenge yet. Also, people use the title of the film as a verb sometimes, so you should probably see it.
Love, Gilda (Hulu) stream now
Before Amy Poehler and Tina Fey, Gilda Radner was the funny lady out of Saturday Night Live.
Becoming Bond (Hulu) stream now
While you're waiting for the next James Bond film, check out this charming film about George Lazenby, the dopey Australian model who seemingly stumbled his way into one of the most sought-after film roles in history.
The Gospel According To Andre (Hulu) stream now
This one's all about fashion journalist André Leon Talley, a character in and of himself.
Three Identical Strangers (Hulu) stream now
This movie is about triplets who were separated at birth. After they're reunited later in life, they uncover secret after secret and learn the weirdly science fictiony-y circumstances of their birth.
Bowling For Columbine (HBO) stream now
You've probably heard of Fahrenheit 911, Michael Moore's rant-y film about George W. Bush and the Iraq War. But far more essential is Moore's investigation into school shooting and America's gun obsession which is unfortunately still relevant today.
RBG (Hulu) stream now
Need we really say more? It's thee RBG, dude.
Hoop Dreams (HBO) stream now
Who needs Boyhood when you can watch this documentary that follows two teenage basketball players for eight years? Try not to get invested, I dare you.
Won't You Be My Neighbor? (HBO) stream now
For when you need to get all in your feelings about Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.
Paris Is Burning (Netflix) stream now
If you're gonna be a Drag Race fan (or a Madonna fan, let's be real) you better learn your history.
Icarus (Netflix) stream now
A must for true crime fans, this film follows an American cyclist as he investigates Russian doping in sports. He uncovered an international scandal, and the film won an Academy Award.
13th (Netflix) stream now
You know you love Ava DuVernay, and her film about a loophole in the 13th Amendment that abolished slavery is required viewing.
Bathtubs Over Broadway (Netflix) stream now
If you're looking for something a little lighter, this is a film all about corporate musicals put on by actual Broadway composers for shareholder meetings and conferences. Yes, it's a thing that exists, and yes, this doc is a delight.
Amy (Netflix) stream now
Another tear-jerker, this one's all about Amy Winehouse, including rare home videos and interviews.
20 Feet From Stardom (Netflix) stream now
Pair Amy with this documentary for another, more uplifting look at the music industry. This fascinating film is all about backup singers.
The Queen of Versailles (Amazon Prime) stream now
A documentary perfect for Real Housewives fans that follows a family of billionaires during the housing crisis of 2008. It's the epitome of first world problems.
Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened (Netflix) stream now
Even geniuses like Stephen Sondheim can write flops. If you like to cringe-watch Encore! on Disney+, this is the doc for you—or Lady Bird, as Merrily We Roll Along is the school play in Greta Gerwig's film.
Bill Cunningham New York (Amazon Prime) stream now
People call documentaries like this one "intimate portrayals," but after learning about the life of this fashion photographer, you'll truly believe in that phrase.
Grizzly Man (Amazon Prime) stream now
Werner Herzog, a.k.a. the guy who says "I would like to see the baby" on The Mandalorian, made a documentary about a guy who lived with bears in the wood. You know, like you do. No, this is not the Leonardo DiCaprio movie The Revenant.
Koyaanisqatsi (Amazon Prime) stream now
I was made to watch this documentary by a boy in High School who wanted me to know the difference between a "film" and a "movie." I challenge you to have a more pleasant and less patronizing experience, because it is a good film, or whatever.
Super Size Me (Youtube) stream now
Morgan Spurlock's documentary about eating McDonalds every day for 30 days feels very dated now, and maybe that's why we all need to watch it.
Leaving Neverland (HBO) stream now
It's not an easy watch, but sometimes we have to face the facts, even about someone as famous and troubled as Michael Jackson.
Catfish (Amazon Prime) stream now
Have you seen the TV show?? Then you gotta see the documentary that started it al. It's WILD.
Exit Through The Gift Shop (Amazon Prime) stream now
This doc is about art, but also metal AF, because legendary underground street artist Bansky made it. OR DID HE?????
Grey Gardens (Amazon Prime) stream now
Maybe don't watch Grey Gardens if you have anxiety about social distancing and self-isolation in 2020. However, I promise you (probably) won't end up as wacky and stir crazy as Jackie Kennedy's cooped-up relatives.
Pina (Amazon Prime) stream now
For something more soothing, try this dance documentary, which was shot all over Germany.
Woodstock (Amazon Prime) stream now
The original Woodstock documentary is an absolute classic, and you'll really feel like you're at the most epic concert in history.
Man On Wire (Amazon Prime) stream now
Not to be confused with The Walk, the Joseph Gordon-Levitt film about Philippe Petit's tight-rope walk between the Twin Towers.
Jesus Camp (Amazon Prime) stream now
This doc, which served as a peek into a controversial evangelical camp, lead to it being shut down.
How To Survive A Plague (Amazon Prime) stream now
If you're stressed about whether or not activism actually works, look at the efforts that ACT UP and TAG put in to curb the AIDS crisis in the '80s. It's devastating, but essential, and ultimately inspiring.
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