The Best Netflix Documentaries to Watch in 2024

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Netflix has revolutionized the way we consume content, providing a platform for some of the most compelling and diverse documentaries ever made. Whether you’re in India, the UK, or anywhere else, Netflix offers an impressive array of documentaries that can entertain, educate, and inspire. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the best Netflix documentaries available, ensuring you have plenty of must-watch titles to add to your list.

Best Netflix Documentaries

1. Our Planet

Narrated by the legendary David Attenborough, “Our Planet” is a visually stunning documentary series that explores the natural world’s beauty and fragility. The series spans various ecosystems, highlighting the urgent need to address climate change and conservation efforts. With breathtaking cinematography and compelling storytelling, “Our Planet” is a must-watch for nature enthusiasts and environmental advocates.

2. The Social Dilemma

“The Social Dilemma” delves into the dark side of social media, exploring how these platforms manipulate users’ behavior for profit. Featuring interviews with former executives from major tech companies, this documentary sheds light on the ethical dilemmas and psychological impacts of social media. It’s an eye-opening film that prompts viewers to reconsider their digital habits.

3. Making a Murderer

This gripping true-crime documentary series follows the story of Steven Avery, a man wrongfully convicted of sexual assault who later becomes the prime suspect in a murder case. “Making a Murderer” raises critical questions about the criminal justice system, media influence, and the pursuit of truth. Its riveting narrative keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, making it a standout in the true-crime genre.

Best Netflix Documentaries India

1. Wild Wild Country

“Wild Wild Country” chronicles the controversial rise of the Rajneesh movement in India and the United States during the 1980s. The series delves into the charismatic leader Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and the tumultuous events that unfolded around his commune in Oregon. With its captivating story and in-depth interviews, this documentary is a fascinating look at a unique chapter in modern history.

2. Period. End of Sentence.

Winner of the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject, “Period. End of Sentence.” tackles the stigma surrounding menstruation in rural India. The film follows a group of women who learn to manufacture low-cost sanitary pads, empowering themselves and their community. This inspiring documentary highlights the importance of education and grassroots activism in driving social change.

3. Delhi Crime

Based on the horrific 2012 Delhi gang rape case, “Delhi Crime” is a hard-hitting docudrama that provides a detailed account of the investigation and its aftermath. The series offers a sobering look at the challenges faced by law enforcement and the societal issues contributing to such crimes. It’s a powerful and thought-provoking watch that resonates deeply.

Best Netflix Documentaries UK

1. The Great Hack

“The Great Hack” examines the Cambridge Analytica scandal, revealing how data was weaponized to influence political campaigns. With insights from whistleblowers and key figures involved, this documentary uncovers the far-reaching implications of data privacy breaches. It’s a compelling watch for anyone interested in technology, politics, and the impact of big data.

2. The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann

This extensive documentary series explores the mysterious disappearance of three-year-old Madeleine McCann from her holiday apartment in Portugal. Featuring interviews with investigators, journalists, and those close to the case, the series provides a thorough examination of one of the UK’s most high-profile missing person cases. Its in-depth analysis and multiple perspectives make it a must-watch for true-crime aficionados.

3. Black Mirror: Bandersnatch

While technically a feature film, “Black Mirror: Bandersnatch” offers a unique interactive experience that blurs the lines between traditional storytelling and gaming. Set in 1984, it follows a young programmer who becomes overwhelmed by the choices he must make, leading to multiple possible endings. This innovative documentary-style film reflects on free will, reality, and the consequences of our decisions.

Best Netflix Documentaries IMDb

1. The Last Dance

“The Last Dance” is a sports documentary series that chronicles Michael Jordan’s final season with the Chicago Bulls. Featuring never-before-seen footage and in-depth interviews, the series provides a comprehensive look at Jordan’s career and the team’s 1997-98 season. With its high IMDb rating, “The Last Dance” is a must-watch for sports fans and anyone interested in personal excellence and teamwork.

2. Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness

“Tiger King” captivated audiences with its bizarre and dramatic tale of Joe Exotic, a flamboyant zoo owner entangled in a murder-for-hire plot. The series dives into the eccentric world of big cat breeding, revealing the darker side of animal captivity. Its larger-than-life characters and unexpected twists make it one of the highest-rated documentaries on IMDb.

3. 13th

Directed by Ava DuVernay, “13th” is a powerful examination of the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States. The documentary takes its name from the 13th Amendment and explores how slavery’s legacy has evolved into modern systemic racism. With its critical acclaim and high IMDb rating, “13th” is essential viewing for understanding America’s social and political landscape.

Best Netflix Documentaries in Hindi

1. House of Secrets: The Burari Deaths

This chilling docuseries investigates the mysterious deaths of eleven family members in Delhi’s Burari neighborhood. Combining interviews, forensic analysis, and police records, “House of Secrets” delves into the psychological and social factors behind the tragic incident. The series is available with Hindi subtitles, making it accessible to a broader audience in India.

2. Daughters of Destiny

“Daughters of Destiny” follows the lives of five girls from India’s most impoverished families as they pursue education at the Shanti Bhavan school. Directed by Vanessa Roth, this inspiring series highlights the transformative power of education and the resilience of these young women. The documentary is available in multiple languages, including Hindi, to reach a wider audience.

3. Yeh Ballet

“Yeh Ballet” tells the real-life story of two young boys from Mumbai’s underprivileged backgrounds who aspire to become ballet dancers. The documentary captures their journey of overcoming societal barriers and achieving their dreams against all odds. With its inspiring narrative and Hindi language option, “Yeh Ballet” is a heartwarming and motivational watch.

Best Netflix Documentaries on Money

1. Dirty Money

“Dirty Money” is a provocative documentary series that explores cases of corporate greed and corruption. Each episode investigates a different scandal, from the Volkswagen emissions fraud to the payday loan industry. With its in-depth reporting and compelling storytelling, “Dirty Money” exposes the darker side of the financial world.

2. Inside Job

This Academy Award-winning documentary provides a comprehensive analysis of the 2008 financial crisis. Directed by Charles Ferguson, “Inside Job” features interviews with key financial insiders, politicians, and academics. The film explains the complex mechanisms that led to the crisis and its devastating impact on the global economy, making it essential viewing for anyone interested in finance.

3. The China Hustle

“The China Hustle” uncovers a massive financial scandal involving Chinese companies listed on U.S. stock exchanges. The documentary follows investors and whistleblowers who expose the fraudulent practices that led to significant financial losses. It’s a gripping tale of deception and the quest for accountability in the financial markets.

Best Netflix Documentaries to Watch

1. Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened

“Fyre” documents the infamous Fyre Festival, a luxury music festival that turned into a disaster. Through interviews with organizers, attendees, and employees, the film reveals the behind-the-scenes chaos and deception that led to the event’s downfall. It’s a fascinating case study of marketing gone wrong and the power of social media hype.

2. The Staircase

“The Staircase” follows the trial of Michael Peterson, accused of murdering his wife, Kathleen. This true-crime series spans over a decade, providing an in-depth look at the legal process and the complexities of the case. With its thorough investigation and compelling narrative, “The Staircase” is a standout documentary for crime and legal drama enthusiasts.

3. Wild Babies

“Wild Babies” is a heartwarming documentary series that follows the early lives of baby animals in various parts of the world. Narrated by Helena Bonham Carter, the series showcases the challenges and triumphs of these young creatures as they navigate their environments. It’s a delightful and educational watch for viewers of all ages.

Conclusion

Netflix offers a diverse range of documentaries that cater to all interests. Whether you’re into true crime, biographical stories, environmental issues, historical events, social matters, or science and technology, there’s something for you. These documentaries not only entertain but also educate and inspire. So, grab your popcorn and dive into the best Netflix documentaries of 2024.