Which Famous Documentary Should You Watch Next?

By BrainFall Staff - Updated: April 30, 2024

Exploring the vast ocean of documentaries is like embarking on a wild safari, minus the bug bites and questionable travel snacks. With genres ranging from nail-biting true crime to awe-inspiring nature escapades, there’s a documentary out there ready to capture your heart or leave your mind whirling with new facts. We're all about finding the perfect non-fictional feast for your eyes and soul!

In the age of streaming goodness, the search for the best documentaries could have you scrolling for more time than you'd actually spend watching. Whether you’re looking to expand your horizons with some of the most critically acclaimed pieces or just want to dive into new and intriguing stories, we've got you covered. Plus, it's no secret that Netflix has become a cozy den for documentary buffs, where one can find a treasure trove of real-life wonders.

So buck up, pals, because it’s time to throw on your most comfortable lounge pants and join us on a quest to pinpoint your next documentary obsession. Will it be a jaw-dropping exposé on the art world, an inspiring tale of human triumph, or perhaps a journey through the wonders of the universe? Take our quiz, and let’s discover your perfect documentary match together – after all, we wouldn’t want you to watch just any ol' thing!

What to Watch: Top Picks to Stream

Craving a mind-boggling evening on the couch? We've scoured the streaming universe to bring you diamonds in the rough of documentary filmmaking. Feast your eyes on heavy-hitting champions and wild, untold stories that are stickier than your cinema-style popcorn.

Award Winners & Critical Darlings

Buckle up, docu-devotees! We're kicking off with the heavyweights that will punch you right in the feels. Get your tissues and your awards bingo card ready for "13th," Ava DuVernay's searing dive into racism and mass incarceration. It packs a punch harder than a kangaroo with a personal vendetta. For a whirlwind of sweat, chalk, and sheer cliffhanging, "Free Solo" will have you gripping your armchair tighter than a kid with a cookie.

• 13th - A bona fide brain blaster, this one's stacked with interviews and archival footage, and yes, it's an Academy Award nominee.
• Free Solo - Hold on to your seat! This nail-biting climb is the best documentary if your palms aren't sweaty enough.

Genre Galore: From True Crime to Triumphs

We know our crowd - you have cravings and we've got the spread. For the true-crime aficionados, "Girl in the Picture" and "Athlete A" will satisfy that itch for a good mystery, while also illuminating serious issues like sexism and sexual assault. And for those who prefer a shot of inspiration, the truth-is-stranger-than-fiction tale of "My Octopus Teacher" explores the fascinating bond between man and mollusk.

• True Crime - Buckle up for a ride through the darkest alleys of human nature with tales that'll shock, awe, and educate.
• Triumphs - "My Octopus Teacher" - Discover an underwater world full of wisdom and therapy; it's like a spa for your brain!

Tales from the Edge: Bizarre and Unheard Narratives

Have a taste for the bizarre or the stories that live rent-free in your head for weeks? Allow us to present documentaries that dare to deliver the weirdest narratives on the block. With "Flee" and the wild life of Timothy Treadwell in "Grizzly Man," you'll be whisked away on journeys that make fiction writers jealous.

• Bizarre - From escaping warfare in "Flee" to conversing with grizzlies in "Grizzly Man," prepare for a dive into the incredible.

Remember, whether you're looking to expose corruption, save the environment, or just find a new docu-crush, we've got you covered. Keep your remote handy and your documentary senses tingling!

Behind the Lens: The Makers & Shakers

Ever wondered what makes a documentary tickle your brain or tug at your heartstrings? It's all about the crafty hands behind the camera and the powerful stories they choose to share with us. Buckle up, because we're peeking through the viewfinders of the heroes who zoom in on reality to bring us face-to-face with truth, drama, and sometimes, a decent amount of laughs.

Directors' Chair: Visionaries and Their Craft

Let's scoot our behinds into the directors' chair where the big shots like Michael Moore and Laura Poitras command the spotlight. With an uncanny knack for nonfiction, these maestros stitch together real-life tales with a thread of understanding that packs an impactful punch. Take Michael Moore's bold approaches that often stir the pot of controversy while shedding light on societal issues. Or consider Laura Poitras, who, with her brave lens, exposes the tightrope walk of privacy and security issues.

• James Marsh and Philippe Petit waltz on a high wire with Man on Wire, showing us the dizzying heights of storytelling and literal tightrope walking.
• Errol Morris brings us face-to-face with those quirky small-town stories that somehow uncover grand truths about life and death.

Rising Stars: New Voices in Documentary Filmmaking

Hot on the heels of these legends are the newbies carving out names for themselves with fresh takes on the docu-scene. With each film, they're not just racking up views, they're earning recognition in our hearts too.

• Kirsten Johnson plays a game of peek-a-boo with her own life in a mixtape of memories, urging us to look at our own relationships through a different lens.
• Robert Greene's Procession delves into a heavy story of survival and healing, proving that sometimes the camera can help mend spirits.

Get your note pads ready, these wizards of the real are teaching us that it's not just about capturing a moment; it's about weaving a story that could dance, shiver, or even shadowbox its way into eternity. And hey, if all else fails, just remember that The Tinder Swindler taught us to never trust too quickly on dating apps, right?