Bored of watching unrealistic shows and movies and want to watch something that feels realistic rather is actually a real crime thriller genre? Well, you should definitely watch documentaries. Documentaries have a way to bring people together. And in today’s date where content is King, people want to watch real things than the Hollywood-isation of facts. When it comes to documentaries, the essence of actual life that one may derive from collages of historical film, images, talking heads, archival footage or audio, and sequences of physical excursions or basic interviews is what most viewers gravitate toward.
Even though they are limited to a single story, filmmakers are obliged to make you feel a personal and immediate presence. Due to high competition for supreme content, the standards of documentaries have leveled up.
To claim any one of them as the best documentary is a difficult job. Or if you are a Netflix geek, have a look at The Best Documentaries on Netflix. However, if you were looking for suggestions for a few of the best documentaries having archival footage or true crime documentary, here is a list of 20 binge-worthy great documentaries spread on a spectrum of genres that you must watch:
1. The Puppet Master: Hunting the Ultimate Conman
Directors: Sam Benstead and Gareth Johnson
Up for a nerve-wracking crime documentary? This series unfolds the story of Robert Freegard. One of the world’s most cunning conmen, tells his evil genius story, how he used his deceptive charm to influence, deceive, and defraud at least seven women and one man out of over one million pounds over two decades.
This three-episode Netflix documentary stands at a 7 IMDb rating and will surely give you second thoughts about the people you meet online. The Puppet Master is a raw gem of Netflix that does not outstretch its subject. It is definitely one of the best documentaries in the crime and thriller genre.
Picture by Elliot Bennett on Flickr
2.The Jinx: Life and Deaths of Robert Durst
Director: Andrew Jarecki
The story unfolds with a six-part deep dive into the life of a reclusive millionaire, Robert Durst, who is at the epicenter of the suspect for the sudden disappearance of his wife, Kathie. Further eyebrows are raised when there is yet another unsolved murder of his confidante, Susan Berman, who was regarded to be a vital witness in the inquiry for Kathie’s disappearance in 2000, following the murder and mutilation of a neighbor in Galveston, Texas, heightened suspicions.
A peep into the minute details and all the law enforcement recordings done by the police will surely keep you hooked till the end. The filmmakers’ nearly ten-year investigation reveals police files, critical witnesses, never-before-seen footage, private jail recordings, and hundreds of pages of previously secret papers in “The Jinx.” However, Durst has maintained his innocence throughout. And to know the final verdict, this jaw-dropping Netflix documentary will surely make its way to your watchlist.
Picture by Peabody Awards on Flickr
3.The House of Secrets: The Burari Deaths
Directors: Leena Yadav and Anubhav Chopra
Murder? Suicide? Or paranormal activity? Anubha Chopra and Leena Yadav set a legit example of how so many things go beyond what just meets the eye. The story is set on the three generations of the same family who were found dead in what seemed to be a supernatural ritual gone wrong in the living room of their north Delhi home one summer morning.
Neighbors found their bodies after noticing a change in their routine. Burari Deaths delves a layer deep beyond the details reported by the mainstream media, trying to decode what happened with exclusive interviews, examining the social and psychological elements of a case that made national news in 2018. This three-episode documentary serves as eye-opening and is guaranteed to give you a sleepless night filled with thoughts of what goes behind the next door.
This is one of the best documentaries under psychological thriller, from India that will leave you with the thought of how seemingly normal people might hide a zillion thoughts behind their smiling faces.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUf8Qza59dw
4. Crime Scene: The Times Square Killer(2021)
Director: Joe Berlinger
If a murder mystery story is your go-to genre this is the one to stop at. Infamously known as the “Torso Killer” he preys on women in 1970s New York City to fulfill his sick desires while dodging the cops. A heinous crime documentary that delves into the darkest depths of the criminal justice system. Richard Cottingham, an evil genius was a computer technician who encroached on young woman sex workers in New York’s Times Square.
Cottingham worked as a computer operator for a separate corporation in New York until 1980 when he was arrested. He was formally charged with the murder of 11 individuals, but there are allegations that he may have slaughtered more than 100 others. Because of the manner, in which he mangled several of his victims, he was dubbed the “Torso Ripper.” This true story gives you a completely new view of Times Square than you would have before. The whole documentary series contains a disturbing visual representation of sexual assault and is not for the light-hearted. This is one of the best documentaries in Crime and murder genre that will keep you hooked on the screen the entire time.
Picture by Yoann Jezequel on Flickr
5. The Tinder Swindler
Director: Felicity Morris
Life happens and so does love. However, modern-day love and Tinder are said in the same breath on today’s date, isn’t it? But hold on a minute before you swipe right on that cute and handsome hunk. Is his social media posts a reflection of his true persona? There are a whole lot of deep dark secrets that one might mask behind that seductive profile. This is a story of a refugee from the court in numerous nations and is known as The Tinder Swindler. He mesmerized and swept young ladies off their feet in return for millions of dollars. If you were having an evil inkling regarding that right swipe and that date night, probably this film is the sign you were looking for and a must-watch. One swipe has the potential to transform your life.
This is that perfect fairytale that has turned into a nightmare. Follow the personal stories of three ladies who decided it was time to avenge themselves. So the next time you swipe on cutie, let’s hope it’s not another Tinder Swindler.
Picture by Global Panorama on Flickr
6. Bad Sport
Directors: Miles Blayden-Ryall, Georgina Cammalleri, James House Lizzie, Kempton Alex Kiehl, Luke Sewell
Were you looking for the perfect balance of sports and thrillers in one film? Who doesn’t want to see a documentary about a large marijuana dealer who also became a race car driver or perhaps a glaring cheater in an incident in Olympic-level figure skating? Each of the six episodes in this series depicts a new criminal narrative in the world of professional sports, and each one is more outrageous than the previous.
Bad Sport demonstrates that pushing individuals to their physical limits may have a negative impact on their morality and life in general. This is the perfect collaboration of true crime and sports in a docuseries that analyses worldwide issues and scandals with personal testimony from the people involved. This is the film that shows you the dark side of the world of sports.
Picture by Taylor Herring on Flickr
7. American Murder: The Family Next Door(2020)
Director: Jenny Popplewell
How can one retell a story that’s been reported in mainstream media headlines and tv news chyrons? But this outstanding Netflix documentary film took the leap of faith and surpassed the mark. Like with any real crime, it appears to be a difficult task, as in the case of Shanann Watts and her two young girls. They were last seen near Frederick, Colorado. As the news of their murders spread across the world, it became evident that Shanann’s husband, Chris Watts, wasn’t who he claimed to be.
Experience a compelling story and engaging investigation of a marriage’s demise. Considering the fact that the story is both horrifying and packed with highly bleak, straightforward information, filmmaker Jenny Popplewell manages to reframe the narrative in this documentary by telling it mostly via Shanann Watts’ social media. There is also archival footage by the police, but no additional talking-head interviews, recreations, or voiceovers are included.
For some, American Murder’s no-frills approach may be disconcerting, especially given how it might resemble a found footage film—but there is no Hollywoodization here, which is why it’s the type of true-crime documentary that will linger with you and probably haunt you and keep you awake at night.
Picture by Youthvoices on Bing
8. Three Identical Strangers
Director: Tim Wardle
Ever thought that you may just stroll around the block and find others calling you a different name? Or how about coming across a person who looks exactly like you? Having that uncanny resemblance. These documentaries on Netflix will surely leave you with these thoughts.
In 1980 New York, three adopted young men meet and discover the fact that they are triplets who were separated at birth. However, their curiosity for an answer leads them down a strange and dark mystery road and their lives become topsy-turvy. The truth may indeed be stranger than fiction at times. As the story unfolds with each episode you are left with a wide-opened mouth wondering. Besides the strange times, we are living in, this statement is arguably best shown by this wonderful documentary.
9.Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
Director: Morgan Neville
If you are not looking for a deep dive into true crime films, Won’t You Be My Neighbor is the one to watch. Coming from an award-winning filmmaker, it is one of the best documentaries under the light mood genre on our list that will have you reflexively sobbing your eyes out. The film is all about the late children’s television sensation and America’s favorite neighbor: Fred Rogers, whose show Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood had such a huge influence on millions of children (and adults) throughout the world. An assessment of legendary children’s television personality Fred Rogers’ life, lessons, and legacy. A must-watch to gain a better perspective on the world.
Picture by 10. Free Solo
Directors: Jimmy Chin, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi
Bored in quarantine? Want to explore a summer camp? Or how about exploring the velvet underground of a forest? If you enjoy films that make you feel closer to nature, give you a hint of the real-life sauna, and make you perspire, Free Solo is a must-watch.
This documentary will have you rushing to the bathroom afterward. The video follows rock climber Alex Honnold as he attempts to scale the hazardous El Capitan in Yosemite National Park without the use of ropes, harnesses, or any other safety equipment. So, yes! Free Solo is will give you the feel of running in the sauna throughout its runtime.
Picture by Fil Rezensionen on Flickr
11. By The People: The Election Of Barack Obama
Directors: Amy Rice, Alicia Sams
A true lover of history? and a fan of Barack Obama? Well, this is one of the best documentaries highlighting the historical relevance of the United States electing its first African-American president.
Two filmmakers started filming Barack Obama nearly a year before the young senator declared his presidential run. The everyday events of the presidential campaign will be recounted across the United States for the next 19 months. Live the historical moment of world politics with this documentary.
Photo by Alison Harger on Flickr
Keen on watching biographic films? Here’s the list of the 13 greatest biographical movies ever made. Make sure to check them out as well.
12. Paris Is Burning
Director: Jennie Livingston
All that glitters is not gold. One of the best documentaries that give you insight into how perfectly the proverb fits into the condition of Paris. A look back at New York’s drag culture in the 1980s, with a focus on parties, choreographed dances, and the aspirations and desires of people who infused the era with life and warmth. Director Jennie Livingston dedicated years chronicling the drag ball subculture in New York in the 1980s, in which homosexual and transgender people of color would join tribes or houses, and engage in grandiose fashion and dancing contests.
Even though Livingston’s subjects speak candidly about their strive to make ends meet in an affluent, elitist city, “Paris Is Burning” is a hilarious and uplifting film that focuses on how individuals on the margins frequently take strength from one another.
Picture by Patrick Nouhailler on Flickr
13. Jiro Dreams Of Sushi
Director: David Gelb
Life happens only once and so does the opportunity to live life to its fullest. And for the foodies out there, Life and food come in the same breath. One of the best documentaries on food. The colors, the aura, the visual treat, and the perfect blend of food and art are brought to life by the medium of this film. Jiro Ono, the veteran chef whose precision has earned him three Michelin stars for his sushi restaurant in a Tokyo subway station. Jiro’s ideas are beautifully rendered by David Gelb, who later directed Netflix’s “Chef’s Table.” The film is more than simply a visual feast; it’s also a portrayal of obsession that serves as a metaphor for many types of creative endeavors.
The food film along with its cinematography on precision will make you hungry so make sure to grab some snacks and binge on this outstanding documentary.
14. Abducted In Plain Sight
Director: Skye Borgman
Yet another mind-boggling crime documentary film. The Brobergs, a naïve, church-going Idaho family who fell under the spell of a psychopathic neighbor with notorious plans for their twelve-year-old daughter, has a twisting, turning, stranger-than-fiction true story. Not the abductions themselves, but how Berchtold forced the Broberg family to trust him is the most troubling aspect.
15. Conversations With A Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes
Director: Joe Berlinger
Ever found yourself wondering what goes on the mind of that cold-blooded murderer? Well, maybe you’ll get a hem of it by taking a deep dive into the mind of the serial killer, Ted Bundy. Conversations With a Killer uses archival footage and authentic recordings of Bundy’s testimonies from death row to tell the story of his atrocities. It is one of those documentaries on Netflix that will give you goosebumps.
16.Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel
Director: Joe Berlinger
Elisa Lam, a college student, and tourist disappears, abandoning behind her entire belongings in her hotel room. The Cecil Hotel has a long and illustrious history. This four-part Netflix documentary tackles the issue on everyone’s mind: what happened to Elisa Lam, from the disturbing elevator footage that went viral to her death being discovered in the hotel’s water tower. One of the best documentaries that you going to keep you hooked till the very end to decipher the mystery.
17. My Octopus Teacher
Directors: Pippa Ehrlich, James Reed
If you are not a Marine Biologist enthusiast or are intrigued by wild-life, chances are that hearing about a cephalopod or commonly known as Octopus might give you creepy vibes. But this film will give you a different perspective on the under-ocean flora and fauna. The film is based on the curiosity of Craig Foster to experience the world below the ocean without being intrusive to the life that exists and how a mysterious yet beautiful journey unfolds.
Coming from the award-winning filmmaker Craig Foster, The Octopus Teacher forms an odd acquaintance with an octopus living in a kelp forest in South Africa, learning as the animal discloses the secrets of her natural world. This Oscar-winning whole film documentary has a typical personal touch to it making it so powerful.
One of the most beautiful and best documentaries in terms of visual representation. If you want to watch some light yet intriguing this documentary is definitely for you.
18. Michael Moore Hates America
Director: Mike Wilson
If you were looking for a political genre documentary, then this is the one of the best documentaries to binge on. Michael Wilson, just like the subject of his film, is attempting to secure an interview with a multi-millionaire; however, the billionaire in question is none other than Michael Moore himself. Michael Moore Hates America is a documentary that challenges viewers to reconsider their perceptions of the genre.
It defies expectations and takes on the greatest documentary filmmaker of all time. Following Mike Wilson as he travels from coast to coast in quest of the American Dream, and tries to figure out why he and Michael Moore have such opposing views on the country.
19. American Factory
Directors: Julia Reichert, Steven Bognar
There was a lot of optimism in the air when the Chinese company Fuyao Glass launched its new site near Dayton, Ohio. Chairman Cao Dewang, a Chinese billionaire, arrives at his new facility with the intent of developing a daring new chapter in the extension of global capitalism, delivering prosperity to a poor region while also becoming wealthier. That seemed to be the plan.
But, the film American Factory chronicles the gradual depletion of that optimistic hope as the Chinese management’s corporate culture clashes with the American workforce’s cultures, attitudes, and economic objectives. Julia Reichert and Steven Bognar filmed tense board meetings, noisy union organizing sessions, relaxed break-room talks, and a business trip to a Fuyao factory in China, in one illuminating sequence.
Despite its grim tone, American Factory contains more comedy and empathy than the ordinary magazine piece about Middle America’s problems. It seems refreshingly handcrafted for a film about the intricacies of industrial manufacture. One of the best documentaries with the perfect blend of comedy and reality.
20. Audrie and Daisy
Directors: Bonni Cohen, Jon Shenk
Last but not least on the list of 20 best documentaries to watch is Audrie & Daisy, it takes a somber take on how sexual abuse impacts young girls by evaluating two unique episodes of sexual assault that are uncannily similar. As the incidents of Audrie Pott and Daisy Coleman come to the fore, this documentary focuses on how the sufferer may be molded into a villain by society, with social media’s anonymity and distance often playing a part.
This is one of the best documentaries in the genre of sexual harassment and abuse. It crafts the terrifying and horrible experiences of the survivor in the rawest manner possible. While the documentary provides a grim portrayal of cyberbullying, it also recognizes the misery of being a victim with nowhere to turn, as well as the terrifying and prevalent reality of this situation for young women.
Listed above are a few of the best documentaries on Netflix, Youtube, and Hulu. Whether based on a murder-for-hire plot or a film on American Murders, or movie based on African-Americans, or a movie based on sexual abuse and assault. Most of the above-listed documentaries have intimate access to personal stories, exclusive interviews, or archival footage keeping them as close as possible to reality. Hope these documentary films and movies give you a purposeful insight into the happenings around the world.
Last Updated on by ritukhare
