Not so long ago, documentaries were one of the least popular of movie genres. It seemed like only your stuffy friends would want to watch these non-fiction, informational movies. Recently the genre has been experiencing something of a Renaissance. This can most likely be attributed to the rise of Netflix’s popularity.
The streaming platform has opened up the genre of documentaries to the masses, increasing its popularity dramatically. Now, there are endless documentaries to keep up with, and new and exciting series are being released on a regular basis. Netflix offers an incredible selection of documentaries, and these are 5 that you absolutely you do not want to miss.
Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story (2017)
Hedy Lamarr was an incredible woman: known for being both a stunning actress and also an inventor. She was once dubbed “the most beautiful woman in the world” but more impressively she invented radio technology that to this day contributes with the use of cell phones, Wi-Fi, bluetooth, and also encryption tools. Bombshell gives justice to her story that is often underserved.
Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story (2017)
Icarus (2017)
The incredible story of the 2017 documentary Icarus is especially impressive since the original story that was meant to be conveyed ended up opening up a can of worms that revealed a dark side of the Olympics. The filmmakers found themselves in the middle of a controversy that they couldn’t have dreamt up in their wildest dreams. Buckle up, because this documentary will take you on a crazy ride (pun intended).
Icarus (2017)
Being Elmo: A Puppeteers Journey (2011)
This heartwarming documentary tells the story of the famous and generationally-beloved Sesame Street Muppet, Elmo, and also the voice behind him, Kevin Clash. Clash’s heartwarming story unfolds in this film, which follows his journey from fan to having his dream of working with Jim Henson coming to fruition. The documentary also explores how Elmo as a character has grown to popular with children.
Being Elmo: A Puppeteers Journey (2011)
Blackfish (2013)
Blackfish has accomplished what every documentary sets out to do: change people’s minds. Thanks to this documentary, the discourse around orca captivity and training dramatically shifted. The documentary was praised for its objective presentation of SeaWorld’s orca captivity and for exploring this form of entertainment that has been relatively unexplored previously. Even years after its release, it continues to be relevant– which is a true testament to its success.
Blackfish (2013)
Gaga: Five Foot Two (2017)
In Gaga: Five Foot Two we get an intimate glimpse into the everyday life of a larger than life pop star. Behind the grandiose costumes and stadium tours, we see the woman behind the larger than life persona. She shows her vulnerable side and shares her journey as she prepares for one of the biggest performances of her entire career: the Super Bowl Halftime show.
Gaga: Five Foot Two (2017)
