Netflix’s Top Docuseries to Watch

Netflix has long been a force to be reckoned with in the documentary series genre and offers an incredibly wide range of work covering numerous subjects across many different disciplines. Netflix always has something to offer, be it true crime or in nature and history, whether you are interested in social issues! These series usually involve compelling stories, deep research and high-quality visuals that tell a complete story in an enticing way. It has been host to a series like Making A Murderer, sharing the story of injustices in our criminal justice system while Our Planet that takes us from one end of earth to another captivated by its illustrious beauty but also making sure we realise conserving is an urgent matter. There are numerous other essential series as well – The Keepers is a compelling investigation into an unsolved murder and systemic abuse within the Catholic Church, while Wild Wild Country tells us of the rise (and fall) of a controversial cult in Oregon. Every series comes from a different point of view, and asks the audience to challenge their surroundings. From eye-opening nature docs to in-depth historical series, here is our selection of the best documentary shows available on Netflix right now… The Crown season 3 review: a polished new cast repres…

Our Planet

Our Planet was produced by Silverback Films, and in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), is an ambitious documentary series. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, the series shows a global picture of habitats–from the freezing Arctic to Australia’s baking deserts. At the heart of the documentary is that this world, all people and every living organism on our planet are connected in some way. Covering a number of distinctive environments around the world, it profiles some extraordinary creatures and what they must do to survive. One of the greatest achievements of the series has been its stunning visuals paired with impactful environmental messages. The documentary took four years to film, covering all 50 countries and involving more than 600 crew members. The series has received widespread acclaim and innovative technology also on it use of ultra-high-definition cameras, drones operated at three miles above sea level enabling to film surfacing whales up-close for the first time. But the influence of this documentary goes farther than just what we can see, it has created a worldwide dialog about conservation and climate change forcing its audience to realize their potential contributions towards saving our planet. The series has been praised for its cinematography, which captures never-before-seen wildlife behaviour, with Our Planet was honoured by multiple award nominations and wins, including four outnumbered Emmy Awards: Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series and the Creative Arts Emmy Award for Outstanding Narrator – Sir David Attenborough. It has also been praised as an educational resource, so much that it is used in schools and by environmental organizations.

Formula 1: Drive to Survive

Viewers learn about the high-speed world of Formula 1 racing in this docuseries from James Gay-Rees. The series goes behind the scenes to follow some of the biggest names in international club football as they take part in the most prestigious competition on earth. Viewers are taken behind the scenes through monumental driver interviews, team principal discussion and individual perspectives as to what actually fuels this high-octane teams. The show features a season-by-season spy thriller narrative that will follow the must-see moments of each Formula 1 calendar, from pre-season testing races to championship nominations. The documentary explores the excitement of wheel-to-wheel competition and pitsop stress, as well as conveying the emotional tumult suffered by drivers and teams. Formula 1: Drive to Survive’s success was praised for opening up the world of F1 behind-the-scenes and helping new fans submerse themselves in a part of motorsport which can otherwise look confusing from an outsider looking in. It also humanises the drivers; exposing their vulnerabilities and ambitious, not to mention the incredible level of dedication needed from all involved in order to be successful at the top steps of motorsport.

The Last Dance

The Last Dance – presented by AD is a thrilling documentary series that tells the story of iconic former Chicago Bulls basketball player Michael Jordan, with particular emphasis on his last NBA season (1997-98). Drawn from hundreds of hours of rare archival footage and audio recordings, in-depth interviews with Jordan’s closest friends, teammates, family members — even his security detail provide an uncensored look at the sports icon as he embarks on a quixotic journey to become a Major League Baseball player during one year away from the NBA. Fakht: A new ESPN documentary series based around Jordan that goes into his upbringing, where he fits in the history of sports stardom, and brining out even more insight behind what makes this athlete tick to win. It also provides-an account of what comprised the Bulls team along with intimate details about Jordan, both on a personal as well professional level; his teammates, coaches and management. The Last Dance is a critical hit and was lauded for its behind-the-scenes access, detailing the highs and lows of the Bulls’ pursuit of their sixth title. The series portrays him in a very human light – as the greatest athlete on Earth and also as a flawed individual. Meanwhile, the doc explores not just how Michael Jordan and his team became global superstars who transcended basketball but goes broader to examine their cultural significance.

Making a Murderer

Based on a gripping true story, Making a Murderer is directed and produced by Laura Ricciardi (1492: Conquest of Paradise) and Moira Demos. The series, set over the course of a decade as Avery is incarcerated for sexual assault in 1985 before being exonerated in 2003, then accused and convicted of murder just two years later. With its painstakingly marshaled array of court records, interviews and archive footage, Making a Murderer has thrown up great questions about criminal justice. It explores the investigation and prosecution of Avery for Halbach’s murder, as well as criticism surrounding his arrest and conviction that led to a retrial. It also illustrates the destruction of his legal struggles on not only Avery’s household and community, but offers a very humbling view into how badly the justice systems let down people. Making a Murderer is the latest in, what seems to be many ongoing and long-known problems of wrongful convictions, police misconduct and integrity of our legal process. The series is wonderful by nature for the way it tells this story, but also in its ability to make us think with a more critical eye about our justice system.

Life on Our Planet

LIFE ON OUR PLANET Directed by Emma Thomas In a timely series, Life on Our Planet is an ambitious four-part project that takes the viewer through Earths life from its first emergence of simple life forms over 3.5 billion years ago all the way to todays rich array of diverse ecosystems. Employing state of the art CGI and expert scientific comment, we want to bring how global sized series an greater insight into work lifelong processes have evolved world planet and demonstrate just how all living things are interconnected. Through a series of clips, each episode explores a different epoch in Earth’s history – revealing the various key evolutionary steps and adaptations that have helped countless species to flourish. It also touches upon how episodes of mass extinction, events in our environment can play a major part on the course of evolution and provides an insight into just how resilient and adaptive life is. Parmenter & Mazzano – Consulting Producer Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel | Netflix Life on Our Planet is revered for its family-friendly content that beautifully translates complex scientific concepts to be easily understood by a broader audience. Using cutting-edge visual effects, the series brings to life some of the most bizarre dinosaurs and prehistoric scenarios ever seen offering audiences a captivating trip through time. Not only is the documentary filled with brilliant scientific information, it highlights a strong case for biodiversity and species conservation efforts to preserve our delicate ecosystems.

Tour de France: Unchained

Directed by James Gay-Rees, Tour de France : Unchained is an inside look at the most notorious and prestigious cycling race on Earth. A thorough look at the Tour de France and its physical, mental challenges which permeate across an unforgiving circuit. The seven-part series is an unfiltered look at the 2018 season of competitive professional motorcycle racing on its most challenging racetracks across the globe. Documenting a pivotal year for three teams and several riders, this limited-series chronicles their physical and mental preparation as well as stories from behind closed doors to offer one of sport’s last great mysteries — what it really takes to win in road racing. Tour de France: Unchained delves behind the race to explain the history and Turner-esque social elements of it all, whilst weaving our characters personal stories happening over 100 years. The documentary shows how the peloton works as both a unit and in terms of individual rivalries, down to what must be incredible detail over race tactics deployed, together with the mental strength necessary for these superhuman athletes. Fans have lauded the series for its deep dive into all aspects of cycling, painting a picture of sport and effort with which many casual fans aren’t otherwise acquainted. In doing so, it also exposes both the triumphant victories and soul-crushing defeats that make up a race season further building for an interesting story that can carry viewers from beginning to end.

Break Point

Directed by Paul Martin BREAK POINT is a character-driven documentary TV series that offer viewers an all-access pass to the professional tennis tour, through the eyes of its top players as they compete in major tournaments across five continents. The series provides an all-access look at the season that tests these athletes more than any through humiliating losses, ruthlessly tough training and hard truths set against the backdrop of their daily lives. Featuring candid interviews and a trove of behind-the-scenes footage, Break Point provides viewers with an intimate portrait of the players’ lives off and on court. Severance: Watch a Teaser for Ben Stiller’s Apple TV+ Thriller DramaFrom Amazon HRS The documentary looks at pressures and obstacles of the professional tennis career including injury, irony injuries or health problems, sex builds to succeed. But it also shows the camaraderie – and rivalries – among these athletes, with a level of competitiveness and commitment you don’t see in many sports. Break Point was praised for its in-depth look at professional tennis, giving fans a better handle on the sport and an insight into lives of those who serve so they play. By interweaving exciting match footage with personal stories, the series forms a compelling narrative that caters to both diehard tennis fans and casual viewers.

High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America

Directed by Roger Ross Williams this documentary series analyzes the history of African American culinary traditions and behind them, it searches for their effect on all America. Starting by uncovering the often-hidden roots of Black culinary heritage, this series investigates how African American foodways have – and continue to be – driven forward through historical events that lead them along a different path in history. High on the Hog will interweave personal stories, artistic visuals and a deep dive into history through vivid food photography of African-American chefs, farmers culinary innovators doing what they do best: living culture. ** Premium Through a wealth of human experiences — together with beautiful photographic imagery that seize [sic] black achievement in remarkable ways – High on the Hog is full blown portrait for young artists to see another road before them; this time within their own race! The film goes through history from the kitchens of West Africa to America’s plantations in the South while also traveling into modern restaurants and home cookery, demonstrating how deeply African American dishes influences food culture. It has also been highly praised for its storytelling, combining history, culture and food in an informative yet equally poignant manner. By celebrating these culinary traditions, The Mind of the Chef also serves as a homage to those who have kept them alive over centuries.

The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez

The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez is a horrific truth concerning the murder and beating demise of eight-year-old Gabriel Fernandez at palms for his mom Pearl Sinthia Martinez, her boyfriend Isauro Aguirre which shook general public sentiment with horror since it was disclosed that many constructive profits had been made to your Orange County Department on Children as well as Family Services regarding issues close-to-home violence: ~Within 7 years just before he died-Portion towards $58 M settlement around workforce meeting whatsoever serious problem agency. Directed by Brian Knappenberger (also called “Be removed amid night”). The case is examined with a magnifying glass in the series, outlining how hesitant these organizations were to act against this child abuse that was taking place under their noses. The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez is an excruciatingly difficult watch for many reasons, but mainly because it shows the glaring holes that need to be addressed so something this horrific never happens again. The documentary also examines the broader human and societal stakes, asking tough questions about responsibility and reform in bureaucratic systems designed to help children like Gabe. The show has been praised for its nuanced and emotionally gripping storytelling about systemic child welfare issues justice. It always serves as a harsh reminder that vigilance is important, and the world is full of sorrow yet also tenderness complicates however more to be done for change from horrific tragedies such as these.