10 Best Documentaries on Netflix You Need to See in 2025

Part 1. Gripping True Crime Documentaries on Netflix

There's a reason true crime documentaries dominate conversations and watchlists. These stories pull us in with intricate mysteries and shocking revelations about human nature. Top-tier crime documentary series on Netflix always keep you guessing until the very end.

American Nightmare

Dubbed the "real-life Gone Girl" by many, this stunning three-part series details the 2015 home invasion and kidnapping of Denise Huskins. When her boyfriend's story is deemed too bizarre to be true, police accuse the couple of orchestrating an elaborate hoax. From the creators of The Tinder Swindler, it's a jaw-dropping and infuriating look at institutional failure and a couple's fight to be believed against a system that has already declared them liars. It's one of the most talked-about true crime documentaries on Netflix in recent years.

What Jennifer Did

This documentary is a must-watch for fans of psychological true crime. It uses a wealth of police interrogation footage to unravel a chilling crime. When Jennifer Pan makes a frantic 911 call reporting her parents have been shot by intruders, she appears to be a traumatized victim. However, as detectives press her, a far more sinister and calculated story of betrayal begins to emerge, revealing a plot born from pressure and deception.

Lover, Stalker, Killer

Proving that truth is often stranger and more terrifying than fiction, this documentary follows Dave, a mechanic who tries online dating after a long-term relationship ends. He soon finds himself caught in a deadly love triangle that spirals into years of digital stalking, arson, and murder. It's a nail-biting cautionary tale about the dark side of modern romance, where a digital connection can have devastating real-world consequences. It can almost be deemed as one of the terrifying non-fiction films on Netflix.

The Keepers

A powerful and heartbreaking investigative series, The Keepers delves into the unsolved 1969 murder of Sister Cathy Cesnik, a beloved nun and teacher at a Baltimore Catholic high school. The investigation, led by two of her former students, uncovers a horrifying web of clerical abuse and institutional cover-ups that suggest Sister Cathy was silenced for what she knew. It is a haunting and essential piece of investigative documentary on Netflix.

Part 2. Best Nature & Science Documentaries on Netflix

If you need a break from the grim realities of crime, Netflix's nature and science documentaries offer an escape into worlds of unparalleled beauty and wonder. These films use groundbreaking technology to capture the planet like never before, offering both stunning visuals and profound emotional narratives.

Our Planet

Narrated by the legendary Sir David Attenborough, this is a landmark nature series that presents Earth's diverse biomes in breathtaking 4K clarity. More than just a visual spectacle, each episode directly addresses the impact of climate change on these fragile ecosystems, from the melting arctic ice to the deepest oceans. It stands as one of the best nature documentaries Netflix has ever produced, both visually spectacular and profoundly important.

My Octopus Teacher

This Oscar-winning film is a surprisingly profound and moving story of connection. Burnt out from his job, filmmaker Craig Foster begins free-diving in a cold underwater kelp forest in South Africa. There, he encounters a young octopus and forges an unlikely bond, visiting her every day for a year and documenting her incredible intelligence, resilience, and short, dramatic life. It is an intimate and transformative look at the relationship between humans and the natural world.

Part 3. Compelling Biographical Documentaries on Netflix

Some of the most compelling non-fiction films are those that explore the true-life journeys of extraordinary individuals. Biographical documentaries give us an intimate look into the triumphs, struggles, and genius of the people who have shaped our culture.

Sly

For over 50 years, Sylvester Stallone has entertained millions as iconic characters like Rocky Balboa and John Rambo. This documentary offers a thoughtful and surprisingly poignant look at the man behind the myth. With disarming candor, Stallone reflects on his underdog beginnings, his meteoric rise to fame, and the regrets and triumphs of his career, providing an intimate portrait of an often-misunderstood Hollywood legend.

What Happened, Miss Simone?

This Oscar-nominated music documentary on Netflix is a raw and unflinching portrait of the legendary Nina Simone. Using a treasure trove of previously unreleased archival footage and her own letters, the film charts her journey from classical piano prodigy to iconic singer and formidable activist in the Civil Rights Movement. It doesn't shy away from the personal demons and mental health struggles that plagued her, celebrating both her genius and her complexity.

Part 4. Top Investigative & Social Documentaries on Netflix

Beyond telling individual stories, documentaries have the power to dissect complex systems and expose uncomfortable truths. These are the films that stay with you long after the credits roll, changing the way you see the world.

13th

From acclaimed director Ava DuVernay, this is arguably one of the most important documentaries of the 21st century. Through a powerful mix of archival footage and expert testimony, 13th explores the history of racial inequality in the United States, arguing that the nation's prison system is a modern extension of slavery. It is a powerful, eye-opening, and essential film for understanding contemporary America.

Icarus

This Oscar-winning documentary begins as a personal experiment, with director Bryan Fogel trying to see if he can get away with doping in an amateur cycling race. His quest leads him to a charming Russian scientist, Grigory Rodchenkov, who becomes his guide. The film takes a shocking turn when Rodchenkov reveals he is the mastermind behind Russia's massive state-sponsored Olympic doping program, turning the documentary into a real-time geopolitical thriller.

Part 5. How to Download Netflix Documentaries for Offline Viewing

You've now got a fantastic list of documentaries on Netflix to watch, from multi-part series to feature-length films. But what happens when you want to watch on a long flight, on your daily commute, or at a vacation spot with unreliable Wi-Fi? Buffering and a lack of internet can quickly ruin the immersive experience these films are meant to provide.

This is where having the right tool becomes essential. For a seamless offline experience, StreamUlt Netflix Video Downloader presents an ideal solution. This software allows you to download any documentary or series directly from Netflix to your computer. You can save episodes in high-definition quality, ensuring the visual splendor of a series like Our Planet is preserved.

Key Features of Streamult Netflix Video Downloader

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• Download Netflix movies, TV shows and more locally
• Convert Netflix movies and TV shows to MP4 or MKV
• Save multilingual language and subtitles in two types
• Remove ads from Netflix and keep original video quality

Part 6. Conclusion

The world of non-fiction film is richer and more accessible than ever, and Netflix remains a key player in bringing these vital stories to a global audience. Whether you want to solve a mystery, be inspired by a life story, or marvel at the natural world, there is a documentary waiting for you. By exploring the genres you love, you can uncover films that will not only entertain you but also enlighten and move you.