25 Documentaries From the Past 10 Years, Available on Netflix, that You Have to Watch Right NOW!

Matt here!

I've learned to love documentaries as I get older, and while there are plenty of scripted shows on that I'm addicted to, there are so many great documentary films which give new meaning to "stranger than fiction." So, I decided to narrow my choices here of documentaries available to stream on Netflix to fall into the time frame of those made within the past 10 years. I have to admit that I'm a big true crime fan so there are plenty of those on this list; and if you like them too, you're in for a treat. But, even if you're not a big true crime fan, there are plenty here that are of other genres. Here they are in alphabetical order:

American: The Bill Hicks Story (2009)

One of the coolest, greatest people to have ever lived finally gets his own bio-doc (biography documentary)! Before comedians such as Denis Leary, Louis C.K., or Lewis Black. Before George Carlin started giving his "political truths" in his stand-up routines. There was William Melvin Hicks -- that's Bill Hicks. The quote "Dissention is the truest form of patriotism" could not apply more than to Hicks. He was a true pioneer, not just in comedy but also in getting people to think. Sadly, today he is still underestimated, overlooked, and underappreciated. When you hear any of the aforementioned comedians make any truly thought-provoking or philosophical observations, Hicks already said it. He was so ahead of his time and is an inspiration to me. Every time I hear one of his routines, I laugh and think! What a concept! He is the real-life Howard Beale (from 1976's Network), and his words are just as important today -- 21 years after his death -- than they were back when he first said them. He was loud, crude, and most times, pissed off, but his comedy and observations were nonetheless funny and true. While Hicks pointed out a lot of hypocrisy and criticisms, he also had a spiritual, positive side to him -- as evidenced in his "Just a Ride" monologue from his 1993 stand-up special Revelations. Sadly, Bill passed away in February 1994, at the age of 32, due to pancreatic cancer. But his spirit lives on and, in an age of biased, opinionated talking heads masquerading as news and political unaccountability, his comedy is still just as relevant – and greatly needed – today as it was back then.

The Battered Bastards of Baseball (2014)

Not many people know the true story of the Portland Mavericks baseball team, who operated between 1973 and 1977. And that would mostly be because they were a minor league team. The team was owned by actor Bing Russell – that’s actor Kurt Russell’s dad. Kurt even played on the team and was vice president of the organization. This documentary features interviews with Kurt Russell as well as some of the long-forgotten players of the team. It is amazing to learn that this team was one of the best the sport has ever seen, and they cause somewhat of a stir – even among major league teams! The Mavericks are the epitome of the underdog spirit of which so many in this country can relate, and the film is a touching, wild, fun watch!

Best of Enemies (2015)

Directors Robert Gordon and Morgan Neville take a bipartisan, no-holds-barred look at two of the most outspoken political speakers of all time: liberal Gore Vidal and conservative William F. Buckley, who first began debating one another on ABC TV at the 1968 Republican National Convention, followed by the Democratic National Convention. Their vitriol for one another is well-documented here and one cannot help but see these two as having an unspoken respect for one another, although it comes out as diplomatic -- sometimes passive-aggressive -- dislike. What is most noticeable about this documentary is that these debates between the two are in many ways the beginning of the talking head political debate opinion shows which now litter today's cable news television channels. The dislike these two have for one another explodes into -- what, at the time, was -- an unprofessional and completely distasteful moment televised for millions of people to see. My favorite moment of the film was at the end when an insightful Vidal voices his ultimate dislike for these kinds of opinionated, bitter debates, all while his voice is run over video footage of today's talking heads on FOX News, CNN, MSNBC, etc. Best of Enemies is one of the best documentaries to look into an era when the two big political parties obviously began their dangerous, populace-splitting rift.

Blackfish (2013)

When the tragic death of SeaWorld Killer Whale (Orca) trainer Dawn Brancheau in February 2010 in Orlando, Florida, by one of the killer whales, Tilikum, occurred, people were shocked. Well, after watching this documentary, you won't be surprised anymore. In fact, you'll be downright saddened and angry. This is a spellbinding documentary about an immoral group of creatures: SeaWorld executives. I know, I know. But SeaWorld gives those animals a good life, and, besides, those animals don't have any real feelings. Well, I've got a movie I think you should see. This doc follows the history of capturing killer whales (particular Tilikum and his history) as well as the previous "accidents" of orca trainers with their animals. Blackfish follows the hidden history of killer whales attacks on people, in theme parks (not in the wild because there are none), as well as the history of Tilikum and what most likely drove him to the unspeakable act. This film is just proof positive why documentaries are just as important as -- if not more so -- the news media, especially in this age of poor, oftentimes biased reporting. You will be subjected to the real injustice of this story – namely the inhumane capturing and treatment of these animals by an industry which only cares about money. The film is a fascinating look into the history of the park but also the knowledge of killer whales and those who’ve worked with both.

Body of War (2007)

With the recent release of the film adaptation of sniper Chris Kyle’s bestselling memoir, American Sniper, making such a splash in Hollywood and in society, I feel people should also be aware of another patriot who served his country, was severely wounded, only to soon find out the bitter truth behind the machinations which made him want to serve in the first place. Twenty-five-year-old Tomas Young signed up for the Army the day after 9/11, in order to fight the evil which attacked our country that day. He is deployed to Iraq and, in less than a week, he is hit by a marksman’s bullet, leaving Tomas with a severed spine and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), permanently paralyzed. Interlaced with Tomas’ struggle to deal with the daunting physical distress from his injuries, is the Congressional proceedings which led to the 2003 Iraq War. One such spotlighted senator is Robert Byrd (from West Virginia), one of the few opponents of going to war during that time (2003). But this isn’t made up of politicians. Tomas evolves into a powerful voice against the war as he struggles to deal with the complexities of a paralyzed body – a testimonial story that pro-war politicians and advocates don’t like to show or see or conveniently forget. This film is comprised of real people – the ones whose sons and daughters, wives and husbands, friends and lovers are being sent over there, as well as those themselves who serve(d) – and it’s about what happens when a majority of those injured heroes who serve come back and the challenges they face.

The Central Park Five (2012)

On April 19, 1989, a woman was attacked and raped while jogging through Central Park in New York at night, thus leaving her in a coma for 12 days. However, that same night, five young African American teenage males were arrested and charged with the assault. All five confessed on tape to the attack and were sentenced to prison. Open-and-shut case, right? Well, this documentary by master documentarian Ken Burns proves – like most cases – this story isn’t so black and white. The documentary follows the entire case as well as features interviews with all kinds of suspects, witnesses, lawyers, and law enforcement officials who were there. This film is a thought-provoking, intense story told with all the right footage and interview testimony to make even the biggest Law & Order fan’s jaw drop!

Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son about His Father (2008)

Do yourself a favor and do NOT read anything about this before you watch it. Just watch it! I got so emotionally invested in this true crime film and felt such strong emotions of anger and sadness and love. I've never felt so moved by a documentary – let alone a film – than with this one! There is so much to this doc that it almost seems like a piece of fiction. Sadly, it isn't. Director Kurt Kuenne is an exceptional filmmaker, creating an important film that is well-done with excellent editing, pacing and personal, heartfelt interviews. There are no pulled punches when it comes to presenting the facts and every available video, audio or photograph that Kuenne could unearth about his friend, Andrew Bagby. I fully support the Bagbys (without even knowing them personally) and my heart truly goes out to them. This film should truly be seen by everyone!

The Galapagos Affair: Satan Came to Eden (2013)

One of the weirdest, yet fascinating, stories I’ve seen. And what’s weirder about it is that not many people even know something like this really happened! It’s the tale of a handful of European idealists whose relocation to the Galapagos Islands turned tragic with murder, missing people and strange rivalries. The documentary – and its story it reports – proves how men’s wickedness can follow wherever men may go. It’s Murder on the Orient Express meets Lord of the Flies. The film specifically follows three sets of visitors to one of the Galapagos Islands in the early 1930s, looking to start a life away from the things of man, only to bring one of the most brutal traits of mankind to the island paradise: murder.

Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia (2013)

Some people absolutely loved Gore Vidal and some downright hated him and thought him to be a snobby intellectual. Love him or hate him, the man contributed much to this country. Nearly every phrase that came from the man's lips was quotable and meaningful. In my estimation, he correctly labelled this country "the United States of Amnesia" on account of Americans easily forgetting their history, thus making every new skirmish or scandal seem brand new and uncharted territory. He especially came to this conclusion after the events of 9/11 and its aftermath (i.e., the 2003 Iraq War). If anything, Vidal was a curmudgeon but I believe it was because of all the ignorance and complacency he saw through said events as well as up until his death on July 31, 2012, at the age of 86. Watching this documentary, I felt sad Vidal is no longer with us as the world needs someone like him with all of the bullshit going on in politics -- on both sides of the spectrum -- today. From his admiration of his maternal grandfather, Senator Thomas Pryor Gore, to his service in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II, to his run for Congress in 1960, to his personal life, to his run-ins with famous politicians, actors, commentators, and writers, United States of Amnesia covers the entirety of his life in glorious detail.

 

Hillsborough (2014)

Whereas Undefeated (on this list, at the bottom) is a celebration of sports, this ESPN “30 for 30” documentary shines light on the dark side of sports – particularly sporting events – when in April 1989, at Sheffield, England’s Hillsborough Stadium, during the FA Cup semi-final match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, there was a massive crushing of fans along the stadium fencing, and ultimately 96 people were killed. This documentary features actual footage of the event as well as witness testimony from both fans/spectators and the constables who worked the event. Hillsborough ultimately uncovers how the tragedy was able to occur and how it was handled. As the documentary progresses, the audience is taken through the tedious journey of trying to get the British government to uncover incompetency and cover-up.

The Imposter (2012)

The term “stranger than fiction” was made for such a film as this! The Imposter starts off seeming so simple in its description, but, what follows as one watches the film, is a discombobulated avenue of so many twists and turns, you can’t help but keep your eyes locked on it. On its face, the story is about 23-year-old Frederic Bourdin, a Frenchman living in Spain, who poses as 16-year-old Texan boy, Nicholas Barclay, who had been missing for 3 years. Despite Bourdin’s physical differences from Barclay, he is welcomed into Barclay’s family’s home and lives the life of a teenage high school boy. Hear from Barclay’s family, the detectives, child welfare officer, and Bourdin himself as to this strange-but-true tale which takes a wickedly weirder turn as something stranger and more sinister may be lying underneath the surface of this con.

Last Days in Vietnam (2014)

An Oscar-nominated documentary, Last Days in Vietnam follows the end of the conflict over in Vietnam with the fall of Saigon, and the mad evacuation of Americans and Vietnamese from that city before it was taken over by the Viet Cong. All different nationalities of eyewitnesses are interviewed and take the viewer into the confusing, stressful, life-altering, death-defying acts and decisions which changed two nations! Directed by Rory Kennedy, this documentary has no politics but rather just captures a moment in time of what happened and how people survived. It's a powerhouse of a documentary and I highly recommend it!

Let the Fire Burn (2013)

Truly one of the most captivating documentaries I've had the pleasure of watching! Director Jason Osder takes previously unreleased archival footage, new footage, and public hearing meeting footage, and edits it together to make a masterpiece of documentary cinema. The film centers on the May 13, 1985, assault on a radical group called MOVE in a Philadelphia neighborhood, which created a six-alarm blaze, destroying 61 homes, and killing 5 children and 6 adults. What's worse is that the blaze was started – and allowed to persist – by Town officials and police. This documentary perfectly captures how intolerance, prejudice and fear can lead to incredible violence. It is a bipartisan film that focuses on the wrongdoings of both sides – the town and police officials, and the MOVE members. I could not take my eyes off of every interview and scene presented – even though they were recorded some 28 years ago! The music is powerfully affective and this documentary is essential viewing about a tragedy in America's history which most in this country either have no knowledge of, or have completely forgotten!

Life Itself (2014)

This definitely should have been an Academy Award/Oscar nominee for Best Documentary Feature, but, given the academy's reputation, it doesn't surprise me that they nominated other, more forgettable documentaries. This one is about famed movie critic and Pulitzer prize-winner Roger Ebert (the other half of the two critics who invented the "two thumbs up/down" critique), and it follows him as he is getting treatment for thyroid cancer. Sadly, Ebert passed away in April 2013, but his legacy -- captured in this film -- lives on. The film follows Ebert from his upbringing in Illinois to his rise as a journalist with the Chicago Sun-Times to his death. As a movie critic myself, I definitely didn't always agree with Ebert's choices or reviews (i.e., he picked the dreadful Synecdoche, New York as his choice for the best film of 2008; and he completely panned one of my favorite films of all time, The Natural), but he was a great writer and he brought a distinctive style to film critique. This film is a moving, emotional picture which any lover of film will enjoy. Throughout his life, Ebert reminded everyone why film is so important to society, what we can gain from it, and joy it brings in our lives.

Making a Murderer (2015)

Netflix's programming has not only given fictional TV series on the primetime TV channels a run for their money, but the company is also starting to get into the documentary game as well. And with entries like Making a Murderer in its resume, the ID Channel better look out! Taking somewhat of a cue from HBO's wildly successful The Jinx (which followed accused killer Robert Durst), Murderer spans 10 episodes, with filmmakers Moira Demos and Laura Ricciardi spending 10 years following Steven Avery as he was once wrongfully convicted of a rape he didn't commit. Then, when he is about to take the arresting county police to court to sue them for a large sum of money, a gruesome murder points the same police force -- along with a neighboring town's police force -- to investigate him, making him their number one suspect! I've never seen a crime documentary with so many twists and turns! Of course, the documentary is mostly shot from Avery's and his family's point of view, but there is some compelling evidence to make the audience think that what some would pass off as "conspiracy theories" are actual truths! In a day and age with past cases such as the West Memphis Three, the Central Park Five, and other various wrongfully convicted inmates, this doc adds to the genre! However, there may not be the absolution one looks for. That's what makes this documentary so fascinating and also so addicting to watch! If there is one crime doc to watch, it's this one!

Milius (2013)

He is one of the most prolific screenwriters of the 20^th century – his scenes he wrote for films like Jaws, Dirty Harry, and The Hunt for Red October; or his full screenplays for films like Apocalypse Now, Red Dawn, The Wind and the Lion,  Conan the Barbarian, Dillinger, and 1941. He went to film school with legends like George Lucas, Francis Ford Coppola, and Randal Kleiser. He is great friends with Steven Spielberg. Yet, unless you’re a film buff, you probably have no idea who John Milius is. And that’s a shame because he is one of the greatest of his craft. This documentary follows Milius’ life, featuring interviews with his peers and fans, as well as clips of the films he helped make memorable. 

My Brother's Bomber (2015)

Filmmaker Ken Dornstein lost his older brother, David, who died on the Pan Am Flight 103, which was bombed and crashed in Lockerbie, Scotland, on December 21, 1988. In this 3-part documentary, Dornstein sets out to discover who exactly was behind the bombing (i.e., who financed it, who built the bomb, who set it, etc.) and hopefully bring him -- or them -- to justice. Along the way, he meets allies in his quest, but his journey also takes him to countries such as Zurich and Libya, meeting and talking with shady characters who may or may not have intelligence community ties! This PBS Frontline doc is suspenseful as much as it is intriguing! One man's search for truth and justice may be a trip from which he can never return -- not just physically, but also emotionally!

Nanking (2007)

Nanking tells the often-underplayed history of the 1937 Japanese invasion of Nanking, China, most referred to as “The Rape of Nanking.” By utilizing diary entries, film archives, photographs (CAUTION: some of the photos are very graphic and disturbingly violent), and interviews with actual survivors of the event, as well as actors portraying the eyewitnesses there, this emotional documentary follows the events which led to the destruction of the once-serene city at the hands of the Japanese army, beginning with the relentless bombing and the eventual foot invasion. There were thousands of rapes of girls and women of all ages, as well as the killing of thousands of innocent lives. Nanking perfectly captures one of the most horrific events in human history (along with the Jewish Holocaust), but, there is hope – and it is found in those who stood against the Japanese by cordoning off a section of the city which was a refuge for Chinese civilians. Among such good Samaritans were a few American missionaries who refused to leave the city even though they could have, a German businessman who believed even Hitler would put a stop to all of the atrocities the Japanese were executing, and an American doctor – all heroes. The film is essential viewing for fully realizing and understanding the scope of the last necessary war.

The Roosevelts - An Intimate History (2014)

Love them or hate them, you cannot deny that both Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt -- fifth cousins, the former a republican, the latter a democrat -- were extremely vital to this country and many, many programs which are a part of our everyday lives today! This 7-part documentary follows first Teddy Roosevelt from his childhood to his death, while also intertwining the births and lives of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt, and their rise in politics. Don't think this is some puff piece of a documentary only focusing on these three individuals' "good sides"; there is also mention of their flaws, infidelities and disappointments. Nevertheless, these presidents were in office before the stupidity which we now see in today's election process, although it was just starting around that time (it was cemented in the early 1960s). I think one of the most appropriate statements in this documentary is when a commentator accurately supposes that both Teddy and FDR would never be elected to office if they run today. In fact, what is most interesting and ironic is when Teddy Roosevelt broke away from the republican party to form his own Bull Moose Party due to, among a few other things, the corruption of the republican party by payouts from bankers and the wealthy. Sounds like we need a Teddy Roosevelt today. And while most may think their candidate today fits a Teddy-like role, sorry to have to tell you this, but ... you're wrong. Watching The Roosevelts, one gets a yearning for a time when presidential candidates still had all of American's interests in their hearts. Sure, they had opposite party obstacles to overcome, but back then, the overall best interest of Americans took precedence -- a concept which sadly is no longer at the forefront of politics today.

Shenandoah (2012)

Filmed in the small town of Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, this documentary centers on four high school star football players and their being charged with the hate crime death of an innocent Latino immigrant, as well as the alleged cover-up and shocking court verdicts. Both sides of the issue are represented as the filmmakers interview the victim’s family and friends, as well as the accused teenagers’ parents and friends. Shenandoah is proof positive of the old adage: “Just because you don’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not there.” The film is gripping and emotionally resonating – everything a good documentary should be.

Stories We Tell (2012)

Actress Sarah Polley (Go, Dawn of the Dead, Splice) goes behind the camera for this intimate, revealing look at her family and their somewhat complicated history through interviews and reenactments. Looking to get to know more about her mother, Diane, Polley interviews her dad, Michael, as well as brothers, sisters, and family friends to find out more about her mother, who died of cancer close to Polley’s 11^th birthday. What Polley ends up discovering is a long-kept secret which enlightens Polley and proves that everyone has a fascinating story. We simply need to dig a little deeper to find it.

The Thin Blue Line (1988)

Sure, this documentary was not released in the past 10 years, but, being a huge true crime fan (and if you are too), you must check out this film by now-legendary documentary filmmaker Errol Morris. The film centers on Randall Dale Adams, a man convicted and sentenced to life for a murder he says he didn’t commit. The story goes that Adams ran out of gas one nigh out on the town in Texas, and was picked up by 16-year-old David Ray Harris. Somewhere during the night, a police officer is killed and the investigators apprehend Harris. Harris, in turn, accuses Adams of the crime and what follows is the story into whether Adams played any part in the police officer’s murder. There are plenty of interviews with the accused, eyewitnesses, lawyers, investigators and others close to the case, plus reenactments based on testimony. This documentary is where a lot of scripted crime dramas and true-life crime documentaries today have gotten their formula.

TWA Flight 800 (2013)

Of all the documentaries I’ve recently watched, this one may very well be the most important, angering, and heartrending I've seen. The film follows independent investigator and physicist Dr. Tom Stalcup as he enlists the assistance of actual National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigators who worked on the investigation of TWA Flight 800 when it crashed in July 1996. After much in-depth research and hundreds of eyewitness interviews, they come to the conclusion that Flight 800 did not crash as a result of a mechanical failure or malfunction of the fuel tank, but rather because of a missile attack. Most may say it sounds crazy or use that "c" word, but, trust me, just watch this once and you'll seriously be questioning what the public was told then, and is still told today by the NTSB and the FBI. A powerfully intense documentary that will keep you thinking about it for several days, weeks, months after watching it.

 

20 Feet from Stardom (2013)

This documentary focuses on some of the most famous backup singers of the 1960s and 1970s, particularly Darlene Love (of The Ronettes), Claudia Lennear (who sang on Joe Cocker’s “Mad Dogs and Englishman” album), and Merry Clayton (who is known for that legendary vocal on The Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter”). The documentary covers everyone from Love to Sheryl Crow to newer backup singers like Judith Hill, and features interviews of the musicians who value and profit off of their vocals. This is also a history lesson, going back to the girl group outbreak of the 1960s and exploring the appeal and benefit of the backup singer as a featured guest vocal. As a big fan of classic girl groups, I really enjoyed this film, but also enjoyed it for its amazing soundtrack. To hear some of those classics again and this time, listen for the backup singer’s contribution, is rewarding and gives a whole new sound to the songs you’ve heard hundreds of times.

 

Undefeated (2011)

I have to admit that I'm not a big football fan. In fact, the attraction to being a fan of professional football eludes and mystifies me. However, I love a good football film. Any Given Sunday, The Blind Side, Varsity Blues, Friday Night Lights, We Are Marshall, Remember the Titans, Brian’s Song. Take your pick. I've watched and enjoyed them all. Also, as much as I'm not a big fan of pro football, I strongly believe in the importance of high school football. Again, I'm not a fan of the sport nor did I play it. However, I believe it teaches important aspects regarding character, time management, sacrifice and teamwork. And that's why I love this film. Never has there been a better real-life (non-fictional) film that showcases all of these aspects. Imagine taking The Blind Side and mixing it with the TV series Friday Night Lights, then making it non-fictional, and you would have this documentary! The coach Bill Courtney says at the beginning of the film that football does not build character but reveals it. I don't know if I agreed with this statement a 100% or not. But after thinking about it, I realized that he was right. There can be a teammate who doesn't care about anyone but himself, but football itself will not make him a better person or more selfish one. Football will, however, make him reveal his true self -- a self that has already been implanted within him from early on whether he knew it or not. This is best shown in this film when teammate Chavis Daniels (who is difficult and angry through most of the season) steps up to recognize another teammate Montrail "Money" Brown (who he doesn't get along with), who is having a difficult time. It is a philosophical question to pose on whether Chavis would have had the empathy to stand up for Brown or not if he was not on the football team. However, the question is almost an answer to itself in that Chavis could have always been empathetic but it took football (and/or the coach) to bring it out of him. This is a GREAT film that I cannot recommend enough! It should be watched by anyone who loves football or even those who also don't care much about the sport. Simply a wonderful documentary!