Documentary cinema has long ceased to be a genre exclusively for fans of popular science programs.
Today, the best documentary projects can keep you on the edge of your seat just as well as detective stories and thrillers, and real stories can sometimes be far more incredible than any script. We have gathered seven documentaries and series on Netflix that everyone should watch.
1. "The Case of Lucy Letby"
Original title: Lucy Letby: The Case Against a Nurse
Genre: documentary, crime
Country: United Kingdom
Director: Dominic Sivyer
This documentary is dedicated to one of the most high-profile criminal cases in recent years in the UK. The focus is on nurse Lucy Letby, who was found guilty of murdering newborns in the intensive care unit.
The creators meticulously reconstruct the investigation, recount the trial, and try to understand why the crimes went unnoticed for so long.
2. "East of Wall"
Original title: East of Wall
Genre: documentary
Country: USA
Director: Kate Biccroft
After the death of her husband, Tabatha Zimiga is left alone with her teenage daughter on a ranch in South Dakota. The family makes a living by breeding and selling horses, and the owner gains additional fame through social media.
Gradually, the ranch becomes a kind of refuge for teenagers who help with work and become part of an unusual community. This is a heartfelt film about survival, responsibility, and human support.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0bYuoCGia8A?si=lK7wgXL8YsFxmNP4&start=9" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>3. "The Dinosaurs"
Original title: The Dinosaurs
Genre: documentary, historical
Country: USA, United Kingdom
A large-scale project about the life and evolution of dinosaurs, telling how these ancient creatures appeared, evolved, and dominated the Earth for millions of years.
Thanks to modern scientific data and visual technologies, the series offers a new perspective on the most famous inhabitants of the prehistoric world.
4. "Making a Murderer"
Original title: Making a Murderer
Genre: documentary, crime
Country: USA
Directors: Laura Ricciardi, Moira Demos
One of the most well-known documentary series in recent years.
The story of Steven Avery begins with an unjust conviction: the man spends 18 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. After his release, he files a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against law enforcement, but soon finds himself accused of a new murder.
The series thoroughly investigates the investigation, trial, and numerous controversies that sparked heated discussions about the workings of the American justice system.
5. "Our Planet"
Original title: Our Planet
Genre: documentary, nature
Country: United Kingdom, USA
One of the most beautiful nature documentary series created in recent years.
Each episode is dedicated to different corners of the planet—from Arctic ice and jungles to oceans, deserts, and forests. The project not only showcases the astonishing diversity of life on Earth but also reminds us how fragile many ecosystems remain.
6. "The Last Dance"
Original title: The Last Dance
Genre: documentary, sports
Country: USA
Director: Jason Hehir
The story of the legendary 1997–1998 season of the Chicago Bulls basketball team and the career of one of the greatest athletes of all time—Michael Jordan.
Rare archival footage, behind-the-scenes clips, and interviews with participants allow us to see how one of the most successful sports teams in NBA history was created.
7. "Countdown: Inspiration4 Mission to Space"
Original title: Countdown: Inspiration4 Mission to Space
Genre: documentary
Country: USA
This project tells about the preparation and flight of the Inspiration4 crew—the first fully civilian orbital space mission.
Cameras follow the participants at all stages of preparation, showing the physical challenges, psychological pressures, and the journey of ordinary people to a historic flight into space.
Why Millions Watch Documentaries Today
Modern documentary filmmaking increasingly employs techniques from narrative cinema: tense editing, drama, unexpected twists, and powerful personal stories. Because of this, such projects can captivate even those viewers who usually prefer thrillers, detective stories, or science fiction.
And most importantly—all these stories actually happened, making them even more impressive.
Documentary cinema has long transcended the boundaries of the educational genre. Today, it knows how to surprise, intrigue, and keep you on the edge of your seat just as well as the most popular series and blockbusters. If you want to watch something gripping but based on real events, these seven projects will be an excellent choice.
