You Won't Believe These 25 Netflix Documentaries Are Real

You've probably heard the story of Amanda Knox and the question of whether or not she murdered her roommate while studying abroad in Italy. It was a news sensation, and Knox was immediately crucified by the media. But Amanda Knox takes a new look at the crime, and whether or not Knox was guilty, or an innocent woman caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.

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Words can't even prepare you for the craziness that is Evil Genius. It's a four-part docuseries that focuses on the "most diabolical bank heist" in history. It involved a bomb, a pizza man, and a mysterious woman who may or may not be the evil ringleader.

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It's hard to believe that a documentary focusing on a pop star and her new album could have so much depth. But in Gaga: Five Foot Two, we watch as Lady Gaga powers through her fibromyalgia symptoms, and we also see her softer, vulnerable side. It's beautiful, emotional, and ultimately extremely powerful.
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For all the true crime fans out there, Long Shot is sure to hold your attention. Back in 2003, Los Angeles Dodgers fan Juan Catalan was arrested for the murder of 16-year-old Martha Puebla, but he claimed he was at a Dodgers game. No one believed him until Larry David (yes, that Larry David) came to the rescue. You can't make this stuff up.

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This documentary from the amazing Ava DuVernay, the director of Selma, is a must-watch. 13th takes a look at how the modern-day incarceration and prison system traces back to slavery. It's moving, and especially informative.
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When filmmaker Bryan Fogel decided to create Icarus, he had no idea he would stumble on one of the biggest doping scandals in sports history. Fogel goes undercover to see how easy it is to get ahold of performance-enhancing drugs, but what he ends up uncovering is far more shocking than he ever intended.

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Chances are you've already heard of Blackfish, but if you haven't watched it yet, it is well worth your time. The documentary focuses on Tilikum, an orca held at SeaWorld, who lashes out during his captivity. It's a harrowing and heartbreaking look at what goes on behind the scenes at one of America's favourite amusement parks.
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Oklahoma City is an in-depth look at the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, the worst act of domestic terrorism in American history. It's a chilling and gripping film that examines what led to Timothy McVeigh's violent act, and the society that fostered him.

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True crime fans need to queue this one up immediately. The Thin Blue Line tells the story of Randall Adams, who was wrongfully convicted and sentenced to death for the murder of a Dallas policeman. It's received numerous awards, and it will blow your mind.

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Mercury 13 examines the lives of 13 women, AKA the Mercury 13, who were female pilots in the 1960s that trained to go to space. Because they were not men, they never made it. It examines gender prejudices, and it provides an inspirational look at 13 amazing women.

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There's no better time to curl up on the couch with a pint of ice cream, and learn about the icon that is attorney and feminist Gloria Allred. Seeing Allred provides a rare glimpse into Allred's battles against Bill Cosby, and other high-profile cases. She's the female powerhouse you need in your life right now.

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You know a documentary is amazing when it's been nominated for an Oscar, and Strong Island lives up to the hype. In 1992, a black teacher named William Jr. Ford was killed by Mark Reilly, a white mechanic. However, even though he was unarmed, Ford became the prime suspect in his killing.

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While there have been several documentaries aiming to unpack the mystery of JonBenet Ramsey's death, Casting JonBenet stands out from the rest for its unique approach. The filmmakers meet extensively with Colourado residents to uncover their own theories and ideas on the murder case. It's a must-watch that will leave you spellbound.

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Documentary Miss Sharon Jones! follows soul singer Sharon Jones as she works on releasing a new album and embarking on a tour. While in the midst of all these major moves, the singer is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It's a dark look at the tumultuous upending a cancer diagnosis can cause, but it's an incredible comeback story.

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Faces Places is a quirky, fun film that has been lauded as one of the best films of 2017. It follows filmmaker Agnes Varda as she teams up with street photographer JR and tours the French countryside in a van that is also a giant camera. They take huge pictures of strangers and post them all around town in order to showcase people who might otherwise go unrecognised.

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We must warn you, this documentary is emotional, but it's a topic that necessitates attention. Fire at Sea brings us a heartbreaking portrait of the Mediterranean island of Lampedusa, which sits at the centre of a humanitarian immigration crisis. It's currently the first port of call for thousands of African and Middle Eastern refugees hoping to make their way into Europe and safety.

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The true story is almost too crazy to believe, but in 1974 a young Frenchman named Philippe Petit walked a wire between the World Trade Centre Twin Towers. Man on Wire will enchant and surprise you, as you take an in-depth look at one of the most fascinating moments in history.

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Warning: 93-year-old fashion legend Iris Apfel will become your new icon. Iris traces Apfel's life as a major player in the New York fashion scene, and it provides a stunning look at this gem of a woman. She will captivate and delight you, and maybe even become your new fashion inspiration.

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The 1992 disappearance of Johnny Gosch is an iconic cold case (he was the first missing child to appear on a milk carton). Who Took Johnny centres around Johnny's mother Noreen, and her heartbreaking mission to uncover the truth about Johnny's disappearance, but it also looks at new evidence and theories sure to leave you on the edge of your seat.

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The 1964 murder of Kitty Genovese remains one of the most shocking murders in American history, thanks to the 38 witnesses who watched her being murdered and did nothing. The Witness follows her brother Bill Genovese as he tries to make sense of the crime and the lack of public help.

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While you might think that a documentary that focuses on porn wouldn't be a downer, Hot Girls Wanted is a scary look at the industry. The 2015 documentary directed by Jill Bauer and Ronna Gradus follows the lives of 18- and 19-year old porn actresses, and it's not a pretty picture.

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We put this in our Netflix queue as soon as we read the word "sushi." Jiro Dreams of Sushi is an American documentary directed by David Film that centres around 85-year-old Jiro Ono, who is often referred to as the world's greatest sushi chef. While there are plenty of sushi-filled scenes, the film is mostly a portrait of Jiro's relationship with his son Yoshikazu.

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