Netflix may not be best known for its documentaries, but the streaming site is full of illuminating docs on a wide variety of subjects, including sex. If you've ever wondered what life is truly like for porn stars or how the sex trade affects women [1] across the world, Netflix has a number of documentaries [2] that address these subjects. These docs aren't designed to be titillating. They're an honest look at the culture of sex and the business surrounding it. Some of these films aren't easy to watch, but the stories they tell are fascinating, raw, and, above all, honest.
Hot Girls Wanted
Hot Girls Wanted is a chilling look at the trend of young women straight out of high school being recruited as amateur porn stars via the internet. Several young women between the ages of 18 to 25 are interviewed, as well as their recruiter, a 20-something man named Riley Reynolds. The successful documentary went on to spawn a television series [3] that tackles a wide range of subjects relating to sex that's also available on Netflix.
Watch it now. [4]
Strippers
In Strippers, the lives and careers of dancers from three of Scotland's largest cities take centre stage in this look at what goes on behind the scenes at strip clubs.
Watch it now. [5]
Escorts
Thanks to the digital age, the lives of call girls have been forever changed. This documentary follows two women who use the internet to find escort jobs and the effects their jobs have on their personal lives.
Watch it now. [6]
After Porn Ends
There is a time limit on how long a person can work in the porn industry, and in this documentary, the reality of life after porn for several of the industry's top stars forms the basis of a fascinating story about second acts. (There's also a sequel [7].)
Watch it now. [8]
Tricked
Sex trafficking is one of America's darkest secrets. Tricked exposes the horrifying truth behind the practice and tells the heartbreaking stories of survivors.
Watch it now. [9]
Rocco
Legendary Italian porn star Rocco Siffredi's final year in the industry is documented in this film about one man's long-running career.
Watch it now. [10]
Liberated: The New Sexual Revolution
What's better than Spring break, right? There's a whole other side to this hedonistic college experience that's put on display in this, at times, disturbing documentary.
Watch it now. [11]
Whore's Glory
The lives of prostitutes in Mexico, Thailand, and Bangladesh are documented in this film that ensures their stories are told beyond their profession.
Watch it now. [12]
Addicted to Sexting
Sexting is a normal part of the dating scene these days, but can it become an addiction? That's the question posed in this Black Mirror-esque look at the place where technology and sex meet.
Watch it now. [13]
Mostly Sunny
Sunny Leone was once an adult film star. Now she's a Bollywood actor and reality TV star. Her story is one you need to see.
Watch it now. [14]