The Best Netflix History Documentaries Streaming Now

This four-part documentary examines the towering figure of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and how his actions and strategies shaped the outcome of World War II.

Orin O’Brien joined the New York Philharmonic in 1966 as a double bassist, making her the first woman to join the orchestra; she is still a member to this day. This documentary shares her story and celebrates her trailblazing status.

Barack Obama narrates this five-part documentary series that delves into the miracles and mysteries of each of Earth’s five oceans, as well as the impact of human activities on the animals and ecosystems within them.

You won’t think of shopping the same way after watching this documentary about the tricks and strategies brands use to keep people buying—and buying, and buying, and buying some more. While disheartening, it’s also eye-opening.

This documentary will have you on the edge of your seat as it chronicles the ill-fated Apollo 13 space launch. A rupture in the craft disabled the electrical and life support systems, causing the crew to decide to loop around the moon instead of landing on it as originally planned. While the craft fortunately made a safe landing, this gripping documentary draws on exclusive footage and interviews to bring viewers into the crisis as it unfolded minute by minute in April 1970.

Across five episodes, Bill Gates explores the most pressing challenges of our time that are sure to shape the near future: artificial intelligence, the prevalence of misinformation, climate change, poverty, and the battle to eradicate deadly diseases. The tech visionary speaks to leading experts in each field about what can be done to overcome these challenges and collectively arrive at a brighter future.

This charming take on the buddy road-trip film documents the friendship between Will Ferrell and Harper Steele, his long-time collaborator who recently came out as a transgender woman. In it, they drive around together while reminiscing on the past and reflecting on this new stage of life, friendship, and acceptance.

This six-episode docudrama series chronicles the notorious gunfight at the O.K. Corral, which pitted lawman Wyatt Earp against horse thieves and cattle rustlers. “Vivid reenactments” of the action give a play-by-play of the gunfight that defined an era and continues to fascinate over 100 years later.

Pet owners often wonder what their animal may be thinking about, or the reasons behind certain behavior.  This documentary addresses all your questions, drawing on scientific research to shed light on the internal worlds of our furry friends.

What does it take to become one of the world’s fastest humans? The second season of this documentary explores the sacrifices and challenges undertaken by elite runners at the highest levels of competition.

This is the inspiring story of Lhakpa Sherpa, the first Nepali woman to successfully climb Mount Everest. Now working at a Connecticut Whole Foods and navigating the US as a single parent and immigrant, the documentary traces her preparations to return to Everest for a record-breaking tenth summit.

Tune into this series for a sweeping look at the Cold War and its legacy, from the startling proliferation of nuclear weapons to present-day political tension with Russia and Vladimir Putin.

Over the course of eight episodes, intelligence operatives from the likes of the CIA and MI6 trace espionage in the modern world. Peer into the undercover world behind defining conflicts of the last century, from plans to dismantle the Taliban in Afghanistan to deposing Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega.

This animated documentary short offers a bite-sized glimpse at a little-known aspect of World War II: the secret American military camp where Jewish soldiers interrogated Nazi POWs.

World War II was a whole country effort: Nobody, not even famous Hollywood stars, were exempt. In Five Came Back, Meryl Streep narrates as five current directors explore the impact of the war on five early 20th century directors. Each of the directors profiled volunteered to go to war. They were asked to help by making movies about the war from the front lines. Discover how Frank Capra, John Ford, John Huston, William Wyler, and George Stevens impacted the war–and how the war impacted them.

Related: 21 Essential World War II Books That Examine Every Angle of the Conflict 

Something about black and white makes pictured events look impossibly far away. Luckily, this documentary brings World War II to life in full color, allowing viewers a new way to look at history's most famous conflict. This hour will be one you're eternally glad to have spent with Netflix.

This sweeping six-part docuseries explores Hitler and the Nazis, from pre-war strategies to their rise to power, through World War II and their eventual reckoning with the rest of the world at the Nuremberg Trials. It delves into all the questions you’ve had about how the Nazis deployed propaganda, censorship, and anti-Semitic policies during their rule.

As a young Jewish child in war-torn Europe, Misha Defonseca was placed in the care of a Catholic family who could keep her safe from the Nazis. But Misha, renamed Monique, was determined to preserve her heritage and reunite with her family. She secretly left her adopted parents and managed to survive in the wilderness by integrating with a pack of wolves as she wandered Europe. At least, this is the story Misha has told. But how much of it is true? Misha and the Wolves deconstructs a literary hoax and arrives at a truth stranger and more complicated than fiction, and fascinating in its own right.

In 2009, John Demjanjuk, seemingly an average Cleveland grandfather, was deported to Germany to face a war crimes trial, accused of being “Ivan the Terrible”, a Nazi prison guard at Sobibor extermination camp. This documentary focuses on his trial, the testimony of survivors of Sobibor and Treblinka, and the final resolution of a case that continues to be a bit of an unsolved mystery.

Barack Obama visits various workplaces and interviews employees across different industries in this docuseries that explores the working lives of modern Americans in a time of rising inequality. It was inspired by Working, the acclaimed 1974 oral history book by Studs Terkel.

Sports fans will want to catch Bill Russell: Legend—which focuses not only on the NBA champion’s work on the court, but also on his legacy as a civil rights activist.

Martha Mitchell was married to the US Attorney General serving under Richard Nixon, and had a habit of making indiscreet remarks to reporters. When she became suspicious in the wake of the Watergate break-in, she was held in a hotel room against her will, beaten, and drugged. The “Martha Mitchell Effect” has come to refer to someone who is considered paranoid or delusional by mental health professionals, but is actually telling the truth. This fascinating documentary traces Mitchell’s kidnapping and the aftermath.

Related: Blind Ambition: 9 Books About the Watergate Scandal

There’s no question that 9/11 was a turning point in American history, and even modern history at large. Featuring interviews with former CIA agents, administration officials, Afghan warlords, soldiers, and civilians, this five-part docuseries does a deep dive into how the nation was irrevocably changed that day. It’s especially timely as the Taliban takes over Afghanistan, forcing us to question how effective the War on Terror really was and reflect on what’s been lost and gained in the last 20 years.

Related: 7 Essential Books About Afghanistan

This "visual essay" combines James Baldwin's unfinished work, Remember This House, with the author's life to paint a compelling portrait of both Baldwin and America itself.

In a less triumphant view, this brand-new docuseries reveals new details about the tragic Challenger incident of 1986. Although the grooves of this story have been well-trodden in the decades since the United States watched in horror as the rocket broke apart after its launch, killing all seven crew members aboard, the empathetically made series shows how failure after failure led to the final disaster.

Related: This Female Coder Wrote the Apollo Project by Hand

At first glance, this may seem like another true crime documentary among the flood of others that have come to streaming services. A man stands accused of shooting a 19-year-old over a boating dispute in the '70s. However, the plot thickens: the perpetrator also happens to be Italian royalty, who has been living in exile since 1946 when the Italian people voted for a republic. Seen in this way, the documentary isn’t just a look at a man who has used his money and connections to deflect accountability, but a deeper look at monarchies and thwarted destiny.

This British series landing on Netflix in 2023 is technically more of a mockumentary than a documentary. Still, it employs real experts to answer the inane questions of reporter Philomena Cunk, played hilariously by Diane Morgan. In this six-part series, Cunk explores the origins of human civilization, from prehistoric times to the present day.

In Sicily, journalist and TV host Pino Maniaci and judge Silvana Saguto teamed up to create an anti-Mafia coalition and bring down the region’s biggest crime bosses. But what happens when those who set out to catch the criminals turn out to be just as corrupt as the people they’re putting behind bars?

Related: 13 Eye-Opening Books About the Mafia

Looking for the true story behind The Crown? Beginning with the abdication of Edward VIII, this docuseries explores the history of the Windsor family. Neatly following much of the narrative of the Netflix drama, this series will fill in the gaps—and tell you what’s real and what’s less than accurate.

In 1917, the Romanovs were deposed from their royal perches, then executed six months later. 100 years later, this documentary takes a bird’s-eye view of the Revolution, starting in 1881 and continuing through the Stalinist regime. This short but informative documentary is a great introduction for those who have interest in but little exposure to Russian history at the turn of the century.

Related: The Russians Had Women's 'Battalions of Death' In World War I 

This docuseries may sound twee, but historian and host Dan Jones takes his investigative work seriously, unveiling fascinating stories about Britain’s most famous castles. Covering everything from the Tower of London during the Tudor period to Edinburgh Castle in the modern day, Secrets of Great British Castles shows how a tight focus can engender broad lessons.

Related: 11 Medieval Castles You Can Actually Visit

This enchanting docuseries takes viewers on a journey through the Andes. From Argentina to Colombia, learn about the rich culture and unique ways of life of various people living in the vast South American mountain range.

The first season of African Queens (pictured above), which is executive produced and narrated by Jada Pinkett Smith, focused on Njinga, historical ruler over what is now Angola. Reenactments demonstrated her military background, fortitude through political intrigue, and how she fought back against the expanding Portuguese slave trade. The next season will revolve around the fascinating and enigmatic Cleopatra.

Monarch butterflies thrive in the forests of Michoacán, Mexico. Activist Homero Gómez was passionate about their preservation and spoke out against deforestation—until his mysterious disappearance in 2020, which this documentary investigates.

This documentary focuses on the Oscar and Grammy Award-winning film score composer and music producer, from his childhood in postwar Germany to his rise to Hollywood and reputation as a musical genius.

Gripping reenactments trace the rise of Alexander the Great as he became an unparalleled military commander and amassed one of the largest empires in history, sparking fascination with the legendary man even thousands of years after his death.

Curious about the rise and fall of corrupt financier Bernie Madoff? This thrilling docuseries will take you along the journey, all while keeping you on the edge of your seat.

American author Toni Morrison died in 2019. A recipient of the Pulitzer Prize and the Nobel Prize in Literature, her novels illuminated the harsh effects of racism and the experiences of Black Americans. Filmed before her death, this documentary follows Morrison as she examines her life, work, and the impact she’s made.

Shimon Peres was the ninth president of Israel. At the time of his 2014 retirement, he was the world's oldest head of state. He was also considered the last link to Israel's founding generation. Peres won the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize for his peace talks with Palestinian leadership. This documentary traces his remarkable life and leadership.

John McAfee founded the first anti-virus software company, kickstarting a multi-billion dollar industry. But that’s not the only interesting facet of his life. After relocating to Belize, he fled the country when he was wanted for questioning in connection to his neighbor’s murder. This chaotic and fascinating documentary chronicles his years on the run.

The mere mention of Mr. Rogers invokes positive childhood memories for millions of Americans. This documentary about the soft-spoken television host reflects on his legacy, featuring archival footage and interviews with his loved ones.

60 years after her passing, the circumstances around the death of Hollywood star Marilyn Monroe continue to baffle and intrigue. This new documentary is based on the research Anthony Summers did for his book Goddess. It taps into previously unheard interviews with Monroe’s inner circle in an attempt to get to the bottom of her mysterious death.

Related: Behind the Bombshell: 7 Best Marilyn Monroe Books

After famed pop artist Andy Warhol was shot in 1968, he began documenting his life in a series of diary entries and conversations with longtime friend Pat Hackett. Based on those recollections, this documentary chronicles Warhol’s life and personal feelings. Interestingly, it uses AI tech to recreate Warhol’s voice so that the artist himself appears to narrate the Ryan Murphy-produced limited series.

Related: 10 Illuminating Andy Warhol Books

Reach dizzying new heights with this documentary about Marc-André Leclerc, a prodigious mountaineer who scaled some of the world’s most terrifying peaks. The filmmakers, who explore both the physical and psychological aspects of rock climbing, reveal the perspective of Leclerc, who one reviewer notes is “paradoxically...at his most grounded mid-ascent”.

We know Bob Ross as a mild-mannered artist who graced American television screens in the 80s and 90s, and has seen a resurgence in pop culture relevance after his 1995 death. But what few know is that Ross was engaged in a fierce battle over his business empire. This documentary reveals a facet of Ross’s life and career that has remained shrouded in mystery, until now.

Actress Audrey Hepburn is remembered today for her beauty and sense of fashion, but—as this documentary reveals—there's so much more to the silver screen icon than first meets the eye. From her childhood in the Nazi-occupied Netherlands to her work as a UNICEF ambassador and humanitarian, Audrey explores the entertainer’s fascinating life through interviews with her family and those who knew her best.

Related: Explore the Dazzling History of Film With 9 Illuminating Books

If you think the title of this documentary is a question easily answered, think again. This six-part docuseries explores activist Abdur-Rahman Muhammad's quest to uncover exactly what happened to Malcolm X—and why two innocent men took the fall for his assassination. 

This documentary investigates the strange death of Marsha P. Johnson, a Black gay rights activist and drag queen. Johnson was one of the prominent figures during the riots at Stonewall in 1969. Supposedly, when she threw a shot glass into a mirror at the Stonewall Inn and shouted “I got my civil rights,” the riot ignited.  After dedicating years of her life in service of the LGBTQ community, Johnson’s body was mysteriously discovered floating in the Hudson River in 1992. While the police ruled it as a suicide, new interviews with Johnson’s family and friends hint that foul play may have been involved. Although this documentary centers questions around Johnson’s death, her striking life is what makes her memorable.

Related: 11 Fascinating LGBT History Books to Read for Pride Month

This original Netflix documentary investigates the impact of Bobby Kennedy’s life—and what may have happened had he not been assassinated in 1968. The filmmakers assemble a narrative that shows how Bobby, younger and more awkward brother of JFK, could have grown into an iconic figure.

The first Black Barbie was released in 1980, thanks to the efforts of three trailblazing women at Mattel. Their journey to make that vision a reality is documented in this film, which also explores the importance of representation and the impact that the first Black Barbie has had on generations of young people.

This true crime documentary introduces us to Ray Trapani, who perpetrated a bitcoin scam with his company Centra Tech. You’ll learn about everything from Trapani’s upbringing and family (who have possible Mafia connections) to how the unregulated nature of the bitcoin landscape put fraud within easy reach.

Woodstock ‘99 was held at the original location to emulate the famous 1969 event, but the resulting music festival couldn’t be further from its predecessor. Numerous safety issues plagued the festival due to high heat and inadequate water, and there were also frightening outbreaks of violence, including sexual assault and riots. This documentary takes a closer look at the disastrous event.

Related: 10 Cultural History Books That Explore Our Changing World

The Boeing 737 MAX passenger airliner was grounded worldwide after two crashes just months apart, in October 2018 and March 2019, killed 346 people. This documentary asks how and why these tragedies occurred, drawing some unsettling conclusions about the company’s culture and its incentives to cut corners in order to maximize profits.

Midnight Asia is a dazzling docuseries that takes viewers into the heart of six Asian cities. When the sun goes down, each metropolis has a vibrant, bustling nightlife, as well as its own take on cuisine, music, art, and clubs. If you love traveling or learning about different cultures, you’ll enjoy this deep dive into destinations most tourists never see.

David Fincher serves as executive producer for this ode to film. Told in six parts, a series of visual essays explore and analyze some of the most iconic moments seen on the big screen.

Director Sanjay Rawal follows four different Native American tribes as they attempt to combat food insecurity and reclaim sovereignty over their ancestral food systems. It’s an eye-opening look at how trauma resulting from the genocide of Native Americans has reverberated throughout their communities for years, impacting the indigenous way of life to this day.

In this searing documentary, survivors and ex-leaders of “conversion therapy”—a controversial method that attempts to change the sexuality of LGBTQ youth—speak out about their experiences. Above all, they denounce conversion therapy and the psychological harm that it caused them, as well as the continued dangers that it poses to the LGBTQ community.

Want to watch Nicolas Cage curse wildly? We’ve got the documentary for you. This new docuseries features six episodes exploring some of the words that may make you clap your hands over your ears. But this isn’t just an excuse to swear—each episode explores the origin and etymology of its given blasphemy thoroughly. With comedians, historians, linguists, and authors contributing, this series is sure to be a hoot of a good time.

More than just the butt of a joke, Neanderthals were more intelligent than previously believed, and left behind some fascinating evidence about their lives. This documentary dives into what the archaeological record can tell us about these archaic humans and their extinction.

Cate Blanchett narrates this docuseries about the marvels of the natural world on this planet we call home.

Season four of the series hosted by Star Trek actor William Shatner is coming to Netflix. Originally airing on the History network, the show purports to "explore subjects that have mystified mankind for centuries". This season delves into mysteries such as King Arthur, the Bermuda Triangle, ancient ruins, and more.

Life on Our Planet isn’t just a nature documentary, but a sweeping overview of life’s four-billion-year history on Earth, using CGI to simulate extinct animals and demonstrate some of the planet’s major changes. Morgan Freeman narrates, with Steven Spielberg as executive producer.

Narrated by Barack Obama, this five-part nature documentary takes a look at the most breathtaking national parks spanning five continents. The amazing sights our planet has to offer will have you glued to the screen (and emotionally invested in some baby sea turtles, if the reviews are anything to go by).

Related: Feast Your Eyes on 8 Travel Coffee Table Books

How will we survive climate change? This documentary suggests we look to the animals in the Kalahari Desert for answers. Bridgerton’s Regé-Jean Page explains how animals are already adapting to the prolonged famine and drought in their rapidly changing environment in this often overlooked region.

Australian actress Rose Byrne narrates this vibrant documentary about a baby pufferfish, following its journey around the Great Barrier Reef and its interactions with other tiny sea creatures.

Black holes seem like the stuff of science fiction. Forming where stars collapse in on themselves, they defy the laws of physics as we know them. They’re also invisible, since they don’t reflect or emit light. How, then, can we conceptualize that which is unseen and about which so little is actually known? Black Holes: The Edge of All We Know explores these enigmas in space, which test the limits of science and even philosophy. Featuring the late Stephen Hawking, this documentary also gives us a glimpse at what collaboration between great minds looks like.

Related: 4 Interesting Facts About Space That Will Blow Your Mind

You’re likely already aware of the privacy risks associated with facial recognition technology, but there’s another insidious cause for concern: the rampant bias present in these apps, which often have difficulty detecting and analyzing the faces of women and people of color. M.I.T. Media Lab computer scientist Joy Buolamwini consults data analysts and watchdog groups in an effort to understand why this bias exists, its potential repercussions, and possible solutions.

BBC broadcaster, natural historian, and British national treasure David Attenborough hosts this refreshing nature docuseries. Using UV and polarised light to reveal sights that are invisible to the naked human eye, Attenborough explores the many ways in which animals use color to guide their behaviors and survive in the wild.

This even-handed documentary of the pandemic shaking our world at this very moment is perfect for those of us who want a better understanding of what we’re facing. Although obviously mired in COVID-19 news, Coronavirus, Explained is anything but alarmist. Its calm and clear explanations of the spread of the disease are reassuring—and they’re releasing new episodes as our understanding changes. It's rarely been clearer that we are watching history be made every day.