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The 16 best documentaries on Netflix in 2020

It's no surprise that Netflix features a huge number of documentaries in its catalog. Unfortunately, many of them are simply not worth watching. However, among the endless options are hidden must-see documentaries.

ContentsThe best war documentaries on Netflix1. The Vietnam War2. World War II in color3. November 13:Attack on ParisThe best space documentaries on Netflix4. A year in space5. The Search for Life in SpaceThe best nature documentaries on Netflix6. Dancing with the birds7. Chasing the CoralThe best BBC documentaries on Netflix8. A Great Night In:The Aardman StoryThe best travel documentaries on Netflix9. Darkten Tourist. National Park AdventureThe best crime documentaries on Netflix11. Make a Murderer12. Amanda KnoxThe best sports documentaries on Netflix13. Senna14. The Last DanceThe best music documentaries on Netflix15. Chasing Trane16. Evolution of hip-hopMore Netflix shows to watch

So whether you're looking for war documentaries, space documentaries, sports documentaries or something else, keep reading. These are the best documentaries on Netflix you can watch right now. All of this will enlighten and entertain you.

The best war documentaries on Netflix

Unfortunately, documentarians do not lack war material. Many of the most important conflicts of centuries past have a show about them on Netflix.

1. The Vietnam War

This 10-part documentary tells the story of America's controversial 19-year conflict in Vietnam.

It features the testimony of over 80 witnesses from both sides, never-before-seen video footage, and is over 17 hours in total.

2. World War II in color

WWII in Color is a British documentary that includes a large amount of actual video footage of the battlefields, cities and oceans that saw action during WWII.

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It has 13 episodes in total, covering everything from the North African campaign to the Japanese invasion of China.

3. November 13:Attack on Paris

November 13:Attack on Paris is a Netflix Original about the terrorist attacks in the French capital in November 2015. The three-part series documents the timeline of this traumatic day.

For more options, check out our full list of war documentaries on Netflix.

The best space documentaries on Netflix

If you'd rather be dazzled by scientific ingenuity than human suffering, check out some of the best Netflix documentaries about space and the universe instead.

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4. A year in space

A Year in Space is a 12-part Netflix documentary series that follows American Scott Kelly and Russian Mikhail Kornienko during their year-long stay on the International Space Station.

It follows their mission from lift-off to landing, offering fascinating insight into life in weightlessness and the scientific work that takes place in orbit.

5. The search for life in space

The Search for Life in Space is a short 32-minute documentary about how humans search for signs of life beyond our planet. It doesn't go into intricate detail, so it's perfect for anyone who may not have the same level of background knowledge as a seasoned in-universe fanatic.

For more in-universe content, be sure to also check out the best space documentaries on Amazon.

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The best nature documentaries on Netflix

If you prefer to learn more about Earth-based life forms, you'll be happy to know that some of the best documentaries on Netflix cover the natural world.

6. Dancing with the birds

Narrated by the always lovable Stephen Fry, Dancing With The Birds follows majestic birds as they try to find a mate.

Fry's commentary adds an element of humor to what is already a fascinating subject, making it one of the most enjoyable nature documentaries ever made.

7. Hunt coral

Coral reefs are one of the most important ecosystems on the planet. They have existed for 485 million years and are home to more than a quarter of all marine species; the NOAA National Ocean Service calls them “the rainforests of the sea.”

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The climate emergency means coral is now dying at a faster rate than ever. This documentary examines the devastating impact of coral death on our planet and our lives.

We've written about the best nature documentaries on Netflix if these few suggestions aren't enough to satisfy you.

The best BBC documentaries on Netflix

The British television network is one of the most important documentary producers in the world.

8. A Great Night in:The Aardman Story

Aardman Animations – creators of Wallace and Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and Oscar-winning Chicken Run, started life as a small animation studio in Bristol, England. A Grand Night In:The Story of Aardman follows the studio from humble beginnings to becoming a company with over $1 billion in revenue.

As well as A Grand Night In, many more of the best BBC documentaries are available on Netflix. Check out our list for more.

The best travel documentaries on Netflix

The “new normal” means that it may be some time before many people feel comfortable flying again. After all, why bother when you can travel anywhere in the world from your own couch thanks to Netflix?!

9. Dark Tourist

Tourism isn't just about beaches and all-inclusive buffets. If you want to learn more about the grittier side of the world, check out Dark Tourist.

New Zealand filmmaker David Farrier explores some of the weirdest travel locations you'll find, including Pablo Escobar-themed travel in Colombia and nuclear disaster tourism in Japan.

ten. National Parks Adventure

Narrated by Robert Redford, National Parks Adventure takes viewers on a tour of remarkable sites in national parks across the United States. The documentary covers Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, Yosemite and Arches. The entire documentary uses IMAX 3D cinematography.

For more, check out our full list of the best travel documentaries on Netflix.

The best crime documentaries on Netflix

True-crime documentaries on Netflix have enjoyed a renaissance in recent years.

11. Make a murderer

Making a Murderer is arguably the Netflix documentary that kickstarted the resurgence of interest in the genre.

It tells the story of Steven Avery. Avery was wrongfully convicted of murder and spent 18 years in prison, before being convicted of a different murder after his exoneration and release. Despite doubts about the second conviction, he is still in prison to this day.

12. Amanda Knox

One of the most famous convictions of the 21st century occurred in Italy in 2007.

American exchange student, Amanda Knox, has been found guilty of murdering student, Meredith Kercher, in a trial littered with controversy. Rumors of police incompetence, tampering with evidence and false testimony circulated for years after Knox's conviction. The Italian Supreme Court eventually overturned the decision in 2015.

This documentary tells the story of the night of the murder and the media frenzy that followed the legal proceedings.

The best sports documentaries on Netflix

Some of the best documentaries on Netflix fall into the sports category.

13. Senna

Ayrton Senna is widely regarded as the greatest Formula 1 driver of all time. He won three world titles before being killed in an accident at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix at Imola. He was 34 years old.

This docufilm traces his life and death.

14. The last dance

An obvious inclusion, the Netflix documentary series tells the story of NBA legend Michael Jordan. Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Steve Kerr and Phil Jackson all feature.

The best musical documentaries on Netflix

And finally, some brilliant music documentaries to watch.

15. Chasing Trane

Chasing Trane chronicles the life of jazz icon, John Coltrane. Coltrane was one of the greatest saxophonists in the world before succumbing to liver cancer in 1967 at the age of 40.

His legend lives on to this day.

16. Evolution of hip hop

Spread over four seasons, the Canadian docuseries explores the rise of hip-hop.

The series begins in the 1970s with Grandmaster Flash, then covers all the major stars and stories through the early 2000s and the rise of 50 Cent.

More Netflix shows to watch

Documentaries make up a big part of the Netflix library. And if you lean into a specific genre, you can find niche content to suit your tastes.

And once you've watched all the best documentaries on Netflix and want to watch something a little different, we recommend checking out the best Netflix interactive shows instead.