Popular Documentary TV Series on Netflix

48 Hours

1988

48 Hours

1988
7.2
This newsmagazine series investigates intriguing crime and justice cases that touch on all aspects of the human experience. Over its long run, the show has helped exonerate wrongly convicted people, driven the reopening — and resolution — of cold cases, and changed numerous lives. CBS News correspondents offer an in-depth look into each story, with the emphasis on solving the mystery at its heart.
Ancient Aliens

2010

Ancient Aliens

2010
7.1
Did intelligent beings from outer space visit Earth thousands of years ago? From the age of the dinosaurs to ancient Egypt, from early cave drawings to continued mass sightings in the US, each episode gives historic depth to the questions, speculations, provocative controversies, first-hand accounts and grounded theories surrounding this age old debate.
The First 48

2004

The First 48

2004
7.9
The First 48 follows detectives from around the country during these first critical hours as they race against time to find the suspect. Gritty and fast-paced, it takes viewers behind the scenes of real-life investigations with unprecedented access to crime scenes, autopsies, forensic processing, and interrogations.
Formula 1: Drive to Survive

2019

Formula 1: Drive to Survive

2019
8.2
Drivers, managers and team owners live life in the fast lane — both on and off the track — during each cutthroat season of Formula 1 racing.
A Friend, a Murderer

2026

A Friend, a Murderer

2026
7.5
A Danish town feared a serial criminal for eight years. When caught, Amanda, Nichlas and Kiri discovered the perpetrator was their close friend who'd committed assaults, kidnappings and murder while spending time with them.
Antiques Roadshow

1997

Antiques Roadshow

1997
7.4
Based on the popular BBC series running since 1979, the PBS Antiques Roadshow combines history with discovery. Each year, the show visits a handful of cities to appraise items brought in by viewers. Are these items worth a lot of money, more than the visitors expect?
Khawater

2005

Khawater

2005
8.9
Khawater is a pioneering Saudi documentary series in which Ahmad Al Shugairi explores self‑development, social reform, ethics, and everyday improvement. Through short reflections, real‑world examples, and global observations, the show encourages viewers to rethink habits, embrace positive change, and engage with society more thoughtfully.
Earthstorm

2022

Earthstorm

2022
7.1
Storm chasers, survivors and first responders recount their harrowing experiences with volcanoes, tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes.
The UnXplained

2019

The UnXplained

2019
6.7
Explore the world’s most fascinating, strange and inexplicable mysteries. Each episode features compelling contributions from scientists, historians, witnesses and experiencers—each seeking to shed light on how the seemingly impossible actually can happen.
Headspace Guide to Meditation

2021

Headspace Guide to Meditation

2021
7.9
The series shows how meditation can help in your daily life. From tackling stress to embracing gratitude, each episode first teaches the basics and techniques of the practice, and then concludes with a guided meditation. Push play, close your eyes, and explore the many benefits of meditation.
The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch

2020

The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch

2020
8
There is a ranch in northern Utah. It is considered the epicenter of the strangest, and most disturbing occurrences on Earth: For two decades, the federal government investigated the property. Their findings have never been made public. Now a new team of independent scientists and researchers are taking over. They are uncovering evidence that the countless stories, of unidentified aerial phenomena, Bizarre energies, and portals that lead to other dimensions Might actually be true. They will stop at nothing to reveal The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch.
The Dinosaurs

2026

The Dinosaurs

2026
7.9
From the first dinosaurs to the last, this epic documentary series examines their 165 million years on Earth and the forces that shaped their evolution.
Explained

2018

Explained

2018
7.5
This documentary series, made in partnership with Vox, explain some of the world's current trends, from politics, to science to pop culture.
America's Test Kitchen From Cook's Illustrated

2001

America's Test Kitchen From Cook's Illustrated

2001
6.9
Equipment reviews, taste tests, and recipes from the test kitchen to the home cook. A team of test cooks that viewers have come to love and trust deconstruct recipes and reveal the test kitchen’s secrets to foolproof cooking at home.
Court of Gold

2025

Court of Gold

2025
8.2
Go behind the scenes with the top medal contenders in men's basketball as they battle for gold and glory at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Voir

2021

Voir

2021
6.5
Film lovers examine the cinematic moments that thrilled, perplexed, challenged and forever changed them in this collection of visual essays.
Top Secret UFO Projects Declassified

2021

Top Secret UFO Projects Declassified

2021
7.3
Though claims of extraterrestrial encounters have long been dismissed, many believe the existence of UFOs is not just likely, but a certainty.
Harry & Meghan

2022

Harry & Meghan

2022
5.8
From their courtship to their exit from royal life, Harry and Meghan share their complex journey in their own words in this docuseries.
Critical: Between Life and Death

2025

Critical: Between Life and Death

2025
6.9
From critical emergencies to the operating room, this documentary series follows London's trauma centres as they treat the most severely injured.
Tiger King

2020

Tiger King

2020
6.9
A zoo owner spirals out of control amid a cast of eccentric characters in this true murder-for-hire story from the underworld of big cat breeding.