20 Documentaries to Binge Watch Now

by Erin Bunch

‘Tis the season for curling up on the couch to Netflix and chill your way through ‘till April. There are so many good shows to wile away the time watching, but it’s the documentary game that’s really getting our attention right now. There are so many amazing docs streaming that we would’ve kept going on this list forever were it not for our desire to get back to watching as opposed to writing. Here, a starter list of 20 docs that will keep you busy this holiday season:

@maybejust.happy

Montage of Heck

Montage of Heck uses Kurt Cobain’s personal journals and home videos to create an intimate portrait of the late Nirvana frontman’s life. You may also want to watch Soaked In Bleach, which explores the conspiracy theories surrounding Cobain’s alleged suicide.

Where to Watch: HBO Now and Netflix

@doitnc35

The Source

This fascinating documentary covers The Source Family, an early ‘70s spiritual cult created by a man called Father Yod, who “... transformed sex, drugs, and rock & roll into a genuinely religious formation.”

Where to Watch: Netflix

@rashidajones

Hot Girls Wanted

This disturbing Rashida Jones-produced documentary follows several young girls as they become enmeshed in the amateur porn scene.

Where to Watch: Netflix

@truecostmovie

The True Cost

Beware before watching that this documentary will make you feel incredibly guilty for every piece of fast fashion you own… which is its entire point.

Where to Watch: Netflix

@dvdianavreeland

Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel

This documentary is so inspiring we tend to re-watch it whenever we need a little boost.

@magnoliapics

The Jinx

This documentary famously exposes Robert Durst as the sociopath he is, and in doing so proves that truth truly is stranger than fiction. The story is so enthralling that it’ll be impossible not to follow up this doc with a screening of the Ryan Gosling film All Good Things, which is based on the same events.

Where to Watch: HBO Now

@irisapfelmovie

Iris

This film, the subject of which is nonagenarian fashion icon Iris Apfel, actually makes us look forward to being 93. This is no small feat.

@hudsonmai

The Artist is Present

This film centers on the life and work of provocative performance artist Marina Abramovic and attempts the daunting task of defining art in the process.

@katyakarapetian

Dear Zachary

This nail-biter of a film is one of the most heartbreaking things we’ve ever watched, so proceed with viewing only if you’re a total masochist. We suggest avoiding any spoiler alerts if possible.

Where to Watch: Netflix

@amywinehousethebest

Amy

Though this documentary has been criticized for focusing more on Amy Winehouse’s death than her life, it’s worth a watch if you’re a fan of the talented and troubled troubador.

Where to Watch: Amazon Instant Video or iTunes

@tomcruiseofficial_

Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief

Spoiler alert: This stuff is nuts.

Where to Watch: HBO Now

@morissayylmao

The Punk Singer

This is the story of Kathleen Hanna, the lead singer of Bikini Kill and dance-punk trio Le Tigre, who’s known as the voice of the riot grrrl movement.

Where to Watch: Netflix

@showtime

The Green Prince

If you’re as obsessed with Homeland as we are, this documentary will feed your appetite between episodes; it’s the gripping story of the son of a Hamas leader who became a spy for Israel.

Where to Watch: Netflix

@narcos

Sins of My Father

If you binge-watched Narcos, you’ll want to follow up with this documentary, which features Pablo Escobar’s son as he comes to terms with this father’s legacy.

Where to Watch: Netflix

@2pac

Biggie and Tupac

This captivating ten year-old film purports to have solved the murders of Biggie and Tupac.

Where to Watch: Netflix

@diorandimovie

Dior and I

We love this film for the depth with which it portrays all that goes into what many consider to be mere frivolity.

Where to Watch: Netflix

@samfuterman

Twinsters

This film depicts what happens after French student Anais Bordier stumbles upon her separated-at-birth identical twin sister on YouTube.

Where to Watch: Netflix

@lamface

Cutie and the Boxer

This documentary explores the dynamics of an artistic coupling, and is relatable to any woman who’s ever been in a serious relationship, artistic or not.

Where to Watch: Netflix

@lakers

Hoop Dreams

Roger Ebert called this “the great American documentary,” and for good reason. If you’ve never seen it, we suggest moving it to the front of your queue.

Where to Watch: Netflix

@thepinkheather

The Last Waltz

If you like music documentaries, this famous Martin Scorsese film is a must-watch, especially in advance of his new HBO show Vinyl, which premieres early next year.

Where to Watch: Netflix