‘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:
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
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
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
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
Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel
This documentary is so inspiring we tend to re-watch it whenever we need a little boost.
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
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.
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.
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
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
Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief
Spoiler alert: This stuff is nuts.
Where to Watch: HBO Now
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
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
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
Biggie and Tupac
This captivating ten year-old film purports to have solved the murders of Biggie and Tupac.
Where to Watch: Netflix
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
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
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
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
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
