5 Must-Watch Documentaries on Netflix -IMDB Rating 9.2

Documentaries on Netflix

Documentaries possess a distinctive capacity to engage audiences with authentic narratives that both inform and motivate. On Netflix, a selection of outstanding documentaries merges profound storytelling with striking visuals, providing viewers with an opportunity to explore various cultures and lesser-known tales. These films, whether they investigate historical occurrences, personal experiences, or social challenges, have the potential to alter viewpoints and elicit strong emotional responses. This article will showcase five essential documentaries available on Netflix, each boasting impressive IMDb ratings and presenting an in-depth exploration of topics that will resonate with viewers long after the film concludes.

The Last Dance (2020) – IMDb Rating: 9.0
A deep dive into Michael Jordan’s career and the Chicago Bulls’ 1997-98 season, showcasing their rise to dominance and the dynamics of their final championship run.

CategoryDetails
TitleThe Last Dance
DirectorJason Hehir
WritersScripted by multiple contributors; Michael Jordan’s journey is the core focus
IMDB Rating9.0/10
Release Date (USA)April 19, 2020
GenreSports Documentary, Biography
Main CastMichael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Steve Kerr
Supporting CastPhil Jackson, Jerry Krause, Toni Kukoč, and interviews with Kobe Bryant, Charles Barkley, and other notable NBA figures.
Music ComposerThomas Caffey
Production CompaniesESPN Films, Netflix
Runtime10 episodes, 50 minutes each
Filming LocationsChicago, Illinois; Salt Lake City, Utah, and other NBA locations
AwardsWon the Emmy for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series and other critical accolades.
Box Office (Worldwide Gross)Not applicable, as it is a documentary released on streaming platforms.
Plot Summary“The Last Dance” chronicles Michael Jordan’s iconic career, focusing on the Chicago Bulls’ 1997-1998 championship season. Through exclusive footage and candid interviews, the series explores team dynamics, challenges, and triumphs that shaped one of the greatest basketball legacies of all time.

IMDb -Top 5 movies-The Cinematic Masterpiece with a 9.3 Rating

Our Planet (2019) – IMDb Rating: 9.2
A visually stunning exploration of Earth’s diverse ecosystems, narrated by David Attenborough, highlighting the beauty of nature and the effects of climate change.

TitleOur Planet
DirectorAlastair Fothergill, Keith Scholey
WritersAlastair Fothergill, Keith Scholey, David Attenborough
IMDB Rating9.2
Release Date (USA)April 5, 2019
GenreDocumentary, Nature
Main CastDavid Attenborough (Narrator)
Supporting CastN/A
Music ComposerSteven Price
Production CompaniesNetflix, WWF, Silverback Films
Runtime8 episodes (~50 minutes each)
Filming LocationsVarious natural habitats worldwide
AwardsWon 2 Emmy Awards (Outstanding Documentary Series, Outstanding Narrator)
Box Office (Worldwide Gross)Not applicable for Netflix original series
Plot SummaryOur Planet showcases the breathtaking beauty and biodiversity of Earth while emphasizing the impacts of climate change on its delicate ecosystems. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, the series explores habitats like forests, grasslands, and coastal seas, urging viewers to appreciate and protect the planet

This Emmy-winning series is a must-watch for nature enthusiasts and advocates of environmental conservation. For more details, visit Our Planet official site or watch it on Netflix.

Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer (2021) – IMDb Rating: 7.5
A gripping docuseries about the relentless pursuit of Richard Ramirez, the infamous serial killer who terrorized Los Angeles in the 1980s.

TitleNight Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer
DirectorTiller Russell
WritersTiller Russell, James Carroll
IMDB Rating7.5
Release Date (USA)January 13, 2021
GenreDocumentary, Crime, Thriller
Main CastRichard Ramirez (archive footage), Gil Carrillo, Frank Salerno, Paul Ronda, and others
Supporting CastVarious police officers, victims’ family members, and survivors
Music ComposerN/A
Production CompaniesNetflix, Blumhouse Television, The Intellectual Property Corporation
Runtime4 episodes (~50 minutes each)
Filming LocationsLos Angeles, California, USA
AwardsNominated for Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series
Box Office (Worldwide Gross)N/A (Netflix Original)
Plot SummaryThis four-episode series explores the chilling case of Richard Ramirez, a serial killer who terrorized Southern California in the 1980s. With interviews from law enforcement, victims, and experts, the documentary chronicles the extensive investigation that led to his capture. Through gripping storytelling, Night Stalker reveals the personal impact on survivors and their families while highlighting the relentless pursuit by detectives Gil Carrillo and Frank Salerno.

This documentary is available for streaming on Netflix and provides an in-depth look at one of the most terrifying criminal cases in American history.

Three Identical Strangers (2018) – IMDb Rating: 7.6
The unbelievable true story of triplets separated at birth, reunited by chance, and the shocking revelations about their separation.

Three Identical Strangers (2018) – Image credit IMDB
TitleThree Identical Strangers
DirectorTim Wardle
WritersTim Wardle, N/A
IMDB Rating7.6/10
Release Date (USA)June 29, 2018
GenreDocumentary
Main CastEddy Galland, David Kellman, Bobby Shafran
Supporting CastPaula Bernstein, Elyse Schein, Lawrence Wright
Music ComposerPaul Saunderson
Production CompaniesRaw TV, Film4 Productions, Sidney Kimmel Entertainment
Runtime96 minutes
Filming LocationsUSA
AwardsSundance Film Festival Audience Award (2018), among others
Box Office (Worldwide Gross)$23.6 million
Plot SummaryThe film tells the remarkable story of three identical triplets, separated at birth, who were reunited in their 30s. Their reunion becomes a media sensation, but the deeper their investigation into their separation, the darker the truth unfolds—revealing an unethical scientific experiment and raising questions about identity and free will. The triplets’ relationships are ultimately strained as the toll of their past and the trauma of their separation take a heavy emotional toll.

The documentary is a gripping and emotional exploration of the impact of separation and identity, blending personal stories with deep moral questions. The film explores themes of nature versus nurture and the ethical implications of psychological experimentation.

Salt Fat Acid Heat (2018) – IMDb Rating: 7.6
Chef Samin Nosrat’s journey to uncover the four essential elements of cooking, offering inspiration and practical insights for food enthusiasts.

AttributeDetails
TitleSalt Fat Acid Heat
DirectorSameer Shaikh
WritersMichael Pollan, Samin Nosrat
IMDB Rating7.6/10
Release DateSeptember 8, 2018 (USA)
GenreDocumentary, Food, Cooking
Main CastSamin Nosrat
Supporting CastVarious
Music ComposerKazu Matsui
Production CompaniesNetflix, Fenix Studios, The Kitchen Sisters
Runtime4 episodes (40–50 minutes per episode)
Filming LocationsVarious locations across the world, including Italy, Japan, Mexico, and the United States
AwardsJames Beard Award for Best Cookbook, Emmy nomination for Outstanding Documentary Series
Box Office (Worldwide Gross)N/A (Netflix original)
Plot SummaryA four-episode series based on Samin Nosrat’s best-selling cookbook. It explores the four fundamental elements of cooking—salt, fat, acid, and heat—through interviews, food preparation, and travel, showcasing how these elements are central to creating delicious meals show is a delightful journey of culinary exploration, emphasizing essential cooking techniques that are easy to apply at home.