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Your 15 Best Critically Acclaimed Documentaries on Netflix That Are as Gripping as Any Thriller

  • March 20, 2025
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A man disappears into thin air. A court case battle exposes a shocking betrayal. A secret drama topples the pillars of power. These are no Hollywood thrillers, they are real stories, and some of the best critically acclaimed documentaries on Netflix bring them to life with heart-racing intensity. 

Great documentaries do more than entertain. They expose secrets, break the mold of thinking, and leave people speechless. Whether it is a stunning crime saga or an eye-opening investigation expose, these documentaries prove that sometimes real life can be the ultimate thriller!

15 finest Netflix critically acclaimed documentaries worth watching right now

15. Lover, Stalker, K—er 

Year:

2024  

Director:

Sam Hobkinson  

Runtime:

1h 30m  

In this digital age, a mechanic’s first foray into online dating spirals into a chilling tale of obsession and homicide. Lover, Stalker, K—er

follows the true story of Dave Kroupa, whose casual meet with Cari Farver leads to a nightmarish sequence of events

.

As messages turn sinister and lives are at risk, Lover, Stalker, K—er

 is a documentary that is too good to miss

– holding its audience hostage, and showing just how virtual connections can have deadly real-world consequences. 

Read More: Is There a Barkley Marathon Documentary? Where Can You Watch It? Here’s All You Need To Know

14. Martha   

Year:

2024

Director:

R.J. Cutler

Runtime:

1h 53m  

Narrated in her own voice, Martha

charts the rise, sudden fall, and hard-won comeback of lifestyle icon Martha Stewart

. This candid documentary on Netflix offers an intimate look into the life of a woman who built an empire, faced public scrutiny, and rose again stronger than ever.

Through a glimpse into her personal and professional life, you come to appreciate the strength and determination that define Martha Stewart as you know her!

13. Love on the Spectrum 

Year:

2022  

Director:

Cian O’Clery 

Runtime:

2 Seasons  

Dating is difficult for anyone, but for those on the autism spectrum, it has special challenges. Love on the Spectrum

is a sweet docuseries that follows a number of young adults on the autism spectrum as they search for love

.

With humor and honesty, the series sheds light on their experiences, challenges, and triumphs, offering viewers a fresh perspective on love and relationships.

12. Period. End of Sentence. 

Year:

2018  

Director:

Rayka Zehtabchi  

Runtime:

26m  

Menstruation is still taboo in rural India, leading to health issues and social stigmas. Period. End of Sentence.

documents a group of women who, armed with a new machine, make affordable sanitary pads, empowering themselves and their community.

 

This Oscar-winning short documentary highlights their path to financial independence and societal change, proving that a small action can bring about some monumental changes.

11. The Greatest Night in Pop 

Year:

2024  

Director:

Bao Nguyen 

Runtime:

1h 37m  

On a January night in 1985, music’s biggest stars came together to record ‘We Are the World’, a song to help end famine in Africa. The Greatest Night in Pop

will take you behind the scenes of this historic moment, capturing the collaboration, the challenges, and the magic that transpired.

With legends such as Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, and Stevie Wonder

, this documentary is a snapshot of a moment in music history that you should not miss

!

10. American M—–: The Family Next Door 

Year:

2020 

Director:

Jenny Popplewell  

Runtime:

1h 23m  

Using raw, firsthand footage, American M—–: The Family Next Door

explores the disappearance of Shanann Watts and her kids

, diving into the harrowing events that followed. The documentary offers a close-up of the family’s dynamics, the investigation, and the shocking revelations that came to light, presenting a chilling view of a seemingly family’s dark secrets.

9. Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa 

Year:

2023 

Director:

Lucy Walker 

Runtime:

1h 44m  

Nepali climber Lhakpa Sherpa, embarks on a record-breaking Mount Everest climb

to secure a brighter future for her daughters. Mountain Queen

follows her, paying tribute to the challenges she faces in a male-dominated field and the cultural expectations she defies.

This critically acclaimed documentary on Netflix documents her strength, determination, and the sacrifices she makes to pave the way for the generations to come.

8. The Elephant Whisperers

Year:

2022  

Director:

Kartiki Gonsalves  

Runtime:

40 minutes  

A baby elephant, two kind-hearted caretakers, and a whole lot of love—this documentary is pure magic. Bomman and Bellie take in little Raghu a baby elephant

, and their bond is so heartwarming it will make you want to hug your pet (or adopt an elephant).

The Elephant Whisperers’

an Academy winning film unfolds in the beautiful forests of India, showing that sometimes, the best families are the ones we choose.  

7. Chimp Empire

Year:

2023  

Director:

James Reed  

Runtime:

1 Season  

Welcome to Chimp Empire

, the wildest reality show you will ever see—except it is all real. Deep in the Ugandan jungle

, a group of chimpanzees are living their best (and most dramatic) lives. 

 There are power struggles, betrayals, and family feuds that would put any soap opera to shame! Narrated by Mahershala Ali

, this documentary on Netflix proves that the animal kingdom is not so different from humans after all.  

6. Lenox Hill 

Year:

2020  

Directors:

Ruthie Shatz, Adi Barash  

Runtime:

1 Season  

If you thought Greys Anatomy

‘s hospital dramas were intense, wait until you see the real deal. Lenox Hill

follows four doctors

as they tackle life-and-death situations daily, while also juggling their personal lives.

It is raw, emotional, and shows just how much pressure these medical professionals handle. No actors, no scripts—just real-life heroes doing what they do best!

5. Last Chance U  

Year:

2016  

Directors:

Greg Whiteley, Adam Ridley, Luke Lorentzen  

Runtime:

5 Seasons  

Sports, second chances, and serious drama—Last Chance U

is all about football players trying to turn their lives around. These athletes have the skills, but the world has not been too kind to them.

With demanding coaches, academic struggles, and personal demons, every game is make-or-break. If you love a good underdog story, this one will have you hooked.  

4. The Social Dilemma  

Year:

2020  

Director:

Jeff Orlowski  

Runtime:

1 hour 34 minutes

Think you are in control of your phone? Well, think again. The Social Dilemma

is this critically acclaimed documentary on Netflix that pulls back the curtain on social media and how it is designed

to keep you glued to your screens.

Tech experts spill secrets, and it is both fascinating and terrifying. After watching, you might just rethink your endless scrolling habits, or at least feel guilty about them.  

3. The Redeem Team  

Year:

2022  

Director:

Jon Weinbach  

Runtime:

1 hour and 37 minutes

The U.S. basketball team went from complete embarrassment in 2004 to Olympic gold in 2008

, and this documentary reveals just how they managed to do it. With big names like Kobe Bryant and LeBron

James leading the charge, The Redeem Team

is a comeback story full of team effort, strategy, and sheer willpower. It is a must-watch for any sports fan, or anyone who loves a great redemption arc.  

2. Our Planet  

Year:

2019  

Narrator:

Alastair Fothergill, Jonnie Hughes, and Keith Scholey

Runtime:

2 Seasons  

Our Planet

 is a gentle reminder that you should probably start taking better care of the planet you live in. This docuseries on Netflix takes you from the Arctic to the jungle

, showcasing breathtaking landscapes and the amazing creatures that call them home.

It is eye-opening, and breathtaking, and will make you appreciate Earth like never before.  

1. Don’t F–k with Cats: Hunting an Internet K—er  

Year:

2019  

Director:

Mark Lewis  

Runtime:

1 Season  

A group of internet sleuths stumble upon a disturbing video, and what happens next is straight out of a thriller. Don’t F–k with Cats: Hunting an Internet K—er

, takes online sleuthing to a whole new level as ordinary people go on a cyber hunt for a criminal. The twists and turns are so wild, you will not believe this actually happened.

How to find your perfect documentary match ?

Choosing the right documentary is like picking the perfect book—you want something that grabs your interest and keeps you hooked. Love suspenseful thrills? Go for a true crime documentary. Craving some positivity? Biographies of world-changers never disappoint. If you are in the mood for mind-blowing facts, science and history documentaries will do the trick. And sometimes, the best choice is the one that catches you off guard!

The key is to follow your curiosity. These best critically acclaimed documentaries on Netflix are not just entertaining—they challenge, educate, and prompt you to see the world differently. From the shocking twists of American M—–: The Family Next Door

to the uplifting tale of Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa,

each film uncovers a new world that will leave you thinking long after the credits roll. 

Read More: Is The New JFK Documentary Available On Netflix? What Is It All About?

So, what is your next watch? Do you have a favorite documentary or a secret gem we should know about? Drop your recommendations in the comments!

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