The popularity and demand for documentaries have created waves of binge-worthy content on Netflix, all interesting in their own right. Netflix changed the documentary game forever with new, mind-boggling content being released every quarter, making them one of the biggest doc producers in the world. That being said, we all need a few new binges to focus on every now and then.
While Filthy Rich made waves in May and the upcoming new wave of documentaries, we recommend updating your watch list now. Besides, with an influx of content comes great watch lists and binging responsibilities. Let's do a deep dive into five great bite-sized docs and five longer ones.
Bite Sized: Knock Down The House
In this trailblazing, politically charged doc, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Cori Bush, Joe Crowley, and Paula Jean Swearengin build a movement to challenge the status quo during the 2018 midterm elections. These four women conduct grassroots campaigns for the house of representatives in hopes of eventually shifting the power dynamic in the white house. In this hour and a half doc, you would get to watch how a young Bronx-born bartender, a coal miner's daughter, a grieving mother, and a nurse from Missouri change their lives and the political climate of their country forever.
Lengthy: Inside Bill's Brain: Decoding Bill Gates
Award-winning filmmaker Davis Guggenheim created this masterpiece of a 3 part docuseries that dives into the life of the tech visionary and generous philanthropist, Bill Gates. Subject matter includes Gates' early life and upbringing to the creation of Microsoft.
A good chunk of the docuseries also talks about the work of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. This showcases the work of the foundation and how they have been on a mission to try and solve some of the most complex, prominent issues in the world.
Bite Sized: Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator
Veteran filmmaker Eva Orner unravels the questionable founder of the world-famous Bikram yoga practice in this hour and a half doc released in late 2019. Bikram yoga is a patented movement comprising of 26 poses that are practiced in a hot room. The founder, Bikram Choudhury built an empire admired by millions all over the globe. As years went by and his practice flourished, disturbing claims surfaced, making him subject to criticism in the eyes of the public. Although this was released late last year, it is undoubtedly one of the most underrated and harrowing watches on Netflix today.
Lengthy: (Un)Well
In this six-part saga, Netflix tries to debunk popular health fads and breaks down the extremely lucrative wellness industry. While products or services sometimes boast a high recovery rate, you can't be too sure of its merit. Netflix shouldn't be your main source of health info, leading this doc to be quite controversial.
Before you write this one off, its worth a shot to watch. From talking about Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop series to ayhuasca and bee venom, this doc covers the most talked about health fads and how they may or may not be the best fit for you.
Bite Sized: Catwalk: Tales From The Cat Show Circuit
Watching Canada's renowned competitive cat show may not be your first or obvious choice for a good watch on a night in but this documentary can surprise you. As you watch feline-friendly Canadians deal with the trials and tribulations of their cats competing to be Canada's top kitty, you wouldn't be surprised how easy to watch this is. With moments ripe for meme-picking and memorable cats, this underrated piece from Aaron Hancox and Michael McNamara is the perfect casual light watch.
Lengthy: Dogs
This docuseries created by Glen Zipper is one for the dog lovers. If you haven't watched it, you've probably heard of it. The tear-jerking, wholesome series delves into the relationship between man and man's best friend, making it the ideal comfort binge. From the United States to Syria, each episode talks about a unique relationship between a person and their canine companion.
Interestingly, while representing the human-dog connection, they also talk about very pressing human rights issues. One such example would be Zeus, one of the featured dogs, a beautiful Siberian Husky who was separated from his owner Ayham, a Syrian refugee.
Bite Sized: Dancing With The Birds
This Emmy award-winning masterpiece directed by Huw Cordey and narrated by Stephen Fry, is one of the most gorgeous, intimate portrayals of nature. This hour and a half doc dives straight into a well known, odd avian phenomenon, a mating call or dance, where males often have flamboyant displays of their dominance in hopes to attract the belle of the ball. This documentary is another gem that was released late last year and is undoubtedly a more underrated watch, but a great one nonetheless.
Lengthy: Immigration Nation
This brutal documentary sheds light on the horrifying immigration enforcement under the Trump administration in the United States. This doc features moving portraits of several immigrants stuck at the border, hoping to access a better life. While this doc may be a heavier watch, it is necessary. In fact, Trump administration slammed the production with legal threats to try and have it released after the 2020 elections.
Bite Sized: Athlete A
Directed by Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk, this doc delves into the sexual abuse and questionable actions of Dr. Larry Nassar. A team of investigative journalists break down the shocking USA gymnastics sex scandal and the toxic culture at USAG. Nassar's abuse dragged on for decades, hurting hundreds of young girls in the process.
This documentary's name is a pseudonym for the talented gymnast Maggie Nichols as she was the first person to open up about the abuse but was dropped from participating in the 2016 Olympics. This is a heartbreaking watch, but again, a necessary one that highlights how the #metoo movement changed the world.
Lengthy: Down To Earth With Zac Efron
This 8 part saga, starring Zac Efron and wellness expert, Daren Olien, is a must-watch for a long, refreshing weekend in. In each episode, the crew travels to a different country uncovering local traditions, eating habits, and wellness hacks that are well known all over the world. From exploring an Icelandic geothermal powerplant, tasting high-end water with Anna Kendrick, this doc aims to entertain and inform. In that order. While some of what is shown does have scientific backing, other practices don't really have a very scientific explanation of how they work. That being said, it brings up an important debate on whether superfoods really work, is ayahuasca safe, and is drinking goat's milk straight from the teat really healthy?