Summary

• Some space documentaries on Netflix delve into the formation of the universe and the role of the solar system in sustaining life on Earth.
• Netflix has plenty of space documentaries that explore the possibility of life on other planets through scientific research and theories.
• Others delve into the mysteries of black holes with mathematicians to witness groundbreaking attempts to capture the first image of a black hole.

The best space documentaries on Netflix seek out answers to humanity's most crucial questions in the vastness of space. It is a subject that has intrigued the world since people first began gazing up at the stars and there have been many fascinating documentaries that have been made about space exploration in recent years. From humankind's first small steps toward the infinite to conspiracies regarding ancient peoples and their run-ins with beings from outer spheres, various aspects of space exploration are well documented and easily accessible on the streaming giant today.

On top of the great fictional streaming series and sci-fi movies available on Netflix right now, the platform has some great options for people who want to learn more about planets, stars, and Earth's solar system from science documentaries. The amazing content Netflix offers includes a look at the work of astronauts and a dissection of possible life on other planets. Ranking among some of the best Netflix documentaries, these ambitious and fascinating projects add to humanity's endless curiosity about what is out among the stars.

For more streaming recommendations, be sure to check out the best movies on Netflix and the best TV shows on Netflix.

10 Our Universe (2022)

A Look At The Formation Of The Universe And Earth's Survival Within It

Our Universe is a space documentary that's reminiscent of the Our Planet series and is structured as a six-part series narrated by actor Morgan Freeman. This is a historical look at the formation of the universe and what makes up the solar system itself. It also goes into the development of the millions of different life forms that have evolved on Earth over the epochs, utilizing CGI to reveal the stories of interstellar events and animals in their natural habitats.

Our Universe takes an ambitious approach to seeking to explain how the creation and persistence of life on Earth is only possible through the sun, meteors, and other objects and events in space. It looks at grand ideas like the expansion of the universe as well as comparatively small ideas like the oceans of Earth. It is all done in a way that is easy to consume, informative, and insightful.

9 Alien Worlds (2020)

A Theoretical Look At Life On Other Planets

Narrated by Sophie Okonedo, Alien Worlds is a four-part speculative docuseries about how life could develop on exoplanets — planets outside Earth's solar system. While that makes this a mostly fictional documentary that might sound like it is venturing into science fiction movie territory, it is wholly based on scientific research. Astronomers, astrobiologists, ecologists, and more discuss how the rules of life on Earth can be applied to other planets in the universe.

Alien Worlds explore different scenarios of planets outside our own, with totally different circumstances, and theorizes what kind of life would evolve in that sort of environment.

Alien Worlds explore different scenarios of planets outside our own, with totally different circumstances, and theorizes what kind of life would evolve in that sort of environment. This includes what life would look like if a planet had two suns, if there was a low gravity pull, and if a planet was scorching hot or permanently frozen. The documentary offers an eye-opening look at the endless possibilities of what is in the universe outside human knowledge.

8 Black Holes: The Edge Of All We Know (2021)

Scientists Delve Into A Fascinating Space Concept

There are certain concepts about space that are still difficult to understand despite years of research and black holes fall into that category. The Netflix space documentary Black Holes: The Edge of All We Know is an exciting look at the mysterious black holes, which form when a massive star collapses under its own weight at the end of its lifecycle. Almost all galaxies, including Earth's own Milky Way, formed with a massive black hole at the center.

Black Holes: The Edge of All We Know features a team of mathematicians, including Stephen Hawking, trying to solve the Information Paradox and a global team that worked to capture the first actual image of a black hole. It breaks down almost everything scientists know about the phenomenon to give insight into one of the most powerful mysteries of the universe.

7 Return To Space (2022)

The Story Of Space X And The Beginning Of Commercial Space Travel

A fascinating and exciting look at the future of humanity's space exploration and its possibilities.

Space documentaries can not only examine the mysteries of space but the history of space travel and where it stands going forward. Return to Space is about Elon Musk's SpaceX company and its attempt to take humans back into space. SpaceX wants to take anyone into space who can afford it, as Musk believes that space travel is important for the future of humanity, with Return to Space showing the lead-up to the rocket launch to the International Space Station.

Indeed, the road to space is not just about governments anymore — SpaceX is a commercial company that partners with NASA to make space travel much more accessible. This documentary features some amazing footage of several failed attempts, but it is a fascinating and exciting look at the future of humanity's space exploration and its possibilities.

6 Challenger: The Final Flight (2020)

A Look At One Of NASA's Greatest Tragedies

Another Netflix documentary taking a look at real-life space travel, this one highlights the danger of it and the tragedies that have come out of it. Challenger: The Final Flight is a four-part docuseries about the story of the fatal crash of NASA’s Space Shuttle Challenger in 1986. Challenger: The Final Flight not only commemorates the lives of the seven astronauts who perished in the mission but also highlights the importance of what these brave scientists set out to do.

Decidedly one of the best space documentaries on Netflix, this series honors the mission and shows that, even though it failed, it was still an important part of humanity's history with space travel. Indeed, the disaster changed a lot about how NASA and the U.S. space program operate and forced new safety protocols on all future missions into space.

5 The Mars Generation (2017)

The Next Era Of Astronauts Takes Shape

There are endless possibilities for how humanity can explore space and some of the most exciting space documentaries on Netflix look at those possibilities. The Mars Generation explores the potential for pursuing humanity's dream of one day living on Mars. Depicting the day-to-day struggles of a group of young scientists and engineers dedicated to a Martian future at the Space Camp in Alabama, the documentary shows how far humanity has to go before Mars can become habitable, but ultimately presents the future as bright and full of possibility.

Time Magazine sponsored this show, as it details the kids going through training under experienced mentors and the hard work they put into the program. Things are not always lighthearted, as it touches on the Challenger and Columbia explosions, but for any youngsters interested in space exploration, it is an inspiring experience.

4 A Trip To Infinity (2022)

A Contemplation On One Of The Most Complex Ideas In The Universe

More than a science documentary, A Trip To Infinity also raises philosophical inquiries about humanity's fleeting role in infinite space and time.

While most people think about the stars and the planets out in the cosmos without much trouble, to truly ponder the idea of the unending vastness of space is a daunting idea and one that brilliant scientists are still trying to solve. A Trip To Infinity is a science documentary that uses creative animated visuals and interviews with experts to explain the mathematical concept of infinity.

It counts among the best space documentaries on Netflix for providing answers to whether infinity exists beyond the human imagination or not, as this naturally also questions the presumed infinity of ever-expanding outer space. It's an unusual perspective that is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the cosmos. More than a science documentary, A Trip To Infinity also raises philosophical inquiries about humanity's fleeting role in infinite space and time.

3 The Future Of (2022)

A Series Exploring Advancements Of The Future, Including Public Space Travel

It is astounding to consider the technological advancements the world has made in the past century and what else is to come. The 12-episode docuseries The Future Of is a wide look into what's in store for humanity in the next decades in terms of technological advancement. In particular, the episode "The Future of Space Vacations" is one of the best space documentaries on Netflix — despite being just 17 minutes long. "Space Vacations" dissects the very real possibilities of regular suborbital flights for civilians.

This includes the company Space Perspective which is developing a balloon to allow for travel into space, which, unlike rockets, would require zero training for passengers. In addition to tackling commercial space trips and vacation pods on the Moon in "Space Vacation," The Future Of has dedicated episodes to "Gaming," "Skyscrapers," and "Life After Death."

2 Top Secret UFO Projects Declassified (2022)

Secrets And Theories Exploring Extraterrestrial Visitors

While the idea of UFOs is a controversial one that some dismiss as conspiracy theories, it is still a subject that fascinates many. In 6 episodes, the docuseries Top Secret UFO Projects Declassified details all the biggest evidence of UFO sightings and extraterrestrial life. This includes a deep dive into Project Blue Book, the U.S. government's previously top-secret attempts to study UFOs in the '50s, and Code Name Aurora, the alleged government project aimed at reverse-engineering alien technology.

From global evidence of sightings to individuals who claim to have performed autopsies on aliens, what makes Top Secret UFO Projects Declassified one of the best Netflix documentaries on UFOs and the unexplained is how the existing evidence is laid out chronologically and in striking detail. This makes it a must-watch for anyone watching the skies for clues of extraterrestrial life.

1 Countdown: Inspiration4 Mission to Space (2021)

A Giant Leap For Civilian Space Travel

As space travel becomes a more mainstream idea, more documentaries explore the idea of everyday people going to space. Countdown: Inspiration4 Mission to Space is a five-part docuseries focused on the four individuals tasked with the first all-civilian orbital mission. From the recruitment process and the extensive training to the actual launch of the SpaceX Dragon mission, also known as Inspiration4, Countdown: Inspiration4 Mission to Space is an emotional journey about people living out their wildest dreams.

In 2021, episodes of the docuseries were released as close to real-time as possible, with the final episode airing just days after the actual launch. Apart from being one of the best space documentaries on Netflix, Countdown: Inspiration4 Mission is among the greatest reality shows in recent history with a truly captivating idea at its center.