Documentaries are capable of telling captivating stories using real people and topics. The genre has the power to educate, inform and entertain at the same time. And streaming services like Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Netflix have made it possible for documentaries that cover niche or relatively unknown topics to reach a wider audience, which often brings attention to important issues that simply were not getting it.

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This has given documentary filmmakers the freedom to explore topics that would have normally never made it to the big or small screen. Whether it's a story about a crime that no one has ever heard of or an exploration of a group of hobbyists unknown to the general public, there are plenty of documentaries on Netflix that will both surprise and delight viewers.

Rotten (2018)

A promo graphic for the Netflix documentary Rotten

A docuseries that can be both frustrating and shocking, Rotten is a documentary that dives into the world of global food supply chains and the nasty underbelly that most consumers are unaware of. With a goal to bring attention to the harm inflicted by something as simple as the global avocado trade, the documentary features a different topic in each episode, all with an emphasis on the negative impact of the product.

Those interested in social and cultural documentaries should definitely take time to watch at least a few of the episodes in the series to gain a better understanding of just how big of an impact everyone's food choices can make.

Dark Tourist (2018)

A man sitting next to a couple in skull makeup in Dark Tourist

Dark Tourist is the perfect documentary series for those looking for something a little bit different and perhaps macabre on their next vacation or trip abroad. Hosted by journalist David Farrier of the acclaimed documentary Tickled, David travels the world participating in any dark tourism he can find.

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"Dark tourism" can include exploring a lake formed by a nuclear blast, taking a JFK assassination tour in Dallas, or traveling some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in South Africa. The show is fascinating and terrifying, but David does a great job of grounding the tours in reality and questioning the morality of profiting off of others' misfortune.

Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened (2019)

A woman sunbathes in a field of garbage in a promo image for Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened

Anyone that was on social media at the time will probably remember that Fyre festival fiasco that happened back in 2017. For those that weren't aware, a luxury music festival was heavily marketed on social media, with many influencers getting invited to an island for what was supposed to be the music festival of a lifetime.

However, things didn't exactly go to planned and the whole festival quickly went from a complete disaster to a literal a safety hazard. The documentary goes into all of the fraud and unbelievable antics that went on behind the scenes of the greatest failed music event of all time.

Icarus (2017)

Two men holding medical supplies in Icarus

A scandal that shook the world of professional cycling might not sound like the most exciting documentary to the average sports fan. However, the acclaimed documentary really plays out more like a spy thriller than a doping scandal.

This cheating plot spanned years, involved thousands of people, and possibly even had ties to the highest officials in the Russian government. The documentary shines a light on the insane level of corruption in the world of professional sports and how cheating can quickly become an international crime.

Behind The Curve (2018)

A large wall surrounding a flat earth in a promo image for Behind The Curve

A documentary about a group of individuals that believe a conspiracy that the earth is in fact flat may seem like it couldn't be anything more than a joke. However, Behind The Curve is able to avoid poking fun at "flat-earthers," and instead seeks to explore why these individuals believe the conspiracy, despite centuries of science and mathematics saying otherwise.

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The result is a documentary that forces the viewers to reexamine the educations system that allowed for basic science to be questioned and undermined, as well as their own role in how misinformation is spread.

Tiger King (2020)

Tiger King posing next to his tiger

The infamous documentary had one of the biggest advantages in the history of streaming service releases: no one could (or wanted to) leave their house. Released not long after coronavirus seemingly shut down the whole world, there was a period of 2020 when news coverage was split between political unrest, a pandemic, and Joe Exotic.

The docuseries explored the day-to-day operations and scandals of an exotic animal sanctuary that focused mainly on big cats in the middle of rural Oklahoma. Full of tiger attacks, jaw-dropping accusations, and illegal twists, Tiger King is a must-watch for any documentary fan.

Evil Genius (2018)

A woman in a promotional photo for Evil Genius

Perhaps the most unique crime documentary ever created, this series will have viewers saying "Did that really happen?" at least twice an episode. Evil Genius follows the story of a pizza delivery man who robbed a bank with a bomb supposedly strapped to his neck.

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Initially, most people thought that the bomb was fake, but the bomb's detonation and the man's subsequent death leads to the discovery of a far greater conspiracy involving the plan's mastermind and the group that made the heist a reality. Full of manipulations and tons of unanswered questions, Evil Genius tackles what could have been the crime of the century.

Take Your Pills (2018)

A woman takes a pill into her mouth in Take Your Pills

Although many would call it an epidemic, many college students view the wide use of Adderall as a positive thing. The documentary explores how and why the ADHD drug has become so prevalent in universities.

With college students under immense pressure from school, work, and extracurricular activities, many turn to the drug in order to help them focus, with some claiming that they would not be able to be successful without the drug. Part drug documentary, part social commentary, the simple question is asked: Is Adderall worth the risk?

Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal (2021)

Rick Singer on the phone for Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal

A story that shocked the world, especially those that have gone through the long, difficult, and expensive task of applying for colleges, The College Admissions Scandal explores a scandal involving some of the biggest names in Hollywood.

An FBI investigation uncovers a massive plot in which wealthy parents would pay thousands of dollars in order to ensure their children got into some of the biggest schools in the nations like USC, UCLA, and more. With falsified documents and fake sports accolades, hundreds of students cheated their way into schools that others sacrificed everything to get into.

L.A. Originals (2020)

Estevan Oriol looking to the camera in LA Originals promo materials

"Cholo Davincis," is the term used to describe the tattoo artist and photographer that made some of the biggest impacts on Hip Hop culture through the 1980s.

L.A. Originals tells the story of Estevan Oriol and Mister Cartoon, the tattoo artist and photographer that worked with artists like Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and more to help shape the aesthetic and style of hip hop on the west coast. Visionaries with humble roots, Estevan and Mister Cartoon had a massive impact on the L.A. art and music scene that can still be seen and heard today.

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