Best Documentaries on Netflix

Last updated: July 23, 2026

If you love Documentaries and are looking for your next favorite, then you're in luck. We've compiled a list of the best Documentaries available to watch now on Netflix. Scroll through and find the perfect one for your family. And check back often -- we're updating regularly with new additions.

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Backyard Wilderness Poster Image

MOVIE

Backyard Wilderness

age 6+

Nature triumphs over devices in inspiring nature docu.

March 21, 2018 2018 NR (45 minutes)

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Inside the Mind of a Dog movie poster: Dogs surrounding the edges

MOVIE

Inside the Mind of a Dog

age 6+

Kid-friendly documentary is pawsitively warm, insightful.

August 9, 2024 2024 NR (75 minutes)

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Kangaroo Valley Movie

MOVIE

Kangaroo Valley

age 6+

Absorbing kangaroo docu has peril, predator chases.

December 14, 2022 2022 NR (76 minutes)

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The Short Game Poster Image

MOVIE

The Short Game

age 7+

Fabulous, kid-friendly docu about world's youngest golfers.

September 20, 2013 2013 PG (90 minutes)

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A gorilla looks out from a leafy green background on the poster for A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough

MOVIE

A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough

age 8+

Thoughtful nature docu is full of curiosity and heart.

April 17, 2026 2026 NR (90 minutes)

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Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker Poster Image

MOVIE

Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker

age 8+

Inspirational docu has positive messages, role models.

November 27, 2020 2020 NR (120 minutes)

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Dear Santa Poster Image

MOVIE

Dear Santa

age 8+

Sweet seasonal docu about USPS' holiday-giving campaign.

December 4, 2020 2020 NR (84 minutes)

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Hold Your Breath Movie Poster

MOVIE

Hold Your Breath: The Ice Dive

age 8+

Dreams surface for underwater diver; peril, injuries.

May 3, 2022 2022 NR (40 minutes)

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Inside the Mind of a Cat movie poster image.

MOVIE

Inside the Mind of a Cat

age 8+

Experts examine feline behavior in kid-friendly docu.

August 18, 2022 2022 NR (67 minutes)

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Koshien: Japan's Field of Dreams Poster Image

MOVIE

Koshien: Japan's Field of Dreams

age 8+

Compelling docu about Japan's biggest baseball tournament.

March 2, 2021 2021 NR (94 minutes)

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Makayla’s Voice: A Letter to the World movie poster: Makayla Cain with headphones and a background with letters.

MOVIE

Makayla's Voice: A Letter to the World

age 8+

Potentially upsetting scenes in poignant short docu.

December 11, 2024 2024 NR (24 minutes)

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My Octopus Teacher Poster Image

MOVIE

My Octopus Teacher

age 8+

Octopus befriends troubled diver and teaches him about life.

September 7, 2020 2020 NR (85 minutes)

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Pangolin: Kulu's Journey movie poster: Pangolin eats from a man's hand.

MOVIE

Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey

age 8+

Peril, mild language in gorgeous, moving nature docu.

April 21, 2025 2025 PG (89 minutes)

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Puff: Wonders of the Reef Poster Image

MOVIE

Puff: Wonders of the Reef

age 8+

A pufferfish learns to survive in eco-friendly docu.

December 16, 2021 2021 NR (62 minutes)

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Secret Lives of Orangutans movie poster: Ape baby face.

MOVIE

Secret Lives of Orangutans

age 8+

Apes hunt, fight, and grow up in absorbing nature docu.

August 23, 2024 2024 NR (80 minutes)

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Sing, Dance, Act: Kabuki Featuring Toma Ikuta-movie poster image

MOVIE

Sing, Dance, Act: Kabuki Featuring Toma Ikuta

age 8+

Japanese film star seeks career challenge on theater stage.

June 16, 2022 2022 NR (87 minutes)

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The Elephant Whisperers movie poster: Tamil man on left and Tamil woman on right and baby elephant center sit around a campfire

MOVIE

The Elephant Whisperers

age 8+

Couple raises orphaned baby elephants in beautiful docu.

December 8, 2022 2022 PG (41 minutes)

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The Only Girl in the Orchestra movie poster: Against a rainbow backdrop a woman with large eyeglasses stands behind a double bass holding a bow

MOVIE

The Only Girl in the Orchestra

age 8+

Engaging short docu spotlights classical music trailblazer.

November 9, 2023 2023 G (34 minutes)

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The Speed Cubers Poster Image

MOVIE

The Speed Cubers

age 8+

Inspiring short docu about competition and friendship.

July 29, 2020 2020 PG (40 minutes)

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Becoming Poster Image

MOVIE

Becoming

age 9+

Enlightening journey with Michelle Obama on her book tour.

May 6, 2020 2020 PG (89 minutes)

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