Best Documentaries and Docuseries

Last updated: June 29, 2026

Few stories are as affecting and inspirational as the true ones that take place in the world every day. The documentaries and docuseries on this list prove that point and then some. Whether it's about astronauts, babies, or climate change, you can learn something new from any movie or TV show here, but you'll also be entertained and moved along the way. These filmmakers do an amazing job of exploring cultures, exposing issues, and telling stories small and large. You'll cheer, you'll cry, you'll rage, and you might even be inspired to change the world.

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Great Bear Rainforest: Land of the Spirit Bear Poster Image

MOVIE

Great Bear Rainforest: Land of the Spirit Bear

age 5+

Immersive nature docu offers scenic awe and animal awwws.

February 15, 2019 2019 NR (42 minutes)

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A Beautiful Planet Poster Image

MOVIE

A Beautiful Planet

age 6+

Stunning look at Earth -- and man's sobering impact on it.

April 29, 2016 2016 G (45 minutes)

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A Reindeer's Journey Poster Image

MOVIE

A Reindeer's Journey

age 6+

Captivating reindeer docu has natural beauty, perils.

November 15, 2019 2019 NR (86 minutes)

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Back from the Brink: Saved from Extinction Poster Image

MOVIE

Back from the Brink: Saved from Extinction

age 6+

IMAX nature docu proves human efforts can make a difference.

November 2, 2019 2019 NR (39 minutes)

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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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March of the Penguins Poster Image

MOVIE

March of the Penguins

age 6+

Stunning, loving documentary; some intense peril.

June 24, 2005 2005 G (80 minutes)

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Orangutan movie poster: Orangutan mom and baby.

MOVIE

Orangutan

age 6+

Mildly tense scenes in educational, enjoyable docu.

April 22, 2026 2026 G (81 minutes)

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Pick of the Litter Poster Image

MOVIE

Pick of the Litter

age 6+

"Dog"umentary fetches empathy, enlightenment, warm fuzzies.

August 31, 2018 2018 NR (81 minutes)

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Planet Earth III TV poster: Elephants walk beside a river

TV

Planet Earth III

age 6+

Attenborough's masterful series talks adaptation, has peril.

BBC America Educational (2023)

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Polar Bear Movie Poster

MOVIE

Polar Bear

age 6+

Docu has majestic footage, positive lessons, natural perils.

April 22, 2022 2022 PG (83 minutes)

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Babies Poster Image

MOVIE

Babies

age 7+

Mesmerizing film for kids and parents who adore wee ones.

May 7, 2010 2010 PG (79 minutes)

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My Best Friend's an Animal: TV Image, a rhino laying in a field, being touched by an African man, also sitting in a field.

TV

My Best Friend's an Animal

age 7+

Friendship knows no bounds in heartfelt docuseries.

Disney+ Educational (2025)

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Wonders of the Sea Poster Image

MOVIE

Wonders of the Sea

age 7+

Docu beautifully highlights oceans' delicate balance.

January 17, 2019 2019 G (102 minutes)

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A Spark Story Poster Image

MOVIE

A Spark Story

age 8+

Aspiring directors share their diverse views to make movies.

September 24, 2021 2021 NR (87 minutes)

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Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable Poster Image

MOVIE

Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable

age 8+

Inspirational docu has themes of perseverance, gratitude.

July 12, 2019 2019 PG (100 minutes)

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Choir TV Show: Black teenagers from the Detroit Youth Choir sing on stage

TV

Choir

age 8+

Uplifting docuseries hits all the high notes; mild language.

Disney+ Reality TV (2024)

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Emi Martinez: The Kid Who Stops Time movie poster: Dibu with ball.

MOVIE

Emi Martinez: The Kid Who Stops Time

age 8+

Soccer legend shares his story in family-friendly docu.

May 28, 2026 2026 NR (78 minutes)

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Fly Like a Girl Poster Image

MOVIE

Fly Like a Girl

age 8+

Inspiring documentary about pioneering women pilots.

October 9, 2020 2020 NR (84 minutes)

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Imba Means Sing Poster Image

MOVIE

Imba Means Sing

age 8+

Vibrant, uplifting docu about African children's choir.

December 4, 2015 2015 NR (75 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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