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The best documentaries on Netflix right now

Right now the best documentaries and docuseries on Netflix in the United States are The Last Dance (2020), Formula 1: Drive to Survive (2019) and Our Planet (2019). This is the top 30 streaming there today, ranked by how well rated each one is, how many people have rated it, and what people are watching now.

Updated November 12, 2026 · streaming in the United States

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  1. 6. My Octopus Teacher2020

    Film · 1h 25mDocumentary★ 7.9

    After years of swimming every day in the freezing ocean at the tip of Africa, Craig Foster meets an unlikely teacher: a young octopus who displays remarkable curiosity.

    Stream onNetflix

  2. 7. David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet2020

    Film · 1h 23mDocumentary, Drama★ 8.4

    The story of life on our planet by the man who has seen more of the natural world than any other. In more than 90 years, Attenborough has visited every continent on the globe, exploring the wild places of our planet and documenting the…

    Stream onNetflix

  3. 11. The Social Dilemma2020

    Film · 1h 35mDocumentary, Drama★ 7.5

    This documentary-drama hybrid explores the dangerous human impact of social networking, with tech experts sounding the alarm on their own creations.

    Stream onNetflix

  4. 17. Apollo 112019

    Film · 1h 33mDocumentary, History, Drama★ 7.9

    A look at the Apollo 11 mission to land on the moon led by commander Neil Armstrong and pilot Buzz Aldrin.

    Stream onNetflixHistory VaultKanopy (free)

  5. 20. 13th2016

    Film · 1h 41mDocumentary★ 7.8

    An in-depth look at the prison system in the United States and how it reveals the nation's history of racial inequality.

    Stream onNetflix

  6. Which of these would you actually like?

    Rate a few films you've seen and every title gets a match score for your taste, with picks from friends who agree with you. Free, about three minutes.

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  7. 25. Miss Americana2020

    Film · 1h 25mDocumentary, Music★ 7.8

    A raw and emotionally revealing look at one of the most iconic artists of our time during a transformational period in her life as she learns to embrace her role not only as a songwriter and performer, but as a woman harnessing the full…

    Stream onNetflix

  8. 26. The Greatest Night in Pop2024

    Film · 1h 36mDocumentary, Music★ 7.9

    On a January night in 1985, music's biggest stars gathered to record "We Are the World." This documentary goes behind the scenes of the historic event.

    Stream onNetflix

  9. 28. Maternal Instinct2026

    Film · 1h 37mDocumentary, Crime★ 7.1

    Police pull over a woman who claims she just gave birth. But the baby — and the blood — aren't hers. Twisted lies unravel in this true-crime documentary.

    Stream onNetflix

  10. 29. Icarus2017

    Film · 2h 2mDocumentary★ 7.6

    While investigating the furtive world of illegal doping in sports, director Bryan Fogel connects with renegade Russian scientist Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov—a pillar of his country's "anti-doping" program.

    Stream onNetflix

  11. 30. Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond - Featuring a Very Special, Contractually Obligated Mention of Tony Clifton2017

    Film · 1h 34mDocumentary, Drama, Comedy★ 7.5

    Through the lens of his stunningly immersive performance as Andy Kaufman, Jim Carrey ponders the meaning of life, reality, identity and career.

    Stream onNetflix

Questions

What are the best documentaries and docuseries on Netflix right now?
In the United States, as of November 12, 2026: The Last Dance (2020), rated 8.3 out of 10 on TMDB, then Formula 1: Drive to Survive and Our Planet.
How is this list made?
Watchwalla asks TMDB for everything of this kind that streams in your country today, ranks it by rating (pulled toward the middle until enough people have rated a title), with a nudge for what's new and what people are watching now, and refreshes the list every day. Streaming availability comes from JustWatch, through TMDB.
Can it pick something for me?
Yes. The picker at watchwalla.com/tonight asks who's watching, how much time you have and what you're in the mood for, and gives three picks streaming where you are. Sign in and every title also gets a match score for your own taste.

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