As Covid-19 continues to dictate where we can go and who we can, it’s probably getting to a point where you are starting to feel like you have watched everything on Netflix, but documentaries tend to get overlooked, probably because we are looking for a bit of escapism from real life, however there is a huge variety of documentaries available for all sorts of tastes.

So if you’re looking for something a little different, here are ten great documentaries to watch on Netflix.

Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness (2020)

Telling the unbelievable true story of two eccentric big cat owners whose rivalry escalated from a relatively simple dispute into a murder-for-hire assassination plot, Tiger King was one of the bright spots at the start of, what turned out to be, one hell of a year.

Length: 8 episode docuseries

Why watch? It’s crazy and ridiculous but great fun.

Read full review – here.

Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich (2020)

We all have an awareness, in some capacity or another, of who Jeffrey Epstein is and what he did but Filthy Rich tells the story up to his 2019 arrest from the perspective of his victims, some of whom are talking about their stories for the first time.

Length: 4 episode docuseries

Why watch? It’s an uncomfortable watch at times but increased awareness and exposure of these issues can only be a good thing.

Tell Me Who I Am (2019)

Told in three acts, Tell Me Who I Am tells the story of Marcus, who loses his memory in a motorbike accident and relies on his twin brother Alex to fill in the gaps of his past, but their relationship is put to the test when a dark secret from their childhood is brought to light.

Length: 1 hours 26 minute documentary film

Why watch? Excellently paced and simply told, this is one of those rare examples of being able to understand and empathise with both sides of a story.

Read full review – here.

The Last Dance (2020)

With basketball legend Michael Jordan at the helm, the 1990’s Chicago Bulls were one of sport’s greatest dynasties, The Last Stand documents their rise to stardom. Featuring great commentary and stories from some of the key players and staff of that time.

And no, you don’t need to be a fan of basketball to enjoy this series.

Length: 10 episode docuseries

Why watch? It’s a great example of all how every person has a part to play – and that capitalism isn’t always the right path to take.

Read full review – here.

13th (2016)

Director Ava DuVernay gives us an in-depth look at the history of the American justice system and how the introduction of the 13th amendment has shaped racial inequality over generations.

Length: 1 hour 40 minute documentary film

Why watch? Education and awareness helps us evolve and emphathise as human beings.

Read full review – here.

Athlete A (2020)

Follows the Indianapolis Star reporters as they expose the systemic abuse from within the US Gymnastic, first reported by Maggie Nichols aka ‘Athlete A’.

Length: 1 hour 43 minute documentary film

Why watch? Despite the horrors that are described, it is the strength of the survivors that stays with you.

Cheer (2020)

This documentary follows cheerleading coach Monica Aldama as she prepares her team for the biggest competition of the season, and a hopeful fourteenth National Championship title.

Length: 6 episode docuseries

Why watch? If you are anything like me, you have grossly underestimated the amount of strength and hard work that goes into cheerleading, this documentary will help to redress that popular misconception and leave you strangely motivated.

Read full review – here.

Don’t F**k With Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer (2019)

There is an unwritten rule on the internet – don’t f**k with cats. This documentary tells the story of a group of online justice seekers who helped track down a guy who evolved from killing kittens to murder.

Length: 3 episode docuseries

Why watch? We’ve probably all imagined ourselves as amateur detectives but this shows that it is not easy and it can quickly take over your life.

Read full review – here.

Miss Americana (2020)

Told in her own words, Miss Americana follows Taylor Swift at a time in her life where she breaks out of the limits of expectation and embraces who she truly wants to be.

Length: 1 hour 25 minute documentary film

Why watch? Regardless of your opinion of Swift, or her music, this documentary shows the person underneath and the songwriting process.

Read full review – here.

Icarus (2017)

After the highly publicised stories of doping in sports such as cycling and athletics, filmmaker Bryan Fogel sets about uncovering the truth. A chance meeting with a Russian scientist turns a small personal experiment into a globe trekking political thriller.

Length: 2 hour documentary film

Why watch? This offers a fascinating insight into the dark and seedy underbelly of something that should be a celebration of human strength, endurance and perseverance.

So there you have it, so if you are looking for something different to watch this week then check out some of these.

Until next time… x