Whenever I have had a Netflix and chill night, it has probably been a make or break for some ladies. My “Recommendations” and “My List” are filled with a copious amount of documentaries. I could care less if a girl judges me for my own film preference, it’s her loss if she finds that unattractive. Documentaries provide more than just information, they tell real stories by real people.
I know I’m not the only person that finds documentaries fascinating, as Netflix has increased its documentary section substantially over the past few years. So as a documentary nerd like myself I thought I’d show homage to some of my favorite documentaries I’ve seen. Trust me, I know what I’m talking about…
11. Planet Earth
“Planet Earth” is a BBC series that was produced in 2006. It was a big deal due to it being the first nature documentary to be filmed in HD, but this series never gets old. Explore the planet from pole to pole and learn how geophysics shaped the world we live in today. You’ll be surprised by the many plants and animals you didn’t know existed.
10. WWII In Colour
This 13 episode series does a great job informing in chronological order all major events that occurred during WWII. Besides being in color, this series isn’t the most visually appealing documentary—but knowing what happened before, during and after WWII is imperative in understanding American history. Check it out and maybe today’s drama with North Korea actually frightens you, not for America, but for the millions of civilians living on and around the Korean peninsula.
9. The Sixties
This is a recount of the 1960s in America. While there are “The Seventies” and “The Eighties”, the 1960s were just way more interesting, respectfully. The 1960s also laid the foundation into the modern America we live in today. One other cool aspect is when you watch it with family that’s relatively older. Seeing their reactions to The Beatles or their opinion on the Vietnam War is truly priceless.
8. WWII From Space
Unfortunately this show is no longer on Netflix, but it is on YouTube. As a WWII nerd I have never seen a documentary such as “WWII From Space.” Using detailed motion graphics they showcase WWII from above all battles, trading routes and numbers on what was lost and gained from both the Axis and Allies. I was never bored during this documentary, you won’t be either.
7. Terra
“Terra” is beautifully shot. This is hands down one of the most visually stunning shows I’ve ever seen. This documentary contrasts nature versus our modern world, both representing beauty. The only downside to this show is that it is in French, so if reading subtitles isn’t your thing I wouldn’t bother. But the French are known for great filmography and this is the best I’ve seen from them, so consider it!
6. Chasing Coral
This 2017 documentary is very informative on a current crisis: massive coral bleaching on a global scale. Understanding the importance of what corals provide to both sea life and human life is quite humbling. Knowing the seriousness of one environmental issue will open your mind to why others are worth considering. Seeing the excruciating hard work the film makers went through is inspiring as well.
5. Orbit
This three episode documentary was produced by BBC and informs how the Earth’s orbit, spin and tilt effect our planet's wind patterns and weather systems. For those with bad sense of direction I highly advise watching this one, it’ll help you out.
4. Mysteries Of The Unseen World
This one everyone should watch. It’s only 43 minutes long and very informative with highly detailed shots and visual effects. The title sums it up well, so you’ll probably learn a lot that you never knew was in right in front of you, or in you…
3. The Untold History of America
This one you may need a thinking cap and some already known basics of recent U.S. history. This eye-opening series has 13 episodes of nonstop informative facts that you wouldn’t see in public school books. If you want to know just how great of a nation we really are not, then get ready to relearn your perspective on our supposedly peaceful and prosperous nation.
2. Making A Murderer
Making a Murderer is definitely a binger. This is a story you can’t make up, but it is based off real events. Steven Avery was charged with a murder he did not commit and it wasn’t until 17 years later he was found innocent due to DNA testing. However, not even two years later he was charged with a new murder. The hard part is figuring out if he did it or if he was set up by the police. You decide for yourself.
1 Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey
Without a doubt the greatest documentary series I’ve ever seen. There is nothing so informative on such a grand scale and about, well, everything. History, biology, chemistry, astronomy, philosophy and adventure make up this epic tale known as the cosmos. Neil deGrasse Tyson narrates the science while taking you around the universe on Carl Sagan's ship of the imagination. You will remember learning some things mentioned in high school during each episode, but the visual effects will truly enlighten you in what you thought was so boring originally. If I was a teacher I would make students watch this, at least I would know they’d pay attention.
