17 Captivating Netflix Documentaries

17 Captivating Netflix Documentaries

Tired of navigating the endless menus of Netflix recommendations?
Christopher Corapi
Christopher Corapi Jun 8, 2016
246
views

Attempting to navigate the goldmine that is Netflix can be difficult. Here are some of the most captivating and intriguing documentaries I have come across!

The Square (2013)

This Emmy-winning documentary film captures a street level perspective of the rise and fall of two governments became the Egyptian revolution. The cinematography is top notch and gives an amazing a first person experience of complete anarchy. If you want to see what it feels like to be in the midst of a modern day revolution I highly recommend this film!

Alive inside (2014)

Dan Cohen, the founder of the Music and Memory, demonstrates how music can help bring to the surface deep-rooted memories and experiences that were once lost due to Alzheimer's. This film tugs at heartstrings from start to finish and is especially for moving those who family members suffer from dementia and Alzheimer's.

Maidentrip (2013)


14-year-old Laura Dekker captures her entire voyage as she becomes the youngest person to sail around the world alone. Laura records herself using a handheld camera as she navigates waves of both the emotional and physical hardship. If you are looking for a film that is breathtaking and nearly unbelievable, search no more!

An Honest Liar (2014)



Retired and renowned stage magician and escapist James “The Amazing” Randi sets out to prove that magic is not what it seems. While the film originally sets out to tell the how Randi took on his own industry for the betterment of magic, it quickly takes a sharp turn when the fraud and deception within his personal life are revealed. The basis of this story itself is interesting but to see how his life unfolds on camera is worth of a documentary itself.

Freakonomics (2010)

When most people think of economics they think of the economy and dollar value. Economist Steven D. Levitt and journalist Stephen J. Dubner show through amusing animations and dialogue how interesting human behavior is and how strange our world really is. Some of the topics touched on are how cheating ties both teachers and sumo wrestlers, the role a person’s name has for success in their life and revealing the economics of drug dealing. If you are familiar with the book titled Freakonomics or any of Malcolm Gladwell’s writing then this is right up your alley!

Living on a dollar (2013)

Four Americans travel to rural Guatemala to live the same lifestyle as the locals. As they attempt to farm for both food and money they realize how hard it is to live off of a dollar a day. The more days that go by the more they realize that this is a day to day struggle for nearly a billion people. This is an award winning documentary that is up there on being my personal favorite.

Lost Angels: Skid Row Is My Home (2010)

Los Angeles’ homeless population is one of the highest in the country. Take a first-hand look at how it became home to former Olympians, lawyers, and published scholars. This film takes a first-hand look at the effect deinstitutionalization and criminalization of homeless has on society. Throughout all of the trials and tributes faced by many of those forced to live on the street is still a story of hope and life and a powerful story.

Spark: A Burning Man Story (2013)

Each year nearly 60,000 people arrive in the Nevada desert to express themselves in every way imaginable. Some choose to build city-like structures with the intent of burning them down. Others drive vehicles that breath fire or slither like a snake. This event has influenced around the world and is a must-see for anyone interested in self-expression.

The Art of Flight (2011)

This film takes snowboarding and cinematography to its limits with its mesmerizing shots and soundtrack. Breathtaking slow motion footage in 4K gives a whole new meaning to adventure. If you are looking to be blown away by feats of the human vs nature then this is a must watch!

Microcosmos (1996)

A film that captures the life of all the creepy crawlers you wish you weren’t seeing up close. Using incredibly close up shots, stop motion animation and a lot of patience this film is perfect for witnesses the beauty that goes on around us on a creepy crawly day to day basis.

Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011)

Jiro Ono has developed a name for being one of the best sushi restaurants in the world. This documentary follows the story of how his restaurant which has only 10 seats can cost over $300 a seat. From beginning to end a new appreciation for sushi will develop as the love Jiro has for his trade is passed on to his sons.

Planet Earth (2006)

This four-time Emmy-winning documentary series captures the beauty of the world around us. Five years of footage that stretches from the top of the Himalayas to the bottom of the ocean is more than most can believe exists. This film captures Earth for the first time ever in HD and amounted to the largest budget BBC has ever commissioned. I can truly say that this series is breathtaking and a must watch!

Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey (2014-)

Explore the universe as Neil deGrasse Tyson explains how the world came to be and the future of science as we know it. Over 9 hours of in-depth visualizations and descriptions from everything from the big bang to how close we are to immortality. Each episode expands the mind while giving a deeper understanding of the world around us.

An Idiot Abroad (2010-2013)

Imagine a real life Homer Simpson traveling around the world when the only thing he wants to do is sit in the comfort of his home. That is the best way to describe Karl Pilkington's adventure. He is sent all over the world from China, to the states, to Brazil while hating every minute of it. It doesn’t help that he is set up on elaborate pranks that make for a tear-jerking comedy. This is probably my favorite show in existence, I cry of laughter every time so this is a must watch!

Chasing Ice (2012)

National Geographic photographer James Balog manages to make melting ice an exciting feat. The footage gives visual confirmation of alarming rate global warming is has on the Arctic. This film was several years in the making and managed to capture several years of multi-year record-breaking glaciers.

Blackfish (2013)

A documentary that illustrates how dangerous killer whale in captivity can be to both humans and themselves. This controversial documentary focus’ on Tilikum, a killer whale who has cause the death of three trainers, which eventually caused SeaWorld to reevaluate keeping them in captivity.

The Secret (2006)



The Law of Attraction is the secret that has been kept for centuries. While authors, philosophers, and scientists attempt to detail what the root to success really is. Although, the cinematography is far from good taking in everything with a grain of salt and truly understanding the philosophy behind this film can change your life. This was one documentary that simply changed my outlook on life.

Cover Image Credit: Huffington Post
Christopher Corapi
Christopher Corapi Jun 8, 2016
At Suffolk County, New York

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8 Reasons Why My Dad Is the Most Important Man In My Life

Forever my number one guy.
Sydney Kofron
Sydney Kofron Mar 29, 2016
33830
views

Growing up, there's been one consistent man I can always count on, my father. In any aspect of my life, my dad has always been there, showing me unconditional love and respect every day. No matter what, I know that my dad will always be the most important man in my life for many reasons.

1. He has always been there.

Literally. From the day I was born until today, I have never not been able to count on my dad to be there for me, uplift me and be the best dad he can be.

2. He learned to adapt and suffer through girly trends to make me happy.

I'm sure when my dad was younger and pictured his future, he didn't think about the Barbie pretend pageants, dressing up as a princess, perfecting my pigtails and enduring other countless girly events. My dad never turned me down when I wanted to play a game, no matter what and was always willing to help me pick out cute outfits and do my hair before preschool.

3. He sends the cutest texts.

Random text messages since I have gotten my own cell phone have always come my way from my dad. Those randoms "I love you so much" and "I am so proud of you" never fail to make me smile, and I can always count on my dad for an adorable text message when I'm feeling down.

4. He taught me how to be brave.

When I needed to learn how to swim, he threw me in the pool. When I needed to learn how to ride a bike, he went alongside me and made sure I didn't fall too badly. When I needed to learn how to drive, he was there next to me, making sure I didn't crash.

5. He encourages me to best the best I can be.

My dad sees the best in me, no matter how much I fail. He's always there to support me and turn my failures into successes. He can sit on the phone with me for hours, talking future career stuff and listening to me lay out my future plans and goals. He wants the absolute best for me, and no is never an option, he is always willing to do whatever it takes to get me where I need to be.

6. He gets sentimental way too often, but it's cute.

Whether you're sitting down at the kitchen table, reminiscing about your childhood, or that one song comes on that your dad insists you will dance to together on your wedding day, your dad's emotions often come out in the cutest possible way, forever reminding you how loved you are.


7. He supports you, emotionally and financially.

Need to vent about a guy in your life that isn't treating you well? My dad is there. Need some extra cash to help fund spring break? He's there for that, too.

8. He shows me how I should be treated.

Yes, my dad treats me like a princess, and I don't expect every guy I meet to wait on me hand and foot, but I do expect respect, and that's exactly what my dad showed I deserve. From the way he loves, admires, and respects me, he shows me that there are guys out there who will one day come along and treat me like that. My dad always advises me to not put up with less than I deserve and assures me that the right guy will come along one day.

For these reasons and more, my dad will forever be my No. 1 man. I love you!

Sydney Kofron
Sydney Kofron Mar 29, 2016
At University of Arizona

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From One Nerd To Another

My contemplation of the complexities between different forms of art.

Flannery Brown
Flannery Brown Apr 18, 2019
79
views

Aside from reading Guy Harrison's guide to eliminating scientific ignorance called, "At Least Know This: Essential Science to Enhance Your Life" and, "The Breakthrough: Immunotherapy and the Race to Cure Cancer" by Charles Graeber, an informative and emotional historical account explaining the potential use of our own immune systems to cure cancer, I read articles and worked on my own writing in order to keep learning while enjoying my winter break back in December. I also took a trip to the Guggenheim Museum.


I wish I was artistic. Generally, I walk through museums in awe of what artists can do. The colors and dainty details simultaneously inspire me and remind me of what little talent I posses holding a paintbrush. Walking through the Guggenheim was no exception. Most of the pieces are done by Hilma af Klint, a 20th-century Swedish artist expressing her beliefs and curiosity about the universe through her abstract painting. I was mostly at the exhibit to appease my mom (a K - 8th-grade art teacher), but as we continued to look at each piece and read their descriptions, I slowly began to appreciate them and their underlying meanings.


I like writing that integrates symbols, double meanings, and metaphors into its message because I think that the best works of art are the ones that have to be sought after. If the writer simply tells you exactly what they were thinking and how their words should be interpreted, there's no room for imagination. An unpopular opinion in high school was that reading "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne was fun. Well, I thought it was. At the beginning of the book, there's a scene where Hawthorne describes a wild rosebush that sits just outside of the community prison. As you read, you are free to decide whether it's an image of morality, the last taste of freedom and natural beauty for criminals walking toward their doom, or a symbol of the relationship between the Puritans with their prison-like expectations and Hester, the main character, who blossoms into herself throughout the novel. Whichever one you think it is doesn't matter, the point is that the rosebush can symbolize whatever you want it to. It's the same with paintings - they can be interpreted however you want them to be.


As we walked through the building, its spiral design leading us further and further upwards, we were able to catch glimpses of af Klint's life through the strokes of her brush. My favorite of her collections was one titled, "Evolution." As a science nerd myself, the idea that the story of our existence was being incorporated into art intrigued me. One piece represented the eras of geological time through her use of spirals and snails colored abstractly. She clued you into the story she was telling by using different colors and tones to represent different periods. It felt like reading "The Scarlet Letter" and my biology textbook at the same time. Maybe that sounds like the worst thing ever, but to me it was heaven. Art isn't just art and science isn't just science. Aspects of different studies coexist and join together to form something amazing that will speak to even the most untalented patron walking through the museum halls.

Flannery Brown
Flannery Brown Apr 18, 2019
At Fordham University

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