Millions of people know that Netflix provides a wealth of films for all of types of movie lovers. Now people have the simplicity of scaling through the long lists of options and settling onto the couch or bed with a bowl of popcorn to relax. Viewers who want an educational kind of movie should try looking into the countless number of documentaries on Netflix. Here are five documentaries that have proved to be very popular.
1. "Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father" (2008)
This documentary is sure to pull at the heartstrings of anyone who watches it. Created, directed, and narrated by Kurt Kuenne, this is a tale of the tragic murder of Andrew Bagby, allegedly by his ex-girlfriend Shirley Turner. Kuenne, a close friend of Bagby since childhood, made this film to memorialize him so that he would not be forgotten, especially by his son, Zachary, whom he had never met. It details the murder trial of Turner, the long custody battle for Zachary between Andrew's parents, David, and Kathleen, and Turner, and the horrible events that led to the conception of the film.
2. "The Source Family" (2012)
Ever have an interest in the '70s, group mentality, cults, or psychedelic spiritual communes? If the answer is yes, then look no further than "The Source Family," directed by Jodi Wille and Maria Demopoulos. This is an in-depth look, from 1971 to 1975, at a group of young men and women in Los Angeles who were manipulated by the charismatic self-appointed leader Jim Baker (also known as "Father Yod"). Through interviews with former member, photographs, and video, watchers will see these were people, who were once owners of a healthy food restaurant, slowly grow to a small house of 140 members. There is a lot of evidence given to show the daily lives of the family, even footage of Baker's final moments.
3. "Room 237" (2013)
This was inspired by the films of Stanley Kubrick, especially the cult film "The Shining" and was directed by Rodney Ascher. This story is told in voiceover and involves the contributions of many different people who have devoted their movie interests to "The Shining" and all of its glory. It is thought provoking and eyebrow raising but still leaves room for laughter at the many, sometimes-shocking conspiracies. Fans of cinematic conspiracy theories: This is the documentary for you.
4. "Sins of My Father" (2009)
Directed by Nicolas Entel, this documentary focuses on Sebastian Marroquin, the son of Pablo Escobar. Once a son who only knew Escobar as a devoted and loving father, audiences meet him years after he has come to terms with the real monster his father was. The story covers Marroquin's childhood as he was left in the dark of the murder, manipulation, and drug trade going on around him. It details the difficulty he faced in accepting his father's horrendous acts. Those who have recently watched and been hooked on the Netflix original series "Narcos," which focuses on Escobar and his rise to power, won't be able to resist this. If you don't understand Spanish, be sure to turn on the subtitles.
5. "Into the Abyss" (2011)
Werner Herzog, the director of "Into the Abyss," gives a chronicle of two men accused and convicted of triple homicide: Michael Perry, who received a death sentence, and Jason Burkett, who is serving a life sentence. Viewers see inside Huntsville "Walls" Unit in Texas, where both men speak with and give answers to Herzog. If you have ever been curious about America's death penalty, you may want to see this.
