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The 10 Netflix Docs You Need During Finals Week

Because clearly we aren't just going to do the mountain of work our grades are dependent on.

Apr 28, 2019

The 10 Netflix Docs You Need During Finals Week

https://www.cnet.com/news/watch-netflix-colorful-new-intro-thatll-ease-you-into-its-originals/

Finals. We all need to take them, but we all just *really* don't want to. Especially not when Netflix keeps dropping documentaries and docu-series that are, frankly, a much more entertaining use of our time. Plus, at least you learn something if you watch them. So, here are 10 documentaries to watch when you need a study break but still want to learn something.

1. Our Planet

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aETNYyrqNYE&t=2s

Disclaimer: this is not the cute, cuddly and uplifting nature doc that will leave you feeling great. It's far too accurate for that, but Our Planet is still worth watching. The series focuses on different ecosystems, their inhabitants and also how humans are destroying them. Sad? Yes. One of the most important things on Netflix right now? Also yes. Give yourself some time (and some tissues) and learn about the degradation our planet faces because of us.

2. Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZ0KNVU2fV0

This one's been out for a little while, so you probably know about it already and might have even seen it. Still, the best break from your finals cramming might just be other people making an absolute mess of a group project.

3. Literally everything from BBCearth

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgpWX18dby4&t=12s

Okay, these aren't Netflix original documentaries, but they're still worth watching. Plus, most of the BBC's are a lot lighter in tone than Our Planet, so you'll be left with more faith in the human race. Plus, cute baby animals. Does anyone ever need more? Hint: the answer is no.

4. Casting Jonbenet

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KMEOaMCJss

Twisted, haunted and hard to stop once you stop: that's the story of Jonbenet Ramsay. One of the most famous cold cases in America, Ramsay's murder has captured the public conscious for decades. Netflix's look at the story is worth a view (or multiple views, depending on how much you want to procrastinate) because it focuses on the reactions to the murder and not necessarily the crime itself. It is a unique twist on the genre, and one worth checking out.

5. Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1UJgrNRcvI&t=17s

This is another one that has been out for a while, but is still worth noting. It is a creepy, dark thrill ride that is hard to turn away from. Be warned, though: this might take up a pretty significant amount of your study time. But hey, at least you learn about one of America's most prolific serial killers in the process.

6. Feminists: What Were They Thinking

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAgeCLYnwNg&t=35s

If there is one word that no two people seem to have the same definition of, it's feminism. The buzz word that has people inspired, enraged and confused all in the same week is always worth a closer look. This documentary is great for the break that leaves you feeling a little more inspired and ready to take on the world.

7. Gaga: Five Foot Two

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxI1iOi0t-c&t=56s

If crime, history and the environment aren't your thing, maybe you'll enjoy music instead. Five Foot Two is a look into the life of one of the most successful pop artists of the decade: Lady Gaga. Take some time to go behind the glitz and glam of Hollywood and connect with

8. Roman Empire

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faOvIHG7DaQ

I am a self-proclaimed history nerd, so this one is one of my personal favorites. Roman Empire is a three-season long look at different points in the empire's long history. It is factual and is built around interviews with historians and scholars. Those interviews are interwoven with actor reenactments, which add a level of entertainment to the stories. It's great for history buffs and beginners alike. Plus, the Romans were crazy, and the stories that can be told about them are full of all the points of a murder-mystery-soap opera of your dreams.

9. Homecoming: A Film by Beyonce

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fB8qvx0HOlI&t=21s

Coachella. Beyonce. DUH.

10. The CNN Decades Docuseries

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9X6MMfv0gY

These aren't Netflix originals, but they're too good to not include in a listicle of docs to watch. There are four series each based on a different decade: the 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000. Each series reflects on the culture, technology, music, social issues and politics of the decade, meaning there is something for everyone. Oh, and Tom Hanks appears in all of them, and who doesn't love Tom Hanks? (The correct answer is no one. No one dislikes Tom Hanks.)

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Recommended for you

The 10 Netflix Docs You Need During Finals Week

Because clearly we aren't just going to do the mountain of work our grades are dependent on.

1. Our Planet

2. Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened

3. Literally everything from BBCearth

4. Casting Jonbenet

5. Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes

6. Feminists: What Were They Thinking

7. Gaga: Five Foot Two

8. Roman Empire

9. Homecoming: A Film by Beyonce

10. The CNN Decades Docuseries

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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