Biographical Documentaries on Netflix
Last updated April 23, 2024
The Marinovich Project
2011 | NR | 4.0 out of 5 StarsTodd Marinovich was molded by his father to be an athlete from birth, and Marv Marinovich believed his strict systems would sculpt his son into a top quarterback. But along with the pursuit of perfection came increasingly intense pressure.
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Jay-Z: Reasonable Doubt
2007 | NR | 4.0 out of 5 StarsGet an inside look at the creative process that launched the career of one of rap's most influential artists and executives with this fascinating documentary that follows the creation of Jay-Z's smash hit 1996 debut album, "Reasonable Doubt."
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Seven Up
1964 | NR | 4.0 out of 5 StarsA group of 7-year-old British children spanning the spectrum of socioeconomic backgrounds are interviewed about an array of topics.
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7 Plus Seven
1970 | NR | 4.0 out of 5 StarsAfter a seven-year interval, the same group of British youngsters -- now age 14 -- is quizzed about the changes that have transpired in their lives.
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Triage: Dr. James Orbinski's Humanitarian Dilemma
2007 | NR | 4.0 out of 5 StarsWriting a book about his past experiences and the current situation in Africa, Nobel Peace Prize recipient and former head of Doctors Without Borders Dr. James Orbinski travels to Somalia, Rwanda and the Congo, where he confronts disturbing truths. This documentary follows Orbinski's incredible journey as he recalls troubling memories of violence and despair but also finds signs of solidarity, compassion and true humanitarianism.
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Surviving Hitler: A Love Story
2011 | NR | 4.0 out of 5 StarsTwo young sweethearts ultimately become co-conspirators in the now famous Valkyrie plot to assassinate Hitler. Narrated in vivid detail and supported by never-before-seen 8mm footage shot by one of the central characters.
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Boys of Bonneville
2011 | NR | 4.0 out of 5 StarsThis documentary celebrates the vision, stamina and prowess of endurance land-speed racer Ab Jenkins and his legendary race cars. More than a century later, many of Ab's records remain unbroken, and the legacy lives on in his custom car.
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Rise & Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story
2011 | NR | 4.0 out of 5 StarsThis inspiring documentary charts the improbable journey of Jay DeMerit, from playing soccer in Sunday park leagues and semipro London clubs to competing in the English Premier League and ultimately starting in the 2010 World Cup.
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Spirit of the Marathon
2007 | NR | 4.0 out of 5 StarsFilmmaker John Dunham follows six runners from vastly different backgrounds as they train for the Chicago Marathon, exploring the history of marathons and the appeal of such an arduous challenge.
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The Beautiful Truth
2008 | NR | 4.0 out of 5 StarsThis documentary follows the journey of Garrett Kroschel, an animal-loving teenager raised in Alaska who, after reading a book by Dr. Max Gerson, is inspired to investigate its premise that diet can cure cancer and other diseases. Garrett travels across the country, visiting with physicians, scientists and cancer survivors to discuss Gerson Therapy -- and Gerson's claim that the medical industry has suppressed natural cancer cures for years.
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Venus and Serena
2012 | NR | 4.0 out of 5 StarsOffering an inside look at the Williams sisters -- Venus and her younger sibling Serena -- this documentary follows the tennis megastars throughout 2011, when disabling injuries and illness threatened to end their careers.
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When You're Strange
2009 | NR | 4.0 out of 5 StarsComposed entirely of original footage from 1966-71, Tom DiCillo's documentary about the Doors filters truth from myth, reveals new insight into Jim Morrison and his bandmates, and captures the essence of the iconic rock group and the era. DiCillo's film pays tribute to the Doors and their music and to a generation's struggle for individuality and authenticity during an unstable and transformative epoch in America.
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Pulling John
2009 | NR | 4.0 out of 5 StarsThis film chronicles the decades-long career of John Brzenk, a world-class champion arm wrestler whose advancing age has prompted him to question whether he should retire at the peak of his game or continue to take on new challengers.
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Coming to Light: Edward S. Curtis and the North American Indians
2000 | NR | 4.0 out of 5 StarsComing to Light interweaves the story of Curtis's life with the results of his work, and through it, we see the world he sought to preserve.
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Woody Allen: A Documentary
2011 | NR | 4.0 out of 5 StarsIconic and influential director-writer-comedian Woody Allen granted unprecedented access for this in-depth profile of his award-winning career and controversial personal life. Highlights include interviews with collaborators and noted film critics.
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Katy Perry: Part of Me
2012 | NR | 4.0 out of 5 StarsPop star Katy Perry is captured on and offstage in this revealing diary of her California Dreams Tour, featuring her Los Angeles performances. The film shares the air of glamour and fun that radiates from this talented and unique artist.
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Magic Johnson: Bloomberg Game Changers
2012 | NR | 4.0 out of 5 StarsWhen Earvin "Magic" Johnson retired from the NBA after testing positive for HIV, the decorated basketball legend became a super-successful serial entrepreneur with a billion-dollar portfolio of popular franchises and real estate funds.
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SEC Storied: Lolo Jones
2012 | NR | 4.0 out of 5 StarsThis 2012 documentary profiles Lori "Lolo" Jones, who surmounted poverty and homelessness to become one of the most dominant athletes in women's track and field history at Louisiana State University, a successful Olympian and a world champion.
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Takedowns & Falls
2010 | NR | 4.0 out of 5 StarsThis documentary follows the relationships of a group of teen wrestlers in Pennsylvania. Inspired by their love of the sport and their cancer-stricken coach, they grow up before our eyes in an attempt to do the impossible ... win a state title.
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Rising Son: The Legend of Skateboarder Christian Hosoi
2006 | NR | 4.0 out of 5 StarsDennis Hopper narrates Cesario Montano's documentary on the roller-coaster life of skater legend Christian Hosoi. Earning the awe of his peers in the mid-1980s, Hosoi then hit rock bottom with crystal meth use and imprisonment for drug trafficking. He found redemption in Christianity and now strives to be a positive influence. Interviews with skaters such as Tony Hawk, Jason Lee and Tony Alva, and never-before-seen home videos, are included.
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Eames: The Architect and The Painter
2011 | NR | 4.0 out of 5 StarsThis documentary tells the story of the husband-and-wife team of Charles and Ray Eames, widely considered America's most important designers. Their creations include furniture, photography, interiors, multimedia exhibits, games and much more.
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Woody Allen: A Documentary
2011 | NR | 4.0 out of 5 StarsIconic and influential director-writer-comedian Woody Allen granted unprecedented access for this in-depth profile of his award-winning career and controversial personal life. Highlights include interviews with collaborators and noted film critics.
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Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel
2011 | NR | 4.0 out of 5 StarsThis intimate and loving portrait of the legendary arbiter of fashion, art and culture illustrates the many stages of Vreeland's remarkable life. Born in Paris in 1903, she was to become New York's "Empress of Fashion" and a celebrated &NFi;Vogue&NFi_; editor.
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Waste Land
2010 | NR | 4.0 out of 5 StarsRenowned artist Vik Muniz embarks on one of the most inspired collaborations of his career, joining creative forces with Brazilian garbage pickers who mine treasure from the trash heaps of Rio de Janeiro's Jardim Gramacho landfill.
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Salinger
2013 | NR | 4.0 out of 5 StarsInterviews with 150 of J.D. Salinger's friends and colleagues shed light on the reclusive author in this absorbing documentary. High-profile writers and actors, including Martin Sheen, Gore Vidal and John Cusack, discuss how Salinger influenced them.
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