TV Documentaries on Netflix
Last updated March 31, 2023
Cosmos
1980 | NR | 4.4 out of 5 StarsRenowned astronomer and author Carl Sagan explores the mysteries of the universe in this award-winning series, presenting fascinating and controversial insights into astronomy, biology, religion, evolution and more. With a focus on mankind's place in the grand scheme, universally speaking, Sagan takes viewers on an educational intergalactic journey through topics such as the Big Bang theory, early civilizations, purported UFO abductions and more.
Details about Cosmos
Long Way Round
2004 | NR | 4.4 out of 5 StarsThis documentary miniseries chronicles the cross-continental adventures of actors Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman as they set out on their BMW bikes to travel the world, embarking from London and arriving 115 exhausting days later in New York.
Details about Long Way Round
Cosmos: The Complete Collection
1980 | NR | 4.4 out of 5 StarsRenowned astronomer and author Carl Sagan explores the mysteries of the universe in this award-winning series, presenting fascinating and controversial insights into astronomy, biology, religion, evolution and more. With a focus on mankind's place in the grand scheme, universally speaking, Sagan takes viewers on an educational intergalactic journey through topics such as the Big Bang theory, early civilizations, purported UFO abductions and more.
Details about Cosmos: The Complete Collection
Long Way Round
2004 | NR | 4.4 out of 5 StarsA sort of Motorcycle Diaries for the Hollywood set, this documentary miniseries chronicles the cross-continental adventures of actors Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman as they set out on their BMW bikes to travel round the world. Embarking from London and arriving 115 exhausting days later in New York, the duo tackles 20,000 miles of tough terrain, explores offbeat destinations and takes in colorful local culture.
Details about Long Way Round
The Mind of a Chef: Season 1
2012 | NR | 4.3 out of 5 StarsFrom PBS: Join Executive Producer Anthony Bourdain as he takes viewers inside the mind of noted chef and restaurateur David Chang. Bourdain narrates these 16 half-hour episodes as The Mind of a Chef explores the kitchen, world, and mind of Chef Chang. Named by TIME Magazine as one of the world's "100 most influential people," Chang is the creative force behind New York's City's wildly popular Momofuku restaurants and the The New York Times best-selling cookbooks Momofuku and Momofuku Milk Bar. From ramen to rotting bananas, pork buns to golf clubs.
Details about The Mind of a Chef: Season 1
Long Way Down
2007 | NR | 4.3 out of 5 StarsTogether again, Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman make another outrageous excursion in this Fox Reality Channel follow-up to the actors' first trip, which was documented in the series "Long Way Round." Kicking off their travels in the Scottish village of John o' Groats, the pair eventually make their way to Cape Town, South Africa, journeying through Europe and Africa to reach their final destination.
Details about Long Way Down
The Blue Planet: A Natural History of the Oceans
2001 | NR | 4.3 out of 5 StarsDavid Attenborough narrates this definitive exploration of the marine world, from the familiar to the unknown, revealing the sea and its communities at their most fearsome and alluring.
Details about The Blue Planet: A Natural History of the Oceans
How the Universe Works
2010 | NR | 4.3 out of 5 StarsHost Mike Rowe brings viewers on an enlightening tour of our current cosmic knowledge in this miniseries that starts with the Big Bang and covers alien galaxies and solar systems, as well as the space-shattering properties of a supernova event.
Details about How the Universe Works
Long Way Down
2007 | NR | 4.3 out of 5 StarsReunited for another outrageous excursion, Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman take an epic road trip across 18 countries via motorcycle. In this followup to their documented journey, "Long Way Round," the actors trek from Scotland to South Africa.
Details about Long Way Down
30 for 30: You Don't Know Bo
2012 | NR | 4.3 out of 5 StarsA close look at two-sport athlete Bo Jackson and the creation of a legend. Even without winning a Super Bowl or World Series, Bo will forever be known as a cultural icon and one of the most famous athletes of all time.
Details about 30 for 30: You Don't Know Bo
Art of Flight: The Series
2012 | NR | 4.3 out of 5 StarsThis documentary series follows professional snowboarder Travis Rice, director Curt Morgan and their ragtag crew over the course of two years as they risk it all to make the film of their dreams.
Details about Art of Flight: The Series
Art of Flight: The Series
2012 | NR | 4.3 out of 5 StarsThis documentary series follows professional snowboarder Travis Rice, director Curt Morgan and their ragtag crew over the course of two years as they risk it all to make the film of their dreams.
Details about Art of Flight: The Series
American Masters: Johnny Carson: King of Late Night
2012 | NR | 4.3 out of 5 StarsAs host of "The Tonight Show" for 30 years, Johnny Carson was seen by more people on more occasions than anyone else in American history. Explore Carson's life and career, as well as the history of his beloved television program.
Details about American Masters: Johnny Carson: King of Late Night
The Blue Planet: A Natural History of the Oceans
2001 | NR | 4.3 out of 5 StarsDavid Attenborough narrates this definitive exploration of the marine world, from the familiar to the unknown, revealing the sea and its communities at their most fearsome and alluring.
Details about The Blue Planet: A Natural History of the Oceans
How the Universe Works
2010 | NR | 4.3 out of 5 StarsHost Mike Rowe brings viewers on an enlightening tour of our current cosmic knowledge in this miniseries that starts with the Big Bang and covers alien galaxies and solar systems, as well as the space-shattering properties of a supernova event.
Details about How the Universe Works
Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide
2012 | NR | 4.3 out of 5 StarsShot in 10 countries, this series introduces women who are struggling with some of the most difficult and oppressive circumstances imaginable -- such as sex slavery, inferior postpartum care and gendercide -- and are fighting to change them.
Details about Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide
Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide
2012 | NR | 4.3 out of 5 StarsFilmed in 10 countries, this series introduces women who are struggling with some of the most difficult and oppressive circumstances imaginable -- including sex slavery and the systematic murder of women -- and are bravely fighting to change them.
Details about Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide
Elon Musk: Bloomberg Risk Takers
2011 | NR | 4.3 out of 5 StarsBorn and raised in South Africa, entrepreneur Elon Musk is the driving force behind SpaceX, a private company exploring commercial space travel. Musk also co-founded PayPal and Tesla Motors -- all before the age of 40.
Details about Elon Musk: Bloomberg Risk Takers
The Mind of a Chef
2012 | NR | 4.3 out of 5 StarsThis mouth-watering series produced by Anthony Bourdain takes viewers inside the world of culinary artist and restaurateur David Chang. Traveling the globe to research what we eat, the Momofuku founder brings an exotic dash to all his creations.
Details about The Mind of a Chef
The Life of Birds
1998 | NR | 4.2 out of 5 StarsDavid Attenborough presents a series that gives insight into the evolution and behaviors of birds. Discover their remarkable strategies for finding food, their complex social systems and their ingenious and often bizarre ways of mating and breeding.
Details about The Life of Birds
The Life of Mammals
2002 | NR | 4.2 out of 5 StarsDavid Attenborough introduces us to the most diverse animals to ever live on earth. From the tiny pygmy shrew to the enormous blue whale, this is the story of 4,000 species which have outlived the dinosaurs and conquered the farthest places on earth
Details about The Life of Mammals
When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions
2008 | NR | 4.2 out of 5 StarsFollow the 20th century's space race all the way to the moon -- and beyond -- in this incredible, comprehensive six-part documentary series narrated by Gary Sinise. Chronicling America's space program from the early days of the Mercury project to the era of the space shuttle, the sensational series features eye-popping footage from a host of various missions, plus in-depth interviews with NASA astronauts and engineers.
Details about When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions
Yellowstone: Battle for Life
2009 | NR | 4.2 out of 5 StarsFilmed over the course of three seasons, this epic documentary captures the daily struggle for survival waged by the wildlife at Yellowstone National Park. Cold winters, hot summers and an active volcano make for a harsh environment for the animals.
Details about Yellowstone: Battle for Life
Into the Universe with Stephen Hawking
2010 | NR | 4.2 out of 5 StarsCelebrated theoretical physicist and cosmologist Stephen Hawking takes viewers on a captivating guided tour of the universe, explaining its origins and mysteries using straightforward language and state-of-the-art computer animation.
Details about Into the Universe with Stephen Hawking
When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions
2008 | NR | 4.2 out of 5 StarsFollow the 20th century's space race all the way to the moon -- and beyond -- in this documentary series. The program features eye-popping footage from a host of various missions, plus in-depth interviews with NASA astronauts and engineers.
Details about When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions
About Best on Netflix USA
Best on Netflix is the place to discover the best TV shows and movies available on Netflix. Find the newest releases of your favorite movies and TV shows available for streaming on Netflix today. This site lists all the amazing content available to Netflix members. If you want to watch a movie or TV shows, you must go to the official Netflix website. Best on Netflix is not related to Netflix and its purpose is to highlight the great content already available on Netflix since we're such huge fans of their service. We love Netflix just as much as you do! We hope you enjoy this movie and tv show discovery tool.
We have a lot of great features coming up in the next few weeks to help highlight the best movies and TV shows on Netflix, so stay tuned!