The 5 Best Documentaries on Netflix
Netflix offers a diverse array of documentaries that cater to different interests. From insightful history lessons to intriguing celebrity profiles, there's something for everyone. Here are the top picks for the 5 best documentaries on Netflix. SSP prepared.
Four Daughters (2023)
Nominated for an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature, "Four Daughters" is a unique Tunisian film that blends traditional documentary styles with dramatized elements. This cinematic work revolves around Olfa Hamrouni, who faced an unimaginable tragedy – losing two of her four daughters to the radicalization of the Islamic State.
The film features performers portraying her eldest daughters, with Hend Sabry in the role of Olfa. Additionally, interviews with the real Olfa and her two youngest daughters offer deeper insights. Exploring themes of motherhood and family trauma, "Four Daughters" leaves a profound impact with its innovative storytelling.
The Greatest Night in Pop (2024)
This documentary recalls the cringe-inducing moment from 2020 when Gal Gadot and other celebrities sang "Imagine" from their homes. It contrasts this with an unforgettable event in 1985 when 46 music icons united to address a crisis through music.
Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, "We Are the World" features stars like Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, and Cyndi Lauper. This anthem generated over $80 million for famine relief in Africa while winning four Grammys, including Record of the Year. For an inside look at this historic musical collaboration, this Netflix documentary incorporates archival footage and personal testimonies.
Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey (2022)
"Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey" raises critical questions about how a religious leader's mission warped into one that victimized young girls. This four-episode docuseries focuses on Warren Jeffs, the former leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS).
The documentary explores Jeffs’ teachings and power processes, detailing how many girls were coerced into marriages. It showcases the heartbreaking disruption within numerous families resulting from his actions.
Our Father (2022)
Imagine receiving one email that alters your entire understanding of family. This reality hit many individuals who discovered, through DNA testing, that they shared the same biological father. This situation stemmed from Dr. Donald Cline, an Indiana fertility doctor who used his sperm from the 1970s to 1989 to inseminate women.
"Our Father" delves into the resulting confusion, grief, and anger experienced by these families. It also touches on the unexpected connections forged among siblings.
The Social Dilemma (2020)
"The more I learned, the more I felt it was manipulative," reflects Alex Roetter, former head of engineering for Twitter. "The Social Dilemma" critically assesses the tactics used by major social media platforms like Facebook and Google to maximize user engagement.
This documentary critiques the harmful effects of these platforms, notably misinformation and increased mental health concerns. Featuring insights from former employees, it also dramatizes a family’s struggle with social media addiction, illustrating its widespread impact. After watching "The Social Dilemma," viewers are likely to reconsider their social media habits.
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