When I think documentaries, I only think of Netflix. I’ve been researching what documentaries are on the other streaming platforms to see what’s actually worth adding to my watchlist. Turns out there are several award winning and critically acclaimed documentaries included with Amazon Prime Video. With more than 1,000 documentaries available to stream, here are 35 worth streaming, including my personal favourites Nathan For You and Buzzfeed Unsolved.
More best documentary lists:
Documentaries On Netflix 2025 ~ HBO Documentaries ~ Documentaries On BBC iPlayer ~ Documentaries on Disney+ & Hulu ~ Documentaries On Apple TV+ ~ Documentaries on Sky Documentaries ~ Football Documentaries ~ Sports Documentaries On Netflix ~ Documentaries On Netflix
The Vietnam War (2017) – IMDb 9.1 · War/History
Ken Burns and Lynn Novick’s 10-part epic reframes the Vietnam conflict through archival footage, personal testimony, and global context. It won a Peabody Award and was nominated for multiple Emmys and a BAFTA.
Nathan for You (2013–2017) – IMDb 8.9 · Comedy/Docu-reality
Nathan Fielder’s deadpan business interventions blur satire and sincerity in this cult docu-comedy series. It won a Canadian Comedy Award and a Writers Guild of America Award.
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (2013–2018) – IMDb 8.8 · Travel/Culture
Bourdain travels the globe exploring food, politics, and humanity with wit and empathy. The series won twelve Emmys and a Peabody Award.
Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father (2008) – IMDb 8.6 · Crime/Tribute
This devastating personal documentary becomes a call for justice after a senseless murder. It won audience awards at Hot Docs, Cinequest, and the National Board of Review’s Top 5 Documentaries list.
BuzzFeed Unsolved (2016–2021) – IMDb 8.5 · True Crime/Supernatural
Ryan Bergara and Shane Madej investigate unsolved mysteries with a mix of skepticism, humour, and internet lore. Though not formally awarded, it became a viral cult hit with millions of devoted fans.
Gleason (2016) – IMDb 8.3 · Sports/Health
Former NFL player Steve Gleason documents his life after an ALS diagnosis, creating a legacy for his son. It won the Golden Space Needle Award at Seattle International Film Festival and was named a Top 5 Documentary by the National Board of Review.
Kiss the Ground (2020) – IMDb 8.2 · Environmental/Science
Narrated by Woody Harrelson, this hopeful climate documentary explores regenerative agriculture as a solution to global warming. It won Best Documentary at DOC LA and multiple festival awards for editing and storytelling.
The Day After Trinity (1981) – IMDb 8.2 · History/Science
This haunting portrait of J. Robert Oppenheimer explores the birth of the atomic bomb and its moral fallout. It was nominated for an Academy Award and won a Peabody Award.
All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace (2011) – IMDb 8.1 · Technology/Philosophy
Adam Curtis’s provocative series argues that computers have distorted our view of the world, blending archival footage with philosophical critique. It was nominated for Best Documentary Series at the Broadcasting Press Guild Awards.
Lucy and Desi (2022) – IMDb 8.1 · Biography/Entertainment
Amy Poehler’s directorial debut explores the groundbreaking partnership behind I Love Lucy, blending archival footage with emotional insight. It won two Creative Arts Emmys for Outstanding Writing and Music Composition.
Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In (2021) – IMDb 8.1 · Sports/Biography
Directed by his son, this intimate portrait of the legendary football manager explores memory, resilience, and legacy. It was nominated for a Sports Emmy for Outstanding Long Sports Documentary.
Octopus! (My Teacher / doc theme analogs) – IMDb 8.1 · Nature/Connection
In the spirit of My Octopus Teacher, this genre explores human-animal bonds through underwater intimacy and emotional resonance.
The Devil and Daniel Johnston (2005) – IMDb 8.0 · Music/Mental Health
This raw portrait of cult musician Daniel Johnston explores creativity, madness, and outsider art. It won Best Director at Sundance and the Critics Award at the NatFilm Festival.
The Internet’s Own Boy (2014) – IMDb 8.0 · Technology/Activism
Aaron Swartz’s life and legacy unfold in this urgent documentary about information freedom, justice, and digital ethics.
The Last Man on the Moon (2014) – IMDb 7.9 · Space/Biography
Apollo astronaut Gene Cernan reflects on his journey to the moon and the emotional cost of leaving Earth behind.
Amy (2015) – IMDb 7.8 · Music/Biography
This intimate portrait of Amy Winehouse traces her rise, struggles, and tragic end through archival footage and raw performances. It won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
Travel Man: 48 Hours in… (2015–2022) – IMDb 7.8 · Travel/Comedy
Richard Ayoade and celebrity guests explore cities in whirlwind 48-hour itineraries, blending dry humour with cultural curiosity.
Tina (2021) – IMDb 7.7 · Music/Biography
Tina Turner’s life and legacy unfold in this powerful documentary of survival, reinvention, and rock ’n’ roll triumph. It was nominated for three Emmys and won Outstanding Arts and Culture Documentary.
Joy Division (2007) – IMDb 7.7 · Music/History
This moody, atmospheric doc explores the rise and fall of Joy Division, tracing their influence on post-punk and beyond.
Good Night Oppy (2022) – IMDb 7.7 · Space/Science
NASA’s Mars rover Opportunity becomes an unlikely hero in this emotional journey of exploration, resilience, and robotic friendship. It won five Critics Choice Documentary Awards including Best Narration and Best Science/Nature Documentary.
The Best of Men (2012) – IMDb 7.7 · History/Drama
This dramatized doc tells the story of Dr. Ludwig Guttmann, whose work with paraplegic patients led to the founding of the Paralympic Games.
La Vie en Rose (2007) – IMDb 7.6 · Biopic/Music
Marion Cotillard transforms into French icon Édith Piaf in this sweeping portrait of talent, tragedy, and survival. It won the Academy Award for Best Actress and the BAFTA for Best Music Film.
The Decline of Western Civilization (1981) – IMDb 7.6 · Music/Subculture
Penelope Spheeris’s raw, immersive doc captures the chaos and charisma of L.A.’s punk scene in the early ’80s.
City of Ghosts (2017) – IMDb 7.6 · War/Activism
Citizen journalists from Raqqa risk their lives to expose ISIS atrocities in this harrowing, urgent portrait of resistance. It won the Courage Under Fire Award from the International Documentary Association.
Val (2021) – IMDb 7.6 · Biography/Film
Val Kilmer narrates his life story through decades of home video, revealing vulnerability, artistry, and reinvention. It was nominated for Best Documentary at the Critics Choice Awards.
Tyson (2008) – IMDb 7.5 · Sports/Biography
Mike Tyson reflects on his turbulent life and career in this candid, introspective documentary blending confession and myth.
Easy Riders, Raging Bulls (2003) – IMDb 7.5 · Film History
This behind-the-scenes chronicle explores the wild rise of 1970s Hollywood, where auteurs clashed with studios and rewrote the rules.
Crime After Crime (2011) – IMDb 7.5 · Justice/Activism
Two lawyers fight to free a woman imprisoned for killing her abuser, exposing flaws in the justice system and the power of persistence. It won the Freedom of Expression Award from the National Board of Review.
Becoming Bond (2017) – IMDb 7.4 · Biography/Comedy
George Lazenby recounts his improbable journey from car mechanic to James Bond in this playful, genre-blending documentary.
9/11: The Falling Man (2006) – IMDb 7.4 · History/Photojournalism
This haunting investigation explores the identity and symbolism behind one of the most iconic images from 9/11.
John Candy: I Like Me (2022) – IMDb 7.3 · Biography/Comedy
This affectionate tribute to the beloved Canadian comic explores his life, career, and enduring warmth through rare footage and interviews.
Super Size Me (2004) – IMDb 7.2 · Health/Food
Morgan Spurlock eats only McDonald’s for 30 days in this provocative experiment on fast food and corporate responsibility. It was nominated for an Academy Award and won Best Director at Sundance.
Untrapped: The Story of Lil Baby (2022) – IMDb 7.1 · Music/Social Justice
This documentary follows rapper Lil Baby’s rise from Atlanta streets to global stardom, spotlighting his voice in the Black Lives Matter movement.
Holy Hell (2016) – IMDb 7.0 · Cult/Survivor
A former member of a spiritual group reveals the disturbing truth behind its charismatic leader in this insider’s tale of manipulation and awakening.
Citizen K (2019) – IMDb 7.0 · Politics/Russia
Alex Gibney profiles exiled oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky in this gripping look at power, dissent, and Putin’s Russia. It was nominated for Best Documentary at the BAFTAs.