I’ve talked about my love of comedies on Apple TV+, but how hit and miss the movies can be. I’ve only watched the Michael J. Fox documentary on the streaming service (and absolutely loved it) so wondered how their documentaries are rated. Turns out, not bad at all with many scoring 7 or more on IMDb.
I’ve also added the best non fiction (which Apple TV+ separates them) – I can recommend The Dynasty: New England Patriots. You might also be interested in the best movies on Apple TV+.
More best documentary lists:
Documentaries on BBC iPlayer ~ Documentaries on Amazon Prime Video ~ Documentaries on Netflix ~ Documentaries on Sky and Now TV ~ Documentaries and Docuseries on Disney+ ~ Documentaries on HBO ~ Football Documentaries ~ Sports Documentaries on Netflix ~ A24 Documentaries
Tiny World (2020–2023) – Documentary/Nature Series
For fans of Planet Earth, Earth at Night in Color, and Big Beasts
Paul Rudd narrates a visually stunning look at the hidden lives of small creatures across the globe.
Real Madrid: Until the End (2023) – Sports Documentary/Football
For fans of The Dynasty, Messi’s World Cup, and Super League: The War for Football
A behind‑the‑scenes chronicle of Real Madrid’s dramatic 2021–22 Champions League campaign.
Long Way Round (2004) – Travel Documentary/Motorcycle Journey
For fans of Long Way Down, Long Way Up, and The Reluctant Traveler
Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman ride from London to New York across Europe, Asia, and North America.
Mr. Scorsese (2024) – Documentary/Filmmaker Portrait
For fans of The Pigeon Tunnel, Steve Martin: A Documentary in 2 Pieces, and Sidney
A profile of Martin Scorsese, exploring his career, influences, and legacy in cinema.
Long Way Down (2007) – Travel Documentary/Motorcycle Journey
For fans of Long Way Round, Long Way Up, and The Reluctant Traveler
Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman travel from Scotland to South Africa by motorcycle.
Earthsounds (2024) – Documentary/Nature Soundscape
For fans of Tiny World, Earth at Night in Color, and Endangered Planet
A series capturing the hidden sounds of wildlife and ecosystems across the planet.
The Secret Lives of Animals (2024) – Documentary/Nature Series
For fans of Tiny World, Big Beasts, and Prehistoric Planet
Explores surprising behaviours and hidden worlds of animals in diverse habitats.
Prehistoric Planet (2022–2023) – Documentary/Nature/Science
For fans of Walking with Dinosaurs, Planet Earth, and Big Beasts
David Attenborough narrates a scientifically accurate look at dinosaurs and ancient ecosystems. Winner of multiple Emmy Awards.
Visible: Out on Television (2020) – Documentary/LGBTQ History
For fans of Disclosure, Pride, and The Celluloid Closet
A five‑part series tracing LGBTQ representation on American television, blending archival footage with interviews.
The Dynasty: New England Patriots (2024) – Sports Documentary/NFL History
For fans of The Last Dance, Real Madrid: Until the End, and Super League: The War for Football
Chronicling the rise and controversies of the Patriots’ two‑decade dominance under Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.
Messi’s World Cup: The Rise of a Legend (2024) – Sports Documentary/Football
For fans of Messi Meets America, Real Madrid: Until the End, and The Dynasty
A four‑part series following Lionel Messi’s journey through the 2022 FIFA World Cup, culminating in Argentina’s victory.
Long Way Up (2020) – Travel Documentary/Motorcycle Journey
For fans of Long Way Round, Long Way Down, and The Reluctant Traveler
Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman ride from Patagonia to Los Angeles using electric motorcycles.
The Year Earth Changed (2021) – Documentary/Nature & Environment
For fans of Planet Earth, Tiny World, and Earthsounds
Narrated by David Attenborough, this special shows how wildlife thrived during global lockdowns. Winner of the Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary.
Vietnam: The War That Changed America (2025) – Documentary/History
For fans of The Fog of War, Ken Burns: The Vietnam War, and Lincoln’s Dilemma
Explores the Vietnam conflict’s impact on U.S. politics, society, and culture.
Earth at Night in Color (2020–2021) – Documentary/Nature Series
For fans of Planet Earth, Big Beasts, and Endangered Planet
Narrated by Tom Hiddleston, this series uses cutting‑edge cameras to reveal nocturnal wildlife in full colour.
Long Way Home (2024) – Travel Documentary/Motorcycle Journey
For fans of Long Way Round, Long Way Up, and Long Way Down
Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman continue their global motorcycle adventures with new challenges and landscapes.
Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie (2023) – Documentary/Personal Portrait
For fans of Sidney, Val, and The Supermodels
Michael J. Fox reflects on his career and life with Parkinson’s disease in this candid, award‑winning documentary. Winner of the Emmy Award for Best Documentary.
Big Beasts (2023) – Documentary/Nature Series
For fans of Tiny World, Earthsounds, and Prehistoric Planet
Tom Hiddleston narrates a global journey showcasing the survival stories of the world’s largest animals.
Watch the Sound with Mark Ronson (2021) – Documentary/Music Series
For fans of 1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything, Beastie Boys Story, and The Velvet Underground
Mark Ronson explores the technology and creative process behind iconic sounds in modern music.
Number One on the Call Sheet (2022) – Documentary/Film Industry Portrait
For fans of Sidney, The Supermodels, and Stiller and Meara: Nothing Is Lost
A celebration of Black actors who have led Hollywood films, featuring candid interviews and cultural insights.
Deaf President Now (2024) – Documentary/Activism & History
For fans of Visible: Out on Television, Dear, and Lincoln’s Dilemma
Explores the landmark 1988 student protest at Gallaudet University that transformed Deaf rights and representation.
MLB Network Presents (2023–) – Sports Documentary/Baseball Stories
For fans of Fight for Glory, Onside: Major League Soccer, and The Bloody Hundredth
A series spotlighting defining moments, players, and stories from Major League Baseball.
Becoming You (2020) – Documentary/Childhood Development
For fans of Home, Endangered Planet, and Dear
Olivia Colman narrates a six‑part series following 100 children across the world in their first five years of life.
The Elephant Queen (2018) – Documentary/Nature Portrait
For fans of Big Beasts, Tiny World, and The Secret Lives of Animals
Chiwetel Ejiofor narrates the story of a matriarch elephant leading her herd across the African savannah. Winner of the Cinema for Peace Award.
The Supermodels (2023) – Documentary/Fashion & Culture
For fans of The Devil Wears Prada, Ugly Betty, and The Dynasty
Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, and Christy Turlington reflect on their careers and impact on fashion.
Make or Break (2022–) – Sports Documentary/Surfing
For fans of The Reluctant Traveler, Fight for Glory, and Super League: The War for Football
A series following professional surfers on the World Surf League tour, blending competition and personal stories.
Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry (2021) – Documentary/Music Portrait
For fans of Selena Gomez: My Mind and Me, Beastie Boys Story, and Watch the Sound
An intimate look at Billie Eilish’s rise to fame and the making of her debut album. Nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Music Film.
They Call Me Magic (2022) – Documentary/Sports Biography
For fans of The Last Dance, Stephen Curry: Underrated, and Sidney
Earvin “Magic” Johnson reflects on his basketball career, HIV activism, and business ventures.
Fight for Glory: 2024 World Series (2024) – Sports Documentary/Baseball
For fans of MLB Network Presents, The Dynasty, and Onside: Major League Soccer
A chronicle of the 2024 World Series, capturing the drama and triumph of baseball’s biggest stage.
Sidney (2022) – Documentary/Actor Portrait
For fans of Number One on the Call Sheet, Stiller and Meara: Nothing Is Lost, and Mr. Scorsese
A tribute to Sidney Poitier’s groundbreaking career and legacy. Produced by Oprah Winfrey.
Beastie Boys Story (2020) – Documentary/Music Biography
For fans of Watch the Sound, 1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything, and The Velvet Underground
Adam Horovitz and Mike Diamond tell the story of the Beastie Boys in a live documentary format. Directed by Spike Jonze.
The Line (2021) – Documentary/Military Investigation
For fans of The Bloody Hundredth, Lincoln’s Dilemma, and Vietnam: The War That Changed America
A four‑part series examining allegations of war crimes committed by a U.S. Navy SEAL platoon.
Boys State (2020) – Documentary/Political Experiment
For fans of The Fog of War, Dear, and Lincoln’s Dilemma
Teenagers in Texas participate in a political simulation, revealing insights into democracy and division. Winner of the Sundance Grand Jury Prize.
Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars (2024) – Documentary/Food & Culture
For fans of Omnivore, Come See Me in the Good Light, and Home
Explores the high‑stakes world of chefs striving for Michelin recognition, blending artistry and pressure.
Come See Me in the Good Light (2024) – Documentary/Music & Culture
For fans of 1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything, Watch the Sound, and The Velvet Underground
Explores the creative journeys of emerging musicians, blending performance with intimate storytelling.
1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything (2021) – Documentary/Music History
For fans of Beastie Boys Story, The Supermodels, and The Velvet Underground
A series examining how the music of 1971 reflected and shaped cultural and political upheaval.
9/11: Inside the President’s War Room (2021) – Documentary/History & Politics
For fans of Lincoln’s Dilemma, The Fog of War, and Dear
A detailed account of the U.S. government’s response to the September 11 attacks, featuring first‑hand testimony.
The Reluctant Traveler (2023–) – Documentary/Travel & Culture
For fans of Long Way Round, Home, and The Year Earth Changed
Eugene Levy explores destinations around the world, balancing humour with cultural discovery.
Steve Martin: A Documentary in 2 Pieces (2024) – Documentary/Actor & Comedian Portrait
For fans of Stiller and Meara: Nothing Is Lost, Mr. Scorsese, and Sidney
A two‑part profile of Steve Martin’s career, from stand‑up comedy to film and music.
Super League: The War for Football (2023) – Sports Documentary/Football Politics
For fans of Real Madrid: Until the End, The Dynasty, and Messi Meets America
Examines the attempted European Super League and its fallout across global football.
The Bloody Hundredth (2024) – Documentary/War History
For fans of The Line, Vietnam: The War That Changed America, and The Pigeon Tunnel
Tom Hanks narrates the story of the 100th Bomb Group in World War II, highlighting courage and sacrifice.
Omnivore (2024) – Documentary/Food & Culture
For fans of Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars, Home, and Endangered Planet
Explores the global stories behind everyday ingredients, connecting food to culture, history, and sustainability.
Home (2020–2022) – Documentary/Architecture & Design
For fans of The Reluctant Traveler, Omnivore, and Endangered Planet
A series showcasing extraordinary houses around the world and the people who built them.
Endangered Planet (2024) – Documentary/Nature & Environment
For fans of Earthsounds, The Year Earth Changed, and Big Beasts
Examines the threats facing biodiversity and the urgent need for conservation across the globe.
Louis Armstrong’s Black & Blues (2022) – Documentary/Music Biography
For fans of The Velvet Underground, Beastie Boys Story, and 1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything
A portrait of Louis Armstrong’s life and legacy, blending archival footage with his own words.
Monster Factory (2023) – Documentary/Sports & Wrestling
For fans of Stephen Curry: Underrated, Fight for Glory, and They Call Me Magic
Follows aspiring professional wrestlers at a New Jersey training school chasing their dreams in the ring.
Stephen Curry: Underrated (2023) – Documentary/Sports Biography
For fans of The Last Dance, They Call Me Magic, and The Dynasty
Chronicles Stephen Curry’s rise from overlooked college player to NBA superstar. Winner of the Critics Choice Documentary Award.
Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me (2022) – Documentary/Music & Personal Portrait
For fans of Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry, Dear, and The Supermodels
Selena Gomez shares her struggles with fame, health, and self‑discovery in this intimate documentary.
The Velvet Underground (2021) – Documentary/Music History
For fans of Beastie Boys Story, 1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything, and Watch the Sound
Todd Haynes directs a portrait of the influential band, blending experimental visuals with rare footage.
Boom Boom: The World vs. Boris Becker (2023) – Documentary/Sports Biography
For fans of Stephen Curry: Underrated, They Call Me Magic, and Fight for Glory
Explores the rise and fall of tennis legend Boris Becker, from Wimbledon triumphs to legal troubles.
Bruce Springsteen’s Letter to You (2020) – Documentary/Music Portrait
For fans of The Supermodels, The Velvet Underground, and Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry
Captures Bruce Springsteen recording his album Letter to You with the E Street Band.
Onside: Major League Soccer (2024) – Sports Documentary/Football
For fans of Real Madrid: Until the End, Super League: The War for Football, and Messi Meets America
A series spotlighting the growth and stories of Major League Soccer in the United States.
Lincoln’s Dilemma (2022) – Documentary/History & Politics
For fans of 9/11: Inside the President’s War Room, The Fog of War, and Vietnam: The War That Changed America
Explores Abraham Lincoln’s presidency and the complexities of the Civil War era.
Stiller and Meara: Nothing Is Lost (2024) – Documentary/Comedy & Family Portrait
For fans of Steve Martin: A Documentary in 2 Pieces, Sidney, and Mr. Scorsese
A tribute to comedy duo Anne Meara and Jerry Stiller, reflecting on their careers and family legacy.
Bono: Stories of Surrender (2022) – Documentary/Music & Memoir
For fans of Bruce Springsteen’s Letter to You, The Velvet Underground, and Beastie Boys Story
Bono shares personal stories and songs from his memoir Surrender, blending performance with reflection.
Wanted: The Escape of Carlos Ghosn (2023) – Documentary/True Crime & Business
For fans of The Big Conn, Super League: The War for Football, and The Bloody Hundredth
A four‑part series on the dramatic escape of Nissan executive Carlos Ghosn from Japan.
Who Are You, Charlie Brown? (2021) – Documentary/Animation & Culture
For fans of Dear, The Pigeon Tunnel, and The Supermodels
Explores the legacy of Charles Schulz and his beloved Peanuts characters.
Cowboy Cartel (2024) – Documentary/True Crime & Cartels
For fans of The Line, The Bloody Hundredth, and The Big Conn
Investigates a cartel’s operations and its impact on communities, blending crime reporting with human stories.
Messi Meets America (2023) – Sports Documentary/Football
For fans of Messi’s World Cup, Real Madrid: Until the End, and Onside: Major League Soccer
Follows Lionel Messi’s arrival in Major League Soccer and his impact on American football culture.
Dear… (2020–2022) – Documentary/Profiles & Letters
For fans of Visible: Out on Television, Becoming You, and Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me
Profiles public figures through letters written by those whose lives they’ve inspired.
The Pigeon Tunnel (2023) – Documentary/Author Portrait
For fans of Mr. Scorsese, The Bloody Hundredth, and Sidney
Errol Morris profiles John le Carré, exploring his life, espionage, and literary legacy.
The Last of the Sea Women (2024) – Documentary/Cultural Portrait
For fans of Home, Endangered Planet, and The Elephant Queen
Explores the lives of Korea’s haenyeo divers, women who harvest seafood by hand in a centuries‑old tradition.
The Big Conn (2022) – Documentary/True Crime & Fraud
For fans of Wanted: The Escape of Carlos Ghosn, The Line, and The Bloody Hundredth
A four‑part series about Eric C. Conn, a lawyer who orchestrated one of the largest Social Security frauds in U.S. history.
More best lists on Apple TV: