Netflix has been releasing a stream of docuseries and documentaries almost weekly. If you feel like having a docu-binge night, check out the top 8 we chose to quench your thirst!
1. FYRE: The Greatest Party That Never Happened
One of the greatest conman stories in our time. An ambitious (or delusional) entrepreneur Billy McFarland partners with the hip-hop artist Ja Rule to throw the world’s greatest music festival on a remote island. The narrative chronologically walks you through the events that led up to the monumental failure of Fyre Festival, resulting in multi-million dollar lawsuits and Billy McFarland’s 6-year prison sentence.
2. Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes
WARNING: This docuseries is extremely creepy and you might NOT want to watch it alone. Ted Bundy was an attention-seeking psychopath who kidnapped and murdered over 30 women across 7 different states in the ’70s. Before his execution in 1989, he was interviewed by two journalists named Stephen Michaud and Hugh Aynesworth. In one of the recordings, you can hear Ted Bundy ‘analyzing’ his own crimes and motives as a third-party. You just can’t help but be amazed by how little he comprehends consequences, how impulsively he acts against his own interests, and how well he’s able to evade the grips of law enforcement. But this documentary has been controversial with some criticizing the director for glorifying a mass murderer whose youngest victim was only 12 years old.
3. Wild Wild Country
Country is a fascinating docuseries about a cult that drew a lot of media attention after settling in Wasco County, Oregon in 1981. The cult (or the Rajneeshpuram community) sets out to build a self-sustaining town. After a while, tensions start to brew with other residents of Oregon and reach a boiling point when internal power struggles are also thrown into the mix. Furthermore, there are rumors of orgy parties, murders, and bioterror attacks. Thanks to the Rajneeshees’ not-so-shy PR strategy, you can see the actual TV footage reporting on the events as they unfold. Despite the conflicting memories, the creators do a great job laying out the varying accounts seamlessly.
4. Explained
Explained is made up of twenty 15-20 minute episodes and explores a wide range of globally relevant phenomenon. It provides a fresh new perspective on the “why” while surprising you with delightful ‘trivia’ facts. The show also features interviews with some of the most authoritative experts in the field and interesting characters.
5. Chelsea Does
If you are in the mood for something lighter, check out this hilarious docuseries. Chelsea Handler shares her candid thoughts on marriage, racism, Silicon Valley and drugs. Not only do you see her spitting out harsh yet comical truths, but you will also see her being adorable with other celebrities!
6. Making a Murderer: Part 2
Did you feel the rage as you watched Making a Murderer back in 2015? If so, you know you can’t miss Making a Murderer: Part 2. After the national (nay global) outcry and support, a celebrity defense attorney Kathleen Zellner takes fiery shots at the justice system she believes is wrongfully imprisoning her client Steven Avery and his nephew Brandon Dassey. While it’s not as suspenseful as the first Making a Murderer, it still delivers a colorful storytelling we’ve come to expect from the directors!
7. One of Us
This documentary takes you into the secretive world of Hasidic Judaism through 3 brave individuals. These individuals have decided to find their own identities away from everything and everyone they’ve ever known. Yet, t are still somewhat connected to the community they so desperately want to leave behind.
8. Paris is Burning
Paris Is Burning is a 1990 American documentary film about the drag ball culture of New York City in the African-American, Latino, and LGBT communities. It is cinematically beautiful and culturally significant. In an unusually candid fashion, this documentary engages the audience at the intersection of urban poverty, marginalized communities, and sexual identities; conversations still relevant today.
