Let’s face it, we are all extremely guilty of binge-watching Netflix every night of the week, despite having homework, papers to write, or exams the next day. We all have our go-to TV shows and movies, but if you’re looking for something different, inspiring, or educational, Netflix has some of the best documentaries!
1. Twinsters
This documentary chronicles the true story of a French fashion student who discovered via the Internet an identical twin she never knew existed. Easily one of the cutest documentaries I have ever watched.
2. Fed Up
This documentary examines the underlying causes of childhood obesity, which has become an ever more serious medical issue in America.
3. Blackfish
This documentary examines the life of performing killer whale Tilikum, who has caused the deaths of several people while in captivity. Once watched, you will never visit SeaWorld ever again.
4. Alive Inside: A Story of Music and Memory
This documentary follows social worker Dan Cohen as he uses music to unlock memory in nursing-home patients afflicted with Alzheimer’s. This one will have you reaching for the tissue box, leaving you touched and inspired.
5. Jiro Dreams of Sushi
This documentary profiles sushi chef Jiro Ono, an 85-year-old master whose 10 seat, $300-a-plate restaurant is legendary among Tokyo foodies. After watching this, you will want to hop on a plane to Tokyo and experience eating at Jiro’s.
6. 180° South
A band of bliss-seeking surfer-mountaineers sets out—in 2007, by boat—on a journey to Patagonia, South America, in this adventure documentary. This one will leave you feeling excited and ready to adventure.
7. Steve Jobs: One Last Thing
Legendary businessman and Apple co-founder Steve Jobs changed the way Americans live, think and work before his death in 2011. Chances are you own at least one Apple product, you might as well learn about the brilliant man that came up with it.
8. Cowspiracy
Learn how factory farming is decimating the planet’s natural resources – and why this crisis has been largely ignored by major environmental groups. This is a tough one to watch, but it is worth educating yourself on an issue very prevalent in the world today.
9. Supersize Me
Director Morgan Spurlock takes a hilarious and often terrifying look at the effects of fast food on the human body, using himself as a guinea pig. There is a high chance that you will take a fast food break after watching this, but that was a part of your New Year’s resolution anyway, right?
10. Going Blind
Filmmaker Joseph F. Lovett shares his experience losing his sight to glaucoma and profiles six other people coping with vary