Some stories stay with you long after you’ve watched them. They urge you to reflect on life; they inspire, inform, and sometimes even leave you shaken.
Netflix has become the go-to platform for fans looking for such gripping spectacles. From fantasy to thrillers, fictional narratives to real life, the platform offers a variety of shows and movies. Netflix has arguably also become home to rich documentaries that touch upon social issues and major events across the world.
Check out the following list of seven hard-hitting, awe-inspiring documentaries that you should not miss in 2024 if you haven't already seen it.
Disclaimer: This article reflects the author's opinion.
Top 7 award-winning documentaries to watch on Netflix in 2024
1. Winter on Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom (2015)
Winter on Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom is an inspiring documentary that narrates the history of the Ukrainian civil uprising in between 2013 and 2014. What started as a peaceful student movement turned into a violent revolution against government corruption.
This documentary on Netflix is an inspiration, giving viewers an entire spectrum of emotions, from despair to fear with the depiction of actual battles that occurred on the streets of Kyiv. Besides showing the Ukrainians’ struggle, the documentary focuses on the universal concept of freedom and justice all around the world. It is worth watching for everyone who wants to get acquainted with the complexities of present-day Ukraine and the spirit of resistance.
2. Athlete A (2020)
This award-winning Netflix documentary is an investigation of the shocking sexual abuse scandal by the USA Gymnastics and Dr. Larry Nassar. The documentary follows investigative journalists from The Indianapolis Star as they reveal cover-ups and bring the truth to light. It also shows the staking and lying that was carried out by the journalists in a bid to unveil the reality of the issue at hand.
Athlete A focuses on the fearless women who rose against a large and powerful establishment to make a powerful statement on the issue of justice in sports. The documentary is not just a message on injustice, it's a strong reminder to stand up against inequality and speak for what’s right.
3. American Factory (2019)
American Factory is a documentary about a Chinese billionaire who reopens an old factory in Ohio and restores the business, thus helping the residents of the area financially but at the same time, provoking cultural clashes and labor confrontation.
The documentary tells the real life story of a man whose decision to revive an old factory in the heart of the American Rust Belt, brings many jobs back to the local people. However, as many Chinese and American employees lose the ability to respect one another’s working methods and beliefs, conflict ensues.
American Factory provides viewers a perceptive into the complex nature of globalization, the future of work, and the plight of the American workers in a constantly changing world. It opens your eyes and reveals the gap between two completely different realities that exist in this world, which is why the show is a compelling documentary on Netflix.
4. Icarus (2017)
Icarus is a Netflix documentary about doping in sports. Director Bryan Fogel wanted to investigate how athletes use performance-enhancing drugs, only to discover a large syndicate of doping involving the Russian government.
The documentary is a thrilling and shocking discovery of the overwhelming and comprehensive examination of the negative side of competitive sports. Regardless of whether you follow sports or not, Icarus is worth watching.
5. 13th (2016)
13th shines a light on the United States’ history of inequality based on race. It does not take a soft approach, nor does it step back from taking a hard look at the matter.
Directed by Ava DuVernay, it focuses on the shift from abolishment of slavery of African Americans under the 13th Amendment to their mass incarceration. With gripping personal accounts and shocking statistics, 13th captures the audience with the evidence of persistent racism that has been taking place in the USA for decades. For those interested in the social and political problems that shaped America, this is a crucial watch.
6. What Happened, Miss Simone? (2015)
This touching documentary offers an intimate account of the life of singer and civil rights activitist Nina Simone. It is about Simone's inspiring talent, her battles with mental health, and her commitment to justice. With the help of archival material, interviews, and her personal letters, What Happened, Miss Simone highlights her life as a woman who was passionate about music but also equally devoted to justice.
The documentary also explores the toll that fame and activism can take on a person. It is a powerful watch for people who are interested in music as well as history. It is not only a tribute to Nina Simone, one of the most prominent musicians of the 20th century, but also a reminder of the great impact an individual can have in this world.
7. My Octopus Teacher (2020)
If you are looking for a heartwarming documentary with stunning visuals, this is the Netflix documentary you should watch. Filmmaker Craig Foster builds an unlikely friendship with an octopus in the South African kelp forest. The documentary is a treat with stunning footage of his interaction with the octopus.
In fact, My Octopus Teacher goes beyond being a documentary on nature; it’s an introspective journey of connection, compassion, and the awe-inspiring natural world. Breathtakingly beautiful cinematography aside, it also speaks to the viewers on an emotional level. My Octopus Teacher won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2021 and has tugged at the heartstrings of millions.
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The above documentaries can be streamed on Netflix. Stay tuned to SoapCentral for more updates and detailed coverage.
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