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When you think of Netflix documentaries, most would immediately think of some of the more popular releases, such asMaking a Murderer(2015) orTiger King(2020) (one of the best Netflix documentaries of all time). Since Netflix has begun pushing out multiple documentary titles, viewers are regularly finding themselves blown away by Oscar-worthy takes on corruption, murder, mystery, or something in between.
Because of the wealth of content available on the streaming giant, it can be tough to narrow down the good, the bad, and the ugly. Luckily,Rotten Tomatoeshas come in clutch, generating the highest-rated Netflix documentaries — helping you decipher exactly what documentaries to watch.
Updated on June 05, 2025, by Hannah Saab:
The lineup for thebest new Netflix films this August 2023isn’t made up exclusively of feature films, as there are upcoming documentaries likePoisoned: The Dirty Truth About Your Foodthat continue to highlight the streaming giant’s preference for the genre. The list of Netflix’s highest-rated documentaries on Rotten Tomatoes rarely changes, though, with only the very best managing to snag a spot.
15’My Octopus Teacher' (2020)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
You’ve seen bonds between people from all different walks of life — now, prepare yourself for the bond between a man and an octopus.My Octopus Teacher, directed byPippa EhrlichandJames Reed, follows filmmakerCraig Foster, as he documents his experiences free diving in South Africa. In time, he meets a young octopus that captured his attention, and their growing bond is documented over many years.
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The film, which was awarded the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature at the 93rd Academy Awards, is a moving examination of the connections that humans have with animals and the natural world. Those who have a soft spot in their hearts for animals won’t want to miss out on the charm that isMy Octopus Teacher.
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14'13th' (2016)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
Ava DuVernaydirectedthe award-winning documentary13th, which tackles the complex connections between racism and mass imprisonment in the United States. The film won several awards for its incisive commentary, as it boldly delves into the 13th Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America and the effect that it has had on the continued institutional oppression of Black people in the country.
The documentary doesn’t pull any punches and provides a sobering look at how slavery and institutionalized racism have been ingrained into the social fabric of the country. By showing insightful interviews with academics, activists, and politicians, it seeks not just to better inform viewers but also to push for change and racial justice.
13’Disclosure' (2020)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%
Disclosureis an insightful documentary directed bySam Federthat delves into the history of transgender representation in Hollywood productions. It offers a portrait of a flawed entertainment industry full of obstacles and unfair challenges through the use of archival footage and interviews with renowned transgender actors, activists, and experts.
The thought-provoking documentary brings up concerns about gender, identity, and the influence that media representations may have on how the general population views transgender individuals. It’s just as relevant as ever, and deserves to be seen by a wider audience.
12’Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé' (2019)
Written, executive produced, anddirected byBeyoncéherself,Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncéprovides fans with a rare and intimate glimpse behind the curtains. Focusing on one of the most influential musicians in the world today, the documentary revolves around Beyoncé’s intense preparation for her now-iconic 2018 Coachella performance.
The documentary highlights Beyoncé’s unbelievable talent, dedication and creativity as a performer. Even viewers who aren’t fans of the Queen B will be able to appreciate the way the concert film displays the power of beauty, resilience and culture in impacting the world.
11’Circus of Books' (2019)
Chronicling the legendary story of the family behind Circus of Books, the titular documentary depicts the meteoric rise of an infamous gay porn store and cruising spot in Los Angeles that was in business for over 30 years. By exploring the family’s own journeys within the LGBTQ+ community and juxtaposing these with the evolution of the movement over time, it manages to paint a compelling portrait of the historic location (that’s more than just a place).
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Not only isCircus of Booksa moving and thoughtful account of the family’s experiences, but it’s also an informative and entertaining deep dive into a small but significant piece of American cultural history.
10’Knock Down the House' (2019)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 99%
Knock Down the Houseis a fiery political documentary that follows the daring campaign of four progressive women, one of whom isAlexandria Ocasio-Cortez(then running for the United States Congress in the 2018 midterm elections). With exclusive interviews and raw behind-the-scenes footage, viewers get an inside look at the intricacies behind planning such campaigns, especially when the odds are stacked against them.
Undoubtedly a polarizing film, witha near-perfect 99% Tomatometerbut a shocking 11% audience score, it’s not a documentary for everyone. Those who believe in the power of grassroots campaigns and are interested in how ordinary citizens can achieve great heights should definitely give it a chance.
9’Shirkers' (2018)
In 1992, filmmakerSandi Tanshootsa road movie calledShirkerswith her mentorGeorges Cardona. After shooting wrapped, Cardona disappeared with the footage and was never seen by Tan again. When the footage is eventually recovered in 2011, Tan decides to digitize the footage and used it to make a documentary about the process of obtaining, then losing, the footage for the film.
The documentary of the same name premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival, winning the World Cinema Documentary Directing Awards. Achieving a 99% score on the Tomatometer, it’s clear that Tan’s transformation of old footage into a digitized documentary is highly regarded, making it a true pleasure to watch.
FilmmakerKirsten Johnsontakes a deep dive into her father nearing the end of his life inDick Johnson is Dead. Using inventive and comical ways to stage his death, the film takes black humor to a whole other level, after a dream of her father in a casket inspired the work.
Premiering at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, they won the U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award for Innovation in Nonfiction Storytelling. With a perfect Tomatometer score, Johnson manages to take the painful loss of a parent and turn it into an incredible life-affirming documentary that will go down in cinematic history as one of the greats.
7’Giving Voice' (2020)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
Glee club meets dramatic performance inGiving Voice, in which students from across the United States audition for a spot in the August Wilson Monologue Competition. Inspiration and dedication culminate in one final round on Broadway, where the stakes are high, and the odds are low.
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Premiering at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival and winning the Festival Favorite award, it’s no surprise that this great Netflix documentary is a fan favorite.Giving Voice, directed byJames D. SternandFernando Villena, has a perfect Tomatometer score and the ability to move you all at once.
6’The Battered Bastards of Baseball' (2014)
An A-team composed of players based in Oregon that no one wanted – this shapes thestory of the sports documentaryThe Battered Bastards of Baseball. The Portland Mavericks were an independent team – without a parent team in the major leagues, and this documentary details their story – a treat for baseball fans far and wide.
The film premiered at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival with a standing ovation – a testament to its feel-good underdog premise. Directed byChapman&Maclain Way, its perfect Tomatometer rating speaks for itself.
