11 Best History Documentaries on Netflix right now

The Best History Documentaries on Netflix Right Now

Netflix offers an incredible selection of history documentaries that delve into intriguing stories of past events, notable figures, and cultural shifts. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for something educational to watch, this list of the best history documentaries on Netflix is sure to captivate you and spark your curiosity.

1. Apollo 13: Survival

IMDb Score: 7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%

Runtime: 90 minutes

“Apollo 13: Survival” is a gripping documentary that captures the intense struggle and ingenuity behind the famous Apollo 13 mission. Through original footage and interviews, viewers are taken on a journey alongside the astronauts as they fight for survival after a critical failure in space. The documentary highlights human resilience and the power of teamwork in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

2. When We Were Kings

IMDb Score: 8.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%

Runtime: 89 minutes

“When We Were Kings” transports viewers back to 1974 for the iconic “Rumble in the Jungle” boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. This film is more than just a sports documentary — it’s a cultural snapshot capturing the political and social atmosphere of the time. You’ll get to see the intersection of sports and music, as the event featured performances from legends like James Brown and B.B. King.

3. Ordinary Men: The “Forgotten Holocaust”

IMDb Score: 7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88%

Runtime: 95 minutes

“Ordinary Men: The ‘Forgotten Holocaust'” sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of World War II — the horrific acts committed by police battalions and mobile commandos. This documentary asks the unsettling question of how ordinary men could participate in such heinous crimes, offering insights into human psychology and the capacity for evil when obedience overrides morality.

4. Hitler: A Career

IMDb Score: 7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 82%

Runtime: 120 minutes

Explore the rise of Adolf Hitler in “Hitler: A Career,” a documentary that examines not just historical events but also mass psychology. It’s fascinating and disturbing to see how a desperate populace can be manipulated, offering a chilling reminder of history’s lessons. This film digs deep into the complexities of power, propaganda, and the devastating impact of dictatorship.

5. Circus of Books

IMDb Score: 7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%

Runtime: 92 minutes

“Circus of Books” is a heartwarming and eye-opening look at a unique piece of LGBTQ+ history. Follow the story of a Jewish couple who ran a famous gay porn bookstore in Los Angeles. Through the eyes of their filmmaker daughter, the documentary explores themes of family, acceptance, and the fight for gay rights, offering both humor and poignant moments along the way.

6. The Last Days

IMDb Score: 7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%

Runtime: 87 minutes

“The Last Days” is an emotionally powerful recounting of the Holocaust through the experiences of five Hungarian Jews. This documentary doesn’t just recount historical events; it also captures the enduring impact on the survivors’ lives. It’s a moving tribute to resilience and the will to remember and educate future generations about the atrocities of the past.

7. The Look of Silence

IMDb Score: 8.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%

Runtime: 102 minutes

“The Look of Silence” offers a profound look at Indonesia’s past, focusing on the mass killings of 1965-1966. The narrative follows an optician who confronts his brother’s killers in an attempt to understand and reckon with the past. It’s an intimate and haunting portrait of trauma and the search for closure, revealing the deep scars left by political violence.

8. The Martha Mitchell Effect

IMDb Score: 7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%

Runtime: 97 minutes

Discover the intriguing story of Martha Mitchell in “The Martha Mitchell Effect.” Once a household name, she became an unlikely whistleblower during the Watergate scandal. This documentary delves into her life, revealing how she was discredited by those in power. It’s a fascinating look at the intersection of politics, gender, and media manipulation.

9. Descendant

IMDb Score: 7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%

Runtime: 109 minutes

“Descendant” connects the past to the present, exploring the history of Africatown in Mobile, Alabama. Founded by the Clotilda’s last known slave ship survivors, their descendants have kept their stories alive. This documentary beautifully captures their journey of reclaiming their heritage, finding the Clotilda’s remains, and validating a history that many tried to erase.

10. Facing Nolan

IMDb Score: 8.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%

Runtime: 100 minutes

“Facing Nolan” is a home run for baseball fans, exploring the legendary career of Nolan Ryan. Known for his record-breaking pitches and unparalleled reputation, the documentary offers insights from those who played with and against him. It’s a nostalgic and inspiring tribute to one of Major League Baseball’s most iconic figures.

11. Murder by the Coast

IMDb Score: 6.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 76%

Runtime: 88 minutes

“Murder by the Coast” is a true-crime documentary that delves into the controversial murder case of Rocío Wanninkhof. The investigation led to a shocking twist with a second victim, unraveling the mystery and revealing the truth. It’s a captivating watch for those who enjoy exploring the intricate details and complexities of criminal investigations.