Last Updated on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 by zapier

Best Documentary TV Shows on Max Right Now

Looking for something thought-provoking, eye-opening, or just plain fascinating to binge? You’re in the right place. From gripping true crime sagas to eye-opening explorations of history and culture, there’s no shortage of excellent content on Max. We’ve rounded up the best documentary TV shows currently streaming on Max, and trust us—each one is worth your time.

1. The Vow

IMDb Score: 7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 79%

This docuseries dives deep into the chilling world of NXIVM, the self-help group turned sex cult led by Keith Raniere. “The Vow” gives you an inside look through the eyes of former members, and it’s as jaw-dropping as it is disturbing. The storytelling is slow-burning but totally gripping—like you’re unraveling a mystery in real time. It’s not just about the cult itself, but also about the emotional toll it took on those who managed to escape.

2. Allen v. Farrow

IMDb Score: 6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 82%

This controversial and emotionally charged series takes you behind the headlines of one of Hollywood’s most infamous scandals. “Allen v. Farrow” meticulously examines the allegations of abuse against Woody Allen, offering never-before-seen footage and interviews that will leave you with your jaw on the floor. It’s a compelling look at power, fame, and the media’s role in shaping public opinion—definitely one you won’t forget soon.

3. The Lady and the Dale

IMDb Score: 6.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%

This quirky, unconventional docuseries follows the fascinating story of Elizabeth Carmichael, a con artist who rose to fame in the 1970s with her three-wheeled car invention. “The Lady and the Dale” is as much about the car as it is about identity, gender, and societal norms. It blends animation, interviews, and archival footage in a way that’s both entertaining and totally unique. You’ll laugh, you’ll raise an eyebrow, and you might even Google her afterward.

4. We Own This City

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

Okay, technically more of a docudrama, but “We Own This City” is based on real-life events and deserves a spot here. It tells the story of corruption within the Baltimore Police Department, focusing on the Gun Trace Task Force. The series is gritty, raw, and incredibly timely—it doesn’t hold back. If you were into “The Wire” or any crime-focused documentaries, this will hit the mark for you.

5. The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley

IMDb Score: 7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 78%

Elizabeth Holmes, the founder of Theranos, promised to revolutionize healthcare with a single drop of blood. “The Inventor” unpacks how that dream turned into one of the biggest frauds in Silicon Valley history. It’s slickly produced and offers rare footage and interviews that reveal how charisma and ambition can sometimes blind even the smartest people. You’ll come away wondering how everyone was fooled… and how close they got to pulling it off.

6. The Crime of the Century

IMDb Score: 8.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%

This two-part documentary is a gut punch in the best way. “The Crime of the Century” explores the opioid crisis and the role big pharma played in fueling the epidemic. It’s one of those shows that makes you mad, sad, and more informed all at once. Directed by Alex Gibney, it’s both a meticulous investigation and a call for accountability that’ll stick with you long after the credits roll.

7. Q: Into the Storm

IMDb Score: 6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 72%

If you’ve ever wondered who or what QAnon actually is, this six-part series tries to crack that code. “Q: Into the Storm” tracks the rise of the online conspiracy theory movement and its impact on politics and culture. It’s a wild ride through the internet’s darker corners, featuring interviews with key players and behind-the-scenes footage that feels like you’re watching history unfold in real time. It’s bizarre, unsettling, and oddly riveting.