These thought-provoking Netflix documentaries are worth your time
Documentaries are clearly having their moment under the sun. No matter what genre or subject, these films have only recently been received with open arms, especially in India. This can perhaps be attributed to Indian non-fiction films winning big internationally over the last few years. Here are our recommendations for some of the best documentary films to watch on Netflix.
/established/media/post_attachments/theestablished/2024-09-20/q44829gn/documentaries-1.jpg)
House of Secrets
Was it mass suicide, murders, or some kind of ritual? Based on a case that left all of India stunned in 2018, House of Secrets is a documentary film that must feature on your watchlist.
Created by Leena Yadav, this docuseries examines the haunting cause of the death of the Burari family. To date, the case is surrounded by different theories of what happened. The voice-over, background score, and direction are done brilliantly and evoke feelings of fear.
Image: YouTube
/established/media/post_attachments/theestablished/2024-09-20/o720s0in/documentaries-2.jpg)
What Jennifer Did
The case of Jennifer Pan's parents getting shot in a house robbery is not what it seems on the surface.
What Jennifer Did reveals the bone-chilling case that sent shockwaves through Canada and the Asian diaspora when it happened. Written and directed by Jenny Popplewell, this is a good documentary film to watch on Netflix that keeps you intrigued till the end.
Image: Netflix Media Centre
/established/media/post_attachments/theestablished/2024-09-20/3n63xxn5/documentaries-3.jpg)
Curry & Cyanide
Christo Tomy's documentary plays out like a mystery thriller, slowly revealing the truth behind the Jolly Joseph case. A woman is suspected of murdering six of her family members, including a two-year-old child, with poison.
The documentary also features interviews with her family members, which makes it a gripping and equally disturbing documentary film. We are drawn into the chilling psychological portrait of Jolly Joseph and the shocking events that unfolded within her family, leaving lingering questions about what drives someone to commit such heinous acts.
Image: IMDB
/established/media/post_attachments/theestablished/2024-09-20/1e6or6rs/documentaries-4.jpg)
The Final: Attack on Wembley
If you are a sports buff, this documentary is for you. Fans from all over the country flocked to Wembley as Gareth Southgate's England team was on the verge of a historic win, but the celebration soon turned into chaos. Drunkenness, drug-taking, and ticketless fans storming the stadium turned the day into mayhem. With gripping first-hand accounts and raw footage, this is the dramatic tale of a day that started with high hopes and ended with a nation in shock.
Image: Netflix Media Centre
/established/media/post_attachments/theestablished/2024-09-20/eoi01xq5/documentaries-5.jpg)
The Tinder Swindler
From Felicity Morris, the creator of Don't F*ck With Cats (another popular Netflix documentary), The Tinder Swindler uncovers the story of a conman who conned women out of thousands of dollars by posing to be a billionaire.
The documentary combines first-hand interviews with the victims, dramatic reenactments, and real-life footage to create a compelling narrative that keeps you wanting to know more. It's a rollercoaster of emotions as we see how this smooth-talker fooled so many and the fallout that followed.
Image: Netflix Media Centre
/established/media/post_attachments/theestablished/2024-09-20/8utqvz9k/documentaries-6.jpg)
MH370: The Plane That Disappeared
How can a modern jet airliner disappear into thin air? If this is the question you had after the mysterious disappearance of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370, then this is the documentary film you need to watch on Netflix.
This documentary dives deep, featuring the first televised interview with the pilot's family and an exclusive sit-down with Malaysia's Defence Minister, who shares his thoughts on the possible culprits. With fresh, never-heard-before testimony, it offers a rare and insightful look into a mystery that has left the world searching for answers.
Image: Netflix Media Centre
/established/media/post_attachments/theestablished/2024-09-20/yealkd6n/documentaries-7.jpg)
The Indrani Mukerjea Story: Buried Truth
The disappearance and possible murder of Sheena Bora is one of the most disturbing cases of recent times. From the get-go, the documentary pulls you in with its detailed account of the events surrounding her mysterious disappearance.
The puzzle is pieced together by using a mix of interviews, real footage, and expert analysis to paint a vivid picture of the case. It's a chilling exploration of a case that shook a nation, offering a rare glimpse into the complexities of human behaviour and the dark secrets that can lie beneath the surface.
Image: Rotten Tomatoes
Also Read: The ultimate guide to the best scary movies of all time
Also Read: Why does rewatching TV shows and movies bring us comfort?
Also Read: Stream These Latest Movies on OTT For Your Next Movie Marathon