davwyna sancho farucah
Hadda Condino
Sometimes, all you can do is sit on the couch to watch television. But for those of us with a taste for history, even a lazy Netflix binge can teach you a lot about the world we share. The best history documentaries on Netflix come in a variety of shapes and cover a huge range of topics. We've collected some of our favorites to share with history lovers everywhere.
Pet owners often wonder what their animal may be thinking about, or the reasons behind certain behavior. This documentary addresses all your questions, drawing on scientific research to shed light on the internal worlds of our furry friends.
This is the inspiring story of Lhakpa Sherpa, the first Nepali woman to successfully climb Mount Everest. Now working at a Connecticut Whole Foods and navigating the US as a single parent and immigrant, the documentary traces her preparations to return to Everest for a record-breaking tenth summit.
The first Black Barbie was released in 1980, thanks to the efforts of three trailblazing women at Mattel. Their journey to make that vision a reality is documented in this film, which also explores the importance of representation and the impact that the first Black Barbie has had on generations of young people.
More than just the butt of a joke, Neanderthals were more intelligent than previously believed, and left behind some fascinating evidence about their lives. This documentary dives into what the archaeological record can tell us about these archaic humans and their extinction.
Who is more powerful: the police or the people? Moreover, who should be? This documentary tackles the thorny history of policing in the US, tracing it back from the era of slave patrols to modern-day miscarriages of justice, raising pointed questions about the system along the way.
British actor John Boyega narrates this six-part series about World War II, featuring rare restored video footage, much of it taken by soldiers themselves. Tune in for a unique and immersive perspective of the frontlines.
Over the course of eight episodes, intelligence operatives from the likes of the CIA and MI6 trace espionage in the modern world. Peer into the undercover world behind defining conflicts of the last century, from plans to dismantle the Taliban in Afghanistan to deposing Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega.
This French documentary offers a new perspective on conflict during the 20th century, especially World War I and II, through its focus on the tank as a cause of major change. Now generally considered a waste of money and a liability on the warfront, tanks were once a key part of any battle strategy.
Something about black and white makes pictured events look impossibly far away. Luckily, this documentary brings World War II to life in full color, allowing viewers a new way to look at history's most famous conflict. This hour will be one you're eternally glad to have spent with Netflix.
As a young Jewish child in war-torn Europe, Misha Defonseca was placed in the care of a Catholic family who could keep her safe from the Nazis. But Misha, renamed Monique, was determined to preserve her heritage and reunite with her family. She secretly left her adopted parents and managed to survive in the wilderness by integrating with a pack of wolves as she wandered Europe. At least, this is the story Misha has told. But how much of it is true? Misha and the Wolves deconstructs a literary hoax and arrives at a truth stranger and more complicated than fiction, and fascinating in its own right.
Barack Obama visits various workplaces and interviews employees across different industries in this docuseries that explores the working lives of modern Americans in a time of rising inequality. It was inspired by Working, the acclaimed 1974 oral history book by Studs Terkel.
Cult leader David Koresh and his followers faced off against the US government in 1993, in an incident known as the Waco siege. The siege saw the biggest gunfight on American soil since the Civil War, and parts of it were captured on live television. This documentary delivers a definitive account of a dramatic episode in American history.
In the hours and days following the terrorist attack at the 2013 Boston Marathon, investigators combed through video surveillance, cell phone records, and other evidence to track down the perpetrators. This film is a deep dive into that manhunt, with testimony from police officers, FBI agents, and eyewitnesses to the attack.
The Clotilda was the last known ship to carry enslaved Africans to the United States, a practice which had been banned decades earlier. Some of the survivors from the ship would go on to found Africatown, an Alabama community that aimed to keep their traditional African traditions and language alive. This documentary follows the descendents of Africatown and Clotilda passengers in the present day.
In a less triumphant view, this brand-new docuseries reveals new details about the tragic Challenger incident of 1986. Although the grooves of this story have been well-trodden in the decades since the United States watched in horror as the rocket broke apart after its launch, killing all seven crew members aboard, the empathetically made series shows how failure after failure led to the final disaster.
This British series landing on Netflix in 2023 is technically more of a mockumentary than a documentary. Still, it employs real experts to answer the inane questions of reporter Philomena Cunk, played hilariously by Diane Morgan. In this six-part series, Cunk explores the origins of human civilization, from prehistoric times to the present day.
This enchanting docuseries takes viewers on a journey through the Andes. From Argentina to Colombia, learn about the rich culture and unique ways of life of various people living in the vast South American mountain range.
Multi-talented author Paco Ignacio Taibo II brings his beloved book series to life in this Mexican retrospective. Focusing on a period in the mid-19th century, Taibo explores the War of Reform, the reign of Benito Jurez and how the two shaped modern Mexico. With Mexican history so often neglected in American schools and culture, this documentary is sure to spark new insights.
In 2015, prosecutor Alberto Nisman was found dead on his bathroom floor. To this day, questions surround his death, from who did it to why two Argentinian presidents have publicly commented on the circumstances. This documentary seamlessly blends true crime and political intrigue.
The first season of African Queens (pictured above), which is executive produced and narrated by Jada Pinkett Smith, focused on Njinga, historical ruler over what is now Angola. Reenactments demonstrated her military background, fortitude through political intrigue, and how she fought back against the expanding Portuguese slave trade. The next season will revolve around the fascinating and enigmatic Cleopatra.
This documentary focuses on the Oscar and Grammy Award-winning film score composer and music producer, from his childhood in postwar Germany to his rise to Hollywood and reputation as a musical genius.
Gripping reenactments trace the rise of Alexander the Great as he became an unparalleled military commander and amassed one of the largest empires in history, sparking fascination with the legendary man even thousands of years after his death.
Shimon Peres was the ninth president of Israel. At the time of his 2014 retirement, he was the world's oldest head of state. He was also considered the last link to Israel's founding generation. Peres won the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize for his peace talks with Palestinian leadership. This documentary traces his remarkable life and leadership.
The mere mention of Mr. Rogers invokes positive childhood memories for millions of Americans. This documentary about the soft-spoken television host reflects on his legacy, featuring archival footage and interviews with his loved ones.
Although this documentary is a bit too short to fully satisfy a history buff, it gives a great overview of the lives of Jackie Kennedy Onassis and her sister, Lee Radziwill. If you find yourself thirsty for more, we recommend The Fabulous Bouvier Sisters.
Matt and Khani met on a dating app and felt an instant connection. For their third date, they booked a spontaneous trip to Costa Rica, where they found themselves trapped at the onset of the pandemic. An aspiring vlogger, Matt captured the timely experience on film.
As its name implies, this docuseries explores films of all genres that had an outsize impact on pop culture or encapsulated the zeitgeist at the time they were released. Ahead of the third season's October premiere date, you can binge the first two seasons, also available on Netflix.
Stephen Satterfield, food writer and founder of Whetstone Magazine, will take viewers on a journey through African American cooking. Exploring the history, culture, and activism that has gone hand-in-hand with cooking through the centuries, this douseries promises eye-opening experiences and hunger-inducing views.
Mythology reveals much to the keen-eyed observer. Studying mythology allows us to discover the preoccupations of a culture, from natural phenomena to the fears that keep people awake at night. This docuseries explores the myths of Europe and how they shaped the continent and its cultures.
Season four of the series hosted by Star Trek actor William Shatner is coming to Netflix. Originally airing on the History network, the show purports to "explore subjects that have mystified mankind for centuries". This season delves into mysteries such as King Arthur, the Bermuda Triangle, ancient ruins, and more.
The launching of ChatGPT has prompted a lot of discourse about artificial intelligence and its perceived benefits and dangers. Killer Robots puts its own spin on the conversation by exploring the use of AI in the military from the perspective of scientists and ethicists.
Follow these intrepid filmmakers into Uganda, where the largest known chimpanzee community has been discovered. This documentary gives viewers a rare, intimate look into the complex social structure of our fellow primates.
90f70e40cf