Documentaries in 2025 redefined storytelling, delving deep into gripping real-life tales and shedding new gentle on social points like by no means earlier than. The yr’s lineup to this point has provided one thing for each curious thoughts — from riveting true crime tales to inspiring journeys and groundbreaking popular culture pivots. With such a wealthy selection, documentary lovers are actually spoiled for alternative. However maybe probably the most thrilling half is what number of of those can be found to observe on Netflix.
Probably the most talked-about documentaries of 2025 captured hearts and minds, however are all of them streaming on the streaming big? The reply to this query is a tad difficult
Life After
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues beneath this advert
Life After explores the influential right-to-die case of Elizabeth Bouvia by way of the eyes of documentarian Reid Davenport. Revisiting the landmark second from over 40 years in the past, the movie highlights how take care of sufferers like Bouvia has seen little progress. It examines the contentious and enduring debate surrounding the precise to die in particular medical eventualities. This documentary challenges viewers to rethink moral and systematic frameworks that, by its account, stay deeply flawed.
Is it out there on Netflix? No. It may be considered on the Sundance App as an alternative.
Step contained in the lifetime of a music legend with an intimate, unfiltered have a look at his journey with the following title.
Billy Joel: And So It Goes
This two-part docuseries paints an all-encompassing portrait of Billy Joel, famously generally known as the Piano Man. Directed by Susan Lacy and Jessica Levin, it follows the Grammy-winning artist, boasting a multimillion-dollar fortune in 2025, from his childhood by way of his rise to international fame. Clocking in at about 5 hours, the manufacturing gives an intimate, unfiltered have a look at Joel’s complicated on and off-stage life and his enduring legacy in music. For followers of heartfelt biographies and music historical past, this can be a must-watch.
Is it out there on Netflix? But once more, no. It’s out there on HBO Max.
Pavements
Filmmaker Alex Ross Perry takes viewers on a wild, unconventional journey by way of his 90s indie rock scene with Pavements. This characteristic curiously blurs the road between biography and surrealism, creating a pretend biopic model that mirrors the eccentricity of the band itself. It’s an adventurous and peculiar take that indie music followers wouldn’t need to miss.
Is it out there on Netflix? Nope, Mubi is the vacation spot this time.
Pee Wee as Himself
Pee Wee as Himself is a deeply emotional tribute to Paul Reubens, the comic behind the eponymous youngsters’s TV program. Filmmaker Matt Wolf spent over 40 hours with Reubens earlier than his passing in July 2023, tapping the complicated layers of his profession and private dilemmas. The documentary combines empathy and journalistic integrity, providing a heartfelt have a look at one among tv’s most beloved and controversial characters.
Discover it on HBO Max.
America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (season 2)
The collection continues to highlight the tales of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, highlighting the challenges feminine athletes face, together with underpayment. Directed by Gray Whiteley, identified for his work on Final Likelihood U and Cheer, America’s Sweethearts 2 has earned popularity of its sincere portrayal of sports activities tradition and gender inequality. The collection not solely entertains but additionally evokes conversations about equity and recognition in sports activities.
The place to observe: Netflix.
One to One: John & Yoko
Specializing in John Lennon’s life from 1971 to 1973, One to One: John & Yoko captures the interval when Lennon and Yoko Ono lived in New York. The documentary expertly highlights the previous’s solely solo efficiency amid a politically charged American interval and options reflections on his music and activism. As famous in a number of opinions, this movie gives an opportunity to reassess one of many twentieth century’s most influential and enigmatic artists.
Out there on Netflix? No. Discover it on Apple TV+ as an alternative.
Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius)
Following the Oscar-winning documentary Summer season of Soul, the director and Roots drummer returned with a deep look into Sly and the Household Stone. Sly Lives celebrates the efforts of those that fought to unite coloured and white musicians throughout a turbulent time within the States. That includes interviews with Andre 3000, Clive Davis, Nile Rodgers, and Chaka Khan, it honors a groundbreaking artist who remodeled music and tradition.
The place to observe? On Hulu or Disney+.
Science and obsession collide within the following story of 1 man’s quest to push the boundaries of human risk.
Do not Die: The Man Who Desires to Reside Ceaselessly
The story tells the fascinating story of multibillionaire Bryan Johnson, who’s trying to reverse ageing utilizing his elaborate fortune. Directed by Chris Smith, the documentary explores themes of mortality, science, and obsession with eternally staying younger. Whereas some might view Johnson as a controversial determine, the movie supplies an intriguing portrait of human want for reaching the unachievable and the bounds of expertise.
Watch on Netflix.
Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey
From the creators of My Octopus Instructor, Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey follows one of many world’s most endangered mammals. The documentary captures the rescue and rehabilitation of a pangolin named Kulu, highlighting the wildlife conservation efforts and the urgent want to guard weak species. Its intimate storytelling and beautiful visuals make it a must-watch for nature fans.
Out there to observe on Netflix.
SNL 50: Past Saturday Night time
SNL 50: Past Saturday Night time gives an inside have a look at the enduring comedy present by way of tales instructed by the comedians themselves. In contrast to dramatized accounts, this four-part collection supplies real behind-the-scenes insights into Saturday Night time Reside’s best sketches and moments. It’s nostalgic and informative on the similar time and has the potential to turn out to be an absolute delight for the followers of late-night television, currently under fire from Donald Trump.
Watch it on Peacock and Apple TV.
Seeds
Winner of the Grand Jury Prize on the 2025 Sundance Competition, Seeds is Brittany Shyne’s directorial debut, specializing in Black farmers within the South of America. The documentary highlights their struggles for honest therapy and higher working circumstances in a system that usually overlooks them. Seeds is a robust exploration of resilience and social justice in agriculture.
Might be watched on the Sundance Movie Competition platform.
Thank You Very A lot
Produced by Sadie Brothers, Thank You Very A lot explores the unconventional profession of comic Andy Kaufman, a pioneer of cringe comedy. The documentary options testimonials from Steve Martin, Lorne Michaels, Robin Williams, and extra, portray a bizarrely heartfelt image of Kaufman’s influential legacy in comedy.
Watch on Apple TV.
Changing into Led Zeppelin
Changing into Led Zeppelin gives an unprecedented have a look at the legendary rock band that includes the surviving members themselves for the primary time. The documentary consists of archival interviews and performances tracing the band’s formation and rise to fame. It is a must-watch for music followers as soon as once more.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues beneath this advert
Out there on Netflix: Sure.
2025’s documentary trove to this point has been wealthy with tales that provoke thought, immediate motion, and entertain. Whether or not one is inquisitive about music legends, private journeys, social justice, or extra, these movies provide one thing worthwhile for everybody.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues beneath this advert
Which of the documentaries will likely be your rapid decide? Tell us within the feedback!