Run, Don’t Walk: The 5 Best Netflix Documentaries You Need To Watch
We’re all spending a lot more time inside than usual, which means we have a lot more time to explore everything new Netflix has to offer the summer.
Sure, documentaries aren’t always our go-to choice when it comes time to starting bingeing a new series, but these original series from the streaming platform are just too good (or down right weird) to pass over.
From heart-warming stories about friendship and food to ones that make you question everything you thought you knew about the world, we’re rounding out our top five picks that you simply can’t miss.
(UN)WELL
Fact: There’s no shortage of new health fads bombarding our timelines and TV’s these days, but are these crazy trends helping us or hurting us? This documentary dives deep into the multi-trillion-dollar wellness industry and pulls back the curtain on topics like essential oils, fasting, bee sting therapy and drinking breast milk as an adult. It’s interesting and educational, but don’t tune in looking for a direct answer on if these trends are good for you or not because you won’t get one. Opinions and testimonials are shared, and you’re left to come to your own conclusion.
High Score
If you think watching a 6-part limited series about the most revolutionary video games and creators in the world would be boring… think again! We’re introduced to innovators who created iconic games like Atari’s Pac-Man and Space Invaders, Nintendo’s Donkey Kong, Mario Bros., and Super Mario Bros, and Sega’s Sonic: The Hedgehog. The series takes you on a journey from the earliest 1970’s arcade games to the invention of the first 8-bit home consoles to the explosion of role-playing games (RPG’s) like Mortal Kombat, Street Fighters, Doom and Final Fantasy in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. Informative and engaging, High Score brings nostalgia to seasoned gamers and non-gamers alike.
Connected: The Hidden Science of Everything
Have you ever wondered what farm animals have to do with the facial recognition software used to open up smartphones? Or what birds migrating every year can tell us about the tropical storms coming in our future? Or how dust keeps us alive? Probably not, but after watching Connected: The Hidden Science of Everything, chances are your curiosity will be sparked. From Delaware to Milan, science journalist and host Latif Nasser takes us on a journey to raise our awareness while testing out some of his best dad jokes. Season 1 covers topics like clouds, dust, nukes, surveillance, and poop (yes, that kind). It is relevant, timely and full of enthusiastic storytelling that brings this series to life and leaves you ready to learn more.
The Speed Cubers
I never thought a story about two Rubik’s Cube-solving world champions turned best friends could bring a tear to my eye — but then I watched The Speed Cubers. The 39-minute Netflix original follows speedcubing champions Max Park and Feliks Zemdegs to the 2019 World Cube Association’s World Championships (yes, that’s a real thing), but showcases much more than just the competition. This documentary highlights the beautiful friendship formed between Zemdegs, world record holder and reigning world champion, and Park, who bursts onto the scene and starts beating Zemdeg’s records left and right. Park, who also happens to be autistic, develops a unique friendship with Zemdegs that you have to see to believe. It’s short, sweet and the feel-good watch we all need right now.
Street Food: Latin America
Everyone loves a good cooking show, and Netflix is no stranger to delivering us captivating culinary content. Street Food: Latin America takes viewers beyond the food, spotlighting the creators behind the most popular dishes in countries like Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Columbia and Mexico. It is absolutely incredible seeing the food harvested and prepared, but what’s even more remarkable is seeing the unshakable drive, determination and sacrifice it takes to leave one’s stamp on the street food map. Mainly focusing on indigenous women cooks looking to shed light on a predominately male-dominated environment, representation is a huge part of this series’ intrigue and success. Street Food’s first season, Asia, was also released on Netflix in April of 2019. Both seasons are currently available to stream.
