5 Documentaries Worth Your Binge-Watching Time

The power of documentaries lies in their ability to offer a window into real-life events, human experiences, and compelling narratives of the world around us. Over the past decade, the surge of streaming platforms and a renaissance in documentary filmmaking has provided audiences with a plethora of choices. If you’re keen on enriching your mind while being entertained, here are the just five documentaries from the past ten years that I think deserve your binge-watching time:

1. “Making a Murderer” (2015-present):

A true-crime enthusiast’s delight, “Making a Murderer” plunged viewers into the complex and controversial case of Steven Avery. After serving 18 years in prison for a wrongful conviction, Avery is arrested again, this time for a different crime. Filmed over ten years, this documentary series raises troubling questions about the American justice system and leaves viewers grappling with the idea of justice itself.

2. “Our Planet” (2019):

Voiced by the iconic David Attenborough, “Our Planet” is more than just another nature documentary. This visually stunning series explores the beauty of the natural world while simultaneously highlighting the devastating impact of climate change. Each episode, focusing on different ecosystems, serves as both an ode to Earth’s splendor and a desperate plea for conservation.

3. “13th” (2016):

A compelling analysis of the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the U.S., “13th” by Ava DuVernay delves into the Thirteenth Amendment. The documentary argues that while the amendment abolished slavery, it left a significant loophole that has led to the systematic oppression of Black communities through mass incarceration. Thought-provoking and profoundly urgent, “13th” is essential viewing for anyone keen on understanding modern American society.

4. “Wild Wild Country” (2018):

This riveting documentary series recounts the saga of the controversial Indian guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (Osho) and his followers as they establish a commune in rural Oregon during the 1980s. With tensions escalating between the commune and local residents, what ensues is a tale rife with intrigue, conflict, and dark undertones. “Wild Wild Country” examines themes of religious freedom, community living, and the lengths people will go for their beliefs.

5. “Icarus” (2017):

What began as filmmaker Bryan Fogel’s experiment to understand doping in sports turned into a geopolitical thriller involving Russian state-sponsored athlete doping. “Icarus” exposes the dark underbelly of international sports and the politics intertwined with them. As Fogel befriends Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov, the chief orchestrator of Russia’s doping program, viewers are taken on a whirlwind journey of deception, risk, and shocking revelations.

In Conclusion:

Documentaries have the unique power to inform, inspire, and instigate change. They offer viewers a deeper understanding of the world, challenging preconceived notions and expanding horizons. These five documentaries, each brilliant in its storytelling and subject matter, offer more than just passive viewing; they encourage reflection, discussion, and, in some cases, action.

Whether you’re looking to understand the intricacies of a high-profile criminal case, the devastating realities of environmental degradation, or the complex socio-political landscapes of our time, there’s a documentary on this list for you. So, get comfy on that couch, press play, and embark on a journey of knowledge and discovery.  I know that this list could be ten times as long, let me know what is your favorite recent documentary in the comments below.