Whilst most of us have watched the most popular Netflix Documentaries such as 'Amanda Knox' and 'Making a Murderer', you may not have realised that the documentaries section of Netflix is full of some extremely underrated hidden gems. So, here's a countdown of the top five Netflix documentaries to binge watch next and that will stay with you long after you've watched them.
The House I Live In
Although it has now been nominated for awards, Eugene Jarecki's 'The House I Live In' hasn't yet become a household name. Although it certainly deserves to be with its offering of a no-frills, to the point exploration America's so-called 'War on Drugs' and its devastating, long-term impact on society.
Honestly, this movie is documentary making at its very, very best.
West of Memphis
Whilst there are numerous cases of false imprisonment across the United States and subsequently numerous documentaries about them, 'West of Memphis' is unique and shines out from the rest. Much of which is due to allowing the people who were part of this case speak for themselves and creating an even greater layer of emotional grittiness for the viewer.
The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution
Originally created for PBS, this in-depth exploration of the movement offers an informative journey which challenges many pre-conceived notions about what the group represent. Whilst celebrating the pros, it doesn't shy away from exposing the cons and the hypocrisy which is affiliated with The Black Panthers.
If you're wanting an in-depth and unbiased view of who The Black Panthers were and what they stood for, then this is the ideal documentary for you.
The Imposter
This documentary is amazingly well constructed, with the plot twist seemingly coming out of nowhere - until it all begins to fit into place perfectly. The use of the individual speaking to the camera directly, the inclusivity of the family and the reconstructions all come together effortlessly to tell a genuinely extraordinary story that is well worthy of a watch.
LA 92
Two decades later, the Rodney King case remains starkly relevant with this documentary powerfully telling a story of the LA riots and how they came to be. Speaking to those involved on both sides of the case, it offers an in-depth explanation of the case from start to finish with the necessary context all in the space of 114 minutes. A worrying example of how history repeats itself, 'LA 92' further affirms that we may indeed be in our golden age of documentary making.
