Netflix boasts an incredibly detailed library of content for viewers to explore, touching every possible genre in film and television. The streaming platform has become notorious for its documentaries because Netflix isn’t afraid to pick up the zaniest and wildest topics. Nothing is off limits when it comes to Netflix documentaries, as these 21 examples prove.
Tiger King
Tiger King became one of Netflix’s most popular shows, boasting 34 million U.S. viewers in its first ten days of release. It made cult heroes out of Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin, showcasing the wild world of extensive cat breeding and the people involved in that business. The documentary has drama, mystery, and some genuinely insane personalities that create one captivating watch that gripped the world.
Harry & Megan
The British Royal Family is typically known for being extremely private regarding personal matters and what goes on behind closed doors. That makes this documentary so shocking to people as Harry and Megan lift the lid on their feelings and why they opted to walk away. It’s open, honest, and, at times, utterly shocking as it showcases the institution in a way it never has been before.
The Ripper
Crime documentaries have become incredibly popular in recent years, and Netflix certainly has a significant role to play in that. The Ripper is an example of an insane series that people can dive into. It focuses on the infamous serial killer known as the Yorkshire Ripper, providing interviews and extreme detail, some of which aren’t for the faint-hearted.
Making a Murderer
Making a Murderer is a very detailed documentary that focused on Steven Avery, who spent almost 20 years in jail for a crime he didn’t commit, only to wind up locked up again. The fact that it was filmed over 13 years allows audiences to dive deep into this one, with all the twists and turns. It won an Emmy for Outstanding Documentary, which helped bring lots of attention, proving its high quality.
14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible
Mountaineering is a fascinating subject simply because few people ever experience it and because of the danger that comes with it. There are many documentaries on climbing-specific mountains, but this one takes it to the extreme. Nimsdai Purja decides to summit all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks in just over half a year, which is a crazy challenge. The journey has severe highs and lows, creating drama that grips audiences.
MH370: The Plane That Disappeared
The idea of a plane with over 200 people completely disappearing is insane, but it ended up being a reality. This documentary details everything known about this modern mystery while speculating about what could have happened.
Abducted in Plain Sight
This true crime documentary will have audiences ripping their hair out in frustration at times, as it recaps how a 12-year-old girl was kidnapped. It’s how her parents place trust in others that will catch people off-guard, though, and that is one of the reasons this is such an insane true story.
Dark Tourist
Many people can relate to and find tourism interesting, but Dark Tourist takes it to a different level. This series focuses on some of the strangest attractions possible that most people aren’t going to have on their bucket list. David Farrier visits some truly wild locations throughout this one, which provides a fascinating look at different cultures and how people spend their time.
Wrestlers
From bodyslams to backstage politics, Wrestlers is a documentary series that takes a deep dive into one of the world’s most exciting and insane sports. It focuses on Ohio Valley Wrestling and examines how these shows are assembled. It’s an insane look at an industry with millions of fans worldwide.
Bad Vegan: Fame. Fraud. Fugitives.
This documentary focuses on a woman who opts to marry a man because he claims to be capable of immortalizing her dog. It’s a wild idea that leads to her being in a tricky situation as everything is not as it seems, and the story goes from one insane moment to another.
Don’t **** With Cats: Hunting An Internet Killer (2019)
This is one of the most insane documentaries on Netflix, showcasing how one individual who was torturing and killing cats for fun ended up having his identity revealed. It highlights the power of social media, but considering how many shocking events occur, it is a series that will leave people stunned.
Worst Roommate Ever
Many people have experienced bad roommates, but few will have shared a living space with people as insane as those in this documentary. Some people are subjected to circumstances, but how they try to deal with them is another, making this a wild ride.
Miss Americana
Taylor Swift is one of the world’s most famous people, so getting a detailed look into her life is something few would ever expect. It gives people an insane look at her life while on tour, showcasing the range of emotions she goes through and her hard work to make a show happen.
The Deepest Breath
The Deepest Breath is a documentary that will have viewers shocked and on the edge of their seats as it examines the world of freediving. Seeing how far down people go will shock people, and the highs and lows covered in this film are sure to grip audiences and produce a range of emotions.
Cheer
Cheer seems like a typical sporting documentary on paper, but few people genuinely understand the world of cheerleading. It’s far more competitive and cutthroat than most expect, which shines through in this thought-provoking documentary.
FIFA Uncovered
FIFA is one of the most prominent organizations in the world, so being able to delve into how that is run is something that few would expect to see. It provides an insane level of detail, both the good and the bad, which is an eye-opening viewing experience for soccer fans.
Icarus
There’s a reason this was an Academy Award-winning documentary: It brings a high level of intensity. Focusing on the impact of doping in sports, this story provides fantastic insight that will shock people regarding the industry.
The Tinder Swindler
Dating apps are all the rage nowadays, proving to be something everyone is happy to use. But they can have a dark side, as The Tinder Swindler showcases. Considering how many people have used that service, it’s no surprise it gained much interest. However, the insane ways that Simon Leviev would go in attempting to scam women are genuinely shocking.
Louis Theroux’s Weird Weekends
Louis Theroux is one of England’s leading documentary makers, but his Weird Weekends series is one of the most popular. This series sees him spend time with different niche groups, immersing himself in their worlds. Whether swingers, bodybuilding, or professional wrestling, he jumps head first into the topic, giving brilliant insight.
Blackfish
Blackfish was one of the first significant documentaries that got lots of attention on Netflix, focusing on the killer whale Tilikum. It was kept in captivity to perform for audiences at SeaWorld but ended up being responsible for killing several people. The documentary takes a fascinating deep dive into that situation and the moral dilemma that keeping dangerous animals in such situations can create.
Fyre
This documentary is based on the infamous Fyre Festival, a heavily hyped event that never happened. Despite people buying tickets and traveling to attend it, the entire situation was a fraud. The documentary showcases the insanity that came with this, delving into wild details of how arrangements were made and the terrible state that customers found.
