Sometimes you just want to binge watch The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt whilst throwing crisps aimlessly towards your face, but there’s the odd occasion when you want to feel more sophisticated and soak up some knowledge whilst throwing cheese and crackers aimlessly towards your face. So, on that note, here are 5 must-watch documentaries you can get stuck into right now on Netflix (in no particular order because I’m not that decisive).
1. Kurt & Courtney
Everyone loves a good conspiracy, right? Well, hold on to your hats because this documentary dives head first in to the most hotly debated conspiracy theory in rock ‘n’ roll history.
Did Courtney kill Kurt? Nick Broomfield tries to untangle the messy web of truth and lies in this in-depth look at Kurt and Courtney and the events surrounding Cobain’s untimely death.
Broomfield gets the down-low on the couple’s private life, has a chinwag with a hitman-for-hire and even confronts Courtney Love herself.
2. Aileen: The Selling of a Serial Killer/The Life and Death of a Serial Killer
Another win for Nick Broomfield! These two intriguing documentaries give the viewer a real insight into the life of the world’s most infamous female serial killer.
What drove Aileen Wuornos to kill seven men? Broomfield takes a closer look at Aileen’s upbringing and what her motivation may have been to shoot seven men at point blank range. He also reveals how the press and Aileen’s closest friends used her situation for their own financial gain.
3. Blackfish
This is the documentary that was the start of Sea World’s extraordinary downward spiral.
Blackfish tells the story of Tilikum, a captive killer whale who could be responsible for the suspicious deaths of several people. A raw and unflinching criticism of the sea-park industry, this documentary features interviews with former whale trainers and uncovers what really happens behind the scenes at Sea World.
4. West of Memphis
If you loved Making a Murderer you won’t be able to tear your eyes away from West of Memphis.
Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jesse Misskelley were just teenagers when they were convicted of the murder of three young boys in Arkansas. Rumours of Satan worship and the influence of heavy metal music fueled speculation and sparked what many may call a ‘witch hunt’. This documentary brings to light new evidence that didn’t get aired at trial and scrutinises the many downfalls of the American justice system.
5. Searching for Sugar Man
Well, after all that doom and gloom lets end on something a bit lighter.
Mysterious musician ‘Rodriguez’ never really took off in the U.S. but later became a household name in South Africa. In this documentary two fans go on the hunt to find out what happened to their hero and if the tales of his bizarre death are really true. This is a story filled with so many twists and turns you’ll get motion sickness.
BONUS: Anything by Louis Theroux
I feel like Louis Theroux could be in contention for the nations sweetheart, move over Stephen Fry. If you just can’t wait for his new Scientology movie to come out, you’re in luck because his extensive back catalogue is all available on Netflix. Check out Louis Theroux’s Weird Weekends for an often hilarious and always engaging look at the worlds oddest and sometimes extremist subcultures.
