Best reality & documentary shows streaming, ranked.

A documentary series on the wildlife found on Earth. Each episode covers a different habitat: deserts, mountains, deep oceans, shallow seas, forests, caves, polar regions, fresh water, plains and jungles. Narrated by David Attenbo...

A film following the lives of two inner-city Chicago boys who struggle to become college basketball players on the road to going professional.

David Attenborough returns to the world's oceans in this sequel to the acclaimed documentary filming rare and unusual creatures of the deep, as well as documenting the problems our oceans face.

David Attenborough returns with a new wildlife documentary that shows life in a variety of habitats.

A horrific triple child murder leads to an indictment and trial of three nonconformist boys based on questionable evidence.

Spike Lee documents the former Talking Heads frontman's brilliant, timely 2019 Broadway show, based on his recent album and tour of the same name.

A global view of the specialized strategies and extreme behavior that living things have developed in order to survive; what Charles Darwin termed "the struggle for existence."

A chronicle of New York's drag scene in the 1980s, focusing on balls, voguing and the ambitions and dreams of those who gave the era its warmth and vitality.

Focuses on life and the environment in both the Arctic and Antarctic.

Seven continents formed by Earth's splitting crust each have unique climates, terrain and wildlife. Journey across South America's paradise to Africa's heat, discovering unexpected stories and spectacular nature.

A heartbreaking record of the thirteen-month struggle between a community fighting to survive and a corporation dedicated to the bottom line.

Boxing documentary on the 1974 world heavyweight championship bout between defending champion, George Foreman, and the underdog challenger, Muhammad Ali.

30 years later, we're bringing the Banks family back together. Join Will Smith and his former co-stars for a funny and heartfelt night full of music and dancing in honor of the show that ran for six seasons and 148 episodes.

Nathan Fielder uses his business degree and life experiences to, in unorthodox ways, help real small businesses turn a profit.

A look at the final years in the life of Martin Luther King, Jr.

A documentary of the notorious racial terrorist 1963 bombing by the Ku Klux Klan of the African American 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham during the Civil Rights Movement, which killed four young girls.

A documentary of the successful career and assassination of San Francisco's first elected gay city supervisor.

A group of activists risk their lives fighting for LGBTQ+ rights in Chechnya.

Africa, the world's wildest continent. David Attenborough takes an awe-inspiring journey through one of the most diverse places in the world. We visit deserts, savannas, and jungles and meet up with some of Africa's amazing wildlife.

Documentary on the Friedmans, a seemingly typical, upper-middle-class Jewish family whose world is instantly transformed when the father and his youngest son are arrested and charged with shocking and horrible crimes.

USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar is convicted of serial sexual abuse of young athletes.

The story of cult film director Alejandro Jodorowsky's ambitious but ultimately doomed film adaptation of the seminal science fiction novel.

An examination of the U.S. government's response to Hurricane Katrina.

Exposing her role behind the camera, Kirsten Johnson reaches into the vast trove of footage she has shot over decades around the world. What emerges is a visually bold memoir and a revelatory interrogation of the power of the camera.

A documentary looking at the inner-workings of the Church of Scientology.

A look at the life, work, activism and controversies of actress and fitness tycoon, Jane Fonda.

Two rival hockey stars at the top of their game face an unexpected challenge when they develop feelings for each other, complicating their careers and the sport's expectations.

Reeve's rise to becoming a film star follows with a near-fatal horse-riding accident in 1995 that left him paralyzed from the neck down. After the accident, he became an activist for spinal cord injury treatments and disability ri...

Newly-discovered archive footage and witness accounts to lay bare the tragedy and heroic efforts made to prevent another explosion.

A nature documentary series on five vulnerable or endangered species known to form enduring populations: chimpanzee, emperor penguin, lion, tiger and African wild dog.

Follows the life of artist Nan Goldin and the downfall of the Sackler family, the pharmaceutical dynasty who was greatly responsible for the opioid epidemic's unfathomable death toll.

An intimate portrait of actress Debbie Reynolds and her relationship with her beloved children, Carrie and Todd.

An exploration of the history of the Bee Gees, featuring revealing interviews with oldest brother Barry Gibb, and archival interviews with the late twin brothers Robin and Maurice.

An in-depth look at various NASA moon landing missions, starting with Apollo 8.

Chris Rock's 2008 comedy tour visits London, New York and Johannesburg. Various parts of this tour are edited together to create his fifth HBO stand-up special.

Discover amazing landscapes, the most amazing fights of animals on our planet, from the highest mountains to the deepest oceans, from the darkest caves to the hottest deserts with new technology.

A group of teenagers in Hawaii enter the world of professional competitive surfing in the 1990s and rise to super stardom.

50 years of live music, music parody, musical sketches, and most of all, 50 years of legendary musical performances by some of the greatest artists of all time.

When three hundred thousand members of the Love Generation collided with a few dozen Hells Angels at San Francisco's Altamont Speedway, the bloody slash that transformed a decade's dreams into disillusionment was immortalized on t...

An authorized documentary on the late musician Kurt Cobain, from his early days in Aberdeen, Washington to his success and downfall with the grunge band Nirvana.

Anthony Bourdain visits countries, delving into their political issues as well as indigenous food and culture.

A users guide to the cosmos from the big bang to galaxies, stars, planets and moons. Where did it all come from and how does it all fit together. A primer for anyone who has ever looked up at the night sky and wondered.

Kon Ichikawa examines the beauty and rich drama on display at the 1964 Summer Games in Tokyo, creating a record of observations that range from the expansive to the intimate.

This documentary explores the murder of DeeDee Blanchard by her daughter Gypsy Rose, as well as the circumstances leading up to the event.

One of the most iconic figures in athletic history, Muhammad Ali's incredible story from world champion boxer to inspiring social activist is explored through his own voice and never-before-seen archival material.

Alex Gibney explores the charged issue of pedophilia in the Catholic Church, following a trail from the first known protest against clerical sexual abuse in the United States and all the way to the Vatican.

The history of Nazi Germany's death camps of the Final Solution and the hellish world of dehumanization and death contained inside.

Follows famous skater Tony Hawk's personal life, career and relationship with skateboarding, including never-before-seen footage and unprecedented access to Hawk, along with interviews with figures from the skateboarding world.

A series featuring detailed accounts on how notable crimes and diseases were solved through forensic science.

Chronicles the life of an iconic musical performer, from childhood musical talent to worldwide fame. Explores his collaborations, influences, character and relationships with family, friends and fans.

Acclaimed filmmaker Alan Berliner chronicles the deeply personal story of his mother's first cousin--well-known poet/translator/professor Edwin Honig--on his journey into the depths of Alzheimer's disease. Shot over the course of ...

A moving look at a couple's inspiring efforts to save their only son Sam from the rare and fatal premature-aging disease of progeria.

Centers on families of the victims of the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting. They take Alex Jones, a conspiracy theorist, to court for spreading lies about the event being a hoax.

An intimate and candid look at the life and art of the legendary composer-lyricist.

Jon Wertheim's cover story detailing the decades-long abuse scandal in the athletic department at Ohio State University.

Exclusive access to the Grammy Award-winning artist to celebrate her career.

Police arrested seven women who were part of a clandestine network. Using code names, blindfolds and safe houses, they built an underground service for women seeking safe, affordable, illegal abortions calling themselves JANE.

Follows events and characters surrounding the January 6th, 2021 insurrection of the U.S. Capital Building in the days preceding the attack.

Impersonal and beautiful images of Akerman's life in New York are combined with letters from her loving but manipulative mother, read by Akerman herself.

Dramatized reconstruction of real-life air disasters, along with interviews with aviation experts and eyewitnesses.

Filmmaker Andrew Jarecki examines the complicated life of reclusive real estate icon Robert Durst, the key suspect in a series of unsolved crimes.

The story of four women suffering from anorexia and bulimia in South Florida.

A deeply intimate and raw portrait of Selma Blair after she is diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and tries to slow the progression of her disease.

Nathan Fielder gives people a chance to rehearse for their own lives in a world where nothing ever works out as expected.

Unfolding over 18 monumental days in August 2021, this deeply immersive and emotional documentary combines never-before-seen archival footage from those on the ground at the airport with exclusive interviews with people who were there throughout the period, including Afghan citizens attempting to flee, U.S. Marines tasked with managing the evacuation, and Taliban commanders and fighters who had recently taken the city.

Fictionalized documentary showing the evolution of witchcraft, from its pagan roots to its confusion with hysteria in Eastern Europe.

Chronicles the creation of Game of Thrones (2011)'s final season, its most ambitious and complicated one.

An examination of the prisoner abuse scandal involving U.S. soldiers and detainees at Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison in the fall of 2003.

How did the Chinese government turn pandemic cover-ups in Wuhan into a triumph for the Communist party?

Aging Cuban musicians whose talents had been virtually forgotten following Castro's takeover of Cuba, are brought out of retirement by Ry Cooder, who travelled to Havana in order to bring the musicians together, resulting in trium...

Dive into a world where a single life can last a thousand years, with David Attenborough. See things no eye has ever seen, and discover the dramatic, beautiful plant life of Earth.

A racially charged trial and a heartrending love story converge in this documentary about Mildred and Richard Loving, set during the Civil Rights era.

Constructed from over 500 hours of never-before-seen footage, this documentary centers on the career of celebrated football player Diego Maradona, who played for S.S.C. Napoli in the 1980s.

Anthony Bourdain, chef, writer, traveler, visits places all around the world sampling various foods.

A documentary about Anthony Bourdain and his career as a chef, writer and host, revered and renowned for his authentic approach to food, culture and travel.

A former hip hop executive decides whether to make public her rape by one of the most powerful men in the music industry.

Fifteen years after the Tony-winning Broadway run of Spring Awakening, the original cast and creative team reunite for a spectacular, one night only concert.

An intimate look at the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and its impact on the youth of New Orleans.

The story of New York City journalists Jimmy Breslin and Pete Hamill lauded in their time as the voice of New York.

Chef Alton Brown whips up quick recipes and explores the science behind what makes them so tasty.

Cinéma vérité feature that follows presidential hopefuls John F. Kennedy and Hubert H. Humphrey during the 1960 Wisconsin primary.

Follows the Bill Clinton 1992 presidential campaign and the organization who ran it.

A look at the quick rise and influence of the controversial religious group known as The Satanic Temple.

A captivating look behind the scenes of the remarkable life of a young Swedish girl who became one of the most celebrated actresses of American and World cinema.

A look at the ongoing threat caused by the phenomenon of "fake news" in the U.S., focusing on the real-life consequences that disinformation, conspiracy theories and false news stories have on the average citizen.

A film about the life and work of the cosmologist, Stephen Hawking, who despite his near total paralysis, was one of the great minds of all time.

This exploration of the planet's most breathtaking natural events follows vast migrations, huge ocean convergences, powerful weather systems and mighty floods.

Finnish hacker and election expert Harri Hursti investigates election-related hacks, uncovering just how unprotected voting systems really are.

The Mythbusters use science (and explosions) to answer every shower thought ever. From testing the myth that coke and pop rocks can explode your stomach, to recreating historical weapons to see how they worked.

America's roller rinks are bastions of regional African-American culture, music and dance.

The international custody battle over six-year old Elian Gonzalez triggers a political earthquake in Miami-Dade County in 2000, swaying the outcome of the presidential election.

As the muse of Hal Hartley's indie classics and as writer/director of the critically acclaimed Waitress, Adrienne Shelly was a shining star in the indie film firmament.

Following life in the frozen regions of the planet, including polar bears, Siberian tigers, snow monkeys, and penguins.

It tells the story of the courageous campaign of citizens and activists who faced violence and oppression in the struggle for the right to vote

Chris Gethard's raw and harrowing one man show about discovering and learning to live with his depression

A meditation on the elemental bonds of family told through portraits of four Syrian families in the aftermath of war.

Documentary about class division and gentrification in the West Chelsea neighborhood of New York City and its effects on public housing.

Through re-enactments, discussions with investigation teams, and interviews with victims' families and other involved persons, the show highlights Lt. Joe Kenda's successes with his 387 homicide case history and 92% solution rate.

A documentary about the comedian and filmmaker Albert Brooks which includes interviews from Sharon Stone, Larry David, James L. Brooks, Conan O'Brien, Sarah Silverman, and Jonah Hill.

The life and career of Little Richard, the one-of-a-kind rock 'n' roll icon who shaped the world of music.

Newly discovered interviews with Elizabeth Taylor and unprecedented access to the star's personal archive reveal the complex inner life and vulnerability of the groundbreaking icon.

An investigation into what happened to activist Sandra Bland, who died in police custody after a routine traffic stop.

A behind-the-scenes look at the Brooklyn tailoring company Bindle and Keep.

George Anthony Morton, a classical painter who spent ten years in federal prison travels to his hometown to paint his family members. Going back forces George to face his past in his quest to rewrite the script of his life.

This documentary gives women a voice in the choices they've had to make regarding their pregnancies.

A man confronts the trauma of past sexual abuse as a boy by a Catholic priest only to find his decision shatters his relationships with his family, community and faith.

Features interviews with passionate collectors, notable influencers and company insiders of Beanie Babies, the stuffed toys created by Ty Warner that spawned a frenzy of American greed.

A documentary that focuses on a dangerously legendary water park and its slew of injuries and crimes along with child safety concerns.

An examination of the research by forensic psychiatrist Dorothy Otnow Lewis who investigated the psychology of murderers.

Combines dramatic re-enactments, interviews and updates, to tell stories of real mysteries, from human to the supernatural.

Showcases an extensive look at Billy Joel's life and music career, featuring exclusive interviews, performances, home movies, and personal photographs.

Chronicling Jacinda Ardern's tenure as New Zealand PM, navigating crises while redefining global leadership through her empathetic yet resolute approach.

A kaleidoscopic portrait told in two parts that traces the life of the imaginative artist.

An investigation of threats against journalists in the United States and internationally, from intimidation to physical violence.

Documentary about several survivors of the Boston Marathon Bombing which took place April 15, 2013.

HOMEGROWN: THE COUNTER-TERROR DILEMMA explores the real and perceived threat of homegrown Islamic extremism in America today through first-hand accounts from those on the front lines of this battle - family members of convicted te...

The history of New York's Meatpacking District told from the point of view of transgender sex workers who lived and worked there. They recount the violence, policing, and gentrification that lead to a movement for transgender rights.

A timely documentary uncovering rampant discrimination in Nigeria while exploring the lives of several non conformist men who must choose to live imperiled lives there or flee to the USA.

Comedian Dave Chappelle makes his triumphant return to the screen with a pair of blistering, never-before-aired specials from his personal vault.

Artist and filmmaker David Lynch discusses his early life and the events that shaped his outlook on art and the creative process.

A terrifying origin story of the pandemic, DIAMOND PRINCESS chronicles the first and largest outbreak of the novel coronavirus outside China: the Diamond Princess cruise liner. Through never-before-seen footage from passengers and...

Saudi women embrace a new way of life and the freedom that comes from being behind the wheel when they are allowed to drive legally for the first time.

A documentary about David Bowie's final two albums "The Next Day" (2013) and "Blackstar" (2016) and Broadway musical "Lazarus".

An in-depth look at the life and work of American journalist James Foley, who was killed by ISIS terrorists in 2014.

Captures Taylor Mac's exuberant, blatantly gay 24-hour musical performance in New York City, featuring skilled musicians, creative costumes, and the American myth as recounted through sailor's ditties, disco, and sugary pop alike.

The special will include powerful readings from Ta-Nehisi Coates' book, it will also incorporate documentary footage from the actors' home life, archival footage, and animation.

Part road-movie and part intimate portrait of lives in transit, IT WILL BE CHAOS unfolds between Italy and the Balkan corridor, intercutting two unforgettable refugees stories of human strength and resilience.

A behind-the-scenes look inside the case to overturn California's ban on same-sex marriage. Shot over five years, the film follows the unlikely team that took the first federal marriage equality lawsuit to the U.S. Supreme Court.

A look at the mental health challenges Olympic athletes often face.

Baltimore Rising follows activists, police officers, community leaders and gang affiliates, who struggle to hold Baltimore together in the wake of Freddie Gray's death in police custody.

Can we reverse climate change? Ice on Fire explores the many ways we reduce carbon inputs to the atmosphere and, more important, how to "draw" carbon down, bringing CO2 out of the atmosphere and thus paving the way for global temp...

QUAD GODS follows the lives of a group of New Yorkers with quadriplegia who meet in a neuro-rehabilitation lab at Mount Sinai Hospital and create the world's first all-quadriplegic Esports team.

Follows the events of the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6th of 2021, told by those who witnessed the chaos firsthand.

The film tracks the reasons for, consequences of, and solutions to bullying in schools.

In-depth look at the life of John McCain, from his time as a POW in Vietnam to his three decades of service in the US Senate.

A relentless ride through the streets and prisons of Newark, New Jersey's largest city, and desperate fight to survive the deadliest enemy ever to attack America.

A documentary about the highs and lows of children in show business, featuring interviews and examinations of the lives and careers of the most famous former child actors in the world.

A documentary about Ben Bradlee, the iconic editor of The Washington Post.

No food, no shelter, no fresh water - one man alone in the wild for seven days with only his wits and stamina to sustain him.

Jeremy Wade searches the world for legendary and flesh-eating freshwater fish.

Interviews with George Carlin's family and friends, material from his stand-up specials and footage from his personal archive.

A psychological game show that follows celebrities where the contestants are trying to outwit, outplay, and outlast the challenge.

An extraordinary journey through the material that makes up our habitat: concrete and its ancestor, stone.

After years of conversations with listeners from across the world on his podcast Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend (2018), Conan O'Brien sets off on an epic journey to connect with some of his dedicated followers in person.

Follows Jeremy O. Harris as he workshops and mines Slave Play, the play that thrust him into the spotlight.

Faye Dunaway reflects on her life and candidly discusses the triumphs and challenges of her illustrious career.

On February 12, 2008 in Oxnard, California, eighth-grade student Brandon McInerney shot his classmate Larry King twice in the back of the head during first period. When Larry died two days later, his murder shocked the nation. Was...

Chronicles of NFL teams' preparations for the season.

Mark Cousins dives deep into the visual world of legendary director and actor Orson Welles to reveal a portrait of the artist as he's never been seen before.

Rebecca Miller presents a portrait of her father, the prolific American playwright Arthur Miller.

Three filmmakers dive deep into the storied and complex legacy of Ms. magazine through the lens of some of its most iconic covers, featuring never-before-seen archival footage and engaging interviews.

Are you ready for Rock? Actor/director/comedian Chris Rock performs a gut-busting set in his fourth HBO stand-up special recorded before a live audience at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C.

Philadelphia native Tommy Oliver follows the efforts of Mike Africa Jr. to exonerate his parents, both incarcerated members of the revolutionary group MOVE.