It’s no secret, I live for a good documentary. While many are binging fictional chaos, I’m over here mainlining real-life plot twists and jaw-dropping exposés with popcorn in hand and a glass of prosecco nearby. Documentaries are my love language—smart, layered, emotional, and occasionally messy… kind of like me. 😜 So why shouldn’t I let my mafiosos in on my latest watchlist? Whether you’re into true crime, history, or a good underdog story, this list of 5 documentaries streaming now (as of the date of this post) has something for you.
Let’s get into it.
Con Mum (2025)
Where to Watch: Netflix
Produced by: Harry Harris
A chef’s world turns chaotic when a globetrotting socialite appears, claiming to be his mother.
This British true-crime documentary about renowned chef Graham Hornigold had me yelling at the screen. It’s one thing to be a little crooked in your younger years when, perhaps, you haven’t yet learned the error of your ways, but to be a senior scammer is just…tragic. The title gives you the gist of what happens, but how it happens and how the people involved were affected will keep you engaged throughout to see how it all went down.
Why I Recommend It:
This one is for the folks who love a good con artist tale with a psychological twist. It raises all the questions: How far will someone go to rewrite their story? What does manipulation look like in real life? And how do smart people get played so hard? It’s a wild ride—and a cautionary tale.
The Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke (2025)
Where to Watch: Hulu
Produced by: Passion Pictures
If you followed the disturbing headlines about YouTuber mom Ruby Franke, this doc dives a little deeper than any article could. It explores her “family values” parenting empire, the troubling methods she promoted, and the unraveling that led to her arrest for child abuse. It’s dark. It’s heavy. It’s a hot mess.
Why I Recommend It:
We live in an influencer economy, and this doc is a sobering look at what happens when online fame meets unchecked power. It’s a necessary watch for parents, social media users, and anyone curious about the line between content creation and real-life consequences.
Luther: Never Too Much (2024)
Where to Watch: Max
Produced by: Dawn Porter
Directed by Dawn Porter, this documentary is a beautiful, heartfelt tribute to the late, great Luther Vandross. From his early days in the music industry to his superstardom and struggles with fame, body image, and sexuality, it’s a portrait as rich as his vocals.
Why I Recommend It:
Because Luther was that guy—smooth, soulful, and iconic. This doc honors him in all his complexity and glory. It’s a reminder of how powerful and vulnerable our favorite artists really are behind the music. You’ll laugh, cry, and probably end up bumping all his hits back to the top of your playlist.
Soundtrack to a Coup d’État (2024)
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Produced by: Daan Milius & Rémi Grellety
I have talked about ‘Soundtrack’ previously on my socials but it’s worth mentioning this Oscar-nominated film again. This one is a masterful cinematic collage—part jazz opera, part political history lesson—that explores how Cold War politics, colonialism, and American imperialism intertwined with Black music, especially jazz. Specifically it’s about the Cold War episode that led American musicians Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach to crash the UN Security Council in protest against the murder of Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba. It weaves together performances, archival footage, and commentary to expose how music became both a tool of resistance and a pawn of propaganda.
Why I Recommend It:
Because it’s brilliant, unconventional, and deeply layered. If you love documentaries that make you think and challenge the way you view history and culture, this one delivers. Bonus points if you’re a fan of jazz.
Sentenced (2024)
Where to Watch: Peacock
Produced by: Stephen Curry & Unanimous Media
This documentary follows four adults who never learned to read and the impact that illiteracy has had on their lives. It demonstrates that in many cases, children who don’t learn to read are sentenced to a lifetime of struggle characterized by trauma, unemployment, and health issues.
Why I Recommend It:
The film is basic in its presentation but powerful in its storytelling. Illiteracy isn’t talked about enough, and it’s real. And prevalent.
Wrap-Up
There you have it—five docs that had me locked in and left me thinking long after the credits rolled. Whether you’re in the mood to be inspired, outraged, or educated, these picks have you covered.
If you end up watching any of them, let me know in the comments—I love a good post-watch debrief. And if you’ve got a documentary streaming now that I must see, drop your recommendations. I’m always looking for my next good watch!
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