The 35+ Best Netflix Political Documentaries
1Winter on Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom
Watch This Show If You Love: Maidan, The Square, I am Not Your Negro, Restrepo, Burma VJ: Reporting from a Closed Country
Why Should I Stream? Witness the intensity of the 2014 Ukrainian revolution by streaming Winter on Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom, which showcases the bravery and resilience of protesters fighting for their country's future. Nominated for an Academy Award, this powerful documentary presents a riveting and inspiring tale of human determination amidst political turmoil.- 2
Trump: An American Dream
Watch This Show If You Love: Fahrenheit 11/9, Michael Moore in TrumpLand, Trumpland: Kill All Normies, America's Great Divide: From Obama to Trump, Active Measures
Why Should I Stream? Tackle one of history’s most polarizing figures by streaming Trump: An American Dream, exploring Donald Trump’s rise to fame and power before he became president. This series is essential viewing for those seeking to understand how Trump came to hold such sway over American politics – a topic that continues to dominate headlines worldwide. - 3Roger Stone, Donald Trump, Paul Manafort
Watch This Show If You Love: Weiner, The Circus: Inside the Greatest Political Show on Earth, Fahrenheit 11/9, Street Fight, Client 9: The Rise and Fall of Eliot Spitzer
Why Should I Stream? Stream Get Me Roger Stone to gain a fascinating insight into the notorious political strategist's long and storied career, delving deep into how his divisive tactics have shaped American politics for decades. Critics praise the show for its deft storytelling and adept exploration of Stone's impact on today's political landscape.Get Me Roger Stone is a 2017 American documentary film directed by Dylan Bank, Daniel DiMauro and Morgan Pehme. Inspired by a New Yorker article by writer Jeffrey Toobin, the filmmakers embarked on a five-year journey to make a documentary about lobbyist Roger Stone in order to tell the story of his transformative effect on modern politics–which reaches its climax in 2016 with the election of President Donald Trump. 
4Mitt Romney, Eric Draper, Rob PortmanWatch This Show If You Love: The War Room, Chasing the Hill, Our Brand Is Crisis, Game Change, Journeys with George
Why Should I Stream? Stream Mitt for an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look into Mitt Romney’s presidential campaigns, highlighting both personal and professional challenges faced by the candidate. Among politicized documentaries, this film stands out with its balanced portrayal of Romney that resonates with people from all walks of life.Filmmaker Greg Whiteley chronicles Mitt Romney's ultimately failed quest to become president of the United States, from Christmas 2006 to his concession speech to President Obama in 2012.- 5Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Amy Vilela, Cori Bush
Watch This Show If You Love: Running with Beto, Hooligan Sparrow, Miss Representation, Slay the Dragon, She's Beautiful When She's Angry
Why Should I Stream? As one of Netflix’s highest-rated original documentaries, Knock Down the House chronicles the inspiring story of four female outsiders who boldly took on incumbent politicians during the 2018 US midterm elections. The film provides intimate access to groundbreaking political figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez while showcasing grassroots activism in action.Knock Down the House is a 2019 American documentary film directed by Rachel Lears. The documentary is about four progressive Democrats, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Amy Vilela, Cori Bush, and Paula Jean Swearengin and their campaigns during the 2018 midterm elections. 
6Dirty Money
Watch This Show If You Love: Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room, Inside Job, Capital in the Twenty-First Century, Money for Nothing: Inside the Federal Reserve, Betting on Zero
Why Should I Stream? Investigate various cases of corruption in high-profile businesses and their societal impact by streaming Dirty Money. This eye-opening series has been lauded for its meticulous reporting, unearthing shocking truths about different industries while captivating viewers with a perfect mix of real-life intrigue and insightful storytelling.
7Cowspiracy
Watch This Show If You Love: Food, Inc., Forks Over Knives, Before the Flood, Racing Extinction, An Inconvenient Truth
Why Should I Stream? Expose yourself to thought-provoking revelations about animal agriculture and environmental impact by streaming Cowspiracy. Leonardo DiCaprio serves as executive producer, drawing attention from critics and audiences alike while igniting important conversations about sustainability and corporate influence.
8Robert ReichWatch This Show If You Love: Inequality for All, The Shock Doctrine, Inside Job, The Corporation, Capitalism: A Love Story
Why Should I Stream? Delve deep into the crumbling state of America's economic system by streaming Saving Capitalism, based on Robert Reich's bestselling book. The documentary examines income inequality, political corruption, and corporate power – issues at the forefront of current public discourse as it explores potential solutions to restore balance.Saving Capitalism is a 2017 documentary film directed by Jacob Kornbluth and Sari Gilman. Former Secretary of Labor and Professor, Robert Reich, takes his book and his views to the heart of conservative America to speak about our economic system and present big ideas for how to fix it.- 9Brittany Kaiser, David Carroll, Paul-Olivier Dehaye
Watch This Show If You Love: Terms and Conditions May Apply, We Steal Secrets :The Story of WikiLeaks, Zero Days, Facebookistan, Lo and Behold, Reveries of the Connected World
Why Should I Stream? Explore the dark world of data exploitation with The Great Hack, a documentary that delves into how personal information was weaponized during major political events like Brexit and the US presidential election of 2016. Viewers will be captivated by this timely exploration of privacy rights, digital manipulation, and social media's impact on democracy.The dark world of data exploitation is uncovered through the unpredictable personal journeys of players on different sides of the explosive Cambridge Analytica/Facebook data story. - 10Joshua Wong
Watch This Show If You Love: Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry, Burma VJ: Reporting from a Closed Country, Restrepo, Hooligan Sparrow, Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer
Why Should I Stream? Follow young activist Joshua Wong's inspiring story as he defies China’s Communist Party during Hong Kong’s 2014 Umbrella Movement protests in Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower. Essential viewing for anyone interested in grassroots activism or passionate about human rights, particularly as tensions between Hong Kong and mainland China continue to mount.Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower is a 2017 documentary film directed by Joe Piscatella. When the Chinese Communist Party backtracks on its promise of autonomy to Hong Kong, teenager Joshua Wong decides to save his city by rallying thousands of kids to skip school and occupy the streets, becoming an unlikely leader in Hong Kong and one of China's most notorious dissidents. 
11Dilma Rousseff, Michel Temer, Eduardo CunhaWatch This Show If You Love: No Logo, The Revolution Will Not Be Televised, Our Brand Is Crisis, The Act of Killing -, Life and Debt
Why Should I Stream? Witness the fragility of democracy under the shadow of populist politics by streaming The Edge of Democracy, a riveting Oscar-nominated documentary that follows Brazil's political turmoil through firsthand accounts from key players like former presidents Lula da Silva and Dilma Rousseff.The Edge of Democracy (a.k.a. Democracia em Vertigem) is a 2019 Brazilian documentary film directed by Petra Costa. Both a documentary and a memoir, The Edge of Democracy documents the unraveling of two Brazilian presidencies and the polarized nation that remains.
12The Russian Revolution
Watch This Show If You Love: October: Ten Days That Shook the World, Reds, Tsar to Lenin, Anastasia, Dr. Zhivago
Why Should I Stream? Dive deep into one of history’s most significant turning points by streaming The Russian Revolution, which explores how tsarist rule came to an end in Russia amidst World War I chaos. Through expert analysis and vivid historical accounts, viewers will gain a greater appreciation for this monumental event that reshaped global politics.- 13
Two Catalonias
Watch This Show If You Love: Divided Spain, La batalla d'Espanya, Madrid 1987, Catalan Bandits, Catalonia/Spanish Civil War
Why Should I Stream? Gain a deeper understanding of Catalonia's fight for independence by streaming Two Catalonias, which provides an up-close look at the political and cultural divisions within this Spanish region. The documentary is essential viewing for those interested in contemporary European politics and national identity struggles. 
14Nick Denton, Hulk Hogan, Donald J. TrumpWatch This Show If You Love: Page One: Inside the New York Times, Spotlight, All the President's Men, Outfoxed, Shattered Glass
Why Should I Stream? By streaming Nobody Speak: Trials of the Free Press, viewers will explore the relationship between money, power, and media freedom in today's society. This documentary offers an intriguing perspective on press freedom in America while examining high-profile legal battles that have shaped journalism.Nobody Speak: Trials of the Free Press is a 2017 Netflix documentary directed by Brian Knappenberger. Themed around the effects of big money on American journalism, the documentary focuses on two incidents: Peter Thiel financing wrestler Hulk Hogan's lawsuit against Gawker Media, and casino owner Sheldon Adelson's secret purchase of the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
15Bobby Kennedy For President
Watch This Show If You Love: JFK, Thirteen Days, Chappaquiddick, RFK Must Die, Ethel
Why Should I Stream? Discover the life and legacy of Robert F. Kennedy by streaming Bobby Kennedy For President, offering unprecedented access to rare archival footage alongside interviews with key figures from his inner circle. This captivating series chronicles the late senator's political journey while reflecting on his profound influence on American history.- 16
Alt-Right: Age of Rage
Watch This Show If You Love: White Right: Meeting the Enemy, Hate in America, Hate Rising, American History X, The Red Pill
Why Should I Stream? Stream Alt-Right: Age of Rage for an insightful investigation into America's far-right movement as it confronts its antifascist adversaries head-on during politically turbulent times. This compelling documentary examines both sides' motivations and tactics in a nation increasingly divided by ideology. - 17
How to Win the US Presidency
Watch This Show If You Love: 11/8/16, Game Change, The War Room, Street Fight, Weiner
Why Should I Stream? Learn about the strategies, tactics, and histories of successful American presidential campaigns with How to Win the US Presidency. This fascinating documentary sheds light on what it takes for a candidate to reach the White House while offering valuable context for understanding contemporary political races. - 18
How to Stage a Coup
Watch This Show If You Love: Plot for Peace, Cold Case Hammarskjöld, All Governments Lie, El Che, Our Brand Is Crisis
Why Should I Stream? Explore the world of covert power grabs by streaming How to Stage a Coup, which delves into the machinations behind several infamous coup attempts across history. This riveting examination of political intrigue and betrayal will captivate viewers interested in international politics and government instability. - 19Larry Allison, Dennis Billups, HolLynn D'Lil
Watch This Show If You Love: Soundtrack for a Revolution, Life, Animated, Gleason, Autism in Love, Best and Most Beautiful Things
Why Should I Stream? Be inspired by the story of a groundbreaking summer camp that ignited the disability rights movement in America by streaming Crip Camp. Produced by Barack and Michelle Obama, this critically acclaimed documentary captures an extraordinary journey from humble beginnings to transformative activism.Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution is a 2020 American documentary film directed by Nicole Newnham and James LeBrecht. The documentary offers and intimate look at Camp Jened, a summer camp that for teen with disabilities where the campers became activists for the disability rights movement and fought for accessibility legislation.More Crip Camp
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- #7 of 86 onThe Best Documentary Movies Streaming on Netflix
Watch This Show If You Love: Hunger, In the Name of the Father, H3, Some Mother's Son, The Wind that Shakes the Barley
Why Should I Stream? Witness one man's powerful act of resistance during Northern Ireland's tumultuous Troubles era by streaming Bobby Sands: 66 Days. The documentary offers an intimate look at the life and motivations of IRA member Bobby Sands as he embarked on a harrowing hunger strike that ultimately changed Irish history.Bobby Sands: 66 Days is a 2016 Irish documentary film about Bobby Sands and the 1981 Irish hunger strike.- 21
Reversing Roe
Watch This Show If You Love: Lake of Fire, After Tiller, Trapped, Birthright: A War Story, 12th and Delaware
Why Should I Stream? Gain insight into America's long-standing debate over abortion rights by streaming Reversing Roe, which delves into how this contentious issue has shaped American society since the landmark Supreme Court case in 1973. Viewers will gain valuable perspective on political alliances, religious beliefs, and cultural shifts surrounding reproductive rights. 
22E-Team
Peter BouckaertWatch This Show If You Love: Human Rights Watch:Hate on Trial, Burma VJ: Reporting from a Closed Country, City of Ghosts, The Square, Virunga
Why Should I Stream? Follow a team of dedicated human rights investigators as they document war crimes and human rights abuses around the globe in E-Team. This gripping documentary provides an intimate behind-the-scenes look at their dangerous work while highlighting their unwavering commitment to justice.Filmmakers Ross Kauffman and Katy Chevigny go to the front lines in Syria and Libya to document evidence of atrocities.- 23
Democrats
Watch This Show If You Love: An African Election, The Other Man: F.W.de Klerk and the End of Apartheid, The Square, Hooligan Sparrow, Winter on Fire
Why Should I Stream? Discover some surprising truths about Zimbabwean politics by streaming Democrats, which chronicles opposing parties' efforts to draft a new constitution in the face of political turmoil. This informative documentary offers viewers a unique perspective on the challenges of democracy-building in a post-authoritarian society. - 24
Hitler, a Career
Watch This Show If You Love: Downfall, Triumph of the Will, Mein Kampf, Schindler's List, The Last Fascists
Why Should I Stream? Delve into the complex life and rise to power of Adolf Hitler by streaming Hitler, a Career. The documentary offers an in-depth analysis of the dictator’s charisma and manipulation tactics while examining the societal conditions that allowed him to seize control with such devastating consequences.Hitler, a Career is a 1977 documentary film written by Joachim Fest and directed by Christian Herrendoerfer and Joachim Fest. - 25
1994
Watch This Show If You Love: The Years with Carlos Salinas de Gortari, The Murder of Colosio, Narcos México, El Narcoestado Mexicano, The Brink of War
Why Should I Stream? Explore Mexico's tumultuous political landscape during one fateful year with 1994, which covers assassinations, corruption scandals, and social unrest that marked this turning point in Mexican history. Viewers will find themselves captivated by the documentary's examination of pivotal events and their lasting impact on modern-day Mexico. - 26
El Che
Watch This Show If You Love: Che: Part One & Part Two, Motorcycle Diaries, Guerrilla: The Taking of Patty Hearst, Fidel Castro, Cuba Libre!
Why Should I Stream? Discover the enigmatic figure behind the iconic image by streaming El Che, which delves into Ernesto "Che" Guevara's life as a revolutionary leader. Through interviews and rare footage, viewers will gain insight into Guevara's ideals, exploits, and enduring influence on international politics. - 27
My Way
Watch This Show If You Love: Jiro Dreams of Sushi, Somm, King Georges, Chef's Table, A Matter of Taste: Serving Up Paul Liebrandt
Why Should I Stream? Follow legendary musician Frank Sinatra's journey from humble beginnings to superstardom by streaming My Way, offering intimate accounts from friends, family members, and fellow artists alike. This captivating documentary sheds light on Sinatra's extraordinary talent while exploring his personal struggles and triumphs. - 28
The Family
Watch This Show If You Love: Wild Wild Country, Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief, Holy Hell, One of Us, Prophet's Prey
Why Should I Stream? Investigate America's secretive Christian organization known as The Family with this gripping docuseries that uncovers its significant influence on American politics across decades. Combining investigative journalism with expert commentary, viewers will be enthralled by this deep dive into religion’s role within power structures. - 29
Feminists: What Were They Thinking?
Watch This Show If You Love: She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry, Miss Representation, The Punk Singer, 13th, Half the Picture
Why Should I Stream? Celebrate women trailblazers who fought for gender equality by streaming Feminists: What Were They Thinking? Through candid interviews and archival footage spanning several decades, this inspiring documentary showcases female empowerment and the continued fight for equal rights in modern society.
