Binge the 25 Best Documentaries on Hulu [How-To Guide 2024]

If fiction is not your thing, watching documentaries could be a huge source of both knowledge and entertainment for you. Hulu has a long list of options for you to browse through, be it documentaries on serial killers, baffling crimes, scientific breakthroughs, or more. Here’s our list of the best documentaries on Hulu across genres.

If you need some help on how to access Hulu’s library due to it being geo-banned in your region, you are at the right place. Follow the steps that we have shared with you in this blog and simultaneously subscribe to a premium VPN. We suggest using ExpressVPN.

So, without further ado, find the right documentary to watch from our list of the best documentaries on Hulu.

Captivating Documentaries on Hulu to Watch Right Now in 2024

Set aside a watch session that opens your mind to the wonders of real life. Watch these documentaries on Hulu that will teach you new things while keeping you entertained throughout:

The Secrets of Hillsong (2023)

• IMDB Rating: 6.7/10
• Genre: Documentary, Crime
• Director: Stacy Lee
• Runtime: 1h 3min

America’s premier megachurches and the investigative journalism that precipitated the removal of two notable pastors. This exploration unveils the dynamics within the megachurch landscape, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the departure of the influential religious leaders. Through in-depth reporting, the investigative process exposes the underlying issues that prompted the dismissal, highlighting the complexities and controversies within the realm of successful megachurches in contemporary American religious culture.

Not Going Quietly (2021)

• IMDB Rating: 7.8/10
• Genre: Documentary
• Director: Nicholas Bruckman
• Runtime: 1h 36m

When Ady Barkan, a healthcare activist who was suffering from ALS at the age of 32 voiced his concerns, various reactions came his way. Nevertheless, things did not get easier for him at the beginning.

However, the rising healthcare costs put his life and finances in grave danger, hence the sicker he felt, the louder he spoke to make his concerns heard by the relevant authorities.

Steve Jobs: The Man in the Machine (2015)

• IMDB Rating: 6.9/10
• Genre: Documentary/Drama
• Director: Alex Gibney
• Runtime: 2h 8m

The life and history of Apple’s co-founder, Steve Jobs is discussed in this documentary by the major work of Filmmaker Alex Gibney. It is a remarkable documentary where his contributions and teamwork are highlighted by one of the most popular franchises in the world.

The Jewel Thief (2023)

• IMDB Rating: 6.6/10
• Genre: Documentary/Crime/Mystery
• Director: Landon Van Soest
• Runtime: 1h 40m

The Jewel Thief is based on the life of Gerald Blanchard, who is known to be one of the most popular and cunning criminal masterminds in modern times. The documentary is based on his talent of shoplifting which he turns into a career choice, leading to him stealing a priceless jewel from a museum in Vienna.

The international scandal that it caused contributed to his actions being recognized, and eventually getting him caught.

Aftershock (2022)

• IMDB Rating: 6.8/10
• Genre: Documentary
• Director: Paula Eiselt, Tonya Lewis Lee
• Runtime: 1h 29m

Aftershock is based on the rising mortality rate among pregnant women of color in the USA. The childbirth complications that are caused by such women expose a huge lack in the healthcare sector of the country, leading to the loss of many precious lives.

Fire Of Love (2022)

• IMDB Rating: 7.6/10
• Genre: Documentary/Romance
• Director: Sara Dosa
• Runtime: 1h 34m

Fire of Love is everything which shows you the brilliant and raging chemistry between the two volcanologists, Katia and Maurice Krafft.

Married to both their jobs and each other, the couple explored their passion for volcanoes by going on dangerous yet thrilling adventures, which sadly led to their demise, leaving a brilliant legacy behind for more volcanologists to come.

Stolen Youth: Inside the Cult at Sarah Lawrence (2023)

• IMDB Rating: 7.2/10
• Genre: Documentary, Crime
• Director: Zachary Heinzerling
• Runtime: 1h 8m

The narrative traces the journey of a cluster of Sarah Lawrence College students who become ensnared in the sway of their peer’s father, Larry Ray. Chronicling the evolution of the cult from its inception to the ongoing aftermath, the series delves into the intricate dynamics and consequences. It explores the group’s trajectory under Ray’s influence, unraveling the complexities of their experiences and the lingering effects in the wake of their entanglement with the enigmatic figure.

MLK/FBI (2020)

• IMDB Rating: 7/10
• Genre: Documentary
• Director: Sam Pollard
• Runtime: 1h 46m

The US government’s treatment of people of color has always been abhorrent. However, certain figures make the trauma worse than their counterparts.

This documentary focuses on the US government’s surveillance and harassment of Martin Luther King, Jr. for the world to witness without filtering or sugarcoating the case.

Collective (2019)

• IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
• Genre: Documentary/Thriller
• Director: Alexander Nanau
• Runtime: 1h 49m

When a fire broke out at the 2015 Colectiv nightclub in Bucharest, Romania, the burn victims who could easily be treated were left to die due to corruption and healthcare fraud in the region.

The documentary is a horrifying reminder of the world we live in where the rich live consequence-free and corruption thrives in every sector.

The Mole Agent (2020)

• IMDB Rating: 7.5/10
• Genre: Documentary/Thriller
• Director: Maite Alberdi
• Runtime: 1h 24m

This is not a documentary for the faint-hearted, as it focuses on the suspected case of adult abuse which is experienced by the residents at a retirement home in Chile by the hands of caretakers working there. This is why, an 83-year-old man goes undercover as a resident to find out the truth.

Apollo 11 (2019)

• IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
• Genre: Documentary/Drama
• Director: Todd Douglas Miller
• Runtime: 1h 37m

This is one of the most thrilling documentaries that showcases the historical mission of NASA’s most celebrated astronauts, i.e., Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins’ historic 1969 journey to land on the moon.

It contains some stunning footage and shocking voice recordings which could give you chills about the wonders outside earth.

Blackfish (2013)

• IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
• Genre: Documentary/Thriller
• Director: Gabriela Cowperthwaite
• Runtime: 1h 30m

When Tilikum, an intelligent killer whale killed three people (its ‘killer’ whale for a reason!), people figured out the consequences of keeping them in captivity when in fact, they belong freely in the wild.

The documentary highlights some very interesting facts about these creatures for us to contribute to their preservation and spread awareness.

Some Kind of Heaven (2020)

• IMDB Rating: 7.2/10
• Genre: Documentary/Drama
• Director: Lance Oppenheim
• Runtime: 1h 23m

A self-contained retirement community located in Central Florida is everything you think you would want to spend your last few years in, but the truth is far from it.

The documentary reveals a small group of village residents and one interloper who do not think of that place as a heaven on earth and fail to find happiness in it.

RapCaviar Presents (2023)

• IMDB Rating: 7.5/10
• Genre: Documentary, Music
• Director: Nicq Hale, Wendy J.N. Lee
• Runtime: 41 min

The series embarks on an exploration of profound themes within hip-hop culture, delving into pervasive issues such as misogyny, racial identity, the impact of social media, mental health challenges, and the scrutiny of law enforcement on rappers. Through its narrative lens, the series navigates the intricate layers of these topics, illuminating their significance and implications within the hip-hop community. It aims to dissect and analyze the multifaceted dynamics surrounding these themes, offering insight and reflection on their profound influence.

Flee (2021)

• IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
• Genre: Documentary/Animation
• Director: Jonas Poher Rasmussen
• Runtime: 1h 30m

Flee is the story of Amin Nawabi, who has to keep a huge secret for 20 years to keep his life and future secure. The documentary focuses on some of the most brutal realities for people who live life as refugees who escaped from Afghanistan to live a safe and happy life.

I Am Not Your Negro (2016)

• IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
• Genre: Documentary/Thriller
• Director: Raoul Peck
• Runtime: 1h 35m

Racism is one of the very dark pages in the history of America, which exists even to this date. The documentary, I Am Not Your Negro, focuses on the existence of racism in the USA narrated by James Baldwin in his letter to his literary agent.

He highlighted the assassinations of civil rights leaders, such as Medgar Evers, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King Jr.

Dear Mama (2022)

• IMDB Rating: 8.6/10
• Genre: Documentary, Biography, Music
• Director: Winter Dunn
• Runtime: 1h 5m

The docuseries delves into the lives and legacies of Tupac Shakur and his mother, Afeni Shakur, an activist with the Black Panther Party. It features exclusive audio and video materials previously unseen, alongside interviews with notable figures like Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Mike Tyson, Eminem, and Jamal Joseph, providing unique insights into their experiences and impact on culture.

My Octopus Teacher (2020)

• IMDB Rating: 7.5/10
• Genre: Documentary/Thriller
• Director: James Reed, Pippa Ehrlich
• Runtime: 1h 30m

When a filmmaker develops an unusual friendship with a female octopus, he learns a lot of ways to connect to nature. It opens his mind to the possibilities of maintaining a relationship with other creatures, as the octopus works like a mentor to teach him about marine life.

It is a very interesting documentary for marine biology enthusiasts and deserves a spot on this list for being informative and entertaining in equal measure.

Three Identical Strangers (2018)

• IMDB Rating: 7.6/10
• Genre: Documentary/Mystery
• Director: Tim Wardle
• Runtime: 1h 36m

When a group of triplets were separated at birth during the 1980s in New York, their reunion several years later became a global sensation. However, the reason why they were separated is a rather confusing and sinister reason that the documentary reveals.

This was one of the most talked-about documentaries on social media for a long time so be wary of spoilers and that this will have a similar effect on your consciousness.

Secrets of Playboy (2023)

• IMDB Rating: 6.8/10
• Genre: Documentary
• Director: Arlene Nelson, Domini Hofmann
• Runtime: 43m

A gathering of Playmates reflects on their experiences, spanning decades of modeling for the magazine, driven by the promise that becoming a Playmate would open doors to a prosperous career within a secure setting. However, the reality reveals a stark contrast as many encountered a hostile environment rife with drugs, pornography, and prostitution, contradicting the assurances of safety and success provided by Playboy.

Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields (2023)

• IMDB Rating: 7.5/10
• Genre: Documentary
• Director: Lana Wilson
• Runtime: 2h 18m

When Brooke Shields gained success as a young actor, model, and icon, she faced extreme sexualization as a minor. But she regains her strength and identity as she grows into a smart, Princeton graduate who takes a stand for herself amidst her rocky relationship with her mother, who was also her manager.

This is a shocking documentary about the damage early fame inflicts on young minds and bodies unequipped to deal with it healthily. We’re glad it has a happy ending for Brooke Shields as she is at peace now with who she is and living life happy and healthy.

13th (2016)

• IMDB Rating: 8.2/10
• Genre: Documentary/Crime
• Director: Ava DuVernay
• Runtime: 1h 40m

This documentary focuses on the 13th Amendment of the United States Constitution, which highlights the oppression black people experience in the country despite being legally free from slavery.

Jails in the United States are largely filled with people of color for minor or no crimes at all, feeding into discrimination.

Aaron Carter: The Little Prince of Pop (2023)

• IMDB Rating: 6.7/10
• Genre: Documentary
• Director: Jeffrey Thomas
• Runtime: 56m

One of the saddest things about gaining fame as a child could be the overbearing pressure that young minds have to deal with, which ultimately takes a toll on their mental health.

Aaron Carter was just another name on the list of people who lost their lives as adults, with struggles related to addiction, mental health, and family issues as they enjoyed immense fame as child stars.

The Donut King (2020)

• IMDB Rating: 7.1/10
• Genre: Documentary/Animation
• Director: Alice Gu
• Runtime: 1h 34m

When a Cambodian refugee, Ted Ngoy opened a donut shop in California, it became a booming, multi-million-dollar empire. The documentary shares his story as a refugee from a war-torn country, and rebuilding his life with America’s favorite dessert.

I Am Greta (2020)

• IMDB Rating: 7.5/10
• Genre: Documentary/Short
• Director: Nathan Grossman
• Runtime: 1h 37m

Greta Thunberg did what most people wouldn’t dare or even care to do – taking a stand for the environment. At the tender age of 15, she skipped school to pressure politicians to care for their future and put an end to climate change with their collective and effective efforts.

This is quite an interesting documentary that puts things into perspective about what is happening in the world and how different generations are responding to the multiple crises of survival that humanity faces in the near future.

Final Thoughts

Conclusively, the list of best documentaries on Hulu that we have gathered for you would surely interest you as it contains a mix of genres for everyone to enjoy. If you are unable to watch this Hulu due to regional restrictions, we recommend that you use ExpressVPN.

Also, read the following:

• Best Action Movies on Hulu
• Best Family Movies on Hulu
• Best Documentaries on HBO Max
• Best Kids Shows on Max
• Best Hindi Movies on JioCinema
• Best Movies on Women’s Empowerment
• Best Movies on YouTube TV
• Best Shows on Hotstar
• Best Shows on DStv

Betty Carter

Betty is an enthusiastic Computer Science Graduate and an extrovert who loves to watch Netflix, and is a binge-watcher always seeking quality shows to add to her watch history! She loves to write about the show, she has watched, to make her readers acknowledge them, and witness a cherished time with friends, and family!