The Best New Documentaries on Netflix Right Now

Learning about real life can make for amazing entertainment. Whether you’re interested in celebrities, crime, murder, history, or more, there are so many fantastic documentaries to stream on nearly every topic.

 

In this round-up, I share some of the best new documentaries on Netflix that you won’t want to miss.

 

Running with the Devil: The Wild World of John McAfee

Running with the Devil: The Wild World of John McAfee. John McAfee in Running with the Devil: The Wild World of John McAfee.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Netflix.

You may have used the antivirus with the same name, but did you know that the man who created this program has a bizarre backstory filled with murder, hacking, escaping prison, and more? A new Netflix documentary uses revealing interviews and footage to uncover the details about the misadventures of John McAfee.

 

Pamela, A Love Story

Pamela, a love story. Pamela Anderson in Pamela, a love story.
Image Credit: Netflix.

Learn Pamela Anderson’s side of the story in a special portrayal of the actress and pop culture icon in her own words. A follow-up to the scripted series Pam and Tommy, which debuted on Hulu, this documentary shares diaries, videos, and hours of never before released footage.

 

Gunther’s Millions

Gunther's Millions.
Image Credit: Netflix.

A German Shepherd with a $400 Million trust fund, a bizarre and famous handler, a boy band, and more tie together for a dog-gone interesting tale of financial outlandishness. This documentary unravels the story behind this dog who owned millions, property, a yacht, and more.

 

MH370: The Plane That Disappeared

MH370: The Plane That Disappeared.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Netflix.

How can a plane just disappear? Even after a decade, the happenings around Flight MH370 still remain a mystery when 239 people disappeared without a trace. This documentary splits the story into three episodes that analyze what happened to everyone aboard.

 

MerPeople

Syrena the Singapore Mermaid in MerPeople.
Image Credit: Netflix.

Professional mermaids are not only a thing, it’s an entire industry! This unique underwater-inspired documentary takes a look at the mermaids and mermen who have made this unique pass time a full-time career.

Waco: American Apocalypse

Waco: American Apocalypse. David Koresh in Waco: American Apocalypse.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Netflix.

It’s 30 years later, and the events around the siege still have many wondering what happened in Waco, TX. This documentary takes a look at the 51-day-long standoff between the FBI and the Branch Davidians. Featuring exclusive video tapes from the FBI’s negotiation unit, FBI recordings, and previously unreleased news footage, the filmmaker tells the story of the stand-off, David Koresh, and the allegations against him.

 

MADOFF: The Monster of Wall Street

MADOFF: The Monster of Wall Street.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Netflix.

This four-part miniseries focuses on white-collar crime in a documentary that reveals what happened in one of Wall Street’s biggest scandals. Using interviews, commentary, and reenactments, the story of this multi-billion dollar Ponzi scheme is unveiled.

Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal

Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal. (L to R) Mallory Beach and Morgan Doughty in Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Netflix.

A prominent South Carolina family and the death of a teenager in a drunken accident unraveled a legacy in one night. This three-part series discusses what happened, what the family allegedly did and the homicide that was involved.

 

Queen Cleopatra

Queen Cleopatra - Production Still Image.
Image Credit: Netflix.

Controversial from its debut, this Egyptian-inspired documentary, narrated by Jada Pinkett Smith, uses interviews with experts and reenactments to tell the story of Cleopatra, her throne, and her legacy.

 

Viewers have expressed strong opinions about the series depicting the queen as black, and the outrage has ignited controversy and discussion about the true racial origins of the historical figure.

 

Working: What We Do All Day

Working: What We Do All Day.
Image Credit: Netflix.

What would it be like to work in a different career? This docu-series takes a look at the lives of working Americans and steps inside their day in different careers. Hosted by Barack Obama, the series talks one-on-one with workers and learns more about their working world.

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Timothy Olyphant, Drew Barrymore in Santa Clarita Diet Season 2
Image Credit: Saeed Adyani/Netflix.

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Marco Polo
Image Credit: Phil Bray/Netflix.

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Outer Banks. Rudy Pankow as JJ in episode 303 of Outer Banks
Image Credit: JACKSON LEE DAVIS/NETFLIX.

Ever watched a show that was so hyped up but you thought was terrible? The show everyone was talking about and watching and you just couldn’t see the appeal? That was the question posted on Reddit, “Which Netflix show is overrated?”

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Bad Vegan: Fame. Fraud. Fugitives. Sarma Melngailis in Bad Vegan: Fame. Fraud. Fugitives.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Netflix.

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Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton in episode 205 of Bridgerton
Image Credit: LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX.

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Hi! I am a millennial mom with a passion for personal finance. I have always been “into” personal finance but got inspired to start my blog after a period of extended unemployment. That experience really changed the way I viewed my relationship with money and the importance of accessible personal finance education.