The 24 Best Documentaries on Hulu

written by

updated May 29, 2021

women watching tv — Westend61 / Getty Images

At MyDomaine, we're big fans of documentaries. We've previously shared the food documentaries that have motivated us to pick up chef's knives and health documentaries that have opened our eyes to the startling reality of the sugar industry in America. In short, we're always searching for nonfiction films to add to our queue.

We expanded our sights beyond Netflix and HBO Max's offerings to scroll through Hulu's library of films in the genre. Spanning a behind-the-scenes look at the iconic Nickelodeon network to the eye-opening story of MLK and institutional racism, the best documentaries on Hulu altered how we view the world—and we think they'll have a similar effect on you, too.

Here are our picks for the best documentaries on Hulu.

01 of 24

Fyre Fraud (2019)

If you caught Netflix's Fyre, you need to watch Hulu's documentary on the infamous Fyre Festival. It takes you inside the 2017 influencer scam and features an exclusive interview with Billy McFarland. Trust us—you don't want to miss this one.

Available on: Hulu

02 of 24

Amazing Grace (2018)

Music lovers, this one's for you. This documentary is the live recording of Aretha Franklin's album, Amazing Grace, at The New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles in 1972. It will give you chills.

Available on: Hulu

03 of 24

A Beautiful Planet (2016)

A Beautiful Plant documentary poster — Rogerebert.com

See Earth like never before in this visually stunning 45-minute film composed of footage from NASA and narrated by Jennifer Lawrence's soothing voice. Take it from us when we say that you will get lost in the beauty of this one.

Available on: Hulu

04 of 24

The Rape of Recy Taylor (2017)

The Rape of Recy Taylor documentary poster — National Civil Rights Museum

In 1944, an African-American woman named Recy Taylor was gang-raped by a group of white men in Abbeville, Alabama. Hear her brutal tale and the gruesome legacy of abuse towards black women in America.

Available on: Hulu

05 of 24

Madonna and the Breakfast Club (2019)

Any '80s fan will appreciate this documentary, which tells the untold story of Madonna's struggles in her pre-fame years in New York City. Learn about her then-boyfriend, musician Dan Gilroy, and their first band, Breakfast Club.

Available on: Hulu

06 of 24

Cannabis Evolution (2019)

Marijuana is known to help treat both physical and mental illnesses, but many are wary of using the drug. This documentary addresses the facts and the myths to help you understand the truth about marijuana.

Available on: Hulu

07 of 24

RBG (2018)

Get an intimate look into Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in this documentary. Filmmakers explore how she changed the world for women, making it an especially poignant film.

Available on: Hulu

08 of 24

Apollo 11 (2019)

If you're interested in space, you'll be fascinated by this documentary. The film was created from newly discovered footage and over 11,000 hours of uncatalogued audio recordings. It'll take you right to the heart of NASA's Apollo 11 mission.

Available on: Hulu

09 of 24

Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2012)

Jiro Dreams of Sushi documentary poster — FMV6

Jiro Ono is an 85-year-old sushi chef, considered by many to be the world's greatest. His 10-seat sushi restaurant Sukiyabashi earned three Michelin stars and is a direct product of the enormous passion he has for his craft. We're pretty sure you'll be ready to follow your dreams after watching this one.

Available on: Hulu

10 of 24

The Gospel According to André (2017)

The Gospel According to Andre — MinnieMuse

Fashionistas, here you go. This intimate portrait of Andre Leon Talley, an icon in the world of fashion, will give you a firsthand look at his roots. You'll learn how he grew up to be one of the most influential tastemakers of our time.

Available on: Hulu

11 of 24

Kid 90 (2021)

Raise your hand if you, too, are a '90s kid! Soleil Moon Frye is the driving force behind this documentary compiled of footage shot during her teenage years in the 1990s. Fair warning—this will bring back a lot of memories.

Available on: Hulu

12 of 24

The Biggest Little Farm (2018)

The Biggest Little Farm documentary poster — Insisting Simplicity

In 2010, two Los Angelenos packed up their city apartment and purchased an abandoned 200-acre farm in Moorpark, California. With plenty of hardships and bruises along the way, Molly and John Chester have since transformed the forgotten landscape into a fully functioning farm and biodiverse habitat in complete coexistence with nature. This is their inspiring story.

Available on: Hulu

13 of 24

Ballet Now (2018)

Ballet Now documentary poster — At Large Magazine

If you like glimpses into a world completely different from your own, Ballet Now provides an unfiltered look at the world of ballet. See first-hand what it's like to dance and produce a world-class production through the eyes of New York City's prima ballerina Tiler Peck.

Available on: Hulu

14 of 24

Fine Lines (2019)

Ever wonder what it would be like to leave behind friends, family, and everyday comforts to pursue life-threatening feats like scaling razor-sharp cliffs thousands of feet high? Find out what drives a group of world-class mountain climbers to put their minds and bodies through the ultimate test of strength.

Available on: Hulu

15 of 24

The Orange Years: The Nickelodeon Story (2018)

All you Nickelodeon kids out there won't want to miss The Orange Years: The Nickelodeon Story. Hear the story of the iconic network from the actors, writers, and creators that shaped our childhoods.

Available on: Hulu

16 of 24

Blackfish (2013)

Blackfish documentary poster — Delphinidae.info

Keep tissues on hand when you watch this deep dive into orca captivity. The film tells the story of Tilikum, an orca involved in the death of three people, and warns against the consequences of keeping killer whales in captivity.

Available on: Hulu

17 of 24

Hunt for the Skinwalker (2018)

Hunt for the Skinwalker poster — Den of Geek

Visit one of the most famous paranormal hotspots in the world without changing out of your sweatpants. See previously unreleased footage and hear scientists speculate on what could possibly be happening at Skinwalker Ranch. Quick tip—don't watch this before bedtime.

Available on: Hulu

18 of 24

Jawline (2019)

Ever wondered how YouTube stars are made, or how young influencers reach almost celebrity-like status? This documentary follows a 16-year-old boy living in rural Tennessee who is a rising social media star. He tries to escape his life and upbringing by building a following based on teen girl lust.

Available on: Hulu

19 of 24

Sharp Edges (1986)

Fans of I, TONYA should add this doc to their watch list—it follows a 15-year-old Tonya Harding to her first skating competition in 1986. The intimate look at the figure skater features interviews from her coaches, her mother, and Tonya herself before she became a household name.

Available on: Hulu

20 of 24

MLK/FBI (2020)

MLK/FBI documentary poster — Scraps From the Loft

Oscar-nominated filmmaker Sam Pollard uses recently declassified files to investigate the U.S. government's harassment and surveillance of Martin Luther King Jr. This documentary is an eye-opening crash course on institutional racism that we're still fighting today.

Available on: Hulu

21 of 24

Into the Arms of Strangers: Stories of the Kindertransport (2000)

Still from Into the Arms of Strangers documentary — Knowledge Quarter London

This equally moving and disturbing award-winning documentary covers the Kindertransport program, a British rescue operation that saved more than 10,000 Jewish children from the clutches of Nazis prior to World War II. You'll hear heartwrenching accounts from 12 of those rescued, not something you'll likely forget anytime soon.

Available on: Hulu

22 of 24

Dinosaur 13 (2014)

Dinosaur 13 documentary poster — Walker Words

Anyone with an interest in prehistoric life will want to give Dinosaur 13 a watch. The film tells the true story of "Sue," the largest and most complete T-Rex ever discovered, and the years-long battle with the U.S. government after federal agents seized the skeleton.

Available on: Hulu

23 of 24

Killing for Love (2017)

Killing for Love poster — True Crime Obsessed

All you true-crime junkies will want to add this to your watchlist stat. Killing for Love chronicles the shocking story of the double murder of Derek and Nancy Haysom in 1985 and the two people who were sentenced to life in prison as a result.

Available on: Hulu

24 of 24

The New York Times Presents: Framing Britney Spears (2020)

Framing Britney Spears poster — Grounded Reason

As part of their news-based docuseries, The New York Times digs into the controversial rise and fall of pop idol Britney Spears herself and her high-profile court battle with her father over control of her assets and life. Get ready to feel all of the things.

Available on: Hulu