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At MyDomaine, we're big fans of documentaries. We've previously shared the travel documentaries that have inspired us to alter our vacation plans, 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. Thus, we expanded our sights beyond Netflix and HBO Go's offerings to scroll through Hulu's library of films in the genre. Spanning a behind-the-scenes look at the journalists from one of the most respected newspapers in the country to an inspirational story of a high school step team, the best documentaries on Hulu altered how we view the world—and we think they'll have a similar effect for you, too.
Here are our picks for the best documentaries on Hulu.
Jane (2017)
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IMDb
Director Brett Morgan's lauded documentary presents Jane Goodall's groundbreaking chimpanzee research in a whole new light. Featuring never-before-seen footage from National Geographic's archive, Jane chronicles the scientist's determination to break into the male-dominated field, her relationship with her cameraman and husband, and the bonds she made with the primates she studied.
Available on: Hulu
Tabloid (2011)
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IMDb
The subject of 2010's Tabloid sounds more like a fictional psychological thriller than a true crime narrative. In this gripping documentary, filmmaker Errol Morris tells the story of a former Miss Wyoming pageant queen who's accused of kidnapping and raping a Mormon missionary in England.
Available on: Hulu
Whose Streets? (2017)
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Hulu
The killing of 18-year-old Michael Brown in 2014 inspired the citizens of Ferguson, Missouri, to push back and sparked a powerful revival of the civil rights movement. In Whose Streets? residents turned activists are the ones in front of the camera relaying their firsthand accounts of the months following the fatal shooting of an unarmed Black man in their community.
Available on: Hulu
Dancing in Jaffa (2014)
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IMDb
World-renowned ballroom dancer Pierre Dulaine undertakes the task of teaching 10-year-old Palestinian-Israeli and Jewish-Israeli children to dance in Dancing in Jaffa. Touching on complex issues of racial segregation, prejudice, and identity, the film shows how dance can bring people together despite their differences.
Available on: Hulu
4 Little Girls (1997)
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HBO
Spike Lee's film about the 1963 bombing of a Black church in Birmingham, Alabama, that killed four little girls should be considered required viewing for everyone in America. Lee's 4 Little Girls exposes a defining moment in the Civil Rights Movement that's often overlooked by traditional education curriculums.
Available on: Hulu
One Strange Rock (2018)
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Netflix
Will Smith hosts this documentary, which explores and reveals how life is able to thrive on Earth. One Strange Rock follows eight astronauts sharing their perspectives on earth. The 10-episode series explains how the earth is both habitable and lethal, and mass extinctions are necessary for a prosperous planet.
Available on: Hulu
Leaving Neverland (2019)
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HBO
In this HBO documentary, two men abused by Michael Jackson recount their experiences. You might see the iconic entertainer in another light after this.
Available on: Hulu
Fyre Fraud (2019)
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Hulu
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
They Shall Not Grow Old (2018)
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Warner Bros.
If you're a history buff, you'll love this documentary about WWI. It utilizes digital technology to restore archival footage from the Imperial War Museum. It's a firsthand look at WWI, with the story being told by the men who were there.
Available on: Hulu
Cannabis Evolution (2019)
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IMDb
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
The Iceman Tapes (1992)
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HBO
Things are not always as they seem, and this chilling documentary about a serial killer/family man will prove this point. It’s not for the faint of heart, as you’ll hear about some of the 100 murders Richard “The Iceman” Kuklinski reportedly committed from police officers, medical examiners, and his wife. Oh yeah, and you’ll hear from Kuklinski himself as to exactly how he did it.
Available on: Hulu
Amazing Grace (2018)
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IMDb
Music lovers, this ones 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
Won't You Be My Neighbor? (2018)
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IMDb
Revisit the life and legacy of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" star and host, Fred Rogers, in this documentary. It's emotional and moving, so have some tissues handy.
Available on: Hulu
Capturing the Friedmans (2003)
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IMDb
When filmmaker Andrew Jarecki learned that one of his subjects, a professional clown, was the son and brother of two men convicted of child sexual abuse in a 1980s criminal trial, he used home videos as well as interviews to compile a documentary to explore it.
Available on: Hulu
Free Solo (2018)
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IMDb
This movie documentary chronicles Alex Honnold's free solo climb of 32,000-foot El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. Trust us, your palms will be sweating the entire time.
Available on: Hulu
Jawline (2019)
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IMDb
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
Addicted to Sexting (2015)
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IMDb
This documentary is compelling and often humorous. It examines the rise of sexting from different perspectives, and how the social phenomenon affects the lives of those engaged in it.
Available on: Hulu
Iris (2014)
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Amazon
Renowned documentary filmmaker Albert Maysles offers an intimate look into the life of self-described "geriatric starlet" and NYC-based style icon Iris Apfel in the film Iris. "It's a delight to spend time in Apfel's company, and thanks to Albert Maysles, we can," notes SF Gate.
Available on: Hulu
RBG (2018)
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Amazon
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
Apollo 11 (2019)
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IMDb
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
Ballet 422 (2014)
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IMDb
Follow a choreographer as he creates and dances New York City Ballet's 422nd original piece. If you loved Black Swan, or just want an intimate glimpse into the ballet world, this is it.
Available on: Hulu
Food Choices (2016)
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Amazon
Explore the impact food choices have on our health, our planet's health, and the lives of other living species in this documentary. It explores misconceptions about diet and takes an in-depth look at the consumption of animal products.
Available on: Hulu
The Gospel According to André (2017)
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IMDb
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