Documentaries are windows to places and times that most of us would otherwise never see in our lifetimes. That’s why they’re so valuable to anyone who has a desire to learn more about the world around them. But in the case of Netflix’s latest arrival, Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine, viewers get a look into the past of the universe itself. Netflix’s stellar lineup of documentaries also includes true crime tales, breathtaking nature programs, and revealing looks at celebrities, musicians, and more.
This documentary follows the scientists and engineers as they prepare to launch the telescope into orbit and then reassemble it in space. From there, you’ll get a front row seat as the telescope begins delivering cosmic visuals that have to be seen to be believed. Through the use of previously recorded interviews, both Michael and Ridgeley share their accounts of how they met and how they became a pop sensation in the 1980s. It’s an intimate look at the friendship and the bond between the duo, and a reminder of why Wham! made such a huge impact.
The most shocking thing about Netflix’s documentary, Anna Nicole Smith: You Don’t Know Me, is how much pity and sorrow you’ll feel for Smith herself. This is the story of how the woman who was born Vickie Lynn Hogan got nearly everything she wanted in life, only to lose it all to addiction and self-inflicted tragedies. Anna Nicole Smith’s story is a cautionary tale, but this film shows extraordinary empathy for its subject and her trials.
Journalist Rachel de Leon looks into each case and finds instances of the police using criminal interrogation techniques to get the women to recant their stories while failing to properly investigate the alleged sexual crimes. It’s a disquieting look at the way the law enforcement officers failed these women and ended up protecting the sexual predators instead of their prey.
This docuseries follows the grisly crimes and controversies surrounding one of the wealthiest and most prominent families in South Carolina. It begins with a lethal boating accident and includes the murders Maggie Murdaugh and her son, Paul. From there, a series of grim revelations of corruption and death force the Murdaugh family under the spotlight.
A 4-episode series, The Monster of Wall Street uses never-before-seen footage and spotlights the many co-conspirators that Bernie Madoff used to orchestrate this colossal lie. It’s been reported that the scheme itself was worth around $64.8 billion, with the depositions, interviews, and revelations showcased making for a fascinating watch of a real-life financial thriller.