Netflix consistently releases a variety of material to keep its audience as entertained as possible. A new release on Netflix includes a docuseries revolving around the serial killer known as the “Night Stalker”. The crimes of the “Night Stalker” Richard Ramirez most certainly left its viewers with chills down their spine. While this darker and more sinister docuseries shot up to the top of Netflix’s most watched list very fast, it is not the only great documentary that the streaming service recently produced.
Read on for 10 more Netflix docuseries that will incite chills—even the good kind!
10. Five Came Back (2017)
In this three-episode docuseries adapted from Mark Harris’ book, it explores different perceptions of WWII based on five filmmakers who enlisted in the war in order to document it. Following films created by John Ford, William Wyler, John Huston, Frank Capra and George Stevens, Five Came Back will likely spark an obsession with learning more about history. The show’s in-depth coverage of a war by people who were actually there up close makes it a one-of-a-kind series. Originally released as a stand-alone documentary film, Netflix’s adaptation proved its potential as one of the better docuseries on the platform.
9. High Score (2020)
A six-episode docuseries, High Score tells the story of the creation of video games, from the very first games such as Pac-Man and pong to the high-definition console games we see today. The show raises the stakes even more by featuring interviews with the creators of these games. Learning the origin stories of video games that this show features could help to answer all of the unsolved questions that you’ve always had regarding your favorite games. Great for video games lovers, but also for those who enjoy an interesting story, watching High Score will leave you highly satisfied.
8. Rotten (2018)
Produced by Zero Point Zero, this two-season show’s focal point lies on the corruption that can be found in the world’s food supply chain. Rotten gives a behind the scenes look into the more disturbing elements of the food industry around the globe. Each episode aims to expose misconduct committed by the companies that run the food production industry. While many viewers may want to ignore what they see and continue with their normal diets, after watching Rotten all the way through, only those without any self-respect could do so. Created with the intent to make viewers rethink their choices when it comes to dinner, this docuseries will likely do just that.
7. Last Chance U (2016–2020)
If you ever find yourself desiring a great sports documentary, Last Chance U could be your show. An award-winning series, Last Chance U follows the East Mississippi Community College football team who look to win their third national title in a row. This show immerses viewers right in the middle of the season, allowing them to feel as if they are a part of the team. While the football in the show stands as exhilarating in itself, the backstories of the players truly draw in the massive audience. Watching these students overcome their personal struggles while simultaneously fighting for the national championship makes for one noteworthy series.
6. Night on Earth (2020)
A British made nature docuseries, Night on Earth will give you a new perspective if you’ve ever wondered what goes on in the world after the sun sets. The show follows the night life in the wild all across the planet from the “Moonlit Plains” to “Sleepless Cities.”
“I love everything David Attenborough, and although this show doesn’t have anything to do with him, it gave off total Planet Earth vibes which I found very respectable. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys watching nature documentaries,” Duquesne University junior Kathryn Fitzsimmons said.
This show not only explores how nocturnal animals live their lives, but also delves into how the effects of climate change alter the natural ecosystem and animals’ overall behaviors. Narrated by Orange Is the New Black actress Samira Wiley and produced by Plimsoll Productions, Night on Earth will surely have you checking out more nature docs.
5. Cheer (2020)
Another six-part docuseries, Cheer takes the audience along on the Navarro College cheer team’s journey to a national championship title. The show focuses mostly on five of the 40 members of the Texas squad coached by Monica Aldama. It also examines the history of cheerleading along with the formation of the National Cheerleaders Association, or NCA. Exposing just how much hard work goes into the intense training needed to be a college cheerleader, this documentary will leave you never questioning whether cheering is a real sport ever again.
4. Challenger: The Final Flight (2020)
When the Challenger Space Shuttle exploded in 1986, most people living in the country during the time were left shocked and devastated. After many heavy investigations, almost 40 years later all of the evidence points to multiple, preventable factors. Some of those factors include issues with the spacecraft that the people who were in charge of the passengers’ safety were aware of, yet chose to ignore. Featuring interviews with people connected to the even in some form or another, The Final Flight gives the most comprehensive recount of the event. This detailed series will give you all the information you need on what happened that tragic day.
3. Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness (2020)
The docuseries that rocked the world. If you have not heard of Joe Exotic by now, you must be living under a rock. The series follows a man who refers to himself as the Tiger King and other people involved in the big cat industry.
“I refused to get on the Tiger King bandwagon for the longest time, but I finally ran out of things to watch and gave into the fad. Rest assured I was not disappointed; it was by far one of the wildest pieces of media I ever witnessed,” Bucks County Community College sophomore Patrick Luna said.
This show uncovers just how corrupt and illegal these activities are, which may be the reason why Joe Exotic is in jail to this day. Tiger King became so popular that a special with Joel McHale interviewing members of the cast came out not long after the original series finale.
2. The Last Dance (2020)
This docuseries follows the 1997-1998 Chicago Bulls consisting of stars such as Michael Jordan, Dennis Rodman, Scottie Pippen and coach Phil Jackson, just to name a few. This was the season that the Bulls won their third championship in three years, completing their second “threepeat.”
“As a lifelong fan of basketball and Michael Jordan particularly, when I first heard about this documentary I could not have been more excited. After watching the whole series all the way through I almost cried,” Drexel University senior Quinten Andrews said.
Featuring current day interviews with the stars of the team along with many of the opponents they faced, this docuseries allows for the ultimate examination of the Bull’s legacy. The Last Dance stands out as one of the most intimate and raw sports documentaries to ever be created.
1. Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes (2019)
As a docuseries following the crimes and trial of one of the most notorious serial killers in US history, The Ted Bundy Tapes series will surely give anyone who watches the show nightmares for weeks. Released on January 24, 2019, the 30th anniversary of Bundy’s execution, the show dives deep into the sociopathic murderer’s mind. Over 100 hours of footage acquired from interviews with Bundy himself along with family members and friends was condensed into four 60-minute episodes for this series. The documentary gets up close and personal with the man allowing viewers a first-person encounter with one of the coldest hearted individuals to ever live.
