15 Must-Watch Documentaries That Will Instantly Make You Smarter

What is it that makes a documentary compelling? This unique and powerful medium of storytelling has an edge on fiction thanks to (hopefully) staying true to the subject matter and being educational as well as interesting. While some documentaries are meant simply to entertain, others offer an in-depth look at complex issues that expand our world. Here are 15 documentaries that will not only make you feel smarter but will give you something to think about long after you’ve watched them.

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Space will no longer be such a mystery after watching this documentary. Let astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson take you through the wonders of the universe in this 13-part series.

In this documentary from filmmaker Ava DuVernay, “scholars, activists and politicians analyze the criminalization of African Americans and the U.S. prison boom,” according to Netflix.

Explore the dark side of social media with this documentary directed by Jeff Orlowski. Tech experts and Silicon Valley insiders discuss the often dangerous impact of Big Tech on every aspect of our lives.

What caused the catastrophic global financial meltdown in 2008? Matt Damon narrates this documentary about what exactly led to the collapse of the economy and how the financial sector was responsible.

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China’s impact on the global market is investigated in this documentary directed by Jed Rothstein. “There are no good guys in this story,” says GeoInvesting co-founder Dan David. “Including me.”

This documentary is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates an in-depth look at the beauty and skill behind a true sushi master. Jiro Ono’s story is fascinating.

This sweet and moving documentary from Morgan Neville looks at the legacy of beloved children’s entertainer Fred Rogers. Watch Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood right after.

“Experience our planet’s natural beauty and examine how climate change impacts all living creatures in this ambitious documentary of spectacular scope,” says Netflix about this stunning collaboration between WWF, Netflix and Silverback Film.

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This documentary about the Facebook–Cambridge Analytica data scandal is compelling viewing about social media being weaponized for political gain. Chilling and timely.

What’s going on with our food supply? This thought-provoking documentary, narrated by Michael Pollan, investigates the stranglehold corporations have over food production in the United States.

This documentary about Tilikum, an orca held by SeaWorld, raises many questions about the ethics of keeping intelligent mammals in captivity. You will never look at killer whales in the same way again.

This documentary exposes the global trade in ivory, the poachers killing the elephants, and the people buying illicit products. Filmmakers went undercover for 16 months for this must-see production.

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Focusing on the early years of the AIDS epidemic, this documentary is clever and heartbreaking. HIV activists, physicians, and members of underground organizations all take part in this film based on David France’s book of the same title.

If you’ve never quite got to grips with Edward Snowdon and the NSA spying scandal, this one’s for you. Featuring Snowden and Glenn Greenwald, this documentary was co-produced by Steven Soderbergh.

Fast fashion is put under the spotlight in this documentary about the clothes we wear and who makes them. Investigative reporting exposes the true human cost of the industry.