Documentaries to Stream

I recently watched Untouchable, a documentary on Hulu, and I really enjoyed it. This experience prompted me to investigate a couple more of the documentaries that the streaming service has to offer. I think documentaries are an easy way to learn more about things you’re already interested in without the commitment of finding the information yourself. Listed below are some of the available documentaries put into a few common categories, so if you like the topic already, chances are you’ll enjoy the film!

ENTERTAINMENT

Becoming Bond

This film tells the story of George Lazenby, an Australian car mechanic who played James Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. He hadn’t had any acting experience, and he turned down an offer to play Bond again. It has re-enactments of his life with clips of interviews in between. 

Untouchable

Tangentially related to entertainment, this documentary follows the Harvey Weinstein scandal. With interviews from victims as well as former employees for Weinstein’s film companies, the documentary goes from the beginning of Weinstein’s career to the breaking of the scandal in 2017.

The Reckoning

This film covers the sexual misconduct cases in Hollywood involving both Harvey Weinstein and other accused assaulters in the entertainment industry. It gives a broader look at the scandals than Untouchable, showing the effect of the #Metoo social media movement as well.

CRIME STORIES

Natalie Wood: An American Murder Mystery

Famous West-Side Story actress Natalie Wood drowned on a boat trip in 1981 at the age of 43. There is an ongoing investigation as to whether there was malicious intent in her death, including her husband Robert Wagner as a suspect (whom she married, divorced, and then remarried after divorcing her second husband).

Killing for Love

This documentary follows the story of the double murder of Derek and Nancy Haysom. Their daughter was in a relationship with a German boy; both she and her boyfriend were sentenced to life in prison. The film consists of their letters to each other, archived interviews, and original crime scene evidence.

MUSIC

Whitney

Following the rise to stardom of Whitney Houston and her struggles with addiction and fame, this documentary includes interviews with her family alongside archival footage of Whitney herself. 

Amazing Grace

This concert film shows Aretha Franklin recording her gospel album Amazing Grace live at a baptist church in Los Angeles in 1972.

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