Amazon Prime Video has a constantly updating library of documentaries, covering everything from science and history to true crime and pop culture. Based on high praise and popularity, here is a guide to some of the best and most insightful films available for streaming:
Highly Praised & Informative Documentaries
- Good Night Oppy (2022)
- Focus: Space, Science, Perseverance
- Synopsis: A heartwarming and inspirational film chronicling the true story of Opportunity, a Mars rover that was expected to live for only 90 sols but survived for nearly 15 years, sending back groundbreaking data and becoming a beloved fixture for its human creators. It blends archival footage with stunning visuals of Mars.
- Val (2021)
- Focus: Biography, Film, Artistry
- Synopsis: A deeply personal and moving look at the life and career of actor Val Kilmer, created from thousands of hours of video footage he filmed himself over the decades. It offers an intimate glimpse into his artistry, spirituality, and current life after a battle with throat cancer.
- Time (2020)
- Focus: Social Justice, Family, Incarceration
- Synopsis: An acclaimed, powerful, and poetic documentary that follows Sibil Fox Richardson, a mother of six, on her decades-long fight to free her husband, Rob, from a draconian 60-year prison sentence. It’s a stark examination of the American prison system and the toll it takes on Black families.
- Man on Wire (2008)
- Focus: History, Adventure, True Story
- Synopsis: Depicts Philippe Petit’s exhilarating and illegal high-wire walk between the twin towers of the World Trade Center in 1974. It uses interviews, archival footage, and re-enactments to turn the “artistic crime of the century” into a thrilling, real-life heist movie.
Popular and Insightful Documentaries
- Lucy And Desi (2022)
- Focus: Biography, Pop Culture, Entertainment History
- Synopsis: Directed by Amy Poehler, this documentary explores the partnership, both professional and romantic, of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, celebrating their groundbreaking work on I Love Lucy and their immense influence on the television industry.
- The Blue Angels (2024)
- Focus: Aviation, Military, Teamwork
- Synopsis: Produced by J.J. Abrams and Glen Powell, this film offers an unprecedented, up-close look at the U.S. Navy’s elite flight demonstration squadron. Filmed with IMAX cameras, it captures the intense training, precision, and danger involved in their breathtaking aerial performances.
- Kelce (2023)
- Focus: Sports, Biography, Family
- Synopsis: Follows Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce through the 2022-2023 NFL season, charting his journey as he grapples with the decision to retire, his life as a father, and the historic Super Bowl match-up against his brother, Travis Kelce.
- Dior and I (2014)
- Focus: Fashion, Art, Creativity
- Synopsis: Offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Raf Simons’ first haute couture collection for the legendary fashion house of Dior in 2012, highlighting the high-pressure world of fashion and the artistry of the atelier.
Docuseries
- Clarkson’s Farm (Multiple Seasons)
- Focus: Rural Life, Agriculture, Comedy
- Synopsis: Jeremy Clarkson (of Top Gear and The Grand Tour fame) attempts to run his large farm in the English countryside with hilarious and often informative results. It’s an insightful, yet entertaining, look at the brutal realities of modern farming.
- Lorena (2019)
- Focus: True Crime, Media, Gender Studies
- Synopsis: This four-part docuseries re-examines the infamous 1993 case of Lorena and John Bobbitt, looking beyond the sensational media coverage to explore domestic violence, spousal abuse, and the cultural response to the case.
Note: Availability may vary based on your geographic location and changes frequently, so it’s always best to check the Prime Video app for the current selection.
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