16 Best Documentaries on Prime Video to Watch Right Now

Estimated read time 14 min read

Documentaries offer a unique perspective on the world, providing a cinematic exploration of historic moments, movements, and individuals. The art of documentary filmmaking has a rich history dating back to 1922, and over time, the approach to creating documentaries has evolved. These films serve as both cutting-edge and intimate ways to delve into seemingly inaccessible subjects, bringing their stories to a broader audience.

With the advent of streaming platforms, exclusivity has become a key element, with many platforms producing their own original content. Following suit, Amazon entered the arena with Prime Video, creating a library of exclusive content to attract a larger subscriber base. Among its offerings, Prime Video has curated a collection of documentaries specifically designed for the platform. While the website hosts a plethora of documentaries, certain titles stand out as the best on Prime Video.

As of November 27th, 2023, this article has been updated by Soniya Hinduja to include additional content, ensuring the discussion remains fresh and relevant with new information and entries.

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16 Best Documentaries on Prime Video to Watch Right Now

Kelce (2023)

“Kelce” is a documentary that follows the 2022-23 season of Philadelphia Eagles team captain and All-Pro center, Jason Kelce. The film captures his historic achievements as one of the most versatile and beloved players. However, the narrative extends beyond the spotlight, delving into Kelce’s personal life, including his close relationship with his brothers, the arrival of his third daughter, and a challenging experience at the Super Bowl. What sets the documentary apart is its emphasis on the tender moments that shape individuals and their journey to success, going beyond the thrill of sports victory. The film skillfully uses nuanced cinematography to immerse viewers in the Kelce family’s experience of international stardom, avoiding mere idolization of their profession and instead celebrating the family’s role in small accomplishments while valuing their roots.

Living with Chucky (2022)

In the documentary “Living with Chucky,” a passionate collector turned producer showcases his deep affection for the iconic killer doll from the “Child’s Play” horror franchise. The film intricately explores his journey as he seeks out and interviews families involved in the making of the movie, turning it into a slasher classic. Unlike typical horror documentaries that observe fear from a safe distance, “Living with Chucky” delves into real human experiences. The interviews reveal that for some individuals, Chucky is not merely a fictional character but a belief in a tangible existence. The documentary skillfully examines how a myth transforms into reality through intense attachment to an idea.

What sets this documentary apart is its bold approach in discussing genuine human encounters with the horror genre, a departure from the usual analysis of fear from a distance. The film’s groundbreaking nature is evident in the fact that it spawned six sequels, a television series, a reboot, numerous comic books, a video game, and extensive merchandise. Additionally, the inclusion of interviews with key figures closely associated with the franchise, such as Brad Dourif, Jennifer Tilly, and creator Don Mancini, adds depth and authenticity to the narrative.

Clean (2022)

The documentary film “Clean” is a remarkable exploration of Sandra Pankhurst’s life and her role in leading a team of trauma cleaning specialists as they tackle challenging environments such as crime scenes, suicides, hoarding situations, meth labs, and murder scenes. As Pankhurst faces an illness that forces her to step away from her profession, the documentary takes viewers on a poignant journey as she searches for her birth mother. Throughout the film, viewers witness the team’s resilience, camaraderie, and the profound impact of their challenging work.

The film’s greatness is evident in its perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, despite having a limited number of reviews. This high rating is attributed to the documentary’s ability to challenge preconceptions about the demanding nature of trauma cleaning. By offering an intimate and unfiltered perspective, “Clean” highlights the camaraderie and hard work involved in this practice. Moreover, the documentary sheds light on the personal traumas experienced by the cleaners themselves, demonstrating their enduring inspiration to many.

Dirty Pictures (2010)

Regarded as one of the leading scientists of his era, Alexander ‘Sasha’ Shulgin led a modest life while making a significant mark by inventing over 200 psychedelic compounds, including MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy. “Dirty Pictures,” directed by Etienne Sauret, delves into Shulgin’s work and the controversy surrounding his creations. The documentary highlights the profound impact of Sasha’s discoveries on psychedelic research and usage, providing insights into the intricate ways these substances affect our minds.

The film stands out for its effort to emphasize the importance of certain scientific breakthroughs and their potential for further advancements in the same field. Through intimate interviews, “Dirty Pictures” goes beyond surface discussions to explore the authentic life of Sasha, presenting a blend of humor and personal anecdotes. The documentary also sheds light on Sasha’s rebellious son, offering his perspective on the subject. Overall, the film is informative without romanticizing its subject, offering a nuanced portrayal of the influential figure known as “the godfather of psychedelics.”

Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles (2023)

“Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles” is a vibrant and captivating documentary that unfolds the remarkable journey of four friends—Anthony Field, Murray Cook, Greg Page, and Jeff Fatt—spanning over 30 years in the realm of children’s music. Faced with numerous rejections, these individuals transformed their setbacks into an international phenomenon, creating catchy tunes that became synonymous with their success.

What sets the documentary apart is its lively and entertaining approach. Unlike other documentaries, “Hot Potato” combines nostalgia with a light-hearted tone, steering clear of excessive drama. The film’s primary goal is to showcase how The Wiggles not only empowered childhood but also infused it with joy while promoting learning through their music. It serves as a tribute to the group’s ability to find joy in the face of life’s challenges.

The documentary delves into the early struggles of The Wiggles, the breakthrough moments, and the evolution of their music, capturing every emotional arc that shaped both the individuals and their art. Director Sally Aitken takes a gentle and insightful approach, exploring how comedy and dance became powerful tools in bridging societal divides. In essence, “Hot Potato” is an ode to the transformative impact of The Wiggles, illustrating how they brought fun into the lives of children and advocated learning through the universal language of music.

Lucy and Desi (2022)

Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, a prominent couple of their time, are the focal point of this elegant documentary, skillfully directed by Amy Poehler. The film gracefully captures the peaks and valleys of their lives, chronicling their journey from early Hollywood days to the pinnacle of success with “I Love Lucy.” Amy Poehler presents a sincere and honest portrayal of Lucy and Desi, avoiding melodrama or sensationalism. The documentary allows viewers to empathize with the challenges faced by the couple in the industry, particularly Desi, whose success was closely tied to his wife. Featuring authentic recounts from the stars themselves, meticulously curated and archived for this narrative, it offers a unique and genuine experience tailored for Lucille Ball enthusiasts.

Jasper Mall (2020)

For nearly thirty years, bustling malls were once a powerful symbol of prosperity, thriving with in-person commerce and serving as hubs for social interactions. However, the advent of online shopping has dealt a severe blow to this industry, rendering malls a fading relic. “Jasper Mall,” a documentary by Bradford Thomason and Brett Whitcomb, delves into this transformation, offering a candid exploration of the economic challenges malls face, their evolution, and the individuals connected to these remnants of the past. The narrative predominantly unfolds at a specific locale, the Jasper Mall in Alabama, providing a poignant portrayal of its struggles. This documentary is particularly compelling for those who have outgrown malls due to age or other life commitments.

Horror in the High Desert (2021)

“Horror in the High Desert” unfolds like a documentary, but in reality, it’s a mockumentary crafted by Dutch Marich. Drawing inspiration from the mysterious disappearance of extreme hiker Kenny Veach, who has been missing for more than ten years, Marich weaves a fictional narrative centered around Eric Mencis, a seasoned outdoor enthusiast. Staged three years post-events, the film employs found footage and reenactments to delve into the days leading up to the pivotal incident and scrutinizes the investigation’s progress. This unconventional storytelling approach adds a unique layer to the narrative, even though it might seem more straightforward to recount Veach’s story directly.

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Judy Blume Forever (2023)

If you’ve been following the current discussions surrounding the prohibition of certain books in school districts due to their explicit content, you might be interested in watching “Judy Blume Forever.” This documentary, directed by Davina Pardo and Leah Wolchok, delves into the life of Judy Blume, an author who defied conventional norms in addressing adolescent sexuality in her published works.

What sets the documentary apart is its exploration of Blume as a trailblazer in the field, serving as a source of inspiration for a new generation of young authors to share their own stories. The film includes interviews with notable figures like Molly Ringwald, Samantha Bee, and Lena Dunham, who discuss how Blume’s work influenced their perspectives on life and guided them to positive places in their own journeys.

Good Night Oppy (2022)

“Good Night Oppy recounts the remarkable journey of the Mars Exploration Rover “Oppy,” initially designed for a 90-day mission by NASA. Surprisingly, Oppy exceeded expectations, tirelessly exploring and transmitting data from Mars for an impressive 15 years. The documentary not only delves into Oppy’s Martian adventures but also poignantly reveals the emotional connections formed between the robotic explorer and its human creators. This captivating narrative showcases the boundless possibilities of exploration, captivating our fascination with space, encompassing aspects from human consciousness and species to planets and artificial intelligence.”

Human Flow (2017)

Director Ai Weiwei, in his documentary “Human Flow,” highlights the imperative of transparently documenting the ongoing human refugee crisis, particularly along the United States-Mexico border. The film delves into the extensive refugee crisis affecting nations like Greece, Afghanistan, France, Germany, and Iraq, offering a profound understanding of the lives of those compelled to seek refuge. Ai Weiwei, drawing parallels to his own eviction from Beijing, sees this project as deeply personal, fostering a strong connection with the struggles of those facing displacement.

The documentary stands out for its emphasis on compassion towards refugees and its exploration of the diverse motivations and aspirations that drive individuals away from their home countries in pursuit of human rights. “Human Flow” unveils the harsh realities of migration caused by state wars, ethnic conflicts, non-ethnic conflicts, and attempts to escape repression. The film boldly critiques uninformed and ignorant attitudes towards refugees, rooted in immoral and unfounded assumptions. Through uncensored storytelling, “Human Flow” sheds light on the authentic experiences of real people in genuine crises, urging society to respond to their desperate pleas for assistance.

Wildcat (2022)

Wildcat narrates the compelling journey of a British soldier post the Afghanistan war, grappling with severe depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. His encounter with an American scientist in the Amazon rainforest becomes a transformative experience, leading them to jointly care for a baby ocelot.

What Sets It Apart: The narrative is remarkably candid, delving into the harsh realities of mental illness and the horrors of war. The story masterfully utilizes its protagonist to depict a profound connection forged through unconditional love and gratitude. In essence, Wildcat is a poignant tale of healing, the beauty of nature, and the profound interconnectedness that will leave you emotionally enriched and awestruck.

No No: A Dockumentary (2014)

“No No: A Dockumentary” initiates a dialogue on the intersection of addiction and fame, offering a unique perspective within the realm of professional sports, specifically focusing on the career of Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Dock Ellis. The documentary delves into Ellis’ notable achievements, notably his legendary “no-no” game played under the influence of LSD. Ellis himself narrates the events, providing insights and details that were previously undisclosed to the public.

The film stands out by addressing Ellis’ struggles with addiction and reflecting on his status as one of the premier Major League Baseball pitchers in the 1970s. It speculates on how Ellis was perceived as both a public figure and a Black athlete in the context of the Civil Rights era. “No No: A Dockumentary” goes beyond the surface of sports achievements to explore the complexities of fame, addiction, and societal perceptions.

One Child Nation (2019)

One Child Nation critically explores the intersection of traditional propaganda and the culturally ingrained “ideal” family model in China, particularly in the context of the one-child policy. Filmmakers Nanfu Wang and Lynn Zhang delve into the historical background of this policy through a combination of personal memoirs and investigative journalism.

The documentary stands out for its in-depth analysis of the role of propaganda in shaping public perception, revealing how China used subtle messaging to advocate for population control. Moreover, One Child Nation goes beyond the political narrative to investigate the long-term consequences experienced by those who complied with the mandated policy. It challenges the notion of allowing politics to define the structure of a family, emphasizing the detrimental effects of enforcing a one-child household. In essence, the documentary fearlessly questions the legitimacy of political influence in determining the composition and dynamics of a family.

Val (2021)

“Val” can be seen as a cinematic reflection of actor Val Kilmer, chronicling his past, present, and future. Narrated by his son Jack, who remarkably mimics his father’s distinctive voice, the documentary delves into Kilmer’s career, offering his perspective on self-image and life’s work. The film is characterized by a narrative that Kilmer finds both frustrating and authentic, using footage curated by the actor himself.

What distinguishes “Val” is its commitment to portraying Kilmer beyond his cancer battle, celebrating his diverse performances and presenting him as an observer of his own history. The documentary aims to debunk myths surrounding Kilmer, urging viewers to understand him beyond his public persona.

Dior and I (2015)

“Dior and I” captures the autobiographical journey of French fashion designer Christian Dior, focusing on his initial decade in high fashion and the subsequent transition of the brand to Belgian designer Raf Simons after Dior’s passing in 2012. The film explores Simons’ quest to establish his identity within the fashion industry, as he takes the helm of one of the world’s most esteemed brands. What sets the documentary apart is its intimate portrayal of Simons’ first three months as Dior’s lead designer, showcasing the challenges and pressures in the competitive realm of Haute Couture. The film condenses the intensity of modern fashion into a reflective examination of a brand’s evolution and a relatively unknown designer’s rise to prominence.

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