As we go into our second month of staying at home to curb the spread of coronavirus, many of us are spending our time binge-watching Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime all day, every day (or, if you're working or have picked up hobbies in the daytime: all night, every night). But if you're looking to take a break from your rom-com diet, give the humble documentary a chance instead. There are a ton of great documentaries on Hulu right now, from breakout hit Three Identical Strangers to the luxurious Dior and I.
Whether you're looking for something that chronicles the lives of iconic women like Joan Jett and Iris Apfel or a true-crime show about female murderers, we've rounded up the best docs on Hulu for your viewing pleasure. (You can also take a look at the best documentaries on Amazon Prime here.)
Whitney
Whitney Houston had one of the most powerful and unforgettable voices of all time. From Oscar-winning director Kevin Macdonald, this documentary tells the story behind the world-famous singer, going deep into her family and upbringing.
Untouchable
With Harvey Weinstein’s recent conviction still on top of mind, now is the right time to watch Untouchable. The chilling documentary focuses on Weinstein’s rise to power as well as his fall into disgrace, and how his trial catalyzed the greater #MeToo and Times Up movements.
Tiny Shoulders: Rethinking Barbie
Everybody knows what a Barbie doll is, but not everyone knows about Barbie's history and sociocultural implications. Tiny Shoulders: Rethinking Barbie explores the creation of the iconic doll, the impact she has had on culture, and how she's evolved in the wake of modern-day feminism.
Deadly Women
The title says it all. In this docuseries, former FBI agent Candice DeLong and forensic pathologist Dr. Janis Amatuzio offer insights into the minds of female killers.
Dior and I
Fashion fanatics, we've got the pick for you. Dior and I is a sartorial dive into the iconic fashion house of Christian Dior and the mind of its at-the-time creative director, Raf Simons, including a peak into the creation of his first Dior haute couture collection.
Jane
The beautiful documentary chronicles the work of Jane Goodall in Tanzania, where she studied chimpanzees. With original footage from Jane’s travels, the documentary is a must-see for everybody, not just biology and science aficionados.
RBG
Of all the strong women (and there are many), Ruth Bader Ginsburg might just be our number-one icon. This film explores her life as the second female Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, focusing on how her early legal action helped change the world for women.
Fyre Fraud
Directed by Jenner Furst and Julia Willoughby Nason, the must-see exposes all of the twisted lies behind the infamous Fyre Festival fraud, and how its creators Billy McFarland and rapper Ja Rule managed to dupe us all— at least until festival-goers arrived at the island in the Bahamas and realized they had been scammed.
Drugs Inc.
Among all of the world's many big businesses, the illegal drug trade is certainly (and sadly) one of the most lucrative, moving billions of dollars. But who’s behind it all? This series takes a look at the human side of illegal drug traffic and how it impacts the lives of poor workers, often who get involved with no other options, around the world.
Iris
Iris Apfel is 98, but one couldn’t tell. A fashion icon always up-to-date on the latest trends (and known for her bright wardrobe and bold baubles), Apfel is considered a role model for budding fashionistas. Iris focuses on her influence, creativity and philosophy of life.
The First Monday In May
Dated 2016, the film unveils the behind-the-curtains preparations of The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s iconic and ultra-glamorous Met Gala, hosted by Anna Wintour. Wait, did my ticket get lost in the mail?
Three Identical Strangers
Imagine this: One day, you discover you were separated from at birth from your long-lost twin. You finally meet...and then discover you're actually triplets. In this surreal story, three brothers meet for the first time, but the celebration doesn't last long as the truth about their shady adoption story begins to unravel.
Killing For Love
On March 30, 1985, Derek and Nancy Haysom were found brutally murdered in their home in Virginia. Their daughter Elizabeth, a scholarship student, and her boyfriend Jens Söring, son of a German diplomat, are accused of the crime—but they might not be guilty. Dun. Dun. Dun.
Far From The Tree
Based on the New York Times bestselling book of the same name by Andrew Solomon, this film explores how families relate to and accommodate children with mental, physical or social disabilities.
Bad Reputation
A rock star to the bone, Joan Jett has always been iconic. Focusing on her life and career, this documentary tells her story as a game-changer for women in the rock scene.
Too Cute!
Need a pick-me-up? Puppies and kittens are always a good idea. This tiny and adorable docu-series is filled with sweet footage about the young life of cats and dogs. Warning: cuteness overload.
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