Documentaries offer a greater look at the world through the perspective of someone else. They capture historic moments, movements, and people while sharing their stories on a cinematic level. The art of documentary filmmaking dates back to 1922, and since then, the approach to documentaries has evolved. They serve as cutting-edge and intimate forms of becoming incredibly close with seemingly inaccessible subjects. Through the means of documentaries, certain topics have become exposed to the public eye.

Prime Video has a vast library of original content, including a multitude of documentaries. There's a lot from which to choose, but these titles are arguably the best from the streaming service.

Updated on Apr. 12, 2024, by Neville Naidoo This article has been updated with additional content to keep the discussion fresh and relevant with even more information and new entries.

19 Kelce (2023)

Kelce follows Philadelphia Eagles team captain and All-Pro center Jason Kelce's 2022-23 season as he makes history by being one of the most versatile and beloved players ever. But his story begins far from the limelight. The documentary chronicles other aspects of his life, like his tight bond with his brothers, the arrival of his third daughter, and a grueling appearance at the Super Bowl, which put the entire Kelce clan into an increasingly popular light.

The Film Provides an Engaging Look Beyond the Uniform

Victory often highlights that thrill of sports, but the actual story of an individual and all the people associated with them lies in the tender moments that shape them and lead them towards that path of glory. Kelce focuses on the journey of the clan’s brothers equally and uses nuanced cinematography to dunk the viewers into how they deal with international stardom. Not merely idolizing their profession, the film celebrates a family’s role in little accomplishments and values the roots.

18 Living with Chucky (2022)

In Living with Chucky, writer-director Kyra Elise Gardner displays her love for Child Play’s killer doll quite elaborately. Having grown up with and around the families of filmmakers and the crew who worked on the film and turned it into an iconic slasher franchise, Gardner felt that she had a lot more to add from her personal perspective. The film plays out in a series of interviews of individuals from whom Chucky isn’t just a movie character, but someone they truly believe exists. Their first-hand accounts examine how a myth turns into reality when you’re intensely attached to an idea.

A Fresh Take on a Pop Culture Killer Doll

Mostly, horror documentaries analyze fear and dread from a safe distance. But Living with Chucky takes a bold approach and talks about real human experiences. For a film to emerge as so groundbreaking that it turns into six sequels, gets a television series, a reboot, countless comic books, a video game, and merchandise isn’t ordinary. The film also features interviews from people like Brad Dourif, Jennifer Tilly, and creator Don Mancini, who were very closely associated with the franchise.

17 Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles (2023)

A more lively and entertaining documentary than the rest, Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles traces over 30 years of educational children’s music to tell the tale of four friends who faced so much rejection that they took it upon themselves to become an international phenomenon. And achieved it. The documentary profiles Anthony Field, Murray Cook, Greg Page, and Jeff Fatt, their colorful hijinks, and the birth of those catchy tunes that made them so successful.

The Film Relives A Sense of Childhood Wonder

Nostalgic yet far from dramatic, the documentary simply tries to share how The Wiggles empowered childhood, filled it with joy, and advocated learning through their music. It is an ode to finding fun amid life’s harsh realities. From early struggles to breakout tunes, the film shows every emotional arc that changed them and their art. Director Sally Aitken’s gentle gaze also explores how comedy and dance can overcome greater divides.

16 The Exorcist Untold (2023)

A treat for horror fans, The Exorcist Untold is a well-made documentary providing a glimpse into one of the most iconic horror films of all time. Providing intriguing insights into the making of The Exorcist, the film's legacy, and plenty of surrounding facts and occurrences that all added to its hype, the film is another great way to pay homage to what a cinematic gem it was, and to its creator, the late, great William Friedkin.

Relive All the Horror and the Creative Processes Behind It

Told through archival footage, rarely-seen interviews, and an engaging style that infused elements of the film, its backstory, production, and its impact, The Exorcist Untold is a must-watch for horror fans. Being able to glimpse and understand the film's immense legacy and what a genuine cultural phenomenon it created also ties into what makes this one so enjoyable.

15 Oppenheimer: The Real Story (2023)

Anyone alive during 2023 could hardly have failed to notice what a cinematic revelation we were treated to with Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer. All that attention and acclaim sparked huge interest in the film's subject and the man behind it all. This is where Oppenheimer: The True Story was able to shine. A documentary film exploring the real story behind who J. Robert Oppenheimer was and how his notorious invention and life thereafter played out, it made for some great insights that augmented the intrigue created by Nolan's film.

An Achievement Despite Its Production Budget

A somewhat cheaply made documentary that often looks like it was shot using amateur equipment, the documentary film nevertheless manages to intrigue on its own and provides real footage to ponder on while it does so. For anyone who wants to know the real details of the story, coupled with insights, interviews, and footage you won't find in the film, Oppenheimer: The Real Story is certainly worth a watch.

14 Lucy and Desi (2022)

Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz were the power couple of their era, and this sleek documentary showcases the highs and lows of their lives. Directed by Amy Poehler, the story narrates the lives of these lovebirds from their early days in Hollywood to the moment they became a hit with the show I Love Lucy. Lucy and Desi has a heartfelt, honest look at their life and accomplishments.

A Nostalgic Look Back to the Old Days of Hollywood

We get to appreciate the challenges they faced in the industry, especially for Desi, whose success rode on the tail of his loving wife. It's a great story that leans towards sincerity without indulging in melodramatics or sensationalism. We get recounts from the stars themselves that have been carefully curated and archived for this story. It's a unique piece of media, specially crafted for fans of Lucille Ball.

13 Jasper Mall (2020)

For almost three decades, there was no more prominent sign of prosperity than a mall filled to the brim. These giant structures were poignant in the promotion of in-person commerce and were outlets for social gatherings of people of all ages. After the rise of online shopping, the shopping mall is a dying industry. Jasper Mall is a documentary directed by Bradford Thomason and Brett Whitcomb exploring this phenomenon.

A Harrowing Look at Economic Struggles

It's a raw look exploring the economic struggles of malls, their evolution over time, and the people who grasp this remnant of the past. Most of the story focuses on an individual location: The Jasper Mall, located in Alabama. It's an excellent watch for those who outgrew these locations due to age or other commitments.

12 Horror in the High Desert (2021)

Horror in the High Desert plays like a documentary, but it's actually a mockumentary created by Dutch Marich. The director based his story on the experiences of extreme hiker Kenny Veach, who's been missing for over a decade. With the casting of Eric Mencis, Suziey Block, David Morales, and Tonya Williams-Ogden, Maric tells the fictional story of Eric Mencis, an experienced outdoor enthusiast.

Terrifying Found Footage Tells the Story

The setting is three years after the events, and the filmmaker uses found footage and multiple reenactments to examine the days leading up to the event and what's been done concerning the investigation of the missing subject. It's an odd creative choice, given it would be easier to tell the story of Veach himself. Nonetheless, the story is interesting for those who aren't yet familiar with it and offers perspective for those who are.

11 Judy Blume Forever (2023)

If you have followed the ongoing discourse about banning certain books in school districts due to their graphic nature, you might want to look at Judy Blume Forever. This documentary, directed by Davina Pardo and Leah Wolchok, tells the story of the author who broke every rule related to published material exploring the concept of sexuality in adolescence.

A Trailblazing Author and Inspiration for Young Girls

Her work served as a paragon of inspiration for a new generation of young authors to tell their stories and the trailblazer effect this had on her career. The documentary features interviews with Molly Ringwald, Samantha Bee, and Lena Dunham, who share how the work of Blume affected their outlook on life and led them to better places in their lives.

10 Good Night Oppy (2022)

Good Night Oppy tells the strikingly impressive story of the Mars Exploration Rover, “Oppy,” which was designed by scientists at NASA to explore what happens on Mars. The robotic vehicle was only supposed to be working for 90 days, but much to everyone’s surprise, it ended up exploring and reporting back on Mars for 15 years.

An Emotionally-Charged Tale of Space Exploration

The groundbreaking story told in this documentary intimately unveils not only her explorations on Mars but the heart-touching bonds she forged with her creators that are bound to move you deeply. Good Night Oppy is a fascinating account of what is possible and how we continue to be mesmerized by space and everything in it, from human consciousness to species, to planets, to artificial intelligence.

9 Human Flow (2017)

With the need to document the transparency of the ongoing human refugee crisis, director Ai Weiwei emphasizes the truth of the lives of those who live on the border between the United States and Mexico. Human Flow attempts to understand the extent of the refugee crisis in nations such as Greece, Afghanistan, France, Germany, Iraq, and dozens of other countries experiencing the plight of their citizens. There is a more intimate perception of the motivations and ambitions behind those seeking refuge away from their home countries while in search of human rights. Weiwei views Human Flow as a personal project, as he feels an intense connection between his eviction from Beijing, China, and the stories of those who face similar struggles.

A Harrowing Look at the Refugee Crisis

The documentary insists that there should be compassion shared for refugees when focusing on the main causes of migration: wars between states, ethnic conflicts, non-ethnic conflicts, and flights from repression. There is no restraint when Human Flow openly reflects on the response to refugees through misinformed mindsets or ignorant attitudes originally fueled by immoral and baseless assumptions. Human Flow tells the story of real people in real crises and shares the uncensored truth of those whose cries for help require an answer.

8 Wildcat (2022)

Wildcat tells the inspiring story of a British soldier after the Afghanistan war. He suffers from heavy depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. When he visits the Amazon rainforest, he meets an American scientist who connects with him and they both end up fostering a baby ocelot.

A Touching Story of Healing

The story is told honestly and takes a hard look at mental illness and the atrocities of war. The way it uses its main character and nurtures a bond made solely out of unconditional love and gratitude is phenomenal. Overall, Wildcat is a beautiful story of healing, of nature, and of our interconnectedness that is going to leave your heart full and your mind in awe.

7 Lo and Behold: Reveries of the Connected World (2016)

Given how much AI has begun pervading our everyday life, Lo and Behold: Reveries of the Connected World is a brilliant documentary film that is well worth revisiting even though it was released back in 2016. Full of fascinating insights, it astutely ponders questions of existentialism in relation to the impact of the rapid and relentless advancements in science and technology that defines our age.

Handled Beautifully by Herzog

Handled with care and typical brilliance, it's a film by the iconic German filmmaker and actor, Werner Herzog. Lo and Behold is startling in the manner it forces us to pause and ask the question, where is it all going? Covering topics like robotics and AI, it's the kind of film that never stops seeming timely. Given how much more tech advancement there's been in the last decade, it makes for a fascinating watch now to see how many of its more prophetic insights from interviewees like Elon Musk and Ted Nelson have come true or not.

6 No No: A Dockumentary (2014)

No No: A Dockumentary opens the conversation about addiction and fame from a more niche perspective: the professional sports industry. The retelling of Dock Ellis' successful career, including legendary "no-no" game while high on LSD, is shared by the Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher. Ellis shares the events of the game from his point of view, permitting him to indulge in details that would have been otherwise withheld from the public.

A Cautionary Tale About Addiction

The documentary comments on Ellis' addiction and remarks on his reputation as one of the best Major League Baseball pitchers in the 1970s. No No: A Dockumentary speculated on the perception of his standing as a public figure and as a Black athlete during the Civil Rights era.

5 One Child Nation (2019)

Traditional propaganda and the "ideal" family model are examined through a cultural lens in One Child Nation. The idea of "one child" per family in China has latched itself onto cultural and political meanings of family. Nanfu Wang and Lynn Zhang unearth the history behind the "one-child policy" that was implemented across China through personal memoirs and investigative journalism.

An Examination of Familial Policies Amid Propaganda

An intensive study of propaganda in featured artifacts leads more to the understanding of how China promoted its desire to limit a rapidly increasing population through subliminal messaging. One Child Nation alternatively examines the lasting impact on those who were complicit with the enforced policy and argues against the destructive consequences of a one-child home. The documentary unabashedly questions the authentication for politics to determine what can constitute a family while forcibly shaping family lifestyles.

4 Val (2021)

Val can be viewed more as a self-portrait of actor Val Kilmer, as it follows the past, present, and future of Kilmer's life. The documentary is narrated by his son, Jack, as he illustrates his father's career with a voice that is strikingly similar to his rasp. Kilmer shares his perspective of his self-image and his life's work, often depicted as frustrating and woven together by footage assembled by the actor himself.

A Story Told in His Own Words

Val promises that Kilmer is more than his past battle with throat cancer and celebrates his performance history. He views himself more as a spectator to his history as it is retold, and he unfolds his own story. It sets aside the myths around the man and asks for Kilmer to be more understood just beyond his public image.

3 Frida (2024)

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Debuting at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, Frida tells the story of Frida Kahlo, the renowned Mexican painter known for her many self-portraits and works inspired by Mexican artifacts and culture. Given what a colorful, complex, and artistically vibrant life she lived, the film serves as an excellent attempt to capture her most significant moments, relationships, and expression as a painter. Known not only for her art, but her dedication to social issues, she was also revered as an icon of movements like the Chicano movement, feminism, and the LGBTQ+ community.

A Fantastic Glimpse Into a Fascinating Life

Frida's work and art are now iconic throughout the world, but it was her fascinating life as an artist and activist that often added to its vibrancy. A film by first-time director, Carla Gutierrez, Frida won the Jonathan Oppenheim Editing Award for US documentaries at Sundance, on its way to being a hit among most critics. Engaging and full of soul, it's often doomed to be compared to Julie Taymor's biographical film of the same name and subject, made famous by Salma Hayek's Oscar-nominated performance as Frida. However, given the wealth of reality in the documentary film, it actually serves as a wonderful rebirth of the interest in Frida Kahlo that it has again sparked some 22 years later.

2 Dior and I (2015)

Dior and I chronicles the memoir left behind by French fashion designer Christian Dior. The autobiographical insert follows Dior's first decade of working in high fashion, and the transition of the brand from Dior to Belgian designer Raf Simons. Simons was granted leadership over Dior following the initial designer's passing in 2012, demanding that the inheritance establish a name for himself within the fashion industry. Dior and I document the becoming of an unknown fashion designer who was granted control over one of the most respected brands on an international level.

Dive Into the World of Haute Couture Fashion

A small crew accompanied Simons throughout his first three months as Dior's lead designer, following his breakout as an amateur determined to thrive in the cutthroat world of Haute Couture. The intensity and unforgiving demand of modern fashion are condensed into an introspective examination of one brand's success.

1 Life Itself (2014)

Anyone who is a lover or student of film will know that Roger Ebert is widely regarded as the greatest film critic there's ever been. Just a year after he passed away from cancer, Life Itself premiered at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival. The film was based on Ebert's memoir of the same name published in 2011 and chronicled highlights of his life and amazing career through interviews and archival footage of Ebert, notable figures from the entertainment industry, and friends and family who knew him best.

A Fitting Testament to an Extraordinary Life

It isn't often that film reviewers are more famous than many of the actors they write about. However, the gravitas of Roger Ebert and the respect he earned for his work during his four-decade-long career meant he achieved that distinction. Aside from being profoundly heartfelt, the film also features interviews with the likes of Martin Scorsese and Werner Herzog and, of course, footage of his famous moments with long-time collaborator, Gene Siskel, underscoring just how revered his opinions were.