Discovering the World Through Hulu's Best Documentaries: A Must-Watch List for Enthusiasts

As streaming services continue to dominate the entertainment industry, it's no surprise that Hulu has become a popular platform for documentaries.

With a vast selection of films covering a range of topics, Hulu has established itself as a go-to destination for documentary enthusiasts.

In this article, we'll take a look at the best documentaries on Hulu and why they are worth watching.

1. Why Hulu is a great platform for documentaries?

Hulu's commitment to providing quality content has earned it a reputation as one of the best streaming services around.

Unlike other platforms that rotate their offerings frequently, Hulu's documentary collection remains fairly stable. This means that subscribers can revisit their favorite documentaries whenever they want.

Additionally, Hulu has a wide range of documentaries available, covering everything from crime and politics to music and nature. With new titles added regularly, there is always something new to discover.

Related Reading: Top 11 Best Hulu Original Series You Must Watch in 2023

2. Top 12 Best Documentaries on Hulu in 2023

Hulu has a vast collection of documentaries covering a range of topics, including true crime, politics, nature, history, and more. As a popular streaming service, Hulu has become a hub for documentary enthusiasts looking for thought-provoking and engaging content.

2.1 Crime Documentaries

• The Act of Killing

"The Act of Killing" is a 2012 documentary film directed by Joshua Oppenheimer, Christine Cynn, and an anonymous Indonesian co-director. The film delves into the 1965 Indonesian genocide, where the country's military and paramilitary forces murdered around one million people deemed to be communists, ethnic Chinese, and intellectuals.

Rather than providing a straightforward historical account, the documentary adopts a unique approach by inviting former members of the death squads to reenact their atrocities in the style of their favorite Hollywood genres.

Plot Summary:

The plot revolves around Anwar Congo, a former death squad leader, who is invited to recreate his killing methods and reflect on his past actions.

Through a series of staged scenes that mimic film noir, westerns, and musicals, Congo and his fellow murderers reenact their gruesome killings in a surreal manner.

As the filming progresses, Congo begins to have nightmares and struggles with his conscience, ultimately leading to a powerful and emotional climax.

Key Characters:

Key characters in the documentary include Anwar Congo, the primary focus of the film, Herman Koto, another death squad leader, and Ibrahim Sinik, a newspaper editor who was imprisoned during the genocide.

The filmmakers also interview various politicians, journalists, and human rights activists to provide context and insights into the genocide.

• The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst

"The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst" is a 2015 documentary miniseries directed by Andrew Jarecki. The series follows the life of Robert Durst, a wealthy real estate heir, who was suspected of multiple murders but had never been convicted.

The documentary is structured around several interviews with Durst, as well as interviews with law enforcement officials, family members, and journalists.

Plot Summary:

The plot of the documentary revolves around the investigations into the mysterious disappearance of Durst's first wife, Kathleen McCormack, the murder of Durst's close friend Susan Berman, and the dismemberment of Durst's neighbor Morris Black.

The series examines Durst's complex personality and delves into his troubled childhood, including the disappearance of his mother when he was a child, and the violent behavior of his father.

Key Characters:

Key characters in the documentary include Robert Durst, the central figure of the series, Kathleen McCormack, Durst's first wife, Susan Berman, Durst's close friend, and Morris Black, Durst's neighbor who was found dismembered.

The documentary also features interviews with law enforcement officials, including two former New York City police detectives who worked on the McCormack and Berman cases, and a prosecutor who tried to convict Durst for the murder of Morris Black.

• Three Identical Strangers

"Three Identical Strangers" is a 2018 documentary film directed by Tim Wardle. The film tells the story of three identical triplets who were separated at birth and adopted by different families.

The triplets, Bobby, Eddy, and David, were reunited at age 19 and soon became media sensations. However, as they dug deeper into their past, they uncovered a dark and disturbing secret.

Plot Summary:

The plot of the documentary revolves around the initial joy of the triplets' reunion, the media frenzy that ensued, and their subsequent discovery that they were part of a secret study conducted by the Louise Wise Services adoption agency.

The study was designed to explore the nature vs. nurture debate by separating identical siblings and observing their development in different households.

The documentary examines the psychological impact of the study on the triplets and their families, as well as the ethical implications of conducting such a study.

Key Characters:

Key characters in the documentary include Bobby, Eddy, and David, the triplets at the center of the story, as well as their adoptive families and several experts on the subject of adoption and child development.

The filmmakers also interview several individuals involved in the study, including one of the researchers and an adoption agency employee.

2.2 Social and Political Documentaries

• RBG

"RBG" is a 2018 documentary film directed by Julie Cohen and Betsy West. The film tells the story of the life and career of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a U.S. Supreme Court Justice who became a cultural icon for her work fighting for women's rights and gender equality.

Plot Summary:

The plot of the documentary follows Ginsburg's early life and education, including her experience as one of only a handful of women at Harvard Law School.

The film also covers her work as a lawyer and advocate for gender equality, including landmark cases that she argued before the Supreme Court.

The documentary also examines Ginsburg's personal life, including her marriage to Martin Ginsburg and her relationship with her children.

Key Characters:

Key characters in the documentary include Ruth Bader Ginsburg herself, as well as her husband Martin, her children Jane and James, and several colleagues and friends who provide insight into Ginsburg's life and work.

The film also features interviews with political figures, including former President Bill Clinton, who appointed Ginsburg to the Supreme Court in 1993.

• Fyre Fraud

"Fyre Fraud" is a 2019 documentary film directed by Jenner Furst and Julia Willoughby Nason. The film tells the story of the infamous Fyre Festival, a failed music festival that was marketed as a luxury event but ended up being a complete disaster.

Plot Summary:

The plot of the documentary revolves around the planning and execution of the Fyre Festival, which was supposed to take place on a private island in the Bahamas in April 2017.

The festival was marketed as a luxurious event featuring performances by top musical acts and gourmet food and lodging for attendees. However, the festival was plagued by numerous problems, including poor planning, mismanagement, and inadequate resources.

The festival was eventually canceled, leaving attendees stranded on the island without proper accommodations or supplies.

Key Characters:

Key characters in the documentary include Billy McFarland, the founder of Fyre Media and the organizer of the festival, as well as several employees and contractors involved in the planning and execution of the event.

The documentary also features interviews with several attendees of the festival, who share their experiences of the disaster.

• Hillary

"Hillary" is a 2020 documentary series directed by Nanette Burstein that chronicles the life and career of Hillary Clinton, the former First Lady, U.S. Senator, Secretary of State, and two-time presidential candidate.

Plot Summary:

The documentary series is divided into four parts, each covering a different period of Clinton's life. The first part covers her childhood in Illinois and her early years as a student at Wellesley College and Yale Law School.

The second part covers her work as a lawyer and advocate for children's rights, as well as her time as First Lady during her husband's presidency.

The third part covers her political career as a U.S. Senator from New York and her campaign for the Democratic nomination for president in 2008.

The fourth part covers her tenure as Secretary of State under President Barack Obama and her second presidential campaign in 2016.

Key Characters:

Key characters in the documentary include Hillary Clinton herself, as well as her husband, former President Bill Clinton, their daughter Chelsea Clinton, and several colleagues and political advisors who provide insight into Clinton's life and career.

The documentary also features interviews with political figures, including former President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.

2.3 Music Documentaries

• Amazing Grace

"Amazing Grace" is a 2018 documentary film directed by Sydney Pollack and completed by Alan Elliott. The film captures the live recording of Aretha Franklin's gospel album "Amazing Grace" in 1972 at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles.

Plot Summary:

The documentary film captures the two-day recording session of the "Amazing Grace" album, which took place on January 13 and 14, 1972, in the presence of a live audience. The album was recorded by Warner Bros. Records and was produced by Jerry Wexler.

The film showcases the power and passion of Aretha Franklin's voice as she performs classic gospel songs such as "Mary, Don't You Weep," "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," and the title track "Amazing Grace."

Key Characters:

Key characters in the film include Aretha Franklin, Reverend James Cleveland, the Southern California Community Choir, and other musicians and technicians involved in the recording of the album.

The film also includes interviews with people who were present during the recording session, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the album.

• The Beatles: Eight Days a Week

"The Beatles: Eight Days a Week" is a 2016 documentary film directed by Ron Howard that explores the early years of the Beatles' career, from their formation in 1960 to their final concert in 1966.

The film includes rare and previously unseen footage of the band's live performances, as well as interviews with surviving members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, and archival interviews with John Lennon and George Harrison.

Plot Summary:

The documentary film follows the Beatles' rise to fame from their humble beginnings playing small clubs in Liverpool and Hamburg to their iconic performances at Shea Stadium in New York and the Budokan in Tokyo.

The film also explores the cultural impact of the Beatles' music and their role in the larger social and political movements of the 1960s.

Key Characters:

Key characters in the film include the four members of the Beatles: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, as well as their manager Brian Epstein and producer George Martin.

The film also features interviews with musicians and cultural figures influenced by the Beatles, including Elvis Costello, Whoopi Goldberg, and Sigourney Weaver.

• Muscle Shoals

"Muscle Shoals" is a 2013 documentary film directed by Greg 'Freddy' Camalier that explores the music scene in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, a small town on the banks of the Tennessee River that produced some of the most iconic songs and albums of the 20th century.

Plot Summary:

The documentary film explores the history of FAME Studios and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, two recording studios that attracted some of the biggest names in music, including Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, and The Rolling Stones.

The film also delves into the racial tensions and cultural dynamics that shaped the music scene in the Deep South during the 1960s and 1970s.

Key Characters:

Key characters in the film include music legends such as Aretha Franklin, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Bono, and Steve Winwood, as well as studio musicians and producers such as Rick Hall, Jimmy Johnson, and David Hood.

The film features interviews with these figures, as well as archival footage and performances that showcase the magic and power of the music that came out of Muscle Shoals.

2.4 Nature and Science Documentaries

• Jiro Dreams of Sushi

"Jiro Dreams of Sushi" is a 2011 documentary film directed by David Gelb that follows the life and work of Jiro Ono, an 85-year-old sushi master and the owner of Sukiyabashi Jiro, a Michelin three-star restaurant located in Tokyo, Japan.

Plot Summary:

The documentary film explores Jiro's lifelong dedication to his craft, which has earned him a reputation as one of the greatest sushi chefs in the world.

The film also delves into the intricate and meticulous process of making sushi, highlighting the attention to detail and discipline required to create the perfect piece of sushi.

Key Characters:

Key characters in the film include Jiro Ono, his two sons, and the staff at Sukiyabashi Jiro. The film features interviews with these figures, as well as patrons of the restaurant, who describe the extraordinary experience of dining at Sukiyabashi Jiro.

• Free Solo

"Free Solo" is a 2018 documentary film directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin that follows climber Alex Honnold as he attempts to become the first person to free solo climb El Capitan, a 3,000-foot vertical rock formation in Yosemite National Park.

Plot Summary:

The documentary film explores the physical and mental challenges that Honnold faces as he prepares for and attempts the climb, which involves scaling the rock face without the use of ropes, harnesses, or any other safety equipment.

The film also delves into the personal and emotional toll that Honnold's pursuit of the climb takes on himself and those around him.

Key Characters:

Key characters in the film include Alex Honnold, his girlfriend Sanni McCandless, and his climbing partners, including Jimmy Chin.

The film features interviews with these figures, as well as stunning footage of Honnold's climbs and the beautiful landscape of Yosemite National Park.

• Apollo 11

"Apollo 11" is a 2019 documentary film directed by Todd Douglas Miller that chronicles the Apollo 11 mission, which sent astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins to the moon in July 1969.

Plot Summary:

The film draws upon never-before-seen footage and audio recordings from the mission, as well as contemporary newsreels and interviews with the astronauts and other key figures involved in the mission, to provide a stunning and immersive account of the historic event.

Key Characters:

Key characters in the film include the three astronauts, as well as NASA mission control personnel, and news reporters covering the event. The film offers an intimate look at the experiences and emotions of these figures during the momentous mission.

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3. Does Hulu produce its original documentaries?

Yes, Hulu does produce its original documentaries. In recent years, the streaming service has ramped up its production of original documentaries in an effort to compete with other streaming platforms.

Some notable Hulu original documentaries include "Hillary," a four-part series that follows Hillary Clinton's life and career, and "Minding the Gap," a critically acclaimed film about skateboarders growing up in rural America.

In addition to producing original documentaries, Hulu also acquires the rights to premiere documentaries that have made their debut at film festivals. By producing and acquiring high-quality documentaries, Hulu has established itself as a top destination for documentary enthusiasts.

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4. Can you watch Hulu's documentaries on other streaming services?

No, Hulu's documentaries are exclusive to the Hulu platform and cannot be watched on other streaming services. However, some Hulu documentaries may be available for purchase or rental on other digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, or Google Play. It's important to note that availability may vary depending on the title and region.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is Hulu a good platform for documentaries?

Yes, Hulu has a vast selection of documentaries available, covering a range of topics. Their commitment to quality content and stable offerings make them a great platform for documentary enthusiasts.

• Are Hulu's documentaries regularly updated?

Yes, Hulu adds new documentaries regularly, so there is always something new to discover. However, their documentary collection remains fairly stable, allowing subscribers to revisit their favorite films.

• Are Hulu's documentaries available in 4K?

While some of Hulu's original content is available in 4K, most of their documentary offerings are not. However, the quality of the video is still high, with most documentaries available in HD.

• Can I watch Hulu documentaries offline?

Hulu does offer an option to download Hulu videos of select titles for offline viewing. However, not all titles are available for download, and the option is only available on the Hulu app for mobile devices.

• Are Hulu's documentaries only available in the US?

Hulu is only available in the US and Japan, so their documentary offerings are only accessible in those countries. However, some documentaries may be available on other streaming platforms in different regions.

Conclusion

Hulu is a fantastic platform for documentary enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of films covering a variety of topics. With their commitment to quality content and stable offerings, subscribers can revisit their favorite documentaries and discover new titles regularly.

However, if you want to watch your favorite Hulu documentaries offline on your device, you may want to grab a Hulu video downloader from a 3^rd-party because, as mentioned earlier, not all titles are downloadable using the Hulu app, and the download feature is not available on all devices.