Documentaries have been central to many important discussions on streaming services and television this year.
From Disney+’s exploration of Caroline Flack’s tragic passing to Netflix’s documentaries on American injustice, many recent shows and movies have offered viewers plenty to think about.
This year’s 25 top selections offer fresh perspectives on the stories that have shaped our headlines, encouraging us to look beyond the surface and think more deeply about what’s really happening.
As we near the end of the year, take the time to catch up on some of the best watches of 2025.
25. The Truth About Jussie Smollett
Where to watch: Netflix
The Jussie Smollett case is one of the strangest stories in recent Hollywood history. In 2019, the actor – known for his role in the show Empire – reported being attacked in a racially and homophobic incident. He was later accused of fabricating the attack, leading to a long and complicated legal battle. The documentary The Truth About Jussie Smollett explores the case and what it reveals about fame and celebrity culture in America. – Gabriel Tate
24. Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer
Where to watch: Netflix
In 2010, a search for a missing woman on a Long Island, New York beach led to a disturbing discovery: the remains of multiple women, all of whom were sex workers. The investigation into the Long Island Serial Killer lasted over ten years, and many believed a lack of concern from authorities hindered efforts to find justice. This three-part documentary tells the stories of the victims and details the case’s facts and complexities. – Jack Seale
23. Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing
Where to watch: Netflix
This is a disturbing story about the growing trend of “kidfluencing,” where children become social media stars. Piper Rockelle gained a large following on YouTube with videos showing her singing, playing pranks, and sharing her everyday life with a group of friends. However, those who appeared in her videos claim the cheerful online image hid a controlling and abusive environment orchestrated by Rockelle’s mother. – Jack Seale
22. The Diamond Heist
Where to watch: Netflix
In November 2000, a group of experienced criminals almost pulled off one of the largest robberies in British history. They planned to steal a £350 million diamond right in broad daylight from a De Beers display at the Millennium Dome in east London. The audacious heist involved months of careful planning and assembling a highly skilled team.
The only catch? Police tracked the robbers from the very beginning. This three-part documentary cleverly features Lee Wenham, one of the gang members, as a key speaker. It delves deeper into the thieves’ lives than most shows, also gives the police their due, and builds toward a really exciting conclusion. – Jack Seale
21. Katie Piper: Locked Up In Louisiana
Where to watch: U
Katie Piper, a survivor of a horrific acid attack, is exploring the reasons behind violent crime. She even admits to once wanting revenge on her attacker. In a recent documentary, she spent time in a women’s prison in New Orleans and discovered that the majority of inmates – around 75
20. The Jury: Murder Trial season 2
Where to watch: Channel4.com
What happens during jury deliberations is a mystery to everyone except those involved. This documentary series offers a glimpse into that process. It recreates a real murder case, with actors performing lines from the trial transcripts for a jury of twelve ordinary citizens. The goal is to observe how this group, representing a variety of backgrounds and viewpoints, arrives at a verdict and whether it matches the original outcome.
The trial, kept anonymous to protect privacy, concerns a young woman accused of fatally stabbing her boyfriend. The jury needs to determine if she acted in self-defense. It quickly becomes apparent that people’s personal backgrounds heavily influence their views, and that strong personalities can lead group discussions – and even change how others think. One juror seemed to reach a conclusion right away, while others shifted their opinions based on the evidence presented. – Jane Rackham
19. Educating Yorkshire
Where to watch: Channel4.com
This reboot might seem like a sign that broadcasters are lacking original concepts, but it will likely be well-received nonetheless. The original ‘Educating’ documentary series was a huge success in the 2010s, both with critics and viewers, and the episodes filmed at Thornhill Community Academy in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, were particularly popular. Around four million people tuned in to watch the honest portrayal of school life, and many were moved by an episode featuring Musharaf, a teenager who overcame a stammer to deliver a speech. Now, Mr. Burton, the teacher who helped Musharaf, is the headteacher at Thornhill.
With Channel 4 installing cameras and microphones throughout the school once more, staff are dealing with issues like poor attendance and increasing stress among students. – David Butcher
18. Love Con Revenge
Where to watch: Netflix
If you watched the Netflix documentary The Tinder Swindler, you’ll remember Cecilie Fjellhøy as one of the women scammed by a con artist. She’s back in a new series that delves deeper into the world of “romance fraud” – where scammers use dating apps to find people, build trust, and then ask for money they never intend to repay.
Instead of simply reporting on the problem, Fjellhøy partners with determined private investigator Brianne Joseph to find these scammers—and, when they can, they film confrontations with them. – Jack Seale
17. Attack on London: Hunting the 7/7 bombers
Where to watch: Netflix
This documentary works well alongside the Disney+ drama Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes. Both explore the extraordinary events of the summer of 2005, when London was shaken by the coordinated suicide bombings on July 7th that targeted the city’s subway and bus systems during the morning commute.
London was already reeling from a traumatic attack when a second terrorist group tried to carry out almost the same crimes just two weeks later. This created a highly tense atmosphere, and tragically, an innocent man, Jean Charles de Menezes, was mistakenly shot and killed by police. People who were in London at the time, including those who survived the original attacks, are available to share their direct experiences.
16. Girlbands Forever
Where to watch: BBC iPlayer
Following the success of the BBC Two documentary Boybands Forever, this three-part series explores the experiences of 1990s girl bands. Melanie Blatt from All Saints is particularly open and honest – her stories, ranging from humorous to disturbing, really bring the first episode to life. Members of bands like Eternal, Atomic Kitten, and Mis-Teeq share tales of both their triumphs and struggles, including shocking and unfair treatment by the tabloid press.
This book offers a thorough look at the 90s, though it doesn’t cover everything. Surprisingly, the group BWitched, who had four number one hits, isn’t mentioned. While any discussion of 90s girl groups naturally focuses on the Spice Girls, the producers couldn’t get any of the Spice Girls themselves to participate – which is both disappointing and curious. The book does include some interesting insights from Chris Herbert, the manager who created many of these groups. He shares how watching the TV show Friends* inspired him to try and replicate that same successful formula with a girl group. – Frances Taylor
15. Call Her Alex
Where to watch: Disney+
Alex Cooper, creator of the hugely popular podcast Call Her Daddy, shares her story of becoming famous, including the challenges she faced along the way.
From a shy child to a successful university athlete and now a multi-million dollar podcast host, Alex’s achievements are truly remarkable, especially considering she excelled in a field historically dominated by men. – Katelyn Mensah
14. Amy Bradley Is Missing
Where to watch: Netflix
Okay, so I just finished watching this really gripping true-crime documentary – it’s split into three parts and centers around a cold case. It’s about Amy Bradley, a 23-year-old who disappeared during a Caribbean cruise back in 1998, and the crazy thing is, the case is still open. She vanished from her cabin balcony in the middle of the night while she was on vacation with her parents. It’s a real head-scratcher.
It’s possible she fell into the water, but after more than thirty years, she hasn’t been found, and there have been many reported sightings of her alive on land. This program examines the different theories, potential suspects, and the investigations that have tried – and failed – to locate her. – Jack Seale
13. Boyzone: No Matter What
Where to watch: NOW/Sky Documentaries
Though Boyzone wasn’t included in a recent BBC Two documentary about ’90s boybands, they’re now the focus of a three-part series revealing the struggles and difficulties they faced behind the scenes. The series particularly highlights the behavior of their former manager, Louis Walsh, who openly admits to fabricating stories for the tabloids – including one about a made-up plane crash – without any regret. He claims, “I never felt guilty. I was doing my job. And I’d do it all again.” – Frances Taylor
12. Our Knife Crime Crisis
Where to watch: BBC iPlayer
This documentary is a stark look at the growing problem of knife crime in the UK. Idris Elba aims to find workable solutions, but it’s difficult to imagine real progress until funding is restored to vital youth programs and community support services – funding cuts that have also put a strain on healthcare, schools, and the justice system.
This is a sincere, significant, and well-made film where actor Idris Elba meets with police officers, youth workers, Keir Starmer, and King Charles. More importantly, he connects with families affected by crime – both victims and people who have reformed or are currently in prison. Through these conversations, Elba challenges his own assumptions, explores the reasons behind crime, and searches for optimism in communities facing difficult challenges. The film also highlights some truly inspiring local programs, demonstrating the positive impact of intervening early to help at-risk individuals. – Gabriel Tate
11. Number One on the Call Sheet
Where to watch: Apple TV
This documentary series, in two parts, highlights the journeys of prominent Black actors in Hollywood. One episode focuses on the experiences of Black women, while the other centers on Black men.
This series features honest interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, as stars like Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx, Will Smith, Angela Bassett, Viola Davis, and Halle Berry share the stories of how they first found success in Hollywood.
As a film buff, I found this to be a really uplifting celebration of Black talent and achievement in Hollywood – and a powerful look at the journey it takes to finally get that leading role. It’s just fantastic, according to Katelyn Mensah.
10. Bibaa & Nicole: Murder in the Park
Where to watch: NOW/Sky Documentaries
I just finished watching this incredibly moving documentary series, and it’s really stayed with me. It tells the story of Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman, two sisters who decided to have a birthday picnic back in 2020, as things were just starting to open up after lockdown. It’s heartbreaking because, just 36 hours later, they were found dead. It’s a truly tragic story, and the series handles it with a lot of sensitivity.
Most people are familiar with the tragic story, but this documentary powerfully reconstructs the agonizing hours their families spent working with police to find the missing sisters. The initial search efforts were unsuccessful, and the case became even more disturbing when it was revealed that officers had taken photographs of Bibaa and Nicole’s bodies while they were meant to be securing the crime scene.
This series follows both the police investigation and a separate inquiry into the murder, but what truly stands out is the powerful and moving interview with the sisters’ mother, Mina. She’s dedicated to pushing for systemic changes as a result of this tragedy. – Morgan Cormack
9. Flintoff
Where to watch: Disney+
Following a serious accident while filming Top Gear in 2022, Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff has largely stayed out of the public eye. This new documentary offers a personal look at his journey as he adjusts to life with lasting injuries and grapples with changes to his appearance and how he feels about himself.
This adds a particularly emotional weight to the film, as it also shows what Flintoff was like as an athlete. The documentary features interviews with fellow cricketers like Michael Vaughan and David Lloyd, who discuss his career, and also with James Corden and Jack Whitehall, his co-stars from ‘A League of Their Own,’ who remember his confident and outspoken public persona. – Jack Seale
8. The Undercover Police Scandal: Love and Lies Exposed
Where to watch: ITVX
Helen, Alison, and Lisa share strikingly similar stories. They all met their partners while being politically engaged in their twenties, and each relationship began as a close, committed one. Over time, though, they all started to feel like something wasn’t quite right. Alison found a bank card that didn’t belong to her partner, and Lisa discovered messages hinting he had children. Helen grew worried when her boyfriend vanished, leaving behind a note that, looking back, seemed like a calculated way to end things – just like the notes the other women received.
7. Unknown Number: The High School Catfish
Where to watch: Netflix
Most documentaries don’t make you pause and rewatch scenes to fully grasp what’s happening, but ‘Unknown Number: The High School Catfish’ is truly exceptional and captivating.
This 90-minute documentary tells the story of Lauryn Licari, a 13-year-old who, along with her boyfriend Owen, was targeted by a relentless cyberbully. The bully sent messages revealing personal details only someone close to Lauryn would know, prompting her worried parents to involve the police.
The biggest shock isn’t the 15-month campaign itself, but discovering who was responsible – it’s truly unsettling. – Katelyn Mensah
6. One Night in Idaho: The College Murders
Where to watch: Prime Video
The stabbing deaths of four students in a house near the University of Idaho deeply affected the local community, and quickly drew intense attention and speculation from amateur detectives online.
As a supporter of seeking justice for the victims, it’s a relief the suspect is finally in custody. What’s truly important, though, and what I’ve been focused on, is hearing directly from the families and friends who are grieving. Their pain should have been the priority all along, instead of all the online guesswork about what happened. It’s just heartbreaking. – Katelyn Mensah
5. No Other Land
Where to watch: Channel4.com
Since its debut last February, this film about life in the West Bank has sparked debate. Created by four filmmakers – two Israelis and two Palestinians – it offers a clear and balanced look at daily life in the Masafer Yatta community, located in the occupied West Bank mountains. The film primarily follows Basel Adra, a lifelong resident, and begins with his personal video recordings from 2019 when the government announced plans to seize more land for military use.
Similar to the acclaimed film 20 Days in Mariupol, this documentary feels less like a finished product and more like a raw glimpse into a continuing situation. It’s straightforward and focuses on personal experiences, intentionally avoiding dramatic flair. Filmmakers Adra and Yuval Abraham, based in Jerusalem, present the events as they unfold on the ground. While the film ends in 2023, their work documenting the situation is still ongoing. – Calum Baker
4. Caroline Flack: Search for the Truth
Where to watch: Disney+
Caroline Flack was a beloved television personality, famous for hosting shows like Love Island and winning Strictly Come Dancing. Sadly, she died by suicide in February 2020. At the time, she was facing legal charges for an alleged assault on her boyfriend. Although prosecutors initially suggested a caution would be appropriate, she learned the day before her death that she would be formally prosecuted.
This two-part documentary follows Christine, Caroline’s mother, as she seeks to understand the charges brought against her daughter and how she was handled by both the police and the media. She expresses a hope for resolution, stating, “I just hope I can achieve something.” Her biggest regret, she shares, is not having pursued these answers sooner, before Caroline tragically died by suicide. – Frances Taylor
3. Grenfell: Uncovered
Where to watch: Netflix
Whether you closely followed news coverage and the public investigation, or only know the basics, “Grenfell: Uncovered” reveals the full scope of the Grenfell Tower tragedy and shows that the story is still unfolding.
This documentary skillfully tells a complex and deeply moving story, educating viewers while also evoking strong emotions. In just 100 minutes, it effectively balances a look at the large-scale failures that contributed to the tragedy with the personal stories of those most affected – the families who lost loved ones, the survivors, and the firefighters who responded to the Grenfell Tower fire on June 14th, 2017.
We learn the true, personal stories of Grenfell through the courageous accounts of those who lived it – stories told with raw emotion, not complicated jargon.
“Grenfell: Uncovered” is a difficult and emotionally heavy documentary to watch. However, turning away from the important truths and personal stories it presents wouldn’t serve anyone well. – Morgan Cormack
2. Brianna: A Mother’s Story
Where to watch: ITVX
The 2023 murder of 16-year-old Brianna Ghey was shocking and deeply disturbing. She was killed in a brutal attack by two 15-year-olds, Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe. This documentary reveals, through social media footage, that Brianna and Scarlett had been friends, sharing typical teenage experiences like dyeing their hair and going to McDonald’s. The fact that Brianna trusted Scarlett makes the tragedy particularly heartbreaking for Brianna’s mother, Esther Ghey.
Honestly, covering this case has been incredibly difficult, especially learning the full extent of Brianna’s injuries and reading those truly disturbing text messages between Ratcliffe and Jenkinson. What’s really struck me, though, is Esther’s strength. After losing her daughter, she’s become a tireless advocate for changes that could protect other young people. As she told me, she wants to create something positive from this tragedy, a way to keep Brianna’s memory alive. It’s a heartbreaking story, but her determination is inspiring. – Frances Taylor
1. The Perfect Neighbor
Where to watch: Netflix
I was completely horrified watching ‘The Perfect Neighbor.’ It’s a truly chilling documentary that pieces together what happened when a disagreement between two neighbors, Ajike Owens and Susan Lorincz, escalated to a tragic and fatal level. What makes it even more unsettling is that it’s all shown through actual police bodycam footage and emergency calls. It’s heartbreaking to see how this played out, and how the community rallied for justice after Lorincz was finally arrested and put behind bars. It really stuck with me.
This film is deeply disturbing and will likely leave you questioning how such events could occur, all within a little over ninety minutes. – Katelyn Mensah
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Authors
Katelyn Mensah writes about entertainment for TopMob, covering everything from popular TV shows and reality competitions to important documentaries. Before joining TopMob, she worked at The Tab, where she focused on reality TV and celebrity news. She has a journalism degree.
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