The Best Documentaries on Amazon Prime Right Now
Grab the popcorn. It’s time to get educated about everything from the history of Sriracha to the Jonas Brothers.

After a few days of binging all the episodes of Tiger King and finishing books that have been on your nightstand forever, what else is there to do while we adjust to the new normal of stay-at-home living? Answer: Binge watch some more (but while learning). Amazon Prime offers a plethora of great documentaries that are keeping us both entertained and educated: Fahrenheit 11/9 reminds us that there is indeed more we can do in politics, the Jonas Brothers’ self-produced doc Chasing Happiness has us feeling all the feels, and don't forget One Child Nation—last year’s bombshell film that details yet another account of policing women’s bodies. Ahead are eight documentaries to watch right now (like, right now!).
One Child Nation (2019)
One Child Nation is an equal parts powerful and chilling documentary that looks at the history of China’s one-child policy. With the reverberations of the strict family planning mandate being felt three decades later, director Nanfu Wang offers an intimate glimpse into the policy’s effect on the country.
Fahrenheit 11/9 (2018)
Acclaimed filmmaker Michael Moore’s new documentary discusses the Flint water crisis, the Parkland school shooting, and the rise of white nationalism to illustrate the overall feeling of uneasiness in contemporary America. Rife with Moore’s characteristic jokes and stunts, the film urges us to keep fighting the good fight.
Chasing Happiness (2019)
Chasing Happiness tells the story of the Jonas Brothers—the creation, the breakup, and everything in between. This 90-minute documentary attempts to answer an age-old question: Who broke up the band in the first place? Just like “Lovebug,” you’ll find yourself coming back to this film again and again.
Human Flow (2017)
Contemporary artist Ai Weiwei documents the global refugee crisis in Human Flow. In beautiful visual language, he tracks how this crisis has upended the lives of tens of millions of people, regardless of their race, age, and religion. As the raw images of men, women, and children fill the screen, Ai Wei Wei offers no easy answers; rather, he suggests increased empathy as the only remedy.
The Act of Killing (2012)
This story began when the Indonesian government commissioned Anwar Congo to eliminate the country’s “communists.” Director Joshua Oppenheimer uses Congo’s testimonies as an entry point to explore the complex dynamics of the 1965 Indonesian genocide. The film is a surreal, meta-experiment, one you will have to see for yourself to understand fully.
Sriracha (2013)
Here, a short film for anyone who needs their daily sriracha kick: Directed by Griffin Hammond, this lighthearted doc will introduce you to the man behind the spicy phenomenon and how the Tran rooster, which serves as the company logo, was conceived.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Gleason (2016)
Former New Orleans Saints defensive back Steve Gleason is diagnosed with ALS while his wife is pregnant and struggles to find ways to adapt with his new life. Narrated by video journals from Gleason to his unborn son, the documentary serves as an intimate portrayal of one family’s struggle with the degenerative disease.
The Endless Summer (1966)
Bruce Brown’s classic follows surfers Mike Hynson and Robert August’s one-year-long quest to chase the summer season as it moved hemisphere to hemisphere. Surfing the best waves from New Zealand to South Africa, the film details the universal desire to live out your dream. It’s a story of unbreakable friendship, intoxicating adventure, but most of all, the tangibility of an endless summer— something we could all use a little bit of right now.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
Related Story
-
Queen Mary Forced to Cancel Engagements Due to Illness
"Her Majesty The Queen, like many others right now, has become ill."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Why Princess Kate and Prince William "May Need a Referee"
Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis could get caught in the middle, according to one royal expert.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Kate Middleton Pairs a Sleek Navy Coat With $100 Earrings
The Princess of Wales debuted the brand new pair of hoop earrings at the sporting event.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
'Picture This' Stars Simone Ashley and Hero Fiennes Tiffin Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
We tested the rom-com on everything from their go-to karaoke songs to their hidden talents.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
'Anora' Star Mikey Madison Takes Home the Best Actress Award at the 2025 Oscars in a Surprise Win
"I will continue to support and be an ally."
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Zoe Saldaña Becomes the First American of Dominican Origin to Win an Oscar
"I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award and I know I will not be the last."
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
LISA, Doja Cat, and Raye Perform a Glamorous 'James Bond' Tribute at the 2025 Oscars
The Academy Awards are for the pop girls, actually.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Open the 2025 Oscars With a Showstopping 'Wicked' Performance
The awards show began with a medley of songs inspired by the Best Picture-nominated film and adaptations of 'The Wizard of Oz.'
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Everything to Know About the 2025 Oscars, From How to Watch to the Nominations
It's bound to be an unpredictable awards show.
By Quinci LeGardye Last updated
-
Cazzie David Spent Five Years Fighting to Make an "Anti-Rom-Com" About Emotional Abuse
The writer/actress opens up about how she found catharsis after a breakup by making 'I Love You Forever.'
By Sadie Bell Published
-
How 'Companion' Turned Sophie Thatcher Into the "Perfect Girlfriend"
The film’s creative team breaks down turning the star’s robot character into the \201cperfect girlfriend.\201d
By Sadie Bell Published