10 Best Documentaries On Netflix 2018 For Curious Viewers And Binge Watchers

In 2018, Netflix solidified its role as a premier destination for documentary storytelling. With bold narratives spanning true crime, social justice, environmental issues, and personal journeys, the platform offered a diverse lineup that captivated both casual viewers and dedicated nonfiction enthusiasts. Whether you're drawn to real-life mysteries or transformative human experiences, these ten standout documentaries from 2018 deliver depth, emotion, and intellectual stimulation—perfect for curious minds and marathon watchers alike.

Why 2018 Was a Landmark Year for Netflix Documentaries

The year 2018 marked a turning point in streaming documentary culture. Netflix invested heavily in original productions, bringing global stories to mainstream audiences with cinematic quality and journalistic rigor. Unlike traditional broadcast formats, these films allowed for deeper character development and extended runtime, enabling complex topics to unfold naturally.

Documentaries like *Making a Murderer* had already proven the appetite for long-form investigative storytelling. In 2018, Netflix expanded beyond crime into areas like mental health, activism, sports, and technology. This diversification not only broadened appeal but also elevated the genre’s credibility. The result? A catalog of films that were as thought-provoking as they were binge-worthy.

Tip: Use Netflix’s “Top 10” feature or search by category (e.g., “Critically Acclaimed Docs”) to quickly find high-quality documentaries without endless scrolling.

The 10 Best Netflix Documentaries of 2018

1. Won’t You Be My Neighbor? – A heartfelt exploration of Fred Rogers’ life and legacy, this film dives into the philosophy behind *Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood*. It’s a meditation on kindness, empathy, and the power of quiet influence in a noisy world.
2. Three Identical Strangers – One of the most talked-about documentaries of the year, this gripping story follows triplets separated at birth who reunite by chance. What begins as a joyful reunion spirals into an unsettling exposé on unethical psychological experimentation.
3. The Ivory Game – Co-directed by Richard Ladkani and Kief Davidson, this undercover investigation reveals the brutal realities of elephant poaching and the illegal ivory trade. Filmed across Africa and Asia, it's a tense, urgent call to action.
4. Faces Places (Visages Villages) – From French New Wave icon Agnès Varda and artist JR comes this poetic road trip through rural France. They photograph villagers and turn their portraits into massive public art installations, blending memory, class, and creativity.
5. Period. End of Sentence. – This Oscar-winning short documentary follows women in a rural Indian village fighting stigma around menstruation by building a sanitary pad manufacturing unit. Empowering and quietly revolutionary.
6. The Disruptors – Part of the *Modern Love* series, this film isn’t a traditional doc but a compelling look at how dating apps are reshaping romance. Through real users and industry insiders, it questions whether technology connects or isolates us emotionally.
7. Chasing Coral – A follow-up in spirit to *Chasing Ice*, this visually stunning film documents the rapid bleaching of coral reefs due to climate change. Underwater time-lapse footage makes the invisible crisis visible.
8. Amanda Knox – Re-examining the infamous murder case in Italy, this intimate portrait explores media sensationalism, justice system flaws, and the cost of being vilified in the digital age. Knox speaks candidly about her experience.
9. The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling – A two-part HBO documentary, widely available on Netflix in 2018, chronicling the comedian’s artistic evolution and spiritual journey. Judd Apatow’s deep dive is reverent, revealing, and philosophically rich.
10. Shirkers – Singaporean filmmaker Sandi Tan recounts her lost 1992 indie film project, stolen by a mentor. Decades later, she reconstructs the story using surviving footage and personal reflection. A meta-narrative about authorship, loss, and resilience.

What Makes These Documentaries Stand Out?

These films share a commitment to authenticity and emotional truth. Rather than relying solely on narration or expert talking heads, many use first-person accounts, archival material, and immersive cinematography to pull viewers into the heart of the story.

For example, *Three Identical Strangers* unfolds like a thriller, despite being entirely factual. The pacing, score, and gradual revelation of secrets keep audiences engaged across multiple viewings. Similarly, *Won’t You Be My Neighbor?* avoids sentimentality by grounding Rogers’ message in historical context and societal challenges of his era—and ours.

Documentary	Runtime	Main Theme	Emotional Impact
Won’t You Be My Neighbor?	94 min	Compassion & Childhood	Uplifting, reflective
Three Identical Strangers	96 min	Identity & Ethics	Shock, sadness, fascination
Faces Places	89 min	Art & Community	Warm, bittersweet
Chasing Coral	93 min	Climate Change	Urgent, alarming
Shirkers	96 min	Creative Theft	Empowering, haunting

“Great documentaries don’t just inform—they transform how we see people, systems, and ourselves.” — Ken Burns, Documentary Filmmaker

How to Maximize Your Documentary Binge Experience

Binge-watching documentaries can be intellectually rewarding, but it’s easy to become emotionally overwhelmed or mentally fatigued. To get the most out of your viewing session, consider the following checklist:

Checklist: Smart Documentary Viewing Habits

• Pair heavier films with lighter ones (e.g., alternate *The Ivory Game* with *Faces Places*)
• Take notes or journal reflections after each film
• Watch with a friend or discussion group to deepen understanding
• Limit sessions to 2–3 films per day to avoid burnout
• Research the real-world impact of the film post-watch (e.g., policy changes, advocacy groups)

Mini Case Study: How One Viewer Changed Her Perspective

Sophia, a college student from Portland, began watching *Period. End of Sentence.* on a whim during a late-night scroll. Initially skeptical about the subject matter, she was moved by the courage of the women featured. Inspired, she joined her campus’s menstrual equity initiative and helped organize a fundraiser to send hygiene kits to schools in Nepal. “I didn’t expect a 25-minute film to change my semester,” she said. “But it did.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these documentaries still available on Netflix in 2024?

Availability varies by region and changes over time due to licensing agreements. While some titles like *Three Identical Strangers* and *Won’t You Be My Neighbor?* remain accessible in many countries, others may have rotated out. Always check your local Netflix catalog or use tools like JustWatch.com to confirm current availability.

Can I use these documentaries for educational purposes?

Yes, many of these films are used in classrooms—from psychology and sociology courses to environmental science and media studies. However, public screenings (even in academic settings) may require a public performance license. Check with the distributor or platforms like Kanopy or Alexander Street for licensed educational access.

Which documentary should I watch first if I’m new to nonfiction films?

Start with *Won’t You Be My Neighbor?* It’s accessible, emotionally resonant, and introduces core themes of empathy and purpose without requiring prior knowledge. Its gentle pace makes it ideal for viewers unfamiliar with documentary storytelling.

Final Thoughts: Let Curiosity Lead the Way

The best documentaries do more than entertain—they challenge assumptions, spark conversations, and inspire action. The 2018 lineup on Netflix offered a rare convergence of narrative excellence and social relevance. Whether you’re drawn to the mystery of separated siblings, the fragility of coral reefs, or the quiet heroism of everyday people, these films reward attention and reflection.

💬 Which of these documentaries impacted you the most? Share your thoughts, start a watchlist with friends, or revisit one with fresh eyes. The stories are still waiting to be seen—and felt.