Hulu offers a captivating array of documentaries that have the power to transport us to different worlds, introduce us to remarkable individuals, and bring important social issues to light.
Whether you’re interested in the lives of renowned musicians or fascinated by true crime stories, Hulu has something to offer everyone. In this article, we will delve into the top documentaries available on Hulu, providing you with a closer look at these compelling and thought-provoking films.
So sit back, grab some popcorn, and prepare to be captivated by the fascinating stories waiting to be explored through Hulu’s documentary collection.
Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time (2021)
Kurt Vonnegut, who passed away in 2007, was a celebrated author of his era. He was renowned for his timeless works like Slaughterhouse Five and Breakfast of Champions.
His documentary Unstuck in Time offers viewers a unique perspective on Vonnegut’s life, illuminating his character through his friendship with the filmmaker.
Despite its long duration of over two hours, the film provides an insightful and personal account of Vonnegut’s literary legacy. It reminds us why his novels continue to captivate readers even decades after their publication.
Ultimately, the movie presents a touching and humanizing portrayal of the author, as seen through the eyes of a close companion.
Rating: 7.8/10
Hold Your Fire (2021)
During a period of intensified scrutiny of police shootings, Hold Your Fire delivers a relevant message. The documentary examines a well-known hostage situation that took place in New York City half a century ago.
Despite being expected to employ force to conclude the three-day crisis, the NYPD implemented crisis negotiation techniques, which permanently transformed how such incidents were handled in the future.
A police officer lost his life during the event and all of the hostages were released unharmed. While it may not be possible to draw a direct correlation to current policing scenarios in the United States, comparing police tactics from then to now makes for a compelling analysis.
Rating: 6.8/10
Pharma Bro (2021)
Martin Shkreli is a contemporary business executive. He is widely despised for his notorious act of raising the price of Daraprim by a staggering 5500% in 2015. He gets arrested for securities fraud and serve time in prison. However, Shkreli remains in the public eye due to his declarations about discovering a cure for COVID-19.
Despite the public outcry against him, filmmaker Brent Hodge has created a documentary that delves into the intriguing persona of this infamous villain.
The villain appears to relish in his notoriety despite being hated by many. However, the documentary falls short in its lack of critical analysis of drug price gouging. It was the issue that brought Shkreli to prominence in the first place.
Rating: 5.1/10
Dear Santa (2020)
One of the most beloved holiday traditions is the flood of Dear Santa letters that arrive through the US Postal Service. These heartwarming letters give kind-hearted individuals the opportunity to fulfill the wishes of those who believe in the magic of the season.
Dear Santa, a heartwarming documentary, captures the essence of this tradition and is sure to warm even the coldest of hearts.
Watching the unwavering faith of both children and adults as their wishes are granted is a moving experience that may require some tissues.
Rating: 6.5/10
GameStop Rise of the Players (2022)
Despite being forgotten by most people, GameStop has remained a topic of interest among investors. In the previous year, they instigated a short squeeze on the company’s stock. It resulted in a remarkable surge of over 2,500%.
GameStop: Rise of the Players is a documentary that portrays the squeeze from the viewpoint of the individuals involved, capturing a historic event on Wall Street.
The documentary largely portrays the investors as heroes. Nonetheless, it is heartening to witness individuals attempt to challenge billionaire giants.
Rating: 7.5/10
Untouchable (2019)
Untouchable (2019) is a powerful and essential documentary that delves into the rise and fall of Harvey Weinstein.
Through interviews with former colleagues and courageous women who spoke out against his misconduct, director Ursula Macfarlane exposes the toxic culture that enabled such abuse to occur.
With empathy and clarity, Macfarlane navigates this difficult subject matter with sensitivity and nuance.
He also examin the #MeToo movement that followed as a result of these heinous crimes. This film is a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the systemic issue of sexual harassment and abuse in the entertainment industry.
Rating: 6.7/10
The Orange Years: A Nickelodeon Story (2018)
For those who grew up in the 90s, nostalgia is a powerful force that draws us back to a time of simpler pleasures. The Orange Years: A Nickelodeon Story taps into this sentiment by exploring the iconic shows.
Only those shows that defined a generation and launched a network to the top of children’s and tween programming. From Rocco’s Modern Life to the beloved duo of Kenan & Kel, this documentary offers a behind-the-scenes look at Nickelodeon’s humble beginnings and its rise to the top of the entertainment industry.
It features candid interviews with household names like Kenan Thompson (SNL), Larisa Oleynik (Alex Mack), and Tom Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants). The Orange Years is a must-watch for anyone looking to relive the glory days of 90s television and the lasting impact it had on our culture.
Rating: 7.5/10
Totally Under Control (2020)
As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to reflect on how we got here. The documentary Totally Under Control takes a closer look at the response of the United States government to the crisis. It examines the decisions made by public health officials.
Filmmaker Alex Gibney acknowledges the political nature of the situation and doesn’t shy away from addressing how the current administration’s response differed from the previous one.
This timely and sobering documentary is bound to leave viewers from all walks of life outraged, as the pandemic continues to affect so many people personally.
Rating: 7.7/10
Jacinta 2021
Addiction is a complex and difficult disease, and in Jacinta, we see how it can tear families apart across generations.
The titular Jacinta is a 26-year-old woman. She is trying to overcome her addiction while serving time at the Maine Correctional Center. She yearns to reunite with her infant daughter. Her daughter is being cared for by her paternal grandparents.
However, Jacinta’s struggles are not hers alone, as her mother is also a fellow inmate battling addiction.
Through this raw and emotional documentary, director Jessica Earnshaw reveals the heartbreaking toll of addiction on families and how it can also bring them together in unexpected ways. Jacinta earned the Albert Maysles New Documentary Director Award at the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival.
Rating: 7.4/10
Flee (2021)
While documentaries are not typically presented in animated form, there are times when this approach can lead to remarkable results. Such is the case with Flee. It is a Danish documentary that chronicles the journey of Amin Nawabi.
Under a repressive regime in Afghanistan he must conceal his true identity to navigate his sexuality safely. Ultimately, Nawabi becomes a refugee in Denmark.
The film centers on the theme of self-discovery. The animation style employed throughout the film serves to intensify its emotional impact.
Overall, it is one of the most powerful cinematic works of 2021. Flee’s use of animation is reminiscent of another recent animated documentary, Waltz With Bashir. The film’s excellence was acknowledged by the Academy Awards, as it was nominated for three awards.
Rating: 7.9/10
Wrap Up
In conclusion, Hulu’s collection of documentaries is a treasure trove of informative and thought-provoking films. The wide range of best documentaries on Hulu shed light on diverse topics and perspectives.
From exploring the intricacies of the human mind to examining the inner workings of our society and planet, the documentaries on Hulu offer a glimpse into the complexity of our world. These also help us understand the issues that shape it.
Whether you’re a fan of true crime, politics, or history, or simply enjoy discovering new stories, these best documentaries on Hulu have something for everyone.
