Documentaries on Netflix

The success of documentaries has grown over the years. As the world is more globalised, we are interested in knowing more about the global platform we live in. And also, it has to be said, the style and technique of documentaries has improved considerably.

Here is just a quick list of ones that are worth viewing:

Minimalism : A Documentary About the Important Things

This documentary is really good. It helps you review what is important in life. It’s like a detox session.

Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, founders of Minimalism, bring you on a journey to explain in an attractive way why excess things and demands are not the way to go in life. They describe Minimalism as “a tool that can assist you in finding freedom. Freedom from fear. Freedom from worry. Freedom from overwhelm. Freedom from guilt. Freedom from depression. Freedom from the trappings of the consumer culture we’ve built our lives around. Real freedom.” Sounds great! It’s certainly a step in the right direction.

Dawn Wall

If you want to witness determination and perseverance in the face of adversity, this documentary is it.

Unlike other extreme sport documentaries, this one is different. It’s about friendship and family, integrity and simplicity. It tracks the life of Tommy Caldwell from childhood to climbing one of the most difficult mountains on the planet, namely the Dawn Wall. The difficulties he faces are beyond what anyone should face, but it is inspiring to see how he learns from them and becomes a really impressive person as a result.

And by the way, after it, you’ll feel going to the gym is a walk in the park! :)

The Great Hack

This explores how data companies - mainly Cambridge Analytica - have influenced democracy. They particularly focus on the 2016 elections in the United States. The documentary is good but I do think it falls short of highlighting other ways these data companies have influenced other democracies. If you can overlook that, it is an interesting 2 hours.

Another documentary along these lines is Citizen Four. Not available on Netflix anymore, it is worth streaming it elsewhere. In some ways, it’s more intriguing than The Great Hack, as it uncovers Edward Snowden’s understanding of government surveillance.