Sometimes watching a movie is not just about passing a long lonely evening or entertaining friends. Technology has taken learning to the next level with educational films, allowing people to have fun while deriving critical knowledge from the storyline. Films are now essential parts of the education system with informative settings and details for everyday lives. Documentaries can be both entertaining and educating, helping us relive historical experiences and revealing critical knowledge about various events. However, finding such movies is not always easy.
Netflix has revolutionized people’s TV experience by providing lots of alternatives at very affordable rates. From dramas to action to comedies, the company has been instrumental in the new generation’s television watching habits. Binge-watching is now a common form of entertainment, especially with the pandemic-related lockdowns and movement restrictions. We now spend more time indoors with little to entertain us. With the unlimited number of movies, this cannot necessarily be a big problem. Netflix has thousands of documentaries, but only a few are both educational and enjoyable to watch. The following list of top educational documentaries was willingly provided by CustomWritings whose professional essay writers help students with academic writing all over the world.
The List of the Best Educational Documentaries on Netflix
13th (2016)
The 13th amendment of the American Constitution abolished slavery in 1865 and reaffirmed the founders of the nation’s assertion that all humans are equal. Yet, over 150 years later, African Americans have been treated like an inferior race. 13th sought to highlight the plight of black people in the United States by challenging people to look deeper into systemic racism. The film, directed by Ava DuVernay, focuses on the American penal system and its inclination toward black people’s mass incarceration. Despite making up only 12% of the US population, African Americans constitute about 33% of the prison population, outnumbering even the majority Whites. This film educates viewers about systemic injustices and social prejudices that necessitate this problem.
Black Holes: The Edge of All We Know (2021)
A black hole is a region of space with immense gravitational power that inhibits any particles from escaping, including electromagnetic radiation such as light. Despite the name, a black hole is not empty. Instead, the space contains compacted matter in a tiny spot creating an inexplicable amount of gravity. This is one of the best educational documentaries on Netflix. The film tries to explain the mysterious wonders of nature through investigations. It also provides professor Stephen Hawking’s perspective on the mysterious phenomenon, giving the viewer a pick of the mind of a great scientist.
Explained (2018 -)
Mainstream media plays a critical role in informing the public, especially due to its presumed independence. World-renowned reporters and journalists narrate discussions about social, environmental, and economic issues affecting the current global organization and structure in this documentary series. The film analyzes various factors affecting people’s lives and reasoning, from cryptocurrency to marriages to diets. It tries to answer questions that most people don’t ask about everyday events. Explained is most suitable for students in journalism and social science programs.
Abstract: The Art of Design (2017)
Every architectural structure, clothing, automobile, or software involves a design stage. At this point, brilliant thinkers imagine the final product and conceptualize the steps to bring the imaginary object to reality. This film captivates the viewer with a sneak peek of a designer’s perspective. The documentary looks through philosophical and scientific lenses to explain the concept of design beyond art. It covers various industries, including graphic design and photography, presenting the concept as a combination of science and philosophy to bring a complete artistic development.
The Social Dilemma (2020)
Have you ever wondered how social media became so rampant? How did this technology gain popularity so fast? What are its impacts on humanity and social norms? Well, former designers and system engineers of the magnificent programs have explanations for you. Social media technology is a top-level social disruption tool. These experts are warning the public about the damaging implications of social media on society. The documentary analyzes the concept and processes of developing this technology, providing a detailed process of manipulation and influence. It reveals that social media is designed for addiction and the target product is people’s attention. Thus, technology is not meant for connecting people. Instead, social media is designed to manipulate. This documentary is most suitable for teens in high school and college students who are the highest consumers of social media
The Edge of Democracy (2019)
The film is about Brazil’s journey to democracy, told by a third-generation Brazilian from the time of dictatorship. It intended to provide the viewer with a short history of Brazilian politics, demonstrating how people benefit from others’ suffering. In an intertwined personal and political world, the narrator describes the contrasting lives of her parents and grandparents. While her grandfather enjoyed a profitable construction business, her parents were imprisoned for opposing the dictatorship.
Our Planet (2019)
Documentaries are often focused on changing people’s perceptions about the primary subject. This film fulfills this mission by showcasing the earth’s beauty through high-quality images. It invokes a thoughtful analysis of the impact of climate change on various ecosystems. The film also seeks to create a guilty conscience, forcing viewers to take a stand for or against environmental conservation.
Amend: The Fight for America (2021)
This film is based on the 14th amendment of the United States Constitution. It provides insights into the history of activism. It also explores the basis and social justification of activism by analyzing discrimination. The film demonstrates the equal rights process, illustrating the struggles various minority communities have experienced in American history. The directors also incorporated landmark case laws that influenced and continue to dictate the concept of human rights. The film is a good fit for history students.
The White Helmets (2016)
The white helmets is a pictorial representation of humanity in times of need. It tells the story of volunteer rescue workers who risk their lives to complete their mission in a war-torn country. The group operates on the opposition-held Syrian side, saving the lives of war victims regardless of their affiliation. The group demonstrates pure altruism governed by the principles of humanity. By helping the injured, the white helmets demonstrate the values that make us all humans. The film also highlights the impacts of war on communities, showing the immeasurable damage impacted on Syria and Syrians.
Chasing Coral (2017)
As coral reefs disappear at an alarming rate, a team of divers, marine biologists, and photographers investigate the phenomena. The documentary illustrates the impact of climate change through an inspiring, if not an epic, illustration of the overwhelming beauty under the sea. The journey tells the story of the effects of bleaching on the marine ecosystem, given the significance of coral reefs to marine life. The disappearance of these important pillars of the ocean world could mark the beginning of the end for various species.
